Peter Hansen
Birth namePeter Franklin Hansen
Birth dateDecember 5, 1921
Birth placeOakland, California, U.S.
Death dateApril 9, 2017 (aged 95)
Death placeTarzana, California, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Michigan
OccupationActor
SpouseFlorence Elizabeth Moe (m. 1943; ended 1993)
Years active1950–2004

Peter Franklin Hansen (December 5, 1921 – April 9, 2017) was an American actor, best known for his role as lawyer Lee Baldwin, on the soap opera General Hospital, appearing in the role from 1963 to 1986, briefly in 1989 and 1990, and returning to the role from 1992 to 2004. In 1989, he appeared in the movie The War of the Roses.

Early life

Hansen was born on December 5, 1921, in Oakland, California to Sydney Henry Hansen (1897-1971) and Lena Gertrude Young (1896-1983). His family moved to Detroit, Michigan where his parents divorced. His mother remarried Falconer O'Brien, and had a daughter named Charlotte O'Brien, who died in 1934 at the age of five.[1][2] Hansen served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and flew combat in the South Pacific.[1][2] He flew F4U Corsairs and participated in the invasion of Peleliu in September 1944. In 1950, after he left the Marines, Hansen signed a contract with Paramount Pictures and became an actor.[2]

Career

Hansen appeared in more than 100 films, television series and made-for-television movies.[3] His early acting roles were at the famed Pasadena Playhouse.[1] Hansen was a guest star on Reed Hadley's CBS crime drama, The Public Defender, and the television adaptation of Gertrude Berg's comedy The Goldbergs. In addition to his work on General Hospital, he notably co-starred in 1963 on the NBC soap opera Ben Jerrod. He also appeared on The Golden Girls in 1985 (Season 1, Episode 5) as Dr. Elliott Clayton, a casanova who makes a pass at Blanche while dating Dorothy.[4] In 1988, he starred in an episode of Cheers ("And God Created Woodman"; Season 6, Episode 14), as Daniel T. Collier, the CEO and chairman of the board of Lillian, the company which owns Cheers.[1] Other notable appearances include work on Broken Arrow, Richard Diamond, Private Detective, Maverick, Sea Hunt, Petticoat Junction, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., How The West Was Won, The Adventures of Jim Bowie, Magnum, P.I., L.A. Law, Night Court, and Growing Pains.[4][5]

Hansen had a major role in the 1950 Western film Branded with Alan Ladd, the 1951 science fiction film When Worlds Collide, and the 1952 Western film The Savage with Charlton Heston.[6] In the 1960s, He made commercials for Chrysler products, mostly Plymouths, on shows hosted by Lawrence Welk, Steve Allen, and Garry Moore. In 1961, Hansen was a news anchor at the Los Angeles based TV station KCOP-TV.[1]

In 1997, Hansen began playing the character on the sister show Port Charles. The early years of Port Charles saw the Baldwins as the core family, focusing on Lee's son, Scotty, and granddaughter, Karen. After their storyline took them back to "GH", Peter made occasional appearances on both shows, last appearing in 2004.[7] Although he retired from acting afterwards, he did appear at the off-screen 50th Anniversary party in 2013 along with former on-screen wife Susan Brown.

Personal life and death

Hansen met his wife, Florence Elizabeth "Betty" Moe, while in high school and married her in 1943.[2] They had three children, Kristen, Peter and Gretchen, and three grandchildren: Allison, Erik and Jamal. Betty died in 1993 and his daughter, Kris, died in 1996.[6] He then shared 24 years as companion to Barbara Wenzel.[2]

Hansen resided in Tarzana, California, with his family, and he enjoyed flying, owning his own Cessna for decades, spent many vacations in the Sierra Nevada high country. He led a devoted spiritual life at St. Nicholas of Myra Episcopal Church, in Encino, California.[8] Hansen died on April 9, 2017, at his home in Tarzana, at the age of 95. He was cremated and his ashes were returned to the family.[8]

Awards

Hansen won a Daytime Emmy Award for his portrayal of Lee Baldwin on General Hospital in 1979 in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.[6]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
1950BrandedTonio
[9][10]
The GoldbergsTed Gordon
1951The Last OutpostLt. CrosbyWestern film directed by Lewis R. Foster[11]
Passage WestMichael KarnsWestern film directed by Lewis R. Foster[12]
Darling, How Could You!Dr. Steve Clark
[13][14][15]
When Worlds CollideDr. Tony Drake
[16][17]
1952The Greatest Show on EarthSpectatorUncredited, Drama film directed and produced by Cecil B. DeMille[18]
Something to Live ForStage Cast MemberUncredited, Drama film directed and produced by George Stevens[19]
The SavageLt. Weston Hathersall
[20][21]
1954Prisoner of WarCapt. Fred OsborneUncredited, War–drama film directed by Andrew Marton[22][23]
BrigadoonNew York Club Patron
[24][25]
Drum BeatLt. GoodsallCinemaScope western film in WarnerColor written & directed by Delmer Daves and co-produced by Daves and Alan Ladd[26]
1955The Violent MenGeorge Menefee
  • Uncredited, CinemaScope western drama film ditecred by Rudolph Maté
  • Based on the novel Smoky Valley by Donald Hamilton first published in 1954
[27][28][29]
A Bullet for JoeyFredFilm noir directed by Lewis Allen[30][31]
Top of the WorldCapt. CochraneAdventure film directed by Lewis R. Foster and written by John D. Klorer and N. Richard Nash[32][33]
The King's ThiefIsaac NewtonUncredited
1956Hell on Frisco BayDetective ConnorsFilm noir–crime film directed by Frank Turtle[34]
Diane2nd Court PhysicianUncredited
The Proud and ProfaneLieutenant (jg) Hutchins
[35][36][37][38]
A Cry in the NightDr. Frazee
[39][40]
The Ten CommandmentsYoung aide
[41][42][43][44][45][46]
Three Violent PeopleLt. MarrWestern film directed by Rudolph Maté[47]
19575 Steps to DangerKarl Plesser
[48][49][50][51]
1958The Deep SixLieutenant Dooley
[52][53]
1961Pocketful of MiraclesGovernor's AideUncredited
1964Apache RiflesCapt. Green
1965HarlowHansen - Assistant Director
1983The Man Who Wasn't TherePolice Lieutenant
1985JuniorElectrician
1989The War of the RosesMr. Marshall
2002DragonflyPhillip Darrow

Television

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
1950The GoldbergsTed Gordon
1954Schlitz PlayhouseEpisode: "At the Natchez Inn" (S 3:Ep 21)
Cavalcade of AmericaEpisode: "Duel at the O.K. Corral" (S 2:Ep 20)
The Public DefenderEpisode: "Escape" (S 1:Ep 20)
The Lone WolfJackson SmithEpisode: "The Planetarium Story" (S 1:Ep 36)
Schlitz PlayhouseClaudius FabianEpisode: "The Roman and the Renegade" (S 3:Ep 49)
The Loretta Young ShowJim RobertsEpisode: "The Lamp" (S 2:Ep 4)
Your Favorite StoryEpisode: "The Unknown" (S 3:Ep 1)
Lady in the WingsEdward MacDowell
Space PatrolDoctor Paul YatesEpisode: "Danger: Radiation" (S 4:Ep 37)
The Lone RangerMarshal JimEpisode: "Homer with a High Hat" (S 4:Ep 15)
1955Bill TaylorEpisode: "The Law Lady" (S 4:EP 25)
Peter SawtelleEpisode: "Sawtelle Saga's End" (S 4:Ep 29)
The Public DefenderEpisode: "The Man Who Couldn't Remember" (S 2:Ep 18)
The Lone RangerJack MorrisonEpisode: "Sheriff's Sale (S 4:Ep 21)
Lux Video TheatrePhilip AdamsEpisode: "The Two Dollar Bettor" (S 6:Ep 3)
The Lone RangerSmiley PhillipsEpisode: "Death Goes to Press" (S 4:Ep 43)
Stage 7Capt. Chuck BoskeEpisode: "Armed" (S 1:Ep 14)
The Public DefenderSimmsEpisode: "The Sapphire Mink" (S 2:Ep 32)
Science Fiction TheatreDr. Dan ScottEpisode: "Beyond Return" (S 1:Ep 32)
1956Climax!LawyerEpisode: "Faceless Adversary" (S 2:Ep 33)
Science Fiction TheatreDr. Warren StarkEpisode: "Signals from the Heart" (S 2:Ep 1)
Dr. Henry MaxtonEpisode: "The Unguided Missile" (S 2:Ep 8)
Telephone TimeWilliam SmithEpisode: "Grandpa Changes the World" (S 1:Ep 16)
Science Fiction TheatreProf. Norman HughesEpisode: "The Throwback" (S 2:Ep 19)
Broken ArrowCapt. Dennis FarrellEpisode: "Medicine Men" (S 1:Ep 6)
Science Fiction TheatreDr. Edgar BarnesEpisode: "Doctor Robot" (S 2:Ep 30)
Broken ArrowCapt. Dennis FarrellEpisode: "Rebellion" (S 1:Ep 22)
1957Dr. ChristianRufus CorningEpisode: "Revenge" (S 1:Ep 16)
Science Fiction TheatreDr. Jim WallabyEpisode: "The Strange Lodger" (S 2:Ep 39)
Zane Grey TheaterHoltonEpisode: "Village of Fear" (S 1:Ep 210
The Gray GhostManningEpisode: "Renegade Rangers" (S 1:Ep 28)
Navy LogEpisode: "The Lady and the Atom" (S 2:Ep 23)
Dr. ChristianWaltersEpisode: "The Alien" (S 1: Ep 25)
Navy LogBarryEpisode: "The Marines Have Landed" (S 2:Ep 35)
Broken ArrowCapt. Dennis FarrellEpisode: "White Man's Magic" (S 2:Epp 1)
1958FlightKovacsEpisode: "Flight Surgeon" (S 1:Ep 4)
1958The Restless GunQuintEpisode "A Pressing Engagement"
1965General HospitalLee Baldwin
  • Contract role: 1965–1976; 1977–1986
  • Recurring role: 1990; 1992–2004, (final appearance)
1958Perry Mason "The Case of the Half-Wakened Wife" S1 Ep26Howard Black
  • Contract role: 1958
1997-2000Port CharlesLee BaldwinRecurring role

References

Notes

  1. Credited as Peter Hanson.
  2. Uncredited role.
  3. Credited as Peter Nason.

Citations

  1. ^ Barnes, Mike (April 11, 2017). "Peter Hansen, Longtime Actor on 'General Hospital,' Dies at 95". The Hollywood Reporter. Los Angeles: Eldridge Industries. Retrieved April 11, 2017.
  2. ^ Calvario, Liz (April 11, 2017). "Peter Hansen Dies: 'General Hospital' Actor Was 95". Deadline Hollywood. United States: Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  3. ^ TMZ Staff (April 11, 2017). "'General Hospital' Actor Peter Hansen Dies at 95". TMZ. Los Angeles: Time Warner. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  4. ^ "Peter Hansen, 'General Hospital' Actor, Dies at 95". The New York Times. Reuters. 12 April 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  5. ^ Nyren, Erin (April 11, 2017). "'General Hospital' Actor Peter Hansen Dies at 95". Variety. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  6. ^ Nyren, Erin (April 11, 2017). "'General Hospital' Actor Peter Hansen Dies at 95". Variety. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  7. ^ EW Staff (April 11, 2017). "Peter Hansen, General Hospital Actor, Dies at 95". People. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  8. ^ "Peter Hansen Obituary". Legacy.com. Evanston, Illinois: Great Hill Partners LLC. Retrieved April 11, 2017.
  9. ^ "Branded". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 4 March 2015. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
  10. ^ Evans, Evan (1933). Montana Rides. 1975 republication ed. Mattituck, New York: Amereon Ltd. ISBN 978-0891902034.
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  12. ^ "Passage West". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 16 September 2011. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
  13. ^ "Darling, How Could You!". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
  14. ^ "Darling, How Could You!". AllMovie. United States: All Media Network. Retrieved April 16, 2017.[dead link]
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  16. ^ "When Worlds Collide". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
  17. ^ Wylie, Philip & Balmer, Edwin (1932). When Worlds Collide. New York City: Lippincott. ASIN B001DABHPS.
  18. ^ "The Greatest Show on Earth". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
  19. ^ "Something to Live For". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 15 March 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
  20. ^ "The Savage". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 5 June 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2017.
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  23. ^ Lentz 2003, p. 284.
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  25. ^ fd Douglas, Fred (2013). Volume One: Paradise...!: from East to West. Pennsauken Township, New Jersey: BookBaby. ISBN 978-1629513683.
  26. ^ "Drum Beat". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 12 January 2012. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  27. ^ "The Violent Men". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
  28. ^ Hamilton, Donald (1976). Smoky Valley. Reissue ed. Fawcett Publications. ISBN 978-0449136775.
  29. ^ Beck 2008, p. 332.
  30. ^ "A Bullet for Joey". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 2 September 2011. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
  31. ^ Aaker 2013, p. 162.
  32. ^ Reid 2013a, p. 83.
  33. ^ "Top of the World". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  34. ^ "Hell on Frisco Bay". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 16 September 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
  35. ^ "The Proud and Profane". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 2 July 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
  36. ^ Crowther, Bosley (2012). "Screen: 'Proud and Profane' Bows; Story of a Romance in Wartime at Astor Miss Kerr and William Holden Are Co-Stars". The New York Times. Archived October 18, 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
  37. ^ Crockett, Lucy Herndon. The Magnificent Bastards. 1st ed. New York City: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ASIN B000JC5L44.
  38. ^ Crockett, Lucy Herndon (1949). Popcorn on the Ginza,: An informal portrait of postwar Japan. 1st ed. Brookfield, Wisconsin: W. Sloane Associates. ASIN B0006ARX7W.
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  40. ^ Masterson, Whit (1955). All Through the Night. 1st ed. New York City: Dodd, Mead and Company. ASIN B001NEO81Y.
  41. ^ "The Ten Commandments". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  42. ^ Reid 2013b, p. 144.
  43. ^ Reid 2006, p. 315.
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  45. ^ Ingraham, J.H. (2013). The Pillar of Fire. Release ed. India: Palala Press. ISBN 978-1340906429.
  46. ^ Southon, A.E. (1939). On Eagles' Wings. Oxford: Lowe and Brydone. ASIN B0008855X6.
  47. ^ "Three Violent People". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved May 14, 2017.
  48. ^ Globe 1999, p. 204.
  49. ^ "5 Steps to Danger". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on 15 October 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
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Sources