Randall England, General Hospital's Jack Slater, dies at 75
The former model played villain Jack Slater on General Hospital; his family said he died of esophageal cancer.
Randall England, a former model who played villain Jack Slater on “General Hospital” in the mid-1980s, died Sept. 25 in Los Angeles of esophageal cancer at 75.
His family announced his death and said esophageal cancer was the cause. TMZ, citing an online obituary, reported that England died peacefully with family around him.
England was born in Oklahoma City in 1951 and made a career in modeling during the 1970s before turning to acting. He won the “General Hospital” part in 1984.
His character came to Port Charles as a stranger pretending to be a film producer, with plans that included stealing jewels. England spent nearly a year in a major storyline before Slater died in a shootout.
TMZ described a “fortuitous” trip from Oklahoma City to New York City as the beginning of England’s modeling career. He went on to appear in commercials for Viceroy cigarettes, Dunlop tires, Michelob and PlayStation, the outlet reported.
His modeling assignments took him to New York, London, Zurich, Milan and Los Angeles. Later in the 1970s, he began studying acting under Kim Stanley and Stella Adler.
An audition brought England to Los Angeles, and he made his home in Beverly Hills for more than 40 years.
His television work beyond “General Hospital” included appearances on “Dallas,” “The Young and the Restless” and “Baywatch.” His film credits included “Ruby and Oswald,” “Looker,” “Star Crystal,” “Dream Machine,” “Skyscraper,” “Hellborn,” “Cat City,” “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “Shiner.”
England appeared in Maroon 5’s music video for “Sugar.” His stage work included productions of “All My Sons” and “The Glass Menagerie.”
In 1994, England and his castmates in a Los Angeles production of “The Three Sisters” shared a Drama-Logue Award for Best Ensemble Cast.
He is survived by his daughter, Micaela Reed, and her husband, Sam, as well as grandchildren Katherine and Julian. His mother, Catherine Burgess, sister, Linda Baker, and extended family also survive him. His family suggested donations in his memory to the Esophageal Cancer Action Network.
England continued acting through the 1990s and 2000s, when he also wrote and produced projects. He recorded music under the name RAE.
