John Ingle-Rest In Peace

John Ingle, who played Mickey Horton on "Days of Our Lives" from 2004-2006, has passed away. Ingle died on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at the age of 84. Ingle’s most famous role was as Edward Quartermaine on "General Hospital", a role he portrayed from 1993-2003 and again from 2006 until his death.

Ingle was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 7, 1928, the son of John and Myrtle Ingle. He graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles and was in the Navy from 1951-1955. He then began subbing and soon a job opened up at Hollywood High School, where he became the school’s drama director in the winter of 1955. He would later go on to teach English and theater, first at Hollywood, and later at Beverly Hills High School, for thirty years, from 1955-1985. Some of the actors that Ingle taught include Louise Sorel, Mike Farrell, Swoosie Kurtz, Stefanie Powers, Linda Evans, Nicolas Cage, Richard Dreyfuss and David Schwimmer. Louise Sorel (Vivian Alamain), in a Soap Opera Digest interview from 2000, had this to say about John: "I can’t say enough about that man. He felt that you could do whatever you wanted to do. I couldn’t wait to get to school to see what he had to say…just be in the room because of his energy. He was very supportive, but he never intimidated you. He simply demanded the best." Ingle concurred and said: "I took no crap. Anyone you ask, I think they’ll say that I was pretty tough. I didn’t believe in being a dilettante…but nothing is acceptable short of excellence." In a 1995 interview with Soap Opera Digest, Swoosie Kurtz remarked: "John Ingle is the reason I became an actress. He was one of the great teachers. He taught me about energy…performance energy, the energy needed to walk across a stage. He will always have a special place in my heart."

A Soap Opera Weekly interview from 1995 states that, in 1983, as he was getting ready to retire from teaching, Ingle encountered an old college friend, Guy Steiner, who was now an agent. Steiner convinced Ingle that he had both the talent and the courage to seek acting jobs. Early in his acting career, Ingle said that "I was the king of the day players, the prince of the under-fives. My resume is loaded with guest spots." Besides his roles on "Days" and "General Hospital", Ingle also appeared on such series as "Who’s the Boss?", "Newhart", "The Facts of Life", "Highway to Heaven", "Cheers", "Family Ties", "ALF", "Coach", "The Golden Girls", "Beverly Hills, 90210", "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation." He also appeared in several movies, including "Heathers", "Robocop 2", "Death Becomes Her", and "Batman & Robin." Ingle was nominated for two Soap Opera Digest Awards, and won the award in 1998 for male scene stealer.

Frank Valenti, executive producer of "General Hospital", released this statement on Twitter: "With great sadness, I share the news of John Ingle’s passing. We love him and will miss him. John will always be a part of the #GH family." Ingle’s family released this statement on Facebook: "Father, Husband, Grandan, Great Grandan, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Teacher, Inspirer, Mentor: May You Soar with the Angels. You will forever hold a special place in the deepest corners of our hearts."

In 1954, Ingle married Grace-Lynn Martin. They remained married until her death earlier this year. Ingle is survived by five daughters: twins Jennifer and Jessica, Carey, Melanie and Christin; and many grandchildren.

Read through many of John’s interviews, including his first "General Hospital" interview from 1993, his thoughts on his two years at "Days", his memories of many of his acting students (including Nicolas Cage, Richard Dreyfuss, Linda Evans and David Schwimmer), pictures of his wife and daughters, and why he ended up having to kiss model Cindy Crawford…50 times!

Interview Page: http://www.jason47.com/days/johningle.html

Main Tribute Page: http://www.jason47.com/