General Hospital
GH's Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo on Sonny/Brenda wedding, Dante & contract renewal!
Courtesy/ABC
Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo (Brenda Barrett) has a very frank and direct conversation with TV Guide’s Michael Logan in a brand new interview out this week centering on the upcoming wedding that kicks off this week of General Hospital’s Sonny and Brenda. And while Vanessa gives insight into the wedding itself and previews the aftermath, she also fielded questions about if she might renew her contract, (since she only signed on to GH for one year), and her thoughts on where Brenda’s relationship could go with Dante played by Dominic Zamprogna. However, Vanessa admits it is her admiration and desire to work with Maurice Benard (Sonny) that compels the actress to enjoy her current storyline. Here are a few excerpts below:
Vanessa on if she will renew her contract, and if so, doesn’t she need to let the series know soon: It’s always going to be about scheduling and family for me. It’s no secret I came back to GH to work with Maurice, not only to honor my roots but to honor him specifically. When I was the new kid on the show, he took me under his wing. He really saved me. The week we shot the wedding was the best week ever because I was in scenes with him all day long, every day. Working opposite him is like listening to music — it’s beautiful and emotional and surprising and nostalgic and I feel all that at completely spontaneous levels. This is literally the most fun I’ve ever had acting. Right now my happiness is at its peak, if that answers your question.
Vanessa on the sparks between Brenda and Dante, and if she feels there is potential for a relationship between them: I was very much playing that because [GH head writer Bob Guza] wanted to make sure that [the possibility of attraction] was established and intact. Of course, at that point Brenda and Dante didn’t know they had this crazy connection, but I do like the serendipity of it all. I think Brenda was drawn to Dante because he’s basically a younger version of Sonny, who is the love of her life. There’s something kind of pure about it. [Laughs] Even though in theory it’s a little alarming. I can guarantee nothing like that will ever happen (referring to relationship with Dante) now that Brenda knows he’s Sonny’s son. Never! Now we’re getting into Jerry Springer territory.
General Hospital
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.
In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.
Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”
Photo: ABC
Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.
Photo: ABC
The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.
So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
The love affair that once was mobster Sonny (Maurice Benard) and hit man Jason (Steve Burton), and having each others back, is now apparently over! On the Thursday April 25th episode of General Hospital, an increasingly paranoid Sonny is confronted by Jason.
Jason wants to talk to Sonny about a “family matter”, but Sonny says they aren’t family now because he’s working with the Feds. Sonny goes on to say how he cannot trust Carly (Laura Wright) or Jason and he knows about Jason buying back the Metro Court for Carly from Nina (Cynthia Watros).
When the conversation turns to Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Dex (Evan Hofer), Jason informs Sonny that Kristina (Kate Mansi) knows Sonny ordered a hit. Jason is worried about Dex’s safety. He tells Sonny that if he does something to Dex, Kristina will figure out that he is responsible.
Courtesy/ABC
Sonny goes on to say how much he loves his kids and how he will protect them. He then tears into Jason for abandoning his sons, Danny and Jake, for two years and how he has no right to stand there to tell him what to do.
Jason warns Sonny again to leave Dex alone or he’ll personally stop him. Sonny snaps at Jason, countering, “You’ll die trying!” And at that point, Jason walks out and Sonny slams the door behind him.
What do you think about this split in the longstanding relationship of Jason and Sonny? Do you like Jason and Sonny at odds? Will Kristina be the person to ultimately figure out what is happening to Sonny, or it might it be Nina, who knows Ava (Maura West) is up to no good? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first watch this clip from part of the Sonny/Jason scenes below.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
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REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
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The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
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Breaking NewsApril 17, 202451st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
Sounds to me like she’s sticking around.
Kill me now, ugh!!!, please do not resign.
Vanessa, please leave and don’t come back.
Maybe u shouldn’t watch the show, Brenda and Sonny are the show
Agreed Kemp should watch something else, although he/she will probably get their wish b/c Guza sucks. Half my friends began to watch GH again when Brenda came back and the other half laugh at me for even watching what GH has become. For those who will now tell me to watch something else, I will once VMG leaves. Can’t watch Sonny with anyone else now; Clair and he were gross!!
Please keep Vanessa! Please get rid of that whiny little hipocrite Elizabeth!
lol, I love how “please do not resign” can have two entirely different meanings depending on context/pronunciation. I know you don’t want her back, but I can read that and feel like I agree even though I am hoping for the opposite outcome. I hope she doesn’t resign/quit! *^^;*
There are a LOT of things I am unhappy with that they’ve done to make the fans hate her; it’s gotten so bad I almost can’t enjoy having her around cause I just see everything she does that is going to make people rant about her on any given day, but I still absolutely love her on the show. I really don’t think she will stay, there is too much chaos between budget cuts and choppy story writing, but I hope she can come back again and maybe be less hated by then.
“lol, I love how “please do not resign” can have two entirely different meanings depending on context/pronunciation” — LOL!!! I didn’t even notice that person said “ugh”, then they say…”Please do not resign”..LOL!! Good observation on your part. Funny:-)
Brenda/Vanessa dont let them with thier negative comments bother you please resign you are a great actress and Brenda is Gh history she is the past present and future and I love my Carly and brenda cat fights now we need claudia to come back from the dead and that would be a sight to see LOL so I hope you decide to stay around for awhile because it would be sad to see you go so soon. A year is not long enough when things are just getting started.
You know what?? I’m SICK AND TIRED of all you newbies who’s been watching the show for 5 years or so, thinking you actually know something about the characters from the past. If you newbies and haters have done your homework before making a judgement about Brenda, you’d know that her character has changed a great deal…but there is no way a lot of people (like myself) could hate her because of how much history she’s brought to the show.
The girl isn’t even all that bad… at least she’s tolerable compared to the likes of Carly who I CAN’T STAND!
It’s an absolute SHAME that Headwriter Bob Guza has changed Brenda for the WORSE (to many people)…They (GH) have tried SOOOOOO hard to make people hate Brenda it’s sickening. They have written her character TOTALLY off the wall it’s a shame. I still love Brenda though and am PRAYING that she re-signs.
Anitra, I couldn’t have said it any better myself! It’s always obvious as to who the newbies are… They sound like idiots… They don’t know anything about Brenda’s character or Sonny and Brenda’s history… I have been a fan of GH since 1994, and have ALWAYS been a fan of Sonny and Brenda! The writing now is pathetic and if it weren’t for VM’s return, I wouldn’t even be watching today.
I say to the newbies… You don’t know what you are talking about.
Thank you. Your reply is appreciated.
I’ve been watching all my life.. so I guess you can say, from the early 80’s and on (was born in 79′).
I see that newbies don’t really care about how a character was portrayed from back in the day. They just see what’s on the TV screen now, and assume that THAT is how that character has ALWAYS been. They see Sonny & Brenda’s relationship as boring and they want to see more JASAM (Jason & Sam) or LANTE (Lulu & Dante). HAHA! I just learned that that’s how everyone is phrasing their couples.. Anyway.. I’ve stopped watching for probably 6 years..well, after GH tried to forcefeed the audience Sonny and Carly, I left all together…then came back when VM came back in 02. I left in 03’…I left right along with her. I started watching again this past august to see what GH was up to. I didn’t even know that she was going to come back during that month. I think I came back watching RIGHT after they had a Brenda Marathon on the Soapnet Channel.. I was upset that I missed those episodes.
After S&B’s wedding… I want an S&B baby..lol! What’s one more child for Sonny? LOL! If Sonny even THINKS about cheating on her with Cujo (Carly)?????? OMG! GH lost me FOREVER! I tell you though… after VM leaves…I’m leaving also.
Thanks, Vanessa, for coming back. Ignore the negativity. You are my favorite character of all time
If GH is keeping Rebecca Herbst on the show as Elizabeth, then her character needs to change. Elizabeth needs to toughin up as a single mother and go after what she wants like a real single mother does. I’m sure people are tired of looking at the simple character she is. Make Elizabeth a tougher person. Make her get child support from Nicholas or Lucky and get rid of Brooklyn. She is an unnecessary character on the show and sounds like fake ass Bensonhurst native New Yorker.
Bring back Keesha Ward so she can snap Jason out his robot phase. It’s been too long!. I’m tired of seeing her run behind Jason. Sam needs some real self esteem and live a normal life for a change. Her needy ass is getting ridiculous!
I hope Sonny and Brenda work out this time so that Sonny can retire from the MOB.
Let someone else take his place in that violent lifestyle. As for Carley, she needs her ass kick and will get exactly what she deserves. Jacks and Sky should get back together and get married. The two make a nice couple. Mack and Alexis needs to stop playing games and get it on. Michael and Abby would be good together and it’s time for Morgan to get a girlfriend. He’s getting older or GH might make him gay. It would be interesting to see Donte with a black woman like Maya. That shit would be while for the show. It’s been a minute since Jason Q. and Keesha Ward in the 90s. Ha! ha!
If Maurice leaves …I leave . HE is the life of General Hospital..His vulnerability makes me wanna cry…His love for Vanessa comes through,,,,,when they were younger ..Maurice had all the right moves..I would have welcomed him into my life( mob & all) He is still super sexy..the way he dances with VM is so charming, sweet .loving and remains central too his core .. When he wants someone …you see him and it is incredibly mind boggling how this man is not on the best movie list.. I am and will always credit him with saving me through my depression….I feel like i know what he goes through in his real life. I wish him…the best…because ..he is a lovely, gracious…eloquent man with dimples to die for and a empathy for his audience…LVE YOU Maurice and Thank YOU…for being my PRINCE of ABC..may God bless you. You have helped so many people! caroline from Massachusetts
Brenda needs to stay. For all of you saying that she has to leave obviously haven’t been watching the show long enough to know that the show is finally good. I watched it when Brenda started and stopped once she left because it was so awful. Now I am finally hooked on it again, so stop being negative and writing these ridiculous comments. She needs to stick around.
Agree completely; I only came back for her after sooo many years. With these “official” comments of her leaving I feel very disappointed. Yes they gave us an S&B wedding but there is so much more the fans deserve for the couple. If she was only coming for a year I wish it would have been the year before Maurice retired so they could leave together or at least given us more time and story. I got so excited with her return and now am really let down if she leaves. No story line will change that feeling for me 🙁
like almost everyone on here, i’m watching GH now only because of vanessa marcil giovinazzo. there’s just something about her. she acts with her eyes and allows us all to really access her character and feel everything she feels. maurice was a fine actor, and prolly still is. however, he’s had more or less 1 role his whole life and he’s bored as all hell. i’ll always love sonny out of respect for history, but maurice’s acting has become indifferent and one-dimensional. vanessa, on the other hand, gets better and better over time. but she’s in a tough position with guza writing, jill phelps producing and maurice as a formerly-awesome but currently indifferent co-star. i admit since the wedding maurice is getting better — and when i say better i mean he’s getting his mojo back that i haven’t seen since vanessa was last on GH. finally vanessa and maurice are getting to access their mad chemistry. we need guza to up the ante and start writing powerful scenes. we need vanessa to RENEW HER CONTRACT and maurice to step up to the acting plate and also influence storyline development. fans have waited many, many years. we deserve it!