‘Clueless’ actor Doug Sheehan dies aged 75
Actor Doug Sheehan, best known for his roles on General Hospital, Clueless and Sabrina The Teenage Witch, has died aged 75.
The actor’s death was confirmed by the Kane Funeral Home who shared that Sheehan had “passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday June 29 with his loving wife by his side.” A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Sheehan was born in April 1949 in Santa Monica, California, and got his first start as a stage actor when he worked with the National Shakespeare Festival in San Diego.
Sheehan’s screen acting career began in an episode of Charlie’s Angels in 1978 before getting his big break in General Hospital, playing Joe Kelly.
He appeared in over 205 episodes of the popular US soap between 1979-1982 and he also earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Kelly.
A stint working on Dallas spin-off Knots Landing followed before he appeared in the TV adaptation of the film Clueless, playing Cher Horowitz’s father, Mel.
Sheehan worked on the show until its end in 1999.
He also played Edward Spellman, the father of Melissa Joan Hart’s Sabrina, on popular US television show Sabrina The Teenage Witch.
Other TV credits for Sheehan included Cheers, Alice, MacGyver, Columbo, and What I Like About You.
Tributes to the actor have poured in on social media, noting his “memorable” and “impressive” career. You can see some of these below:
We are saddened to learn of Doug Sheehan's passing. From his Emmy-nominated role as Joe Kelly on 'General Hospital,' to 'Knots Landing' & many TV appearances, Sheehan had a memorable career. Our condolences to his wife & friends. #SagAftraMember since 1978 https://t.co/IGKgYJoBQ2
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 8, 2024
He hadn't been on #GH in 42 years, and the fans never forgot him, and never stopped asking for his return. Not only is it impressive, but a testament to Doug Sheehan. pic.twitter.com/kkXjJWxSKk
— Eric Ackerman (@ackgh73994) July 8, 2024
Very sad to hear that Doug Sheehan has died. He passed away peacefully June 29 at his home in Big Horn. He was a sweet man and a joy to work with on on Day by Day, a comedy series starring Julia Louise Dreyfus, created by Andy Borowitz and Gary David Goldberg, which aired for two… pic.twitter.com/4UqJXjTBAq
— kathleenbonsall (@KathleenBonsall) July 8, 2024
My prayers and condolences to the family of Doug Sheehan. He played Joe Kelly on General Hospital from 1979 to 1982. I am so sad to hear about this. He will be missed #GH #GeneralHospital pic.twitter.com/IqgTjQSGfi
— Alicia (@LukeLauraGH) July 8, 2024
#RIP Doug Sheehan (#KnotsLanding’s Ben Gibson) 1949-2024 pic.twitter.com/ASYxmFPr2z
— cbs Knots Landing (@cbsKnotsLanding) July 8, 2024
Sorry to see that "General Hospital" and "Knots Landing" alum #DougSheehan has passed. I met him at a press event many years ago, and I recall him being just as amiable as his on-screen persona suggested he was. pic.twitter.com/ICVy75XTEi
— Jay Bobbin (@JayBobbin1) July 8, 2024
This is a developing news story – more to follow…
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Elizabeth Aubrey
NME