The soap world is mourning the loss of one of their own. Former production designer and art director Charles "Chip" Dox has passed away at the age of 80. According to a spokesperson for the family, Dox died on August 15, 2023, at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.
Born on March 14, 1943, Dox had a long and impressive career. He got his start in community theater, and he attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology (currently known as Carnegie Mellon University). After serving two years in the Army, he returned to his alma mater as a teacher, but he had dreams of moving out west and breaking into the entertainment industry. It wasn't easy. He received rejection letters, and one studio executive told him, "Frankly, at this time, anyone's chances of making a living in the film industry are terrible."
It's a good thing that Dox didn't let that stop him. His career began when he designed touring shows for acts like The Beach Boys; Chicago; Earth, Wind & Fire; Jackson Browne; and Elton John. He also collaborated with Tracy Ullman on her series Tracy Takes On and Lifetime's comedy series Oh Baby before moving into the world of daytime serials. He also worked on Telemundo sitcoms Viva Vegas and Los Beltrán.
Dox spent 17 years as a production designer for Days of our Lives, which earned him his first Daytime Emmy in 1997 for Outstanding Set Direction. It was also where he met his wife of 29 years, Jeanne Haney, who worked as a producer on DAYS. After leaving NBC, Dox moved to ABC where he served as a production designer for Port Charles, GH: Night Shift, and General Hospital, which earned him a second Daytime Emmy in 2011 for Outstanding Art Direction.
Throughout his career, Dox was instrumental in simulating natural disasters, creating an infamous demonic possession, and designing and updating sets including GH's iconic nurses' station, the beloved Quartermaine mansion, and the Nurses Ball sets.
After retiring in 2015, Dox lived with his wife in La Cañada, California, in a home called Windblown Manor. Dox is survived by his wife; his daughters Morgan Dox, Katie Segal, and Haley Dox-DaCosta; his stepdaughter Megan Younger; and their families, including granddaughters Rae Kim and Kiddo Dox-DaCosta and grandsons Henry and Charlie Segal.
Donations can be made in Dox's honor to The World Central Kitchen, an organization that was close to his heart.
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