Fans of the beloved daytime soap opera “General Hospital” are mourning the passing of one of its former stars, Randall England, at 75. England played the memorable villain Jack Slater on the series in the mid 1980s.
According to Deadline, England passed away on September 25 from esophageal cancer in Los Angeles. Regarding his family, England is survived by his daughter, Micaela Reed (Sam), grandchildren Katherine and Julian, sister Linda Baker, and extended family
Randall England Leaves Behind an Unforgettable Legacy
England was born in Oklahoma in 1951 and began his entertainment career as a model in the 70s. During this time, he modeled in New York, London, Zurich, Milan, and Los Angeles.
However, he also began studying acting with Kim Stanley and Stella Adler before later making his film and television debut in 1978’s “Ruby and Oswald.” Other early roles for the actor include “Looker” and “This is the Life.”
What most would call England’s defining role, playing Jack Slater on “General Hospital,” came along in 1984. He remained with the hit daytime soap until 1985, appearing in 31 episodes, per IMDb.
Subsequent roles include “Star Crystal” and “Dream Machine.” England was also a stage actor and appeared in productions such as “All My Sons” and “The Glass Menagerie.” Then, in 1994, he and the cast of “The Three Sisters” won the Drama-Logue award for Best Ensemble Cast.
Other film roles of England’s include ‘Skyscraper,’ ‘Hellborn,’ ‘Cat City,’ ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua,’ and ‘Shiner.'” Regarding TV, he appeared in “Baywatch” in the late 1990s as well as “The Young and the Restless.”
It’s also worth noting that the actor can be seen in the music video for Maroon 5’s “Sugar.”
The Actor is Remembered for His Kindness
England’s obituary is available online, including not only his career highlights but also a reflection on who he was as a person.
He loved good conversation, film, art, theater, sports, and music,” the obituary said. “And he collected keepsakes and memorabilia from the many chapters of his life and delighted in sharing the stories and lessons behind them. He also loved coaching baseball, mentoring young actors, working on his classic BMWs, and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners.”
The “General Hospital” alum was also called “Charming, loving, and generous with his time and energy” and “someone people could count on.”
“Friends, family, and former students have remembered his authenticity and the steady presence he offered in their lives. He offered encouragement and advice freely. His legacy lives on in the people he loved, taught, and supported,” it continued.
“He was well known for his fashion sense, with stylish cowboy boots a fixture of his signature uniform for many years. Beverly Hills won’t be the same without him cruising around in his vintage BMW, sporting his dark Ray-Ban sunglasses,” the obituary also said.
The family also asked that in lieu of flowers, any donations be sent to the Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN).
In a tribute to his legacy, one fan on social media said, “He played one of the best soap opera villains of all time. Rest in peace to a legend.”
Actor Known for ‘General Hospital’ Villain Passes Away – Our Hearts Go Out