General Hospital
General Hospital to Honor John Reilly with Upcoming Episode
The impact that John Reilly (Sean Donely) had on the cast, producers and fans of General Hospital, will be recognized on-air with a future episode of the ABC daytime drama series; as this week the world of soaps is mourning this soap opera veteran who passed away at 84.
GH executive producer, Frank Valentini told Variety that Reilly “was a huge part of the GH history and will be honored in an upcoming episode that the writers are working on now.”
Reilly began on GH back in June of 1984 and played Sean through February of 1995. He later made guest appearances through 2008 for the finale of GH: Night Shift and also appeared in 2013.
Due to COVID-19, GH has adjusted its production schedule slightly, but both the writers’ and production teams are still working weeks ahead of air and are currently preparing episodes from the end of the first quarter into the second quarter of 2021.
So, how would you like to see the death of Sean Donely play out on-air, now that we have lost beloved cast member, John Reilly? Let us know via the comment section.
I’m glad gh is doing this.
Not sad, but wonderful flashbacks with John as Sean from GH’s best days. Combine this with the excellent “standalone” storytelling we now know the writers are capable of, and it will be a wonderful tribute.
End of first quarter puts us right at the 58th anniversary date of April 1 – a perfect day for a standalone episode honoring John/Sean.
Robert, Anna, Felicia (Sean’s “princess”)and Mac are musts. Kimberly McCullough has previously announced she would no longer be acting, but perhaps they can persuade her to come back for a quick visit. Monica, because of their history, would be an added plus.
At this rate, they’ll probably end up showing the “April 1” episode some time in May.
No GH last Wednesday due to the MAGAtt terrorist attacks. No GH today due to ImOrangement 2.0. I’m guessing with Inauguration Day next Wednesday, that was probably a pre-planned pre-emption already. Assuming the terrorists don’t do anything else stupid, they might get back to a 5 day schedule on the week of 1/25.
While the preemptions are annoying (and the reasons for them sad), they might actually be beneficial, production-wise, in the long run.
If all goes according to revised plans, the show is scheduled to return to production next week after taking about longer holiday break due to Covid concerns in LA. That will leave them about 2 weeks of episodes remaining in the can. Let’s hope they don’t have to resort to excessive recent flashbacks or “vintage Fridays” to extend the time period of material already shot.
I want this played out but I want Jack Wagner and Sharon Wyatt back for this too.
Sharon Wyatt, sadly, has been struggling with health concerns for some time and is no longer acting.
Frank and Jack are not on the best of terms since Frisco’s short return during the 50th anniversary celebration. Jack has said nice things about John Reilly online, so we can keep hoping.
My memory is really fuzzy on this, but I recall some years ago someone was on one of those mystery jaunts that took them all over the place and they ran into a lady who turned out to be Sean and Tiffany’s daughter. (I hope I have that right.) And I think I remember her saying the Sean was not in good health.
If that’s the case, I would just see him passing away peacefully from whatever was ailing him back then.
There’d still be room for characters on the show who knew him to remember in a tribute.
Sean returned for one day back in 2013. Turned out he was the first one poisoned in a storyline that had Luke, who was also poisoned, on death’s door.
Sean and Tiffany’s daughter Anna (named after Devane when she was presumed dead in the 90s) was also shown at that time. As the storyline ended, Devane mentioned that Sean got the cure in time and was recovering.
Well, let’s see what we have to work with as far as a Sean Donely tribute goes…..
Robert & Anna are obviously involved. Can’t remember the last time we saw Felicia, but she definitely needs to be there. Still say Sean was her father, though they never actually came out and said so. If not, he was the closest thing to a father she ever had. Monica had a brief relationship with Sean and she’s still around. I think that’s pretty much everyone in the current cast who would have actually known him. Were Sean and Laura ever on the show at the same time? Having a senior Devil moment, and can’t actually remember…..
By all rights, Frisco should be there, though I’m guessing the odds of a blizzard in Hell are slightly better than this actually happening. Same with Luke, though he was there for Sean’s last appearance on Night Shift.
Slightly better odds of Robin making an appearance. Supposedly she wasn’t going to do any more of those, but might make an exception for this?
In any case, I truly hope they don’t botch it like they did when Gail died, and do some really dumb episode featuring mostly characters from the Valentini regime who never even met the woman.
I’m with you on the Sean and Laura connection. They might have shared a few scenes, but wouldn’t be called close.
Felicia hasn’t been on camera since they returned from the production shutdown. This, despite her daughter announcing her pregnancy, Maxie being held hostage by her best friend’s sister, Ryan being stabbed, and oh, her place of business blowing up! Not sure if this is Wagner’s decision or Frank’s.
The answer concerning Sean and Laura is a little bit yes and no.
Sean, Robert,Frisco and the gang were present when Luke and Laura announced their first pregnancy just after the Mexico adventure in 1984 when Tony and Genie returned for a story arc.
Sean and Tiffany were still on the canvas when Genie returned in 1993. Laura and Tiffany resumed their friendship while trying to compartmentalize it. With Luke doing illegal things and Tiffany married to police commissioner, they had to tread lightly.
I would like both Laura and Robert to each get a call from Tiffany.
Anne, that would be so nice.
You know when Sonny lived in Sean’s penthouse, I was always waiting for someone to find the hidden room in the wall …. It would be fun if something lead Robert & Anna there.
It was Robert’s penthouse before it was Sean’s. Robert’s the one who built the secret room, so if it still exists, he would know where to look for it.
Breaking News
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
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.
Days Of Our Lives
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
On Thursday night May 16th, the daytime community comes together for Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer, streaming live at 8 pm ET/5pm PT.
Stand Up To Cancer, in collaboration with leading daytime community voices Michael Fairman and Alan Locher, are coming together for a first-of-its-kind livestream event, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
The three-hour benefit will feature stars from the world of daytime drama television past and present, musical performances, and stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer. Special celebrity guests will also join the effort to encourage viewers to support urgently needed research and new cancer treatments. You can watch live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, The Locher Room or the Stand Up To Cancer website.
In support of the event, SU2C will simultaneously launch a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for soap opera fans to bid on a wide range of items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of CBS’s The Young and the Restless and signed merchandsise from CBS’s The Bold and the 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, at StandUpToCancer.org/DaytimeStandsUp.
As part of the event, you will hear, cancer survivorship stories from General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; and 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his battle with bladder cancer
Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden.
Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett.
Two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding Light / One Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keifer.
Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez.
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).
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 Our Lives 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); Lesli Kay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (General Hospital); and Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
You can watch the Daytime Stands Up livestream below. Now let us know if you have a cancer story that has affected your life via the comment section below, or how a daytime TV character who went through a cancer battle, gave you strength and courage in your own journey.
General Hospital
General Hospital Receives Stage Dedication
General Hospital has yet another moment to cherish in their storied 61-year history. ABC Entertainment executives honored the daytime dramas cast and crew on May 10, 2024, by dedicating Stage 4, where the series is filmed as “The General Hospital Stage.”
ABC made the decision to acknowledge the show with the stage dedication last year, when it hit its 60th anniversary.
Network executive, Nathan Varni shared via Facebook, “This event was supposed to take place in April, 2023 but due to a multitude of reasons was postponed. Well, we finally celebrated the legacy and history of General Hospital with a stage dedication placard that will live on forever! Thanks to everyone involved with the show for all your hard work, dedication and passion for continuing to keep this show alive and running! Congrats to all involved! We deeply admire and appreciate everyone who works around the clock to bring this series to life 255 days a year!”
Photo: ABC
The stage dedication plaque reads: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL STAGE. IN HONOR OF THE ICONIC TELEVISION DRAMA’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY. SERIES DEBUT APRIL 1, 1963.
Cast members who were in attendance to be part of the dedication included: Jane Elliot (Tracy), Kelly Monaco (Sam), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Donnell Turner (Curtis), Kristina Wagner (Felicia), Maura West (Ava), Brook Kerr (Portia), Kirsten Storms (Maxie), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), Chad Duell (Michael), Robert Gossett (Marshall), Eden McCoy (Josslyn), Josh Swickard (Chase), Jeff Kober (Cyrus), Hudson West (Jake) and Vernee Watson (Stella).
Photo: ABC
GH is not only the longest-running daytime soap on the air, but it is now longest-running scripted drama in all of television. The series continues to hold the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the Daytime Emmy Award a record 16 times. To date, GH has filmed over 15,468 episodes.
Share your congrats to GH for their stage dedication which will continue to preserve their legacy for years to come.
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
General Hospital Receives Stage Dedication
Steve Burton Confirms New Relationship
GH’s Wally Kurth on Ned’s Talk To Brook Lynn Before Walking Her Down the Aisle: “Everytime I Read it, I Choked Up. At Rehearsal, I Choked Up”
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: What Shocker Awaits at Chase and Brook Lynn’s Wedding?
Days of our Lives Favorite Judi Evans Shares Touching Remembrance of Son Austin on Mother’s Day
GH’s Nancy Lee Grahn Speaks Out for Jailed Former On-Screen Daughter, Haley Pullos
Steve Burton Confirms New Relationship
GH’s Amanda Setton Previews Brook Lynn & Chase’s Wedding: “It’s a Really Satisfying Payoff for the Fans”
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
Motion Picture Star Chris Hemsworth, a ‘Home and Away’ Alum, Defends Soap Operas, ‘It Used to Bother Me When Actors Would Later Talk About the Show with Guilt or Shame”
‘The Bold and the Beautiful Music from the Series Volume Two’ Released Featuring Dramatic Story Themes
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: What Shocker Awaits at Chase and Brook Lynn’s Wedding?
Jensen Ackles to Make His ‘Tracker’ Debut
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General HospitalMay 10, 2024John J. York Back at General Hospital
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General HospitalMay 11, 2024GH’s Adam J. Harrington Reveals the Behind the Scenes Story of Becoming John “Jagger” Cates
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General HospitalMay 13, 2024GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: What Shocker Awaits at Chase and Brook Lynn’s Wedding?
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Days Of Our LivesMay 12, 2024Days of our Lives Favorite Judi Evans Shares Touching Remembrance of Son Austin on Mother’s Day
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General HospitalMay 9, 2024Giovanni Mazza Joins General Hospital as Brook Lynn’s Cousin
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NewsMay 8, 2024Y&R’s Zuleyka Silver Gets Engaged