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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Maurice Benard's Performance Tugs At The Heart As Sonny Learns Jason Is Alive!

Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

For those who ever wonder why Maurice Benard has endured as General Hospital’s central character, look no further than his performance during Wednesday’s episode of the daytime drama series.

It’s been over a year that fans have waited for Sonny to know that his beloved enforcer and best friend Jason (Billy Miller) is alive!  On Wednesday, that moment finally happened.  And even though it’s not a full fledged reunion of sorts, becasue Jason doesn’t remember his past life, it still was quite memorable played brilliantly, and emotionally by Benard.

After losing custody of his baby daughter Avery and while confined to a wheeelchair, Sonny could definitely learn some good news.  Carly (Laura Wright) begs Jason to come with her to help Sonny and to confirm that he is indeed Jason.

In touching scenes, Carly explains to Sonny how she figured out that “Jake” was their dear friend Jason.   Sonny believes eventually that it is true.  He asks Jason to come over to him and holds his hands.  Jason wants to pull away, but Sonny does not want him to let go.   He says in tears, “My God, you came back.”

Billy Miller and Laura Wright also were excellent in the scenes, supporting Benard and Sonny’s reaction to the news through their characters different viewpoints.  Watch the moment where Sonny and Jason come together after the jump.  Then, let us know what you thought of the performance of Maurice Benard …  and the key scenes?

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Wow!! Maurice’s performance was riveting! Billy and Laura were outstanding as well!

All three are emmy winning performances!!!

I can proudly say that these 3 actors have delivered on their scenes throughout the reveal. Definitely a November sweeps to remember!!!

They were good for sure but I was more moved by Monica’s reaction.

I would not go as far as riveting, Sissy. But, that’s just my opinion. I have doffed my hat to Sonny/Maurice. His performance was more than good. But, in retrospect, I believe my reaction; my compassion had a lot to do with Billy/Jason and the effortless control he showed amidst all this confusion. Plus, because I am so used to seeing Maurice not give a decent performance,( do not slam me, people….my opinion only) I was not only impressed, but moved by his superior, out of the ordinary-kind of emotionally charged rendition. I do hope Maurice keeps it up, but he must shave first. LOL. That beard does not do him any favors.

Jason Morgan-Sonny loves him more than the four(including the miscast one) Carlys combined…stupid custody hearing-where is social services-they would never allow either Sonny or Carly to have custody of Avery but maybe they fear finding a horse head in their bed and staying away…lol

Wow…i see Monica….or am i hallucinating after drinking too much geritol…lol…she and Jason will have their Hallmark moment before she goes on her year-long medical convention and returns for sweeps in Nov. 2016 when we learn he isnt Jason who is still in a coma-he is really A.J. Quartamaine…can you imagine Sonny and his skangster moll Carly shock reaction to that…lol

Monica, what a sight for sore eyes! I loved her simply asking Jason asking for a hug, and I loved her telling Lizzy to “back off” even more.

“… her simply asking Jason for a hug ”

Wow! what a scene

full of warmth (love) tender , and understanding

beautifully played out

yeah, the hallmark trademark Quartermaine scenes should come

Billy Miller! insist that your character not be all consumed by Sonny and Carly!

i’m so against this

because if Billy Miller does not act…. with the intelligence he has shared with the audience…. (ala Y&R)

he’s a riveting talent…. god I miss Amelia Heinle

had to go their

Rebecca Herbst is a dream ! no matter how her charcter plays out… the camera just loves her

she was stunning on her wedding day

I just can’t stand all the coniption that is going against her…

I have to believe what Laura told Liz… the day of her wedding…

“This man is taken with you… just tell him the truth”

not verbatim… but I’m holding out hope… that this is what’s lying ahead for this twosome

if not… it’s a no holds barred charge! Nicholas and Hayden… get real… befriend and align yourself and Liz.. and take over ELQ…

just to see these three who are head and shoulders layering more character evolve than Carly Sam and every one else outside of Nicholas Hayden and Liz

Maurice just seemss to phone his performances in. Recast and give this character some life. I always fast forward through his scenes unless he’s against Ava, who always delivers.

I think we’re in the minority here, madluv4ya, but what a great storyline for the May sweeps: “Who Killed Sonny Corinthos?!”

Ooooh….I like the way you think, RichInIowa!!!! As long as it’s “for reals!” (Meaning no miraculous resurrections for “Dimples!”)

Maurice used to be incredibly good. I agree he has lost it somewhere over the years…. but I think it is largely the result of the writers having turned Sonny into a cartoon character. He didn’t used to be so self-absorbed, he didn’t used to be so childishly temperamental every minute of every day. He used to keep his cool, his nuance and only really blow it when the situation was unacceptable. The entire essence of and around the mob just has morphed into absurdity and Sonny along with it. Not saying that is the case with the scene above, but an actor just doesn’t turn it around on a dime.

I’ve been FFing all Sonny scenes since his admit to the hospital. I only watched the custody case scenes due to Ava and Maura West nailed it, as always.

I don’t think he’s lost it at all. Even on a bad day he’s better than most! Love his character.

Recast Sonny? You are cold!

Recasting Sonny is absolutely preposterous ❗️❗️❗️

Marc Rubio could play Sonny.

Ok writers, I do have a problem with this part of the story!! How do you have the Jason/Sonny reunite before his mother!!!!!

I could understand the initial story with the 4 currently involved, but his FAMILY should have been next!

It’s actually true to the characters. Self-absorbed Carly, thinking only of her needs & the fact that Sonny holds her responsible for losing custody of Avery, assumes it’s fine to knock on Elizabeth’s door at the crack of dawn. She has no qualms asking Jason to get her out of hot water – which she could easily do herself – & explain to her *husband* why she had to go to the wedding. OTOH, Elizabeth (who has some manners & is still emotionally exhausted) probably waited until after 9am to call Monica & tell her on the phone what happened.

Carly turns into a child when Jason is around. The competent businesswoman disappears, and she becomes dependant on her “fixer/enabler” to do everything for her. Even talk to her spouse. It’s really annoying.

Monica should have been told before Sonny. However, it’s not Jason’s fault that Carly showed up at his place before breakfast the following day and dragged him over to Sonny’s house. He hadn’t even had a minute to process the reveal for himself. I hope Monica isn’t the last to find out.

Well, the writers are forgetting human nature & text messaging. She would have known immediately.

I wasn’t watching when SB was Jason so I don’t have the history of their relationship to give this scene context. However, I found it moving and creepy all at the same time, which is how I think Jake- Jason was feeling too. It was touching on some levels, icky on others like watching siblings kissing on the lips icky— I think I am glad I missed the Sonny Jason saga and hoping new Jason will not go back to that life— if GH needs more doctors let Jason saves lives by being a doctor instead of taking lives for Sonny.

It really was quite touching for many if us who have watched: GH for years and know the history between Sonny abd Jason. They were friends, father and son, brothers…bonded. Sonny loved him…quite a moving moment and acted brilliantly by Maurice.

Meant no disrespect to long time fans, but honestly if someone just starting watching that day the only vibe they would pick up on is how uncomfortable the character Jason was–not how much Sonny loved him. I guess in some ways fans of the show are living what the characters are living– fans like you who knew the old Jason would be like Carly and Sonny and fans like me who only known Jason as Jake would be like Jake who can’t remember being that Jason. I think that is kinda cool we get to experience this story line from those different perspectives and I am glad you got to enjoy the reunion from the eyes of history- like I said no disrespect intended.

Mary SF, how gracious of you to preface your statement with “no disrespect to long time fans.” If only short term viewers were that respectful (looking at Suooo).
Now, I am a long time viewer like Rebecca but unlike Rebecca that scene left me cold. Yes, it was uncomfortable to watch for me too.
I do agree that Maurice Benard’s acting performance was really good but I was never a fan of the Jason/Sonny bromance.
Sonny ruined Jason’s life and Carly treated him like her own personal rescuer.

Hi MarySF. Please…no disrespect taken! Not at all. I was just giving.g you my perspective which was very different from yours. Thank you for hearing an opinion different from your own without defensiveness. It’s fun posting when people can hear each other even if they don’t agree.

While I agree with Harry about Sonny ruining Jason’s life..and Carly acting like she owns him…the way she’s acting even NOW…thinking she comes before Sam…and even Liz (I’m not on Liz’s side AT ALL in this but still, at this point Carly believes Liz was as shocked as everyone else). So, instead of Sam or Liz…Carly feels entitled to “need” Jason more…she always did that and it was infuriating to watch. Lol…I digress…

Even though Sonny took Jason..and reshaped him into his enforcer…and I hated that too…and hope THIS reborn Jason goes back to the Quartetmaines…there STILL was a genuine love between Sonny and Jason. Strong, unbreakable. And so seeing Sonny, who I’ve wanted to pay for the way he treated AJ forr years…and for killing AJ…I mean I REALLy wanted and still want him to pay…I couldn’t help but be moved by seeing Sonny…so weak, vulnerable, in the chair…cry for the return of his beloved friend. It was just, for me, a poignant moment. As for Jason being uncomfortable
…he’s going to feel the pressure, frustration…at not being able to remember and return those feelings to people he intellectually knows he knows…but can’t feel he knows. Makes sense…

To give you a bit more history, this has come full circle. When Jason was a Quartetmaine, loving of and loved by them…he was in a car crash…a drunken AJ, his brother, at the wheel. When Jason woke up in the hospital, he had no memory of who he was. Monica, Alan, AJ…they all loved him and showered their love on him…trying to get him to remember who he was. Frustrated, angry…he never regained his memory due to brain damage he suffered during the accident. Feeling pressured to loven e a family he didn’t remember, he rejected them…Sonny took him in and Jason Morgan was born…

Also ironically, Sonny and Carly faulted the Quartetmaines for trying to win him back; now Sonny and Carly are doing the same. Monica knows better from the last time around which is why she remains non pressuring…

Hope this fills in some gaps. Unless you already knew most of this…lol…but the history is rich, the emotions strong and for me…the heightened outpouring of love from Sonny was very powerful and true to the friendship he had and thought he had lost…

I thought the Sonny and Jason reunion was well done. I’ve only been watching GH since right after SB left and it made me wish i’d seen some of their history together so it would have meant more to me. I learned the details about it from Sonny just like Jake did.

Maurice,

Your scenes in the show on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, were just incredible. Some of the very best I have ever seen! You are a great actor always, but those scenes were incredible! Have watched and loved you for many years–awesome performance!!

Sometimes the character of Sonny gets a little one dimensional. I have to admit, however, that his scenes with Billy Miller were so heart tugging that I had to remind myself that this was just a show. The emotions that Maurice Benard conveyed on the screen were so brutally real that it was hard to hold back the tears. Billy Miller’s pain also ripped through my screen as he tried to convey that he remembered nothing of their past. I can’t tell you how impressed I have been with this story. It has gone beyond the Earth in showing sincerity and reality in the expression of each characters feelings. They never went overboard. They were controlled and nuanced and had the power to let subtlety convict. Starting with Kelly Monaco and ending with Maurice Benard I have found this story point to have delivered on the promise the writers created way back then. I know it took forever yet I can overlook that because they delivered. I know that the Quartermaines reactions will be even more fantastic. Monica and Tracey will just shine in the moments. I am ready. Thank you GH for not going campy with this revelation and for letting each and every actor SHINE with their reactions. This is why I love GH. Power. Conviction. Talent.

Great post, Mateo. And, right on the mark about Sonny. I do not consider him much of an actor, but, he won me over just for that one scene…LOL. He did get a positive reaction from me. I guess pigs do fly; well, sometimes.

well in reality Carly, Sam and Sonny have been more of a family to Jason than the Q’s so I can see why they were first above his other family.

I loved the scene between Jason and Sonny you could tell how without any words spoken Sonny said all he needed to say with a look and a touch. I am glad Jason remember something from the past at the end. Sonny is going to be the one to make Jason remember. MB nailed it out of the park.

How poetic, Nikki!! Sometimes, a look and a touch is all one needs to convey what’s in the heart. Later.

what can you say all you can do is cry our jason is home like sonny said you came back great work by all .

I have said this many, many times-even while Steve Burton was still cast in the role as Jason. I would like Jason to remember his Quartermaine heritage. Remember medical school-become the patriarch of the Quartermaine family. I want Jake to remain Jake-continue to be kind, friendly, sweet-a little funny, and not be involved in organized crime. I would love to see Jake tell Carly and Sonny where the dog died and is buried! Two narcissists that need to be put down for good!

Maurice was great. He has all these emotions floating around about his wheelchair and losing Avery and then this happens. Him and Billy Miller were just great. I’m on the Jason Q bandwagon BUT if Jason is Jason Morgan again we just saw a preview of what magic to expect between Maurice and Billy. What a scene!

Maurice/Sonny has always been one of my favorites!! ”luv Sonny!
I was not surprised over his performance, it is not the first time Maurice has brought it all the way home.
It’s just that the Sonny haters were FF or too hating to notice the power acting of Maurice..

Given their history…I was moved to tears…

His acting was great but I still hate Sonny.
He killed AJ in cold blood and continues to not pay for his crimes. He ruined Jason’s life and ultimately was the cause of his near death. Both he and Carly are like Tom and Daisy Buchannon from the The Great Gatsby.
They just use people up and walk away.

Hi, susu.
I am a Sonny passionate disliker….not hater, babes. I despise what the character represents. He is a bad guy, su. No matter how much ‘fluff’ with which the writers surround him; the fact remains, Sonny is a hardened criminal. I will give Maurice a round of applause, and a BRAVO! Actually, he and Billy both deserve accolades. BRAVI to both. Let’s not forget Carly. BRAVA! Bye.

MB may be a prince of a man in real life and even display an occasional glimpse of humanity in his Sonny character, but enough is enough. “El Corinthos” is no role model, hero or pillar of the Port Charles community, and it’s time he stops being treated as such. If I had my druthers, both Carly and he would roll outta town tout de suite! (No pun intended there…..) They’ve spread their particular brand of poison for far too long, and I most definitely want to see this newly-reborn Jason avoid them like the soul-destroying plague that they are. His future should be as an upstanding citizen and a family man….no more mob-related activities! As for “Jake”….may we now dispense with referring to him with the prefatory “Little” since his “real daddy” is once again known as “Jason?” (That would be nice….poor kid will be getting an inferiority complex as if he hasn’t enough problems already…..) I’m still waiting for him to receive his evil-doing cues from Helena to wreak havoc….that pint-sized terror is just too convincing as a mini-psycho to let his Cassadine-ingrained tendencies go to waste without further deployment….maybe for Christmas???? (That’s the way Ron C would have played it, with a heavy dose of holiday-themed sarcasm….) In terms of Morgan? He’s rating darn crazy to me with that unfortunate cropped do…perhaps instead of meds a mere makeover would brighten his mood! At any rate, I am trying with all my might to get back into this show….I made it through certain parts of this week’s earlier episodes and most of Friday’s…..yet it remains a tall order for me since I just cannot handle the still very obvious delineations between the old guard and the insipid newbies of Port Charles….as far as I’m concerned never the twain shall meet! Oh well, must go for now. Ciao, bella! P.S. So for which goon do you think Robin’s menacing “Mr. Man Bun” is working? Faison, Helena, or another unholy miscreant from GH’s cast of criminals past?

Hello, Shay,
Who is behind this last jaunt of Robin’s? I don’t know what else to call it, at this point. It could be anyone. Dishonest John? Evidently everything to do with Jason is linked to Robin’s captivity….it’s same old, same old. It even looks like the same little office/lab where she was held before.
Paul actually came to mind besides the usual malandrini. To be honest, Shay? I do not think TPTB have a plan yet. They are throwing bones, hints and innuendos until they come up with a plausible story. It would not surprise me.
Poor little Jake, though. Now that I am aware of Liz’s ‘bit’ of history, it would not be so improbable for him to have mental issues; worsened by whatever screws Helena put in his head. She is most likely still in control by twisting and turning said screws by remote control. Are you ready for more of Robin and her baggage? Believe me, I know I will be run through the coals, pinned to the stake, stoned by the crowd; LOL, but I must call it as I see it. Why can’t Robin ever come home the normal way? Get on a plane!!!! I wonder if anyone cares to learn what the heck is behind this present debacle. Not I….only prolonging the misery.

I’m totally with you on the notion that so much of GH is still being made up as the (new) writers go along, CeeCeeGirl!….However, at this point that is not necessarily their fault due to the fact they were left high and dry when they stepped in for Ron C….he certainly didn’t provide any sort of cogent blueprint for the future that they could follow…..all that remained were a sky-high stack of his red herrings, dropped storylines, flights of fancy and loose ends to tie up…. Whatta mess!!!! Whilst I do commend their efforts thus far, I wish that they would just drop a lot of the newer characters and plot directions that so clearly are not working. To continue to compound those mistakes is so former regime…then again, these ladies must still take orders from FV and the higher ups, who simply won’t seem to get with the program on getting rid of all of the excessive deadweight. Thus far, they have yet to dismiss even one single character that is truly the problem….just other fan favorites that fuel the fire of viewer alienation. As for the Robin wrap-up, I’m also with you on that one….I hope it is finally done with some sense of logic, normalcy and deference to her character’s true nature and past with Patrick, Anna, et al. The holes in this long-neglected story have been so huge Kiki could have cleanly driven through them even in her most inebriated and impaired state…..LOL. Same for all this twisting in the wind where “Little Jake” and his inculcated “bad seed” tendencies are concerned….it’s time to let all h#!! break loose so that this poor child can receive the help and attention he so desperately and obviously requires.

Great performance, but nothing will change when Sonny & Carly make it all about what they have lost, and forget what Jason can’t remember, but who cares they got Jason back and screw everything & everyone elses feelings as long Carson gets all they want, nothing changes

All I heard was “Me, me, me, me, me!” And unless Sonny is taking voice lessons he has made Jason’s return all about him. He tells Jason that hiring him as his right hand man was the best decision he ever made with nary a mention how it was the worst decision he could have made for Jason.
He ruined Jason’s life and recruited him into a life of violence when he was most vulnerable. It was that life which ultimately led to Jason’s near death experience.
If Sonny truly loves Jason he will let him go and lead a happy life with Lizzy or Sam. I don’t care which woman he chooses, however, I do hope he stays the hell away from Sonny and stops being Carly’s dutiful little lap dog.

I recall Jason wanting to work for Sonny after he changed his name to Morgan. I also dont remember the Q’s doing much to help Jason remember who he was after he hit that tree? Sonny isnt running a cult where Jason was brainwashed, he chose to work for the mob. Sonny can be hypocritical but I dont remember Sonny being at fault here?

Jason has sustained brain damage which rendered him unable to remember his identity and the memories attached to his identity.
Sonny took advantage of Jason when he was his most vulnerable and did not respect him in the morning.

Right, Timmm. I think Jason will make his own decisions. He’s hell-bent on finding out who shanghaied him, showing no interest in Sonny or Sam, at this point. I only wish he will not fall prey to Lizzie’s wiles and machinations.
I do not know of this great fraternal love between him and Sonny; however, I can only believe that there must be some truth in what Harry is saying. Considering Jason was not himself, Sonny, whom I equate to a vampire, was more concerned about reeling him in, and not so worried about Jason’s mental health? Harry does have a point….Sonny should not ever put Jason in the situation of choosing. Exactly what did Carly mean when she said both she and Sonny needed him? Why couldn’t she just say, as Monica did, to take his time to find himself and heal? It is obvious to me that they are all strangers to him. I am sure Jason cares for them, however, the only commitment he was able to make was to Liz. Jason should stay away from all of them, except for Monica and his kids……can’t bleed a stone. Ok, Timmmbo. I said enough, huh? Are you bored yet? G’Nite, jumping in shower….

Here, here, Harry! Between fulfilling his roles as slimy, sleazy Sonny’s “go-to-guy” for all things violent and the cloying, clutching Carly’s “manservant” for well, every one of her needs, emotional and otherwise, there was precious little left of any kind of life that I would want to see this “Jason” resume. Other than his love for Sam and son Danny, there is nothing I’d wish to see him reprise this time around….and whilst I can appreciate him with his other “family,” aka, the lovely Liz and creepy automaton offspring, MiniJake, I cannot help but feel that after the duplicity of Nurse Webber, she really doesn’t deserve to hold on to this “miracle man” when all is said and done.

Buonasera, Shay.
As you indubitably know, we share the same ‘KILL BILL’ instincts towards Sonny. But, just this one time, I saw something I had never seen before. I do not know from where Maurice drew all the emotion and anguish so visible on his face. My eyes actually welled up.
I was, nonetheless, abhorred by Sonny’s and Carly’s feeding frenzy at the sight of Jason. Mamma mia!
By the by, belle amie, I did reply to your lovely paragraph, telling me your comment was pulverized. But, my answer to you bit the dust, as well. It was mostly about Monica. I may have made a comment about the guardians of The House Of Comments. All in jest, Shay….all in jest.
As far as little Jake? That’s another story wafting toward the rafters into oblivion. As was Morgan’s bipolar disorder. I suppose these subjects (no pun intended) are not important enough to deserve attention. Sonny in a wheelchair takes precedence. In no way could that child come out of Helena’s clutches unscathed. How do we know he is healthy of mind and body? And Morgan? What happened to Carly’s concern over her child and his probable mental disease? Both she and Sonny created such a hoopla not too long ago. Again, it’s all about Sonny, and now, Jason.
The writers are doing these delicate topics (maladies) a disservice.
Time for SATURDAY NIGHT…someone’s calling! ‘Nite, babes.

Glad they did the reveal to Sonny so that it got the character to stop his ridiculous whining about how Carly’s absence cost him custody of his daughter. Maybe his threat to murder Ava accomplished that?

LOL, Paul. I don’t know what’s worse; a whiny Sonny or a murderous Brutus.

I am usually hard on Maurice because he falls back on certain (trademark?)facial expressions or gestures, e.g..sardonic grin with flash of dimples after saying something threatening, grazing face and /or mouth with his fingers ( study of Marlon Brando as the godfather who only grazed his face with fingers once) or putting his hand on his forehead. (SB, VM etal who claimed to be gratefully under MB’s acting coach wing, all used the sames gestures as MB for awhile).
As far as I’m concerned the character of Sonny represents the part of G.H. I’d like to see diminished in it’s relevance and importance because I’ve been waiting to see the show go back to it’s hospital roots.
Yet with all that I’ve just expressed, I have to give props and credit when it is duly deserved.
Maurice got to me in his reunion with Jason. When his lower lip started trembling and he got teary, it seemed very sincere and heartfelt. I could honestly feel himt when it finally hit home that Jason was standing before him. It absolutley tugged at my heart in the way in which Sonny clutched Jason’s hand s in his and didn’t want to let go.
So kudos to Maurice for getting it right, which he can do. ( I used to love him as Nico Kelly on AMC).

Great post. BeBop. Sonny definitely feels the pull towards Jason; no doubt. However, I also think his being stuck in that wheelchair, makes Sonny very vulnerable….almost as if Jason has the power to make him walk again. That’s the feeling I got from that gesture. I think Sonny drew strength from Jason’s presence, ergo…not too eager to release Jason’s hand. It was almost , as if he let go, Sonny would lose himself.

CeeCee, an astute observation. When you think about it, just knowing Jason is alive and well is so healing mentally for Sonny, that it will indeed accelerate his quest and ability to walk again. Or we may come to find out that Jason has healing power, vis a vis laying on of hands. Who knows CeeCee, maybe that hand clutch, will have Sonny up and about in a few days. Jason could have a new calling. Who knew.. LOL

Mais, oui, vis a vis; oeil a oeil may work. If the hand clutch fails, Jason should try the feet…LOL

General Hospital

Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

Talk about your impressive line-up! It’s a soap fans dream and for a great cause. General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is prepping her one-night only ALS fundraiser which will feature many of her friends and co-stars.

The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Learns Britt Died and Tells Anna He Has Been Working For Cates Since November 2021

On the Tuesday, March 26th of General Hospital, Anna (Finola Hughes) and the viewers learn about where Jason (Steve Burton) has been for over two and half years. However, Jason gets some news of his own.

Anna is visiting Jason at the PCPD interrogation room. She asks him if he shot Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), which he flatly denies. Anna believes him, but she tells Jason it doesn’t matter, because video footage shows him on the roof at the time of the shooting

When talk turns to Jason not willing to speak without his lawyer present, Anna can’t grasp why Jason would instead spend an hour alone talking with John Cates (Adam J. Harrington).

Photo: ABC

It is then that Anna brings up that John went by “Jagger” and that the two of them knew each other in high school. Jason doesn’t recall much of his time in high school following his brain injury, but then he gets furious realizing John knew about “Jason’s” past. That is when Jason slams the table and tells Anna, “I’ve been working for John Cates since November 2021.”

Next, Jason explains further that he has been working as an informant for the FBI. Anna wants to know how this came about and he tells her that after the tunnel collapsed, and he couldn’t make it to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud)… all of a sudden he sees Anna’s face drop.  Anna is the first person to tell him that Britt died and was murdered. She tells Jason the killer is in custody, but he continues to be shocked, overwhelmed with tears welling up in his eyes. Realizing he has to pivot to save his life, Jason continues telling Anna how he wound up working with John.

Jason explains that after the tunnel collapse in Greece, FBI agents grabbed him and placed him under arrest and took him to Quantico where he met John. At Quantico, John played a recording of RICO violations and offered Jason a deal if he agreed to be an informant against Pikeman, the illegal arms dealer.

Anna hears from Jason that he thinks Pikeman is selling illegal arms to anyone flagged by the NSA but has ties to the WSB which they needed a civilian to infiltrate their organization as a military soldier, a mercenary.

Jason tells Anna he was a part of the team brought into eliminate Sonny (Maurice Benard). Every time an attempt was made on Sonny’s life over the last two years, a different team was sent to do the job. Anna gets furious when she learns that John told Jason his job was to kill Sonny and she was with John at the warehouse that night. Jason ensured the sniper missed Sonny and left the rifle behind. However, they were supposed to meet an extraction team. Before he was shot, Dante saw it was Jason on the roof and when he turned around with his hands over his head, Dante was shot by the other guy. Jason says if Dante dies, he’ll be charged with capital murder and then will be useless to the FBI.

Photo: ABC

Meanwhile, John visits Bobbie’s and runs into Carly (Laura Wright). She learns Jason is in custody and is going to head to the PCPD. Before she does, Carly has some words with Cates when she learns not only does John have a vendetta against Sonny, but Jason too.  Carly tells John he should recuse himself from the case.

So, what did you think about the moment when Jason learned Britt died? What do you think of Jason’s return storyline thus far and what we learned about Jagger/Jason and more? Comment below. But first, check out a moment from today’s GH with Jason and Anna.

 

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