General Hospital
GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
One of the most beloved actors in the history of General Hospital, Kin Shriner, currently finds his alter-ego, Scott Baldwin, in a new budding on-screen romance with none other than Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati).
This comes on the heels of Scott learning the devastating news that his son, Franco Baldwin was shot and killed, thus writing-off the ABC daytime drama series, for now, popular actor, Roger Howarth.
Photo: JPI
Throughout his now almost 44-year-run on the ABC daytime drama series, Kin Shriner has brought his unique acting chops that helped mold the character of legal eagle Scott Baldwin into the humorous, at times cutthroat, endearing and many times heartbreaking character we have all come to love.’
In a brand new exclusive virtual sit-down interview with Michael Fairman on You Tube’s The Michael Fairman Channel, Shriner opens up about his history with GH and the times he stepped away to take on roles on Texas and As the World Turns, and then back again to the town of Port Charles and GH.
Photo: ABC
As well, Kin reveals his reaction to learning the news that Roger Howarth would be exiting the show as his TV son and how he shot the key emotional scene where Laura (Genie Francis) tells Scott that Franco had died. Shriner shares that he does not see how when Howarth returns to the show in as a yet-to-be-revealed character, that it would be a stretch if the two were some how related, but that he will miss working with the talented Howarth as a scene-partner.
Photo: JPI
As to the women in Scott’s life, Kin addresses each of them from: Lucy (Lynn Herring), Bobbie (Jackie Zeman), Dominque (Shell Danielson), Laura (Francis), Ava (Maura West) – to which the character could never get that close to – and now Liesl (Gati), and working opposite all the powerhouse actresses who portray them.
Photo: ABC
For fans of General Hospital who have watched the series for decades, Kin also shares memories of working with his late TV parents, Peter Hansen (Lee), Susan Brown (Gail) and his friend and former GH castmate John Reilly (Sean), plus backstage stories with his longtime scene partner, Genie Francis.
Watch the entire conversation with Kin below.
Now let us know, are you all for the Scott and Liesl romance? Will you miss scenes between Scott and Franco? Would you ever want to see Scott and Laura reunite romantically? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. And having been a viewer of GH when Shriner first began as Scotty, it is satisfying to hear him talk about his GH experience, from the early years through the present day. We often hear about how Y&R has been the #1 soap for 30+ years. While true, it was GH’s run at #1 that broke all viewership records, which stand to this day.
During that epic time of record viewership, the GH actors were like rock stars. There was an amazing amount of buzz about the show and its stars, and Shriner was a big part of that. Although I think he is most comfortable as a comedic actor, he can definitely bring the drama as well. Not an easy feat!
Jamesj75
I thouroughly agree with your acessment of Kin/Scott. He has been a joy throughout the years.Loved he and Laura but some of his other romantic choices, not so much.He’s never lost his talent for comedy which Iam sure he inherited from his dad, Herb, a very funny and talented man in the fifties.
I am now anxiously waiting for his, which is bound to be crazy and funny, relationship with Dr.OH!!
Violet, I am also with you on your preference for Laura over Scotty’s other women. Thanks for the background on Kin’s father. Also, we saw his twin brother Wil do an inadvertent walk-on. Wil is also a comedic actor.
Yes, Jamesj75, back in the 80s I used to imagine running my hands thru Scotty’s glorious blonde hair and…well, enough of that. He also had a small role in WAR AND REMEMBRANCE, the mammoth 1989 miniseries, as a submarine officer. His brother Wil also appeared in one of my favorite films, “Peggy Sue Got Married” in 1986. I love seeing Scotty with Liesl, what an inspired pairing! What memories these veteran actors must have of the soaps’ heyday! I treasure mine also. Cheers, James!
Soaphound, I watched War and Remembrance. Thanks for bringing up this, well, remembrance! Great to hear about your fondness for Scotty. 🙂 I know I reminisce often about the heyday of soaps — as well as my own… Cheers!
LOL, that hook-up with Dr. O came out of the blue, but I LOVE it!!
Scott needs a love life, so does Liesl, and these two ‘weirdos’ are made for each other!
This could be great comedy relief…with heart ♥️
Laughing my pointy tailed ass off when he said he and Heather had to have been teenagers when Frodd was born. Because we all know that ain’t true. Scotty was in his late teens when he met Laura, and any relationship he may have had with Heather was LONG after that. In fact he’d already disappeared to Texas and come back from there before he ever knew Heather.
Satan, you’re absolutely correct about the timing. It’s always a jolt, to say the least, when writers rewrite history, which is what they did with Scotty and Heather in introducing their son.
Funny thing: You, Satan, probably know this, but near the end of the interview, Mr. Fairman showed a cast picture, with a most youthful Scotty and Laura. Also in that picture? Heather, as played by Mary O’Brien, the second actress to play the role. The first Heather was Georgianne LaPiere (Cher’s half-sister), and of course, Robin Mattson was the third (and last) actress to play the role. The most significant scene involving Mary O’Brien’s Heather is that she tried to give Diana Taylor (as played then by Brooke Bundy) LSD in a glass of iced tea, but somehow the glasses were switched and Heather drank the tainted drink. Final footnote: of course, the first actress who played Diana Taylor was Valerie Starrett (as I have noted on these pages many times, and my favorite daytime star ever). I had to say it. It’s in my DNA…
Jamesj75
I don’t know if you are interested in this info, and you may already know but you can go to eBay.com and purchase numerous memorabilia of Valerie Starrett, including a large GH photo,etc. Good luck.
Violet, you are my hero! Thank you for telling me about this. I have bought old soap magazines there that featured Valerie on the cover, but I will look at posters, etc., and I will let you know. You’ve made my day, Violet. Thank you, Friend!
Jamesj75
It was my pleasure to bring a little joy to someone these days. I looked myself and could not find anything listed under V.S but then I entered Soap Stars Photos, Memerabelia and hit the jackpot! Tons of photos, mags. but sadly no Valerie, though I had to stop after pg.ten or so. Anyway, hope you enjoy browsing and find something good. Best Wishes
Violet, thanks for making the effort on my behalf. I really appreciate it. I may end up ordering another magazine or two from the site. Take care, Friend.
Jamesj75
Hi, Isn’t it strange that every reply we made to each other since the last one has been dropped and or censured. I have an idea what and who caused it, but God forbid I should say something about having an opinion, as I certainly do right now. I thought the days of walking on eggshells was over, apparently not. So long for now, my friend. I hope you get this message.
James
There was an homage to the LSD tea switching on Friday’s episode with the lazy Susan used as a device to mix up the cups (one of which containing the vial of mystery liquid from Peter).
Back in the 70s, little Steven Lars (then known as PJ) played with the Lazy Susan, causing Heather to get the drink intended for Diana). One of my earliest GH memories.
Steve, thanks a million for the information. I will have to look up that scene. Also, I didn’t remember that it was PJ who played with the lazy Susan, causing the switcheroo, so thanks for clarifying that. Speaking of Peter, usually soaps go out of their way not to use the same name of a regular character more than once, so I was surprised to learn of a new Peter when Dr. Peter Taylor was such a popular character in the 1970s. Over decades, I suppose it isn’t that big a deal. Take care.
Funny, Franco and his dad are only ten years apart in real life but in reel life, it’s believable.
Thank you for this terrific interview. I was happy to watch this and I enjoyed this greatly. I could listen to Kin and the other legacy characters share their stories all day.
Excellent interview. I remember when Kin,Genie,and Tony all started on the show back in 1977.
I will miss Franco. I enjoyed the scenes of Franco with Elizabeth and her boys. I am happy to see Scott and Leisel in a romance.
ditto. not sure if Roger was bored with Franco or if GH was just getting rid of the perception of fake rapist… which we all know Franco did not rape Sam, it was all a mind game of the former actor and tumor-ridden Franco… anyways, hard as it was to see Franco be clever enough to kidnap and transport Peter without being seen, and dumb enough to leave bullets in the gun and not lock Peter up in that big cage, and then to see him die, I was only consoled by the fact that Roger is changing roles.
Did you all catch the laugh out loud funny when Spinelli was tracking Franco for Jason. Spin said Franco was at his studio on Talmadge Street…. Well yes Franco and more to the point Roger Howarth, were at their studio on Talmadge Street… as the studio where GH is shot is located on Talmadge Street and Prospect Ave!!
funny writers!!
I really love that romance Liesle Obreth and Scott
Michael
I guess Iam really dense because I can not find anyone mentioned in this whole page that deserves your comment.So which gentleman are you speaking of?
Kin Shriner.
44 years in the business would say otherwise.
It’s called luck and I’m entitled have an opinion.
Michael
When you named Kin Shriner as being one of the worst daytime actors, I meant to let it go but now you say you are entitled to your opinion which Iam sure you have plenty of and Iam also sure you, like all of us have armpits too, but some just stink more than others.
That was a good interview, thanks. First time I ever heard the actor speak as himself.
Kin seems at piece! He looks good. It must be from hanging with Stamos! I hope he and Roger find a way to work together again. They are gold!
Love Scotty and Dr. O together. We need Kin S. on our screen more often
Great interview Michael!! I will miss Scotty and Franco scenes as I do see them and the actors as having similar traits or styles. The way they played off each other was always enjoyable to watch. Glad that he can still be part of the Baldwin-Webber clan with his 3 grandkids.
Ive been watching Scotty for a long time, like high contrast B/W days! I remember Scott’s mom was crazy… I remember some kitchen table scene with the mom, I think her name was Meg, and little Scotty, and Lee. The lighting was so oddly bright it made tbe scene look odd. So that was Johnny Whitaker back in the mid 60’s, but I didn’t remember it was the same kid when he started on Family Affair, but I was just a kid myself back then…. Johnny ‘s less than two months younger than me. GH and I go wayyy back!
General Hospital
GH’s Kin Shriner Remembers Jackie Zeman on the One-Year Anniversary of Her Passing
Today on May 9th, marked the one-year anniversary of the death of Jackie Zeman, who for 45 years played the iconic nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital.
Jackie passed away at 70-years-old from cancer and leaves behind her two daughters, Cassidy and Lacey, and all of her enduring fans, and of course. her GH co-stars and dear friends.
Perhaps, her dearest friend was Jackie’s longtime co-star Kin Shriner (Scott) where for years they shared stories on-screen as Bobbie and Scott, and off-screen developed and cultivated an unbreakable bond.
Photo: ABC
Michael Fairman TV spoke exclusively to Kin Shriner to get his thoughts and his memories of Jackie on what is for him and many, a sad and heartbreaking day.
Kin expressed: “It does not seem like a year. I think of Jackie every day and every day. I am approached often as an ambassador to the old days. Every day somebody talks about the heyday of General Hospital bringing up Bobby, Scotty, Luke, and Laura. And it always saddens me because I know that Jackie would still want to know that the fans still love that period of time and we miss her, and I miss that. I don’t get to come in and have a scene with her again, ever. So, it’s all sad and I can’t believe that it’s a year.
When asked what does he think Jackie’s legacy is, now reflecting on her passing a year later, Kin shared, “Her legacy is that It she changed daytime television in the seventies. She was the catalyst that came into General Hospital and created Bobbie Spencer from the wrong side of the tracks, the fiery firecracker woman that she was.”
Photo: ABC
Shriner added on their deep connection, “Jackie brought it all to the screen and she brought it to real life. She raised two great kids, and was a spitfire of a woman and someone that I enjoyed being around from the day we met to the day she died, I was in her life, and she was in my life. We went through a lot together, you know, ups and downs, and it’s just sad that she’s not here anymore.”
Share your thoughts to Kin’s words on the loss of Jackie Zeman via the comment section below, and also your thoughts that is has already been a year since we lost this daytime icon.
Coming up, make sure to watch Kin and many other stars from the soaps on the Michael Fairman Channel’s very special livestream event Daytime Stands Up in conjunction with The Locher Room and Stand Up To Cancer on Thursday May 16th from 8 pm ET/5 pm PT.
General Hospital
Giovanni Mazza Joins General Hospital as Brook Lynn’s Cousin
Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) wedding is bringing several new faces to General Hospital. Now comes word that violinist and actor, Giovanni Mazza is set to show up for the nuptials which begin the week of May 13th.
Mazza will play Giovanni Cerullo, the cousin of BLQ, who will play the violin at their wedding ceremony.
Giovanni, who is based in Chicago, has performed at many live events and television shows including for the NBA (see below). As an actor, he started at the young age of 8 in commercials and indie based films out of Chicago.
Photo: ABC
He got his first speaking role at 10 on Nickelodeon’s Bella and the Bulldogs. Giovanni holds a dual citizen in the United States and Italy. Deadline broke the casting news.
Will GH keep Mazza around for the summer months when the teen scene usually is featured more in story on the soaps? Stay tuned.
Watch Giovanni perform at the L.A. Lakers, and then let us know if you are looking forward to seeing him on GH? Comment below.
General Hospital
GH’s Donnell Turner Visits His Dream Show, ‘Jeopardy!’
General Hospital’s Donnell Turner (Curtis Ashford) has been a longtime fans of the iconic game show, Jeopardy!
After taping scenes at GH on Tuesday, Turner visited the set of the show and met host Ken Jennings.
Taping to his Instagram, Turner shared a pic of himself with Jennings noting, “Hanging out with the GOAT, Ken Jennings, after work yesterday as a guest, not a contestant (Yet!).”
Photo: DTurnerIG
In addition, Turner added about Jennings: “Thank you sir, your kind spirit and charm made this unforgettable for me. A salute to the whole crew, from security to producers, you all were beyond exceptional. This was BIG for me! If you know me, you know this is my program and an unequivocal pinch me moment. Stay tuned for more y’al”
Last year in the wake of Mayim Bialik’s departure from the Jeopardy! brand, Ken Jennings became the permanent host of the show.
So, will Donnell Tuner wind up on ‘Jeopardy!’ as a celebrity contestant? Let us know in the comment section below.
GH’s Kin Shriner Remembers Jackie Zeman on the One-Year Anniversary of Her Passing
Giovanni Mazza Joins General Hospital as Brook Lynn’s Cousin
GH’s Donnell Turner Visits His Dream Show, ‘Jeopardy!’
General Hospital Alum Chloe Lanier to Guest Star on ‘Law & Order’
Y&R’s Zuleyka Silver Gets Engaged
Y&R’s Zuleyka Silver Gets Engaged
The Stars Come Out In Support of Nancy Lee Grahn’s ALS Benefit (Photos)
Giovanni Mazza Joins General Hospital as Brook Lynn’s Cousin
General Hospital Alum Chloe Lanier to Guest Star on ‘Law & Order’
Maurice Benard Confirms Steve Burton is Upcoming Guest on ‘State of Mind’
(INTERVIEW) Y&R’s Peter Bergman Deconstructs Jack’s Desperate Move to Sober Up Nikki, the Repercussions Ahead, and the Loss of TV Mom, Marla Adams
(INTERVIEW) Adam Huss Talks on His Latest GH Return, Maura West, Nicholas Chavez, and Being a Swiftie
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
(WATCH) B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Annika Noelle Talk Lead Actress Emmy Nominations and Brooke and Hope’s Mother/Daughter Relationship
Juliet Donenfeld is the Temporary Recast as General Hospital’s Georgie
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