General Hospital’s Howard Lansing, Actor Richard Sarradet, Dead At 74

Richard Sarradet, who joined General Hospital back in 1978 as attorney Howard Lansing, has died. The actor was 74.

Richard Sarradet Has Passed Away

He passed away earlier this year on the morning of January 1, 2021, according to his obituary. Sarradet was born on May 16, 1946, in New Orleans. He graduated from De la Salle High School and, after a year in college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he qualified for Officer Candidate School. He achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Sarradet began amassing professional acting credits in the 1970s, appearing on The Bionic Woman, The Waltons, and Quincy M.E. He landed the role of Howard Lansing when GH was going through a life-saving renaissance under the leadership of producer Gloria Monty and head writer Douglas Marland. Howard worked alongside Lee Baldwin (Peter Hansen) and helped represent many of Port Charles’ leading citizens. Howard repped Lesley Webber (Denise Alexander) in her divorce from Rick (Chris Robinson), becoming her friend and confidant in the process.

When Edward Quartermaine (David Lewis) cut Tracy (Jane Elliot) out of his will after she failed to call for her help during his “heart attack,” Howard signed the document as a witness. On the romance front, Howard dated nurse Dorrie Flemming (Angela Cheyne), taking her to such events as Laura (Genie Francis) and Scotty’s (Kin Shriner) wedding. Howard was a guest at the Quartermaine’s home when Alan (Stuart Damon) announced that he — not Rick — was A.J.’s biological dad. Sarradet left GH in 1981.

His post-daytime credits include Lou Grant, Rituals, and Simon & Simon. In 1985, Sarradet played the short-term role of Nielsen on Knots Landing. His character helped cover up the illness of Paul Galveston (Howard Duff) until Ruth (Ava Gardner) could marry Paul on his deathbed.

In 1995, Sarradet worked as an assistant camera operator on some projects involving Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Full House), including The Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley: The Case of the Christmas Caper. During his life, Sarradet received certification to teach Special Education in Los Angeles. He created a Drama department at Westview High school. He retired from teaching in 2015. Sarradet had an interest in UFO and related phenomena; he co-hosted a weekly radio show on the subject.

Sarradet is survived by his wife Gloria (Phillips) Sarradet, D.C, of Topanga Canyon, CA, and their children, Matthew and Nicole. He is also survived by his siblings Robert (Carolyn), Linda Marino (Philip), Gerard (Gayle), and 15 loving nieces and nephews. Soap Hub sends condolences to Richard Sarradet’s family at this difficult time.