The big surprise on Monday’s General Hospital in its first episode back amid the coronavirus pandemic, featured in it none other than Dominic Zamprogna and his return to the show as Dante Falconeri.
In it, viewers see Dante still struggling from his PTSD while at a WSB facility in Geneva, Switzerland at the top of the episode.
We later see Dante writing a letter to his mother, Olivia (Lisa LoCicero), that he just saves and tucks at the end of his bed, never meaning he as he says to send it, in order to keep his family and loved ones safe from him.
Zamprogna was last seen on GH back in March of 2019. Dominic originated the role of Dante back in 2009 and had stayed with the series for 9 years before deciding to previously exit the show. Over the last several months, Dominic has been public about wanting the opportunity to work with his GH co-stars again and how he missed them,
After today’s episode of GH aired, the series Twitter account, tweeted: “Welcome Home” to which the actor expressed: “Thank you!! So great to be back with my family!!”
This sets the stage for Dante to get well, head back to Port Charles, only to find the love of his life Lulu (Emme Rylan), involved with another man, Dustin (Mark Lawson), or who knows what else may be on the horizon.
So, what do you think will happen next for Dante? Glad Dominic is back on GH? Comment below.
Mr. Dominic Zamprogna… “you have; so, much; across the board, appeal
when a character has all the elements , husband material. Bam! welcome back
WOW !!! how is it, that at last… @GH RIGHTED A WRONG. I will never understand TPTB who continue to prop.. Sonny / Carly / Jason / Finn / Michael
all that need be said… you rung it up… Dante home
James R. Poissant
3 years ago
IT’S ABOUT TIME!!!
aria
3 years ago
I’m so glad that GH is back and they were great. First episode match the last episode seamlessly and unlike the BB their wasn’t any awkward bulging eye scenes and Ned and Olivia kissed and neither acted like the other had the cooties. But as far as Dante being the great surprise can’t miss first scene sorry to Burst your bubble Frank V, but that was easy to guess, I would of been more surprise if Taggert pupped up alive, that would of been more surprising but With Olivia crying a river in last Fridays episode it was clearly obvious that Dante was coming back. Still I can’t wait to see everyone else who didn’t appear in todays episode oh and by the way GH has had plenty of time to insert Nelle into the Photo opening scenes. I know they now include contract, and recurring actors so if she’s not a contract player she’s definitely pass being a guest star she’s been appearing for months and her picture has yet to pop up. Just saying.
These episodes were filmed before the pandemic obviously. You can’t have people kissing, sitting in a courtroom, and standing next to each other anymore. The new episodes won’t air for two weeks. The only new part was the Dante stuff which was obviously inserted, and he was ALONE. P.S. would HAVE, not would OF. There is no such term as would of, should of or could of.
I haven’t seen her in so long… Olivia! overact? one of the first few time. Olivia AND Ned would never!?!? I realize that she may go out of her mind,
she’s allowed… that bronx let, you know
dang it tho… that opening scene with this twosome… Wally Kurth !!!! you handsome stud you. ( another, husband material ) YIKE ! love his hair
at the very least… let Ned w/mom Traci… give Ned back the title, rightful heir… as CEO of ELQ
Michael ???? God he stink
Satan
3 years ago
As I said in the other thread, these scenes looked to me like they were late additions to the episode, as they obviously weren’t a direct continuation from the storylines we last saw in May before the Cheetoplague hiatus. Reminiscent of the 5 second scene of Duke Lavery in the clinic in Switzerland, only not to be seen again until several months later.
So we know that Dante is “back”, but don’t be surprised if we don’t see him again for a few weeks until the storylines already written 6 months ago have played out on screen. Unless one of those storylines involved the inevitable death of Mike “Corbin” Corinthos Sr, for which Dante might have already been written in for a short visit. At least I would hope he shows up when his grandfather dies. Would be nice if he got a chance to say goodbye, but they would probably have to turn around his PTSD pretty quick for that to happen.
If they can insert new scenes into the scripts that have been around for months, perhaps they could show that process playing out while he’s in the “secret WSB facility”.
Timmm
3 years ago
Valentini said in an interview that the audience will be blown away in the first few seconds when GH returns. Why do I continue to fall for this spin masters high jinks! I should be blown away by the return of Dante? Come on! First, fans knew he was coming back, secondly, him and Lulu are a horrible couple! Blown away would have been Duke alive or the return of Frisco Jones!
the most tragic thing going on ???? Anna … Ms. Finola Hughes… languishing in dead on arrival w/Finn. wanting Duke alive for a surprise would have rocked shook to the core
Timmm,
Iam with you! Dante is such a sad sack. Wish he’d take Lulu on a very long second honeymoon and forget to come back. Doubt if that could cheer him up
Julie Berman : Year 2005 – 2013
Dante Zamprogna : Year 2009 – 2018
Emme Rylan : Year 2013 – present
Who has that One / Half that just lights your FIRE (s)
Dante for upwards of his first 4 years w/Julie Berman ignited a firestorm that left me breathless. dang it… Julie Berman in her 8 plus years WON three emme.
I can still see the passion. yeah, it’s , an eyefull that i’d admit to watching my telee and salivating … okey dokey
HE NEEDED A BREAK… stuck with lil barbie momma smurph, her rightiousness is like squeek, mouse run, AND chalk board grate.
Dante NEEDS alternative: he certainly shows different sides to him… @GH Writers NEED to commit to him. I really liked that film noir eppi when it was Dante who played the mob king pin. by his having this ??? PTSD… if done correctly .. will flesh out his OWN characterizations. The GH writers NEED to commit AND give him material worthy
GH made this decision
I wish him well… God… I’m so over Emme… I swear even Genie Francis has to muster up all her energy, just to appear interested in her own daughter
Patrick, well said! Maybe it’s Lulu-hoop that puts me off of Dante, because I used to like him with Julie B .and I loved his little enactment of the gangsta when mom and dad came to visit. I also hope he gets home in time to see his grandpa one last time. He and Mike were always good together.
A Devil must admit I preferred the original Lulu Spencer myself. She actually seemed like the actual offspring of Luke & Laura, and definitely was a better pairing with Dante. Emme tries her best, but I’d easily trade a half dozen souls of the damned to have the “real” Lulu back.
Omar
3 years ago
Mixed feeling for his return..The early years Dante’s storylines were good and he played them very well but a few years before his departure, his character became boring due to lack of storylines for him and his acting suffer because of it…I hope they give something good to show his true talents.
Tony
3 years ago
Yuk. Another Corinthos ass-kisser. I think if someone voluntarily leaves a soap to “stretch their acting wings” they should stay gone!! That goes for the likes of Steve Burton, too.
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
May 16, 2024
After various reports surfaced, it has been confirmed that Patrick Mulcahey is out as the co-head writer of General Hospital. This is after a very short tenure of under five months.
Mulcahey was named to the position back in January of 2024 along with longtime GH writer Elizabeth Korte. They replaced the team of Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor, who had been the head scribes of the long-running ABC daytime drama since 2019.
A source informed Soap Opera Digest that stories created by the co-head writing team of Mulcahey/Korte team will air through mid-summer. However they added “There will be more news to share at a later date as to the composition of the new writing team.”
In addition, eagle-eyed soap fans have seen that in recent episodes former co-head writer, Chris Van Etten has been credited, as he is reportedly a breakdown writer with the show.
Soap Opera Network is reporting that Korte has assumed the head writing duties solely on her own at the moment, while Buzz blog initially reported Mulcahey’s exit.
We will have more on the GH writing team evolution in the days ahead.
What do you think about the writing team changes at GH thus far? Comment below.
Melody Thomas Scott and Edward J. Scott to Receive Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Honors
May 6, 2024
The Young and the Restless iconic Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman) and her husband, Emmy-winning producer, Edward J. Scott have been named by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences as Lifetime Achievement Honorees at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Melody and Ed will be presented with the award on June 7th during the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (8 PM ET/delayed PT) broadcast live on CBS and streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
In a statement Melody and Ed expressed, “We are honored and humbled to receive this recognition from NATAS. Throughout our decades-long careers in front of and behind the cameras, we have had the opportunity to work not only with each other, but also with an incredibly talented pool of people who excel in their crafts and are passionate about the art we create in daytime television. We are grateful to have worked side by side with them and to be included with such esteemed recipients who have made their mark in our industry. We look forward to spending another wonderful evening celebrating the daytime community!“
Adam Sharp, President and CEO, NATAS added,“We’ve long wanted to honor the legendary daytime duo of Melody Thomas Scott and her husband Edward J. Scott. With a combined 93 years of contributions to our community, they are true institutions in the world of Daytime television.”
In addition to Melody and Ed receiving their Lifetime Achievement honors, public television host and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich will also be honored.
Photo NATAS
Lidia Bastianich said, “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized and receive the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for having shared my passion for food with TV audiences for over 25 years. Cooking together and sharing food remain a common denominator of all cultures. Food nurtures, it connects diverse people, and it brings families, friends, and strangers together. There is no better place to be on this earth, especially in these trying times, than sharing food at a table with others. That simple idea has been the basis of my life’s work. Hence, as I say in my shows, “Tutti a Tavola a Mangiare!” Mille Grazie to NATAS for this honor.”
While Adam Sharp shared, “Lidia Bastianich’s astounding success combines her love of cooking while simultaneously entertaining millions each day. It is an honor for us to say ‘grazie’ for the many fine meals borne from her TV kitchen and cookbook pages.”
Melody Thomas Scott recently celebrated 45 years in the role of Nikki Newman, having joined the show in February 1979. Scott’s character has matured from the girl from the wrong side of the tracks to the serial’s luminous and resourceful leading lady. After garnering a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1999, she went on to win in the same category for the Soap Opera Digest Award in 2001 and received four Soap Opera Update Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress (1992, 1993, 1995 and 1996). Scott began her career at age three. She studied singing, tap dancing, ballet and jazz and became one of the world-famous “Meglin Kiddies,” performing in USO shows as she started booking national commercials and guest spots on such series as “Wagon Train,” “My Three Sons,” “Ironside” and a recurring role on “The Waltons.” Scott made her motion picture debut at age eight when she was cast by Alfred Hitchcock as the young Tippi Hedren in the thriller “Marnie.” She has co-starred with legendary actors Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Page, John Wayne and Kirk Douglas. Scott has worked on stage and in numerous television shows and was the subject of Lifetime Television’s “Intimate Portrait.” As a lifelong fan of “I Love Lucy,” Scott served as a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, N.Y., which is committed to preserving the legacy of the great comedienne. In 2020,
Scott released her memoir, “Always Young and Restless.” Married since 1985 to Edward J. Scott, the couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
Photo: JPI
Edward J. Scott is a six-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning producer who has played a pivotal role in the historic development of the soap opera genre for nearly five decades. Scott is currently supervising producer for The Bold and the Beautiful, the #2-rated daytime drama in the U.S. and the most-watched daily drama in the world, which is nominated for 12 Daytime Emmy Awards this year. Scott began his association with The Bell Family and Bell-Phillip Television Productions when he joined “The Young and The Restless” as an associate producer in 1976. He quickly moved up the ranks and served as the show’s executive producer for decades.
Scott’s legendary 48-year producing partnership and creative collaboration with “The Young and The Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” creators, the late William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, and their son, Bradley P. Bell, has helped create the two most popular daily American television series. Today, both daytime dramas are syndicated internationally. Before joining “B&B” Scott was executive producer for the NBC daytime drama “Days of Our Lives.” Born and raised in Santa Monica, California, Scott earned a B.A from California State University at Northridge with a double major of anthropology and broadcasting journalism. He has been married since 1985 to actress and author Melody Thomas Scott. The couple have three daughters and five grandchildren.
So, excited to hear Y&R’s Melody Thomas Scott and longtime daytime soap opera producer, Edward J. Scott are receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honors at this years 51st Annual Daytime Emmys? Comment below.
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton(General Hospital)Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (*subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, Featuring Days of OurLives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.
