The Young and the Restless

Soap Veteran William Wintersole Passes Away At 88

Published by

Michael Maloney

5 years ago

William Wintersole, who played Katherine Chancellor’s loyal attorney, Mitchell Sherman, on The Young and the Restless for over 20 years, as well as Scorpio’s WSB boss Ted Ballantine on General Hospital in the early ’80s, has passed away following a battle with cancer. He was 88 years old.

William Wintersole Remembered

The actor’s daughter, Tiffany Harmon, posted on Facebook the news of her father’s death. “Early Tuesday morning [November 5th] my father Bill Wintersole passed. My bond with him was strong. His heart is pure. He spoke to me with his facial expressions, as his gift was communication with ANY BODY. ANYWHERE.. ANYTIME. A Legend. An entertainer and my beautiful daddy. #collectiveconsciousness as he rises above to protect me and those many fans who loved him.”

Born on July 30, 1931, in Portsmouth, Ohio, Wintersole graduated from UCLA and performed with the American Forces Radio and Television during the Korean War while stationed in Taegu, Korea. Upon returning to the United States, he began amassing a long list of acting credits in television, which includes The Outer Limits, Peyton Place, Tarzan, Mod Squad, The Partridge Family, and Voyagers!

Wintersole played the character of Ted Ballantine, Robert Scorpio’s boss at the WSB, during the Ice Princess saga on General Hospital. But he’s best known to soap fans for his run as YR’s Mitchell Sherman, bringing gravitas, intelligence, and authority to his role as Kay’s lawyer. His last appearance was in 2011.

Paying Tribute

The actor is receiving tributes in the media this week. Harmon shared on social media that there’s more to come, too. “Also keep a lookout for in the In Memorium on the Oscars Feb 2020.. as he will for sure be recognized there as well. I am one lucky lady to have such an amazing father.. and for my connection to have been so STELLAR… he was my guide.. and will always guide me.. My little froggie. xxxo.”

Wintersole is survived by his life partner, Marlene Silverstein, daughters Tiffany and Katherine Ramsey, granddaughters Kristy, Amy, and Jill as well as great-granddaughter Abby. YR posted a tribute to Wintersole on the show’s Twitter account, which read “Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of William Wintersole who graced #YR with his talents as Mitchell Sherman for over 20 years.” Soap Hub joins the daytime community in sending Wintersole’s family and friends deepest sympathies at this time.