1980s CBS Star Doug Sheehan Passes Away

Veteran soap actor Doug Sheehan, renowned for his role in CBS’s long-running soap “Knots Landing,” passed away peacefully at his home in Big Horn, Wyoming on Saturday, June 29. He was 75 years old. The cause of death has not been disclosed, as reported by the Wyoming-based Kane Funeral Home.

Doug Sheehan was born on April 27, 1949, in Santa Monica, California. His television career took off with guest appearances on popular dramas like “Charlie’s Angels” in 1978. However, his breakout role came when he portrayed lawyer Joe Kelly on ABC’s “General Hospital.” According to his IMDb profile, Sheehan appeared in 205 episodes of the series from 1978 to 1982. His exceptional performance earned him a Daytime Emmy in the category of Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series in 1982.

After his departure from “General Hospital” in 1982, Sheehan transitioned to another notable soap, CBS’s “Knots Landing,” a spinoff of “Dallas.” From 1983 to 1988, he played the role of reporter Ben Gibson, the second husband to Valene Ewing, portrayed by Joan Van Ark. His character eventually went on assignment to South America, later reported as missing and believed dead.

Sheehan’s versatility as an actor extended beyond soap operas. He starred as stockbroker Brian Harper in the NBC series “Day by Day,” which ran for two seasons from 1988 to 1989. The show focused on Brian and Kate Harper (Linda Kelsey) and their son, Ross (Christopher Daniel Barnes).

In the ’90s, Sheehan took on diverse roles in various TV series. Notably, he played Cher Horowitz’s father in the UPN adaptation of “Clueless,” taking over the role of Mel Horowitz from Michael Lerner after the first season in 1997. He remained on the show until it concluded in 1999. Additionally, he portrayed Edward Spellman, the father of Melissa Joan Hart’s Sabrina, in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”

Doug Sheehan’s acting portfolio includes guest appearances on various well-known TV shows such as “Cheers,” “Alice,” “MacGyver,” and “Columbo.” His film credits comprise roles in “10,” “Victor/Victoria,” and “Cops N Roberts.” His final acting role was a guest appearance on the 2003 series “What I Like About You,” starring Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth. That same year, he returned for the series finale of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”

Throughout his impactful career, Doug Sheehan remained dedicated to his craft, leaving a memorable mark on both television and film. He is survived by his wife, Cate, whom he married in 1981 and remained with until his passing last month.

Source: NBC, Kane Funeral Home