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Wednesday, Jan 07, 2009 08:48:46 AM |
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Peter Hansen Lee Baldwin on Port Charles 
In 1963 Peter Hansen originated the role of dignified lawyer Lee Baldwin on the Daytime drama "General Hospital." He continues as the patriarch of one of Daytime's most beloved families. Father to the enigmatic Scott Baldwin and husband to psychiatrist Gail, Lee continues to fight for what he believes to be true and honest.Raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Hansen followed in familial footsteps with his attendance at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he studied at the College of Design and Architecture. A year into his studies, he and a fellow roommate began taking civil pilot training courses in the early mornings. Near the end of his second year of college, World War II began and he joined the Naval Air Corps as a Marine fighter pilot. Leaving his new bride, Betty Moe, he went to war, forcing him to miss the birth of his first child. When the war ended, he returned home to his family, having earned three air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Later he became a flight instructor in Corpus Christi, Texas.
It was in Texas where he met the woman who would bring him to Tinseltown. Mother to his friend and neighbor, actress Enid Parrish introduced Mr. Hansen to her agent who in turn sent Mr. Hansen to the Pasadena Playhouse. After a summer of classes, he realized his dream and signed up for a three-year course with the Playhouse. Performing every night in such plays as "Elizabeth" and "This Happy Breed," he was noticed by Milt Lewis, a well-known talent scout for Paramount Studios. He appeared in a number of feature films over the period of a three-year deal, including the film "Branded," with Alan Ladd. Film studios found themselves faced with stiff competition from the growing television studios, prompting a lay-off of their actors and employees. At this time Mr. Hansen returned to the stage with performances in San Francisco and New York. He appeared with Zasu Pitts in the Broadway revival production of "The Bat," among others. After completing his work in New York, he returned to Los Angeles to be with his family, which now included three children, and began working as Mr. Plymouth for the on-air commercials that occurred during such shows as "Lawrence Welk," "The Steve Allen Show" and "The Garry Moore Show." In 1961 he became the director of news and special events for KCOP-TV, where his foreign correspondent was journalist Hal Fishman. Again a changing of the guards forced Mr. Hansen to evaluate his career, and this time he landed a role on the reality-oriented series, "Day in Court." It was his attitude and style that drew the producers of "General Hospital" to Mr. Hansen. Initially hired for a two-week stint, Mr. Hansen was obligated to another role when they decided to keep Lee Baldwin on the show. When the opportunity to play Lee arose again in 1965, Mr. Hansen was the natural choice. For over 25 years Mr. Hansen has played Lee with charisma, charm and integrity. He was Emmy-nominated for Best Actor in a Daytime Drama in 1973, and took home the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series in 1978. A widower for seven years, Mr. Hansen spends his spare time traveling with his widowed companion Barbara Wenzel, playing golf and visiting his grandchildren in Los Angeles. He also makes frequent trips, via his small plane, to Phoenix and Chico to visit his daughter and son, grandson and great-grandson, respectively. Mr. Hansen resides in the West San Fernando Valley. Need to write? 
Here's where to send mail to Peter Hansen.
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Please note, this is a local TV station in Charleston-Huntington, WV. If you live outside the Charleston-Huntington, West Virginia television viewing area, please contact the local TV station in your area.
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