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.

Peter Hansen
Hansen in 1973.
Born
Peter Franklin Hansen

(1921-12-05)December 5, 1921
DiedApril 9, 2017(2017-04-09) (aged 95)
Alma materUniversity of Michigan
OccupationActor
Years active1950–2004
Spouse
Florence Elizabeth Moe
(m. 1943; died 1993)
Children3

Early life

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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

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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]

 
Cast of General Hospital 1973 (top): John Beradino, Emily McLaughlin (bottom): Martin West, Rachel Ames, Peter Hansen

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

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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

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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

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1950 Branded Tonio
[9][10]
The Goldbergs Ted Gordon
1951 The Last Outpost Lt. Crosby1 Western film directed by Lewis R. Foster [11]
Passage West Michael Karns Western film directed by Lewis R. Foster [12]
Darling, How Could You! Dr. Steve Clark [13][14][15]
When Worlds Collide Dr. Tony Drake
[16][17]
1952 The Greatest Show on Earth Spectator2 Uncredited, Drama film directed and produced by Cecil B. DeMille [18]
Something to Live For Stage Cast Member2 Uncredited, Drama film directed and produced by George Stevens [19]
The Savage Lt. Weston Hathersall
[20][21]
1954 Prisoner of War Capt. Fred Osborne Uncredited, War–drama film directed by Andrew Marton [22][23]
Brigadoon New York Club Patron [24][25]
Drum Beat Lt. Goodsall CinemaScope western film in WarnerColor written & directed by Delmer Daves and co-produced by Daves and Alan Ladd [26]
1955 The Violent Men George 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 Joey Fred Film noir directed by Lewis Allen [30][31]
Top of the World Capt. Cochrane Adventure film directed by Lewis R. Foster and written by John D. Klorer and N. Richard Nash [32][33]
The King's Thief Isaac Newton Uncredited
1956 Hell on Frisco Bay Detective Connors Film noir–crime film directed by Frank Turtle [34]
Diane 2nd Court Physician Uncredited
The Proud and Profane Lieutenant (jg) Hutchins
[35][36][37][38]
A Cry in the Night Dr. Frazee
[39][40]
The Ten Commandments Young aide
[41][42][43][44][45][46]
Three Violent People Lt. Marr Western film directed by Rudolph Maté [47]
1957 5 Steps to Danger Karl Plesser
[48][49][50][51]
1958 The Deep Six Lieutenant Dooley
[52][53]
1961 Pocketful of Miracles Governor's Aide Uncredited
1964 Apache Rifles Capt. Green
1965 Harlow Hansen - Assistant Director
1983 The Man Who Wasn't There Police Lieutenant
1985 Junior Electrician
1989 The War of the Roses Mr. Marshall
2002 Dragonfly Phillip Darrow

Television

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1950 The Goldbergs Ted Gordon
1954 Schlitz Playhouse Guest Episode: "At the Natchez Inn" (S 3:Ep 21)1
Cavalcade of America Guest Episode: "Duel at the O.K. Corral" (S 2:Ep 20)
The Public Defender Guest Episode: "Escape" (S 1:Ep 20)
The Lone Wolf Jackson Smith Episode: "The Planetarium Story" (S 1:Ep 36)
Schlitz Playhouse Claudius Fabian Episode: "The Roman and the Renegade" (S 3:Ep 49)
The Loretta Young Show Jim Roberts Episode: "The Lamp" (S 2:Ep 4)
Your Favorite Story Guest Episode: "The Unknown" (S 3:Ep 1)
Lady in the Wings Edward MacDowell
Space Patrol Doctor Paul Yates Episode: "Danger: Radiation" (S 4:Ep 37)
The Lone Ranger Marshal Jim Episode: "Homer with a High Hat" (S 4:Ep 15)
1955 Bill Taylor Episode: "The Law Lady" (S 4:EP 25)
Peter Sawtelle1 Episode: "Sawtelle Saga's End" (S 4:Ep 29)
The Public Defender Guest Episode: "The Man Who Couldn't Remember" (S 2:Ep 18)
The Lone Ranger Jack Morrison Episode: "Sheriff's Sale (S 4:Ep 21)
Lux Video Theatre Philip Adams Episode: "The Two Dollar Bettor" (S 6:Ep 3)
The Lone Ranger Smiley Phillips1 Episode: "Death Goes to Press" (S 4:Ep 43)
Stage 7 Capt. Chuck Boske3 Epispde: "Armed" (S 1:Ep 14)
The Public Defender Simms1 Episode: "The Sapphire Mink" (S 2:Ep 32)
Science Fiction Theatre Dr. Dan Scott1 Episode: "Beyond Return" (S 1:Ep 32)
1956 Climax! Lawyer Episode: "Faceless Adversary" (S 2:Ep 33)
Science Fiction Theatre Dr. Warren Stark1 Episode: "Signals from the Heart" (S 2:Ep 1)
Dr. Henry Maxton1 Episode: "The Unguided Missile" (S 2:Ep 8)
Telephone Time William Smith Episode: "Grandpa Changes the World" (S 1:Ep 16)
Science Fiction Theatre Prof. Norman Hughes1 Episode: "The Throwback" (S 2:Ep 19)
Broken Arrow Capt. Dennis Farrell Episode: "Medicine Men" (S 1:Ep 6)
Science Fiction Theatre Dr. Edgar Barnes1 Episode: "Doctor Robot" (S 2:Ep 30)
Broken Arrow Capt. Dennis Farrell Episode: "Rebellion" (S 1:Ep 22)
1957 Dr. Christian Rufus Corning Episode: "Revenge" (S 1:Ep 16)
Science Fiction Theatre Dr. Jim Wallaby1 Episode: "The Strange Lodger" (S 2:Ep 39)
Zane Grey Theater Holton Episode: "Village of Fear" (S 1:Ep 210
The Gray Ghost Manning Episode: "Renegade Rangers" (S 1:Ep 28)
Navy Log Guest Episode: "The Lady and the Atom" (S 2:Ep 23)
Dr. Christian Walters Episode: "The Alien" (S 1: Ep 25)
Navy Log Barry1 Episode: "The Marines Have Landed" (S 2:Ep 35)
Broken Arrow Capt. Dennis Farrell Episode: "White Man's Magic" (S 2:Epp 1)
1958 Flight Kovacs Episode: "Flight Surgeon" (S 1:Ep 4)
The Restless Gun Quint Episode "A Pressing Engagement"
1965 General Hospital Lee Baldwin
  • Contract role: 1965–1976; 1977–1986
  • Recurring role: 1990; 1992–2004, (final appearance)
1958 Perry Mason "The Case of the Half-Wakened Wife" S1 Ep26 Howard Black
  • Contract role: 1958
1997-2000 Port Charles Lee Baldwin Recurring role

References

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Notes

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

Citations

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  1. ^ a b c d e Barnes, Mike (11 April 2017). "Peter Hansen, Longtime Actor on 'General Hospital,' Dies at 95". The Hollywood Reporter. Los Angeles: Eldridge Industries. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e Calvario, Liz (11 April 2017). "Peter Hansen Dies: 'General Hospital' Actor Was 95". Deadline Hollywood. United States: Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  3. ^ TMZ Staff (11 April 2017). "'General Hospital' Actor Peter Hansen Dies at 95". TMZ. Los Angeles: Time Warner. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Peter Hansen, 'General Hospital' Actor, Dies at 95". The New York Times. Reuters. 12 April 2017. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  5. ^ Nyren, Erin (11 April 2017). "'General Hospital' Actor Peter Hansen Dies at 95". Variety. Los Angeles. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  6. ^ a b c Nyren, Erin (11 April 2017). "'General Hospital' Actor Peter Hansen Dies at 95". Variety. Los Angeles. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  7. ^ EW Staff (11 April 2017). "Peter Hansen, General Hospital Actor, Dies at 95". People. United States. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  8. ^ a b "Peter Hansen Obituary". Legacy.com. Evanston, Illinois: Great Hill Partners LLC. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  9. ^ "Branded". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  10. ^ Evans, Evan (1933). Montana Rides (1975 republication ed.). Mattituck, New York: Amereon Ltd. ISBN 978-0891902034.
  11. ^ "The Last Outpost". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  12. ^ "Passage West". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  13. ^ "Darling, How Could You!". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  14. ^ "Darling, How Could You!". AllMovie. United States: All Media Network. Retrieved 16 April 2017.[permanent dead link]
  15. ^ "Darling, How Could You!". Rotten Tomatoes. United States: Fandango Media. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  16. ^ "When Worlds Collide". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 17 April 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). Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  19. ^ "Something to Live For". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  20. ^ "The Savage". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  21. ^ Foreman, L. L. (1949). The Renegade (1st ed.). New York City: Pocket Books. ASIN B00HSOOAPC.
  22. ^ "Prisoner of War". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  23. ^ Lentz 2003, p. 284.
  24. ^ "Brigadoon". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 19 April 2017.
  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). Retrieved 19 April 2017.
  27. ^ "The Violent Men". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  28. ^ Hamilton, Donald (1976). Smoky Valley (Reissue ed.). Fawcett Publications. ISBN 978-0449136775.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  29. ^ Beck 2008, p. 332.
  30. ^ "A Bullet for Joey". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 6 May 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 8 May 2017.
  34. ^ "Hell on Frisco Bay". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  35. ^ "The Proud and Profane". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 11 May 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". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. New York City. Archived from the original on 18 October 2012. Retrieved 11 May 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.
  39. ^ "A Cry in the Night". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  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). Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  42. ^ Reid 2013b, p. 144.
  43. ^ Reid 2006, p. 315.
  44. ^ Wilson, Dorothy Clarke (1949). Prince of Egypt (1st ed.). London: Westminster Press. ASIN B000TXRZKQ.
  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). Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  48. ^ Globe 1999, p. 204.
  49. ^ "5 Steps to Danger". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  50. ^ Hamilton, Donald (1948). The Steel Mirror. New York City: Rinehart & Company. ASIN B0007F31CC.
  51. ^ Pryor, Thomas M. (28 January 1957). "6 FILMS PLANNED BY AM-PAR CORP.: $3,000,000 Will Be Invested in Medium-Budget Movies During Next Half Year Of Local Origin". The New York Times. New York City. p. 18. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  52. ^ "The Deep Six". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  53. ^ Dibner, Martin (1953). The Deep Six. New York City: Doubleday. ASIN B0006ATGBI.

Sources

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