Lee Mathis; Actor on ‘General Hospital’

Lee Mathis, 44, actor best known for his recurring role as Jon Hanley on “General Hospital.” Mathis grew up in Pittsburgh and attended West Virginia University before moving to New York City to study dance. He later appeared in Broadway and touring productions of “Pippin,” “Dancin’,” and “Zorba the Greek.” His Hollywood motion picture credits include “All That Jazz,” “Bugsy,” “Barton Fink,” “Murder in the First” and “Red Ribbon Bandits.” Often supplementing his income as a waiter and bartender, Mathis also made a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial. The actor attracted national attention in 1993 when he placed a $99 advertisement in Variety acknowledging that he was HIV-positive and seeking acting roles in order to maintain his Screen Actors Guild health insurance. Several casting directors responded, offering bit parts and eventually the role on the popular daytime soap opera. On Wednesday in New York City of the complications of AIDS.