Photo Credit: Nick Argo/ABC via Getty Images General Hospital legend Rif Hutton, who also worked in Bold and Beautiful, passed away at age 73 on April 18, 2026. The actor endured a long battle with Glioblastoma. Hutton was also renowned for other roles like Dr.
Ron Welch in the comedy-drama series Doogie Howser, M.D., and Lt. Cmdr. Alan Mattoni on the series JAG. Rif Hutton of General Hospital fame dies at 73 Rif Hutton, a veteran actor of films and television, passed away at the age of 73 on April 18, 2026, after a year-long battle with Glioblastoma.
The actor shot to fame with his role on General Hospital. He appeared on the show in 1995 and took over the role of Mary Mae Ward’s son, David, from Ron Canada. But this was not the only role he played on the show.
He also appeared as Lenny Caulfield, the Nixon Falls denizen, who befriended Sonny. Hutton had many other roles across the television industry, including in shows like Family Matters, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Doogie Howser, M.D., and Tribes. He also popped up in minor roles on Bold and Beautiful.
Many paid tribute to the actor, including friend and fellow artist Steve Apostolina. “A remarkable human being has left this earthly plane. To say that Rif Hutton was one of a kind is a gross understatement.
There will never be another like him – perhaps his son Wolfy will come closest,” Aposolina wrote in a lengthy post on Facebook, “Rif Hutton was a man of action. He inspired so many and leaves behind a legion of loyal admirers – people who loved him. Stories of his generosity would blow your mind.
F**k cancer in general, but in particular glioblastoma. I was lucky to cross his path, and I am a better person for knowing him.” Many fans expressed their condolences in the comment section, too. “My thoughts, prayers, condolences, and many hugs,” one fan wrote, while another added, “I’m so truly sad to hear this.
He was a pleasure to work with. A gentleman. Bless him and all who loved him.” Scott M. Gimple, whose works include The Walking Dead, also paid tribute to Hutton on X.
He wrote, “We just lost Rif Hutton, who holds a unique place in TWDU history, doing walker voices across all the shows, since the pilot. The walkers’ onset generally do not do their own growls, that comes in later — and Rif was one of the greatest of all time.”