General Hospital
General Hospital Recasts The Role Of Mayor Lomax With Shari Belafonte!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Here’s some intruiging casting news out of General Hospital! Shari Belafonte has been cast as the new underhanded Mayor Lomax of Port Charles!
According to Soap Opera Digest, Saidah Arrika Ekulona who has played the part since 2012 is out, and the series has brought in Belafonte.
For those in the know, Shari has a long-running tie to the GH family. Her husband is Sam Behrens, who played Jake Meyer from 1983-1988 (pictured here with Belafonte). Look for Shari to make her GH debut in her new recurring role on January 19th.
Shari is best known for her work as Julie Gilette on the 1980’s television series Hotel, and is the daughter of legendary singer, Harry Belafonte.
So, what do you think about the new Mayor Lomax of Port Charles … Shari Belafonte? Comment below!
Don’t really care for the recasting but hey, love Sam Behrens! Let’s bring back Jake Meyer!
As long as she won’t be in a couple mess of begging someone to love her and all that love gone wrong sappy boring stuff, I’m OK with the recast.
As Lomaxs husband…
I agree! Bobbie needs some lovin’!! Besides Scott, I think Jake would do the trick…maybe, we’d even get more Lucy as a result (older viewers may remember he got Lucy pregnant). Noah Drake is probably on tour, D.L. Brock is dead, Tony Jones is dead, Damian Smith is dead, Stefan Cassadine is dead, Roy DiLucca is living in Miami, and Jerry Jacks seems to have forgotten (like the show) that he was once with Barbara Jean.
Yes Liam! Bobbie and Jake were a great couple! And I believe that’s what started the Lucy/Bobbie rivalry. It was soap magic!
I would love to see Sam with Shari I remember him on GH knots landing and another soap. He is also my Cousin.
Love Sheri, she’s a beauty and talent that’s needed on GH!
Oops, “Shari”.
It’s true, Joe. The mayor is such an obscure figure that most of us do not care for the recast. But, I love Shari Belafonte. If we must have a mayor on GH, I’d rather have Shari than Saidah. I just can’t see Shari playing an unscrupulously bad character en league with the DA.
Why do that I like the actress who played the part. These two bubble head writers are long known for recasting or writing characters into corners so you don’t care or forget they’re even part of the show.
I like the “former” mayor as well
she had a no nonesense approach …. “tough” as nails
ready to pack a whallop
don’t see Shari Belefonte in that arena ???
dang it tho! Sam Behrens…. wasn’t he all that on Knot’s Landing… as Valene husband
Yes, Patrick. But, she could also be bought for a song, no? Did I get that wrong? Isn’t she in the DA’s pocket? It remains to be seen if the recast fits in that same pocket.
Love Shari — excited about this!
Congrats to her! (I also did love Sam as Jake, so it would be an added bonus for him to show up, too.
Lots for him to do!)
Love Shari – think she will be great! And can she PLEASE bring back Sam / Jake Meyer with her!!! PLEASE!!! PC can never have enough Lawyers!! LOL .
Bobbie & Jake were great! <3 Those two!! Think they would still be great together!!
has not been such a major character in the past – will be interesting with re-cast
Wonder if that means a bigger story is coming up? The rigged election? Maybe it’ll bring Felicia back to the canvas too…
Great point and observation, AJ.
Is this another Frank Valentini crush? Didn’t really work for Donna Mills in soap land. Tired of stunt casting. Not to be rude — well, okay, just this onece — but when was the last time Shari did anything relevant? Come on GH, enough with the casting & recasting and over casting!
The role is insignificant/hardly seen..
but- Port Charles needs its’ Mayor.. (no big deal…
hope the character remains insignificant 😉
You’re right, su. I made the same point….the mayor is an obscure figure. However, AJ’s point is foremost in my mind, now that I think about it. Perhaps there’s a story to tell about the rigged election coming to the fore. Shari is a lot more charismatic than Saidah, if that is the case.
I also agree with Ces. I want Shari to act and not sing. Not too interested in that side of her.
I wouldn’t say another FV crush but would definitely say another cheap FV publicity grab by hyping a “name” star in a role that will only last a few days at best.
Mayor Lomax is what I think of as a non-character. Just a prop trotted out on rare occasions to further plot points. I can’t even get a mental picture of the actress who played the role before and I doubt too many would even notice that the role had been recast (yet again) much less with Shari Belafonte if GH wasn’t going out of their way to hype it.
No dis to the very talented Shari B and it’s good of her to do the role but she’s not known for her acting and I expect any of her fans who’d tune in expecting singing would be disappointed. Even if they do try to work in a singing number (from MAYOR LOMAX??) into their Toys For Tots Gala it would still be totally WTF????
IA with you. Enough with the stunts. GH should instead try to focus on actual solid storytelling. There can be room for an occasional guest shot within that but if that’s all you’ve got…you’re toast.
Love your post, KM.
Let me elaborate. KM, I know exactly what you’re saying. I am familiar with Shari…..my Gran loves Harry; so, it goes without saying I grew up hearing about the family, the music etc.
But as I stated above, I, too, am not so certain she can pull off the bad girl act.
Pretty sure I don’t want to see anymore “singers” on the show either. Not my style of music. Tired of stunt casting and just tired of more characters altogether … thought Paul would be a partner for Tracy but alas, he’s turned into another gangster.
None of the current stories are terribly exciting, not unless they can keep Johnny Z on the show!
To have Shari B sing they would have to put out big money..
it is the way it works, she would not perform/sing for free.
lol her manager would never allow it, either..
Why?
That’s a nice recast, since she has some history with GH married to one of GH lawyer guy in real life, so great recast GH
Not familiar with her work, but if this ties up the loose ends to Mayor Lomax’s stories, then I am all for it.
Now I hope they have another fair election for a new mayor since the last one was fraught with “irregularities” and deals and cost us Felicia.
I think the mayor will clash with Paul. I dont think the re-election has anything to do with it?
I was thinking the same thing, Timmm. Perhaps the recast is to bring in a Paul adversary, and not one who can be bought. I think a storyline about Lomax is in the works and it directly involves the DA. If that is the case, it should prove to be interesting.
I haven’t seen a photo of this actress in years. She really resembles her father in this photo.
Cant wait!! She is awesome! I do not think this is stunt casting, we don’t know maybe the other actress got another gig, and they plan to expand the Lomax character. Sheri has the chops to do it and perhaps she wanted to get back into acting. Great addition, just hope she gets screen time.
Yes, and a drop in my Jake Meyer would be nice! He is a lawyer so it is possible
Was the other actress no longer available? Sometimes I think soaps forget that the audience wants actors to remain in their roles and don’t normally take too quickly to recasts, regardless of how often they’re on. I’m just curious about the “why” of this recast. I love Sheri, but I also liked and was familiar with Saidah. You didn’t have to hit viewers who have been with GH for any length of time with the fact that she was the mayor. Now they will. Are they expanding the role?
Well okay BUT bring back JAKE to! PC can always use another attorney AND Bobbi needs a squeeze!
I like the other mayor, also; however, I’m willing to give Shari a chance in the role.
Yes, of course, Belle. I was thinking that Paul and the mayor will be given more air time together. Now, if Lomax and Paul have had an affair in the past, the present Lomax appears too rigid for my taste. Enter Shari. She is so much softer than her predecessor.
I think Robert Scorpio is going to work with his brother and Anna to bring Paul down.
@Harry.
I surely hope so, Harry. Scorpio and Mac should bring Paul, the Don Juan, down. I really like Tracy, and the way Paul is playing her really makes me feel for her. He really is bad news.
I’ve never thought of Shari as a singer, only ever as an actress. She’s an interesting recast for a role that no one likes or wants to see – except to bring Felicia back to the canvas – so I’ll reserve judgment until she appears onscreen.
As with so many others who’ve mentioned it, I would LOVE for Sam Behrens to return as Jake. He was Bobbie’s favourite husband of mine.
I so wish TPTB would let we fans see much more of the characters we’ve loved for so long, such as Mac, Felicia, Lucy, Laura, Bobbie, even Alice, and others who I’ve probably forgotten about since I never see them any more. I can really do without Franco, Nina, Dr. O., Paul Hornsby, Dillon, Jerry Jacks, etc. etc. They take up time that should be reserved for the characters and actors fans really WANT to see. Not too long ago I would have included Kiki in that list, but Hayley Erin has been doing a very good job lately. I have more complaints about who takes up valuable screen time, but this was originally about Shari Belafonte so I’ll quit while I’m ahead (if it isn’t tool late). Welcome, Shari, and feel free to bring your hubby with you!
I already dislike her character, so she’s doing a great job!!!
She is doing a great job. Someone you love to hate.
I knew she looked familiar. She is great in her part as mayor. She looks like”don’t mess with me!
Breaking News
(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
After exciting morning for your favorite daytime stars when they were revealed to be nominees for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards comes tonight 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special.
Beginning at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, several of the nominees will talk with Michael Fairman on their reactions to the news they have been nominated for a Daytime Emmy, share what scenes they submitted that landed in the top five or six in their respective performer acting categories and much more.
Scheduled to appear are: Days of our Lives nominees, Tamara Braun (Ava), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), The Young and the Restless nominees: Allison Lanier (Summer), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Courtney Hope (Sally), Bryton James (Devon), The Bold and the Beautiful’s John McCook (Eric), General Hospital nominees, Finola Hughes (Anna) and Alley Mills (Heather), and The Bay’s Mike Manning (Caleb).
Photo: JPI
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th and emanating, once again this year from the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Photo: JPI
For a full list of this year’s nominations click here.
Now, watch below as the stars chat it up as we celebrate their Daytime Emmy Nominations. If you have a potential question you might want posed to any of our guests, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on air.
Breaking News
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) have officially announced on Friday, the full list of nominees for the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
While Thursday brought with it four reveals of the nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama, Talk Show Host, Lead Actor and Actress categories (as presented by various entertainment news programs), today’s nominations include all the other categories not previously announced.
The Daytime Emmy Awards telecast is set to be presented live on Friday night, June 7, at 8 PM EDT /delayed PT, on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. This will mark the 18th time that CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmys.
Photo: JPI
In addition, The Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards will be presented on Saturday, June 8 at t9 PM ET/6 PM PT and streamed on The Emmys apps and at watch.TheEmmys.tv. The ceremonies will take place at the Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles.
Television icon, Dick Van Dyke has received his first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Guest Performer category for his touching portrayal of Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock’s Days of our Lives. The nomination makes Van Dyke the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee in history at 98-years-old. In addition, motion picture and TV star, Guy Pearce, is also nominated as Guest Performer for his longtime role as Mike Young in the reboot of Neighbours.
Speaking of Neighbours, the Australian soap opera also received its first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Daytime Drama Series now that its a revival can be streamed on Amazon Freevee. In addition, The Young and the Restless iconic, Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) received his first Daytime Emmy nomination in more than 20 years in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
In the Daytime Drama series categories, CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless each scored 12 nominations more than any other show. Leading the acting nominations was B&B, who landed 7 performers in the various categories, a first in its 37-year history.
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS expressed, “We are happy to once again honor the creative talent both in front of and behind the camera of America’s favorite Daytime programs. We look forward to celebrating the icons who enliven the days of audiences across the country.”
Photo: JPI
Brent Stanton, Head of Daytime, NATAS added, “Producing the Daytime Emmys is a labor of love for all of us at NATAS. The huge popularity of these shows continues to be must-see viewing for their fans.” NATAS also revealed that Lifetime Achievement Honorees, Hosts, Presenters, and Silver and Gold Circle honorees will be revealed at a later date.
The Daytime Emmy Awards recognize outstanding achievement in television programming honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.
The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be produced once again by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI). Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie executive produces from ATI.
Congratulations to all the men and women in front of the camera and behind the scenes for their recognition as we take a look at who will be going for gold come June. Here are the nominees below starting with the Daytime Drama Categories.
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
Neighbours
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
Tamara Braun, Days of our Lives
Finola Hughes, General Hospital
Katherine Kelly Lang, The Bold and the Beautiful
Annika Noelle, The Bold and the Beautiful
Michelle Stafford, The Young and the Restless
Cynthia Watros, General Hospital
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
Eric Braeden, The Young and the Restless
Scott Clifton, The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye, The Bold and the Beautiful
Eric Martsolf, Days of our Lives
John McCook, The Bold and the Beautiful
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS
Jennifer Gareis, The Bold and the Beautiful
Linsey Godfrey, Days of our Lives
Courtney Hope, The Young and the Restless
Allison Lanier, The Young and the Restless
Emily O’Brien, Days of our Lives
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR
Robert Gossett, General Hospital
Bryton James, The Young and the Restless
Wally Kurth, Days of our Lives
A Martinez, The Bay
Mike Manning, The Bay
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
Linden Ashby, The Young and the Restless
Ashley Jones, The Bold and the Beautiful
Alley Mills, General Hospital
Guy Pearce, Neighbours
Dick Van Dyke, Days of our Lives
OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Photo: JPI
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
The Bay
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DIRECTION
General Hospital
The Jennifer Hudson Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of our Lives
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
The Kelly Clarkson Show
OUTSTANDING CASTING
African Queens: Njinga
Days of our Lives
General Hospital
Start Up
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN
African Queens: Njinga
The Drew Barrymore Show
General Hospital
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The View
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING
African Queens: Njinga
The Bold and the Beautiful
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri
Photo: WarnerBros
OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING AND MAKEUP
African Queens: Njinga
The Drew Barrymore Show
Sherri
The View
The Young and the Restless
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG
“Shine” General Hospital
“Unexpected Truth”Unexpected
“We’re Home” Reconnecting Roots
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME TALK SERIES
The Jennifer Hudson Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall
Turning The Tables with Robin Roberts
The View
Photo: ABC
OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS SERIES
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
OUTSTANDING CULINARY SERIES
Be My Guest with Ina Garten
Family Dinner
Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays
Valerie’s Home Cooking
What Am I Eating? with Zooey Deschanel
OUTSTANDING LEGAL/COURTROOM PROGRAM
Hot Bench
Judy Justice
Justice For The People with Judge Milian
The People’s Court
We The People with Judge Lauren Lake
Photo: Disney/ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES HOST
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa, Live with Kelly and Mark
Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Sheryl Underwood, The Talk
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
OUTSTANDING CULINARY HOST
Lidia Bastianich, 25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee
Valerie Bertinelli, Valerie’s Home Cooking
Eduardo Garcia, Big Sky Kitchen with Eduardo Garcia
Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Cooks
Sophia Roe, Counter Space
Buddy Valastro, Legends of the Fork
OUTSTANDING DAYTIME PERSONALITY – DAILY
Frank Caprio, Caught in Providence
Kevin Frazier, Nischelle Turner , Matt Cohen, Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Will Marfuggi, Rachel Smith, Entertainment Tonight
Deborah Norville, Steven Fabian, Lisa Guerrero, Ann Mercogliano, Jim Moret, Les Trent. Inside Edition
Robert Hernandez, Star Jones, Divorce Court
Judge Judy Sheindlin, Whitney Kumar, Kevin Rasco, Sarah Rose, Judy Justice
What do you think about the nominations for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Who do you think deserved to get in that did? Who do you think got snubbed? Who are you happiest to see receive a nomination? Let us know via the comment section below.
Make sure to be with us live starting tonight Friday, April 19th at 8pm ET/5pm PT for the Michael Fairman Channel’s 10th anniversary edition of its Daytime Emmy Nomination Special 2024, featuring some of the just announced daytime drama nominees.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
On Thursday, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards revealed nominations in several key categories via four entertainment news programs: Access Hollywood, E! News, Extra and Access Hollywood.
Three of the four announcements were major categories in the field of Daytime Dramas.
The nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series category are: The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Neighbours and The Young and the Restless.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital won this category last year, and has the most all-time wins for a series in this category. For the first time, the beloved Australian-based soap opera, Neighbours is now eligible for competition due to its reboot which streams on Amazon Freevee.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out in ceremonies in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th.
Previous categories announced tonight via the entertainment news outlet included: Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
So, what do you think about this year’s nominee for the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series? Who do you think should win? Comment below.
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(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
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51st Daytime Emmys: Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Receive Talk Show Host Nominations
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
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51st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
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51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
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