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WATCH: GH's Finola Hughes Go Behind The Scenes And Learn About Polycythemia Vera Blood Cancer

Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

Viewers of ABC General Hospital recently learned that super spy/super agent/super person, Anna Devane may be facing her biggest enemy yet, when she was diagnosed polycythemia vera (PV), a rare blood cancer.

Daytime Emmy winner, Finola Hughes (Anna) is taking on the challenges of incorporating how Anna’s new health condition will impact her life, her future and her career.

Hughes has partnered with Incycte and Voice of MPN to raise awareness and understanding of both PV and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Doing her research ahead of her character’s life changer, finola met with Linda, a woman living with polycythemia vera to better understand the disease.

Now go behind the scenes as Finola preps for her role as someone living with PV after the jump. Then let us know what you think of GH shedding light on this medical issue in the comment section below!

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Finola Hughes is one is my main reason for staying with GH thru thick and thin !

She is always a wonder to watch.

100% agree with you! She’s magnificent!

I second this!

I so enjoy Finola Hughes as Anna…I agree, she is a magnificent actress…

Soaps and their in house diagnosis is upsetting and creating Hypochondriac’s! aha!

Hypercondriac is a condition that affects the mind where a person thinks they are ill yet in real sense they are not. ((0oh oh I think I have that, I’m tired and terrible headache too!))
Medical anything does Not belong in soaps..
It is not helpful and written for soap drama.

Anna has become a basket case in many directions and has become FF, for me.
And, that is a shame I use to see her as a strong confident woman, no longer do I 🙁
Valentin has near destroyed her and he hasn’t done anything to her LOL .. crazy stuff..

“Medical anything does not belong in soaps.”

You do realize the show is called General Hospital, right?

Maybe the mob can blowup GH, LOL!

He seems to need to be reminded of that!

I could see Anna having migraines when her repressed memories became part of the Valantin back story. But this new illness? I don’t mean to trivialize it, but I had never heard of it compared to Jess’s heart attack and the “educational” info that went with it. Also, usually am not a fan of Kimberly/Robin dropping in and out of Port Charles. But have to admit in this case she is at the right place at the right time, even though I wish it wasn’t for this particular reason.

Am frustrated by Sam, who I mostly happen to like. For someone who was lucky to have Danny, she should be way more careful about her sleuthing activities this close to due date of her and Jason’s. baby.

A couples things in response to Rose’s post: Headaches are a symptom of polycythemia vera. The writer’s weren’t switching illinesses; they were leading up to it. I think it’s great when soaps try to educate the public about illness, addiction (as we are now seeing with Finn). AMC and other soaps did this. As someone else pointed out, the root of GH is GH, so hitting on health issues makes alot of sense to me. Helps get the focus back to a part of reality that doesn’t include gunfire.

Soaps are fiction and are about drama. Many soap plots are about risk and unexpected dangers. Sam is Julian’s and Alexis’ daughter, her sleuthing here isn’t about P.I. business income, it’s very personal.

Another post referred to Anna as a “basket case”. Try a little empathy in understanding a character’s experience: Anna was told she ordered a hit on Valentin. She has no memory of it whatsoever. If that were you, wouldn’t you be trying to get to the bottom of it? I can easily understand that it would be mind-boggling and shocking. It’s not something a normal person can just walk away from…

Hi Max…I sorry my comment presented a problem for you. It was not my intention to minimize any illness. But I guess when any soap does a psa/informative health story I’m used to something more “common,” for want of a better word, or topical…like Jess’s heart attack on Y&R,,or even Morgan/Sonny’s bi-polar. I had never heard of Anna’s Illness before. And while GH is at the hub of health issues, sometimes lately I wish they could focus more on other Port Charles stories.

As for Anna wanting to find out what’s been “haunting” her, of course I don’t blame her for taking all steps necessary. That’s why she has been going through the hypnosis/regression with the psychiatrist. Just wish they hadn’t turned it into a life threatening illness.

And “yes” Sam’s sleuthing is personal, but it can wait. She isn’t showing common sense right now because she is so close to her due date, and had problems birthing Danny. Frustrating to watch. And I really dislike when any soap has to include the life of a child as part of the “drama.”

u can be physically strong, intellectually sound, and emotionally vulnerable all at once. Anna has never just been a one note character

This must be the most tone deaf post that I’ve ever seen on this site…your ignorance is really quite astonishing.

Finola Hughes is brilliant. Bravo to her and GH for using the show as a platform for educating the public about this terrible disease. I think the show should do more of this very thing. 2 thumbs up, General Hospital!

dear JasonLovesGH.
Not one word was said about the great Finola Hughes ..
It was about the character Anna ..

you continue to make no sense, what are you on? hey i know you love Ron Carlivati work,so i take it you will soon be watching dool, or probably already do, so can you get to it,and finally say goodbye to watching GH, since you seem to hate everything about it so much..

Was I the only one in utter hysterics when Robin babbled on and on the police man who was guarding Anna? Don’t get my wrong, I adore Robin, but she used very scientific medically terminology which only another doctor would understand. She sounded like one of those voice overs on those commercials warning viewers of the side effects of a certain medication. That poor cop looked like he wanted to hail a cab.

Yes, Addy…it was beyond amusing and annoying. It was the same when they mentioned Shriner’s Hospital for Children every other sentence. “Excuse me, I need to use the ladies room and Shriner’s Hospital for Children is where children…”

Of course both are worthy of mention and commendable that they’re being incorporated into a story. But!!! Be subtle…get the word out…without breaking the fourth, fifth and hundreth wall!

Good-looking cop, though!

su0000 – this is called General Hospital. You do know that a hospital is where they discuss medical conditions.

In my experience. though, info about patients is confidential except to attending doctors, nurses and family only…not the beat cop, and certainly in not such detail.

Su…you don’t seem to want emotions on a soap…only adventure. Soaps are supposed to portray life…the human condition in all its twists and turns. Soaps are DRAMA. Yes, at times quirky, funny, mostly-over-the-top..but the common denominator is that they’re about PEOPLE. And people are multi-dimensional. And people…even the strongest…fall. Illness, loss, death, anxiety, depression, addiction…all human…all make up the fabric of our stories…both in fiction and reality.

Anna Devane is the same as she ever was. She’s beautiful, tough, smart, sharp, a fighter. And, now, she gets to use all those attributes in her fight against her disease. This doesn’t lessen the character…only adds another dimension as it did when Robin…also brilliant, strong, driven…was diagnosed with HIV. Or, when Alexis has lung cancer. (which in reality not many survive.) Point is, these characters continue on and forge ahead.

I don’t know where you got the idea that soaps were humorous, action-packed thrillers. They never were. Those aspects were part of the bigger story, not THE story.

Even the mighty fall…Anna will rise again.

A day with Anna Laura and Tracy on our screens is a day in heaven!

hi rebecca1 ,,
soaps have always had emotional stories, I’m more than fine with it.
However I am not fine with how Lame and Sucky the emotional side has become. There really needs to be a lot of improvement, the writing has become weak and lazy and at times disconnected.

I do like the adventure side, the suspense and intruge of soaps are noted as a cornerstone, the on the edge spellbinders that writers can no longer produce as once they were capable of doing.
However I am not fine with how overly lackluster dull the writing has become..

I do like humor is a soap. It is a great balance to level the doom & gloom, it is needed. (not one laugh or chuckle since J&S)

I am a firm believer that medical whatever’s as a PSA do not belong in poorly written stories, not good, nope ..

I’m with you– Anna will rise again (hopefully J&S can accomplish bringing Anna back, I miss her)

Hi Su…thanks for your response. I understand what you’re saying. To be honest, I don’t like watching shows (or films) on ANY disease because it just effects me too much. I need escape…not to be brought down.

With that said, as long as the story doesn’t depress me…as long as I know the character I care for is going to “win” in the end it’s not as much a negative. And I DO expect Anna to come through this…or find out someone’s messing with her and it just appears that she has the condition. (though not sure that would sit well from a moral standpoint…) or…she’ll just go about her life normally at some point and we’ll forget she has it…like we do with Maxie, Alexis, Robin…all who have conditions but it falls to the background. Plus, I do think this story provides an opportunity to open up a lot more stories. I don’t think it’s just about Anna’s new condition.

I disagree with you though. (what a surprise! 🙂 ) I actually think the writing has been good, the stories have been holding my interest and I like that they’ve been incorporating more vets. And I say this in a “as far as daytime soaps” go. I also think there HAS been some humor…Ned, Olivia Falconeri, Franco, Tracy, Scott…even Ava.

I only recently started watching B&B. I find that show to be funny! I know longtime viewers of that show seem a bit fed up with it but I enjoy it. I like the characters…and I think it’s entertaining.

Now…where’s Poldark, Outlanders, How To Get Away With Murder, Scandal, Ray Donovan, The Affair, The Young Pope, etc. etc. There is some great programming out there…

Rebecca1..

You have a good list. I watch those. also;
”Outlanders, How To Get Away With Murder, Scandal, Ray Donovan, The Affair, The Young Pope, etc. etc. There is some great programming out there…”

I’ll add–
24 Legacy, Suits, the Blacklist, Designated Survivor, Empire, Big Bang, This is Us, Gotham, Lucifer, Mr Robot, Game of Thrones, Westworld, and of course The Walking Dead ….
and now The Good Fight.. I miss Seinfeld ..
)ooh Netflix- Orange/Black, Narcos, Marco Polo..

And as all our above is what people of all ages watch. The Primetime Series.
And that is why imo the soaps need to step up their game they’re stuck in the 80’s .

Rebecca and Su…mostly like your tv list. I would also add The Catch…clever and good cast. Love Lucifer.

Beginning to think Big Bang has had it’s funnier days. Did see one today I had not seen before with Sheldon’s MeMaw (sp?) making an appearance.

Have liked Blacklist, but like a lot of series (including Arrow), after a few years, they seem to start to lose their mojo. Hope Suits isn’t going this way. And I usually don’t like series extentions like what they are now promoting for Tom/ Blaclklist.

Also am an NCIS fan, mostly when Ziva was on.

And almost anything PBS/Mystery/Masterpiece….currently, The Paradise. Liked Mr. Selfrige…my son was just in London and Berlin on business. He went into Selfridges (with pictures) and said it was elegant and amazing.

Looking forward to new season of Better Call Saul.

Suoo, I thought your favorite shows were reruns of Murder She Wrote, Golden Girls and Matlock.

Addison…you are going to love this. A great fan of the a Golden Girls has opened a restaurant in their name fill with their memorabilia, menus reflecting what the ate, and TV’s playing reruns. Definitely for a special fan, but sounds like fun.

hey Rose ,,
CC and I are luvin Lucifer Morningstar, too !! (I want that umm man lol)
Anyways;
Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart ) would have been a great soap Mr. Morningstar!!!
WHOA I have loved that!!

and- Addison and Rose.. I watch the Golden Girls on the MeTV channel, really I like them! and- All In The Family, too ..

The reason for Robins running of the mouth to the officer was o Olivia Jerome could here it! Jelly writing at its worst

Hey Rose, Su, Addy…

I love all those shows…LOL…Golden Girls is actually quite funny, too!

I’d add The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Younger and The Flash to the list. All fantastic.

Ah from y&r we get it you think pencil thin is cool! NOT

As a side note, I think “GH” has been really good for the past two weeks. About time!

Kevin, I wish I could agree. What they’re doing right is tending to Alexis’s alcoholism and Anna’s health issues. For me, these two are the reigning stars of GH–GH’s MVPs for sure. I would put Genie Francis as laura in there except she is not given enough scenes. Genie is an underused resource. I also love the erupting bromance which seems to be transpiring between Jason and Curtis. More please! These two have a great comical chemistry. I also think the characterization of Valentin has been skillfully developed and well written.
Okay, that said, here is what is not working for me: 1. The redundancy of Sonny and Carly. I understand that these two will be renewing their vows and Jimmy crack corn and I don’t care. Sonny and Carly are fast forward material but the EP and head writers do not seem to understand this. 2. Speaking of redundancy, can they please find a decent story line for Michael Eastman which does not involve him writhing around on the floor with a needle in his hand as Roxy the bearded lizard sadly looks on? I cannot believe that I am fast forwarding through this man’s scenes. Hayden is not helping matters either. Frankly, I like Roxy better. 3. Lizzy and Franco finally get together and then they disappear from the canvas. The writers do not seem to know what to do with these two which doesn’t involve Franco trying to redeem himself. 4. Why is Sam so stupid? Why would she get into a car with a strange woman? She told her mother that her AA sponsor made her nervous and so we are to believe this private investigator ignored her instincts and hopped into the car with this odd woman? I realize Sam lying in the ravine next to bridge was supposed to be a cliff hanger, but it left me feeling just bored. 4. I do not understand why Ava Jerome is so set on obtaining GH. I am not understanding the connection and frankly, I don’t care.

Clearly, I can’t count. Of course 5 should come after 4!
And why is 6 afraid of 7? Cause 7 ate 9!!

Harry, we agree!

Finola can handle this and seems to be doing her homework to get this serious and rare illness the attention it needs. Linda, the lady in the videos is very sweet. They should give her a walk on!

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers

Looks like Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Ava (Maura West) are back to be each other’s sworn enemy number one. By the end of the Monday, April 22nd episode of General Hospital, the women know where they stand with each other after Nina goes in on Ava accusing her of wanting Sonny (Maurice Benard) all to herself, while her marriage has been on the rocks.

In story, at Nina’s office, Ava shows up to see Nina and says she is sorry about what happened with Sonny and that he reacted the way he did, acknowledging that is was over the top, even for Sonny. Ava says she’ll smooth things over, but Nina says she now understands how manipulative and transparent Ava really is.

Given their horrible history, Nina goes in on Ava and how she should never have trusted her. Nina wants to know how long has Ava had this agenda dating all the way back to telling Nina to turn Carly (Laura Wright) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) into the SEC. Ava says she never told her do to that, but Nina wants to know how long Ava has been playing her for a fool.

Courtesy/ABC

Ava says she moved in with Sonny to keep Avery safe and she wants to be on good terms with Avery’s father, Sonny. Nina thinks she likes being in Sonny’s inner circle. Ava tells Nina if she goes to him about her advising Nina to call the SEC on Carly and Drew, it won’t work.  Sonny still considers Nina a traitor and he will think she’s lying because she’s so desperate to win him back. Ava says if Nina would stop blaming everyone else that maybe Sonny would respect her.  Nina says “like he does you?” Ava says Sonny not only respects her, but he also counts on her.

From there, Ava launches into why she and Sonny understand each other, after all, Sonny is a powerful, turbulent, and sometimes violent man. She goes so far to say if Nina wanted someone to just sit by the fire with and play with their grandchildren, she’s got the wrong guy.  Ava then talks about Mike from Nixon Falls (Sonny with amnesia) and how Sonny hid the darkest parts of himself from Nina back then, whereas with Ava they are the same similar creatures, so he doesn’t have to hide anything.

Courtesy/ABC

Nina wants to know just what Ava wants with Sonny? What is her end game? Ava responds that they understand each other, in ways she can’t with Sonny. Nina tells Ava she can go ahead and have it all and signs Sonny’s divorce papers. Ava walks out with the documents, while Nina in tears at her desk, takes off her wedding rings and has her assistant come in so she can messenger the rings back to Sonny’s address.

The episode and these scenes featured great performances by Cynthia Watros and Maura West. You can check some of the scenes below.

Now, let us know, what is Ava’s next move? Is she going to become Mrs. Sonny Corinthos? Do you like Ava and Nina as enemies? Comment below.

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General Hospital

Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital

If General Hospital’s Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) nuptials are on, you didn’t think Grandma Gloria Cerullo would miss out on the festivities, now did you?

Casting news from Soap Opera Digest reveals that Ellen Travolta is back taping scenes that will air the week of May 13th on the ABC daytime drama series.  When viewers learned that Carmine Cerullo, was also on his way back to Port Charles, now in the face and body of actor George Russo, it only made sense that Grandma Gloria would join Grandpa Cerullo. Look for them both mid-May.

As most people know, Ellen is the older sister to John Travolta. She first make appearances as Gloria back on GH in the mid-90s. Most recently, she returned to the Quartermaine mansion to meet up with daughter, Lois (Rena Sofer) and granddaughter Brook Lynn for Thanksgiving in Port Charles in 2023.  Michael Fairman TV interviewed Rena Sofer and Amanda Setton late last year where they shared what it had been liking working with Ellen, who remains very close to Sofer in real-life.

Photo: JPI

Amanda shared: “We fell in love immediately. What’s crazy is my maternal grandmother was Grandma Gloria. I had her till I was 30 and we were so close. She was really like a second mom to me. So, when I got this script and I’m reading “Grandma Gloria”, it was so bizarre. And then in meeting Ellen, she looks like my grandma – same haircut, same high cheekbones. It really did feel like I had a few days with my grandma. It was very, very special for me. Ellen is sweet, prepared, professional, talented and funny to boot. So, it was one of the best weeks I’ve had at work. I hope she comes back. My fingers are crossed.”

Photo: ABC

Now, we can’t imagine Brook Lynn and Chase’s wedding day to be smooth sailing, in fact, expect just the opposite, but could it be Grandma Gloria who is ultimately the hero or the calming voice of reason for any pre-wedding jitters? Stay tuned.

So, glad to know that Ellen Travolta will be back for Brook Lynn and Chase’s big day? Comment below.

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Breaking News

The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75

Meg Bennett, who had played Julia Newman and later became a writer for the top-rated daytime drama, The Young and the Restless has died at the age of 75.  The news comes from her family who shared that she lost her battle to cancer back on April 11th.

Daytime fans remember fondly, Meg’s portrayal of Victor’s (Eric Braeden)first wife. Bennett joined the show in 1980, after her first soap stint for two years in the role of Liza Walton on Search for Tomorrow.

Impressed by her story notes, the late Bill Bell, then head writer of Y&R, had Meg doing double duty acting and writing on the show from 1983-1987. When he decided to write off the character of Julia, he also wanted Meg to stick around as a writer.  Not only did this begin a whole other daytime career for Bennett, but she was not done playing Julia either. Throughout the decades, Julia would still come back to Genoa City for a visit. Most recently, Y&R fans saw Julia in 2018, and again in 2020.

Photo: JPI

Bennett also appeared on Santa Barbara and was a writer on that show as well from 1991-1993. She played the role of Megan Richardson. It was next that Meg had her longest writing stint coming to ABC’s General Hospital. Meg wrote for GH from 1993-2011.

In 1995, Bennett won her first Daytime Emmy for writing and her personal life changed after falling in love with nine-time Daytime Emmy winner, former GH head writer, Bob Guza Jr. In addition, GH also utilized Bennett for her acting skill when she was cast as the villainess Allegra Montenegro.  Meg and Bog Guza were officially married in 2004 and purchased a home once owned by Boris Karloff and Gregory Peck.

Photo: JPI

Additionally, Meg wrote for The Bold and the Beautiful 1987-1989 and later served as a executive story consultant to Brad Bell from 2002-2004.  She also wrote for Sunset Beach, Generations and GH: Night Shift throughout her writing career. She went on to win five WGA Awards for GH and Santa Barbara.

Meg is survived by her husband of 19 years, Robert Guza Jr., two stepdaughters, four grandchildren, a brother and a sister.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Meg Bennett via the comment section below.

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