General Hospital
Nicolas Bechtel Says Farewell to the role of GH’s Spencer Cassadine: “It’s Been a Great Run … Thank You For All Your Love and Support”
As General Hospital viewers this week become familiar with a new actor (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and a new take on the character of Spencer Cassadine, former GH star, Nicolas Bechtel (Ex-Spencer) took to Twitter to extend his heartfelt thanks to all of his legions of fans and followers.
To say that Bechtel warmed our hearts in the role of the dark prince’s son is an understatement. He was a scene-stealing favorite who could hold his own with all the big name talent of General Hospital. Nicolas’ great sense of comedic timing and the dramatic made him a very sought after young actor in Hollywood. So much so, that he appeared in Disney Channel sitcom Stuck in the Middle, had a recurring role on the Red Band Society on Fox, and has even played young Rob Kardashian in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
In a tweet on Monday, Bechtel shared about his whirlwind run as Spencer: “Spencer suffered third degree burns at his own birthday party, spent time with the spirit of his Mother, ran away, was kidnapped, tampered with an election and broke his legs skiing in the Swiss Alps. It’s been a great run…thank you for all your love and support.” He said in a previous tweet this morning, “grateful everyday no matter what.”
Throughout his run on GH, Nicolas received a Daytime Emmy nomination for his work as Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series back in 2016.
Share your well-wishes and kudos to Nicolas for a job well-done in the comment section below.
Spencer suffered third degree burns at his own birthday party, spent time with the spirit of his Mother, ran away, was kidnapped, tampered with an election and broke his legs skiing in the Swiss Alps. It’s been a great run…thank you for all your love and support ✌🏼#GH
— Nicolas J Bechtel ✰ (@NicolasJBechtel) July 5, 2021
Still don’t get the reasoning behind recasting the character. Especially since he was so well loved by the viewers.
I think the other young people he will be interacting with have kind of outgrown him and look much older.
Exactly, they need to bring him back as Brenda’s son!
That would be fantastic
Because he is supposed to be the same age as Joss, Trina and Cameron and clearly the actor is younger.
To keep Bechtel, they would’ve had to rewrite a little history. Spencer would have to be a few years younger than Joss and Cam – more the same as Jake.
Once Joss and Cam were SORASed with Eden McCoy and William Lipton, there was little choice but to eventually slightly age Spencer, whose long been positioned as a rival for the “townie” Cameron.
Irony there is that Joss & Cam shouldn’t be remotely the same age. Hell, never mind Cam… his little brother Jake should be older than Joss!!
Jake was 4 years old when he supposedly died & his kidney was given to Joss who was still in diapers at the time. Apparently Jake didn’t age at all when he was held hostage on Cassadine island?
Then I guess you haven’t watched soaps much. It was the same when Michael was aged and recast. Everyone loved Dylan Cash who had played Michael for six years, from early school age to early teens. Nicholas Bechtel only played Spencer steadily for a couple of years and then went to recurring status only appearing for very short stints for the next few years. He was excellent as the spoiled entitled prince. But the show wants to bring Spencer back to the canvas and since he’s supposed to be the same age as those in the current teen scene, they had no choice but to age the character. When NB was last on the canvas, he had scenes with both Joss and Cam and they treated him like a little kid, which, compared to them, he was. Just a few years before, they were all the same age. In order to fold the character of Spencer into the current teen scene, the character had to be aged. This is standard soap opera practice. What’s not to understand?
Well, for one, Bechtel is actually only a couple of years younger so its not a major age difference and two, they didn’t have to bring him back to interact with the teens. When he was brought back before, they didn’t interact so why now? This new guy could have easily played a classmate of theirs.
Characters typically need to interact with multiple other characters in order for them to be both interesting for viewers and cost effective for the production. If Spencer only had scenes with Nik, Ava and Laura, he’d be a one-note character.
Had they brought NuSpencer in as a different character, they’d have to create backstory and take time to build up authenticity – something they never achieved with Dev.
I wonder that maybe he has grown to want to go forward in a different direction. In or out of entertainment. I personally think he may need to stretch his leg either on stage or in movies. Look around you can see all kinds of actors that have been very helpful successful after GH.
I totally agree with u♀️
Nickolas Bechtel will always be Spencer to me. Always sweet and loving and now that they are turning his character into a little s–t, I’am glad they are having someone else play the part who will be a different person to me, not Spencer.
Come on! Bechtel as Spencer was beyond a little shit! Always in the adult’s business and screwing with Cam over Joss. Not the sweet little Angel that lived in your own mind.
Why in the world would they recast the role…..there’s only ONE Spencer….I hate when they do this. The only recast that has worked in my opinion is Laura Wright as Carly
Other recasts that have definitely “worked”:
Genie Francis as Laura
Kim Shriner as Scotty
Leslie Charleson as Monica
Wally Kurth as Ned
Kirsten Storms as Maxie
William Lipton as Cameron
And that’s just listing active cast members.
Steve, I’m sure you’re providing new (and accurate) information for many readers. I am old enough to vividly remember the first Laura, Scotty, Monica, and, later, Ned (original actor, Kurt McKinney), whose debut in a hot tub was memorable and who went on to star in other soaps. Thank you for providing this perspective!
Jamesj75
Do you mean the same hot, adorable Kurt McKinny that played Matt on GL? Be still my heart.Crazy old lady!!
Yes, Violet! That same actor. It sounds like your heart’s in the right place. Nothing crazy (or old) about that!
Violet and Jamesj75, how clearly I remember when Kurt McKinney started on GL as Matt, romancing Vanessa — usually while wet and with his shirt off. Dreamy smile, kind eyes, lush hair…now that was a love story! Not these “jump into bed” even BEFORE the first date tawdry tales.
Soaphound
Remember how he built that house for her, with help from friends, way out in the woods where they had been staying? That was one of their best SLs.
You’re technically correct, of course. But Kin Shriner is the only “adult” Scotty (just rarely seen child actors before him) and nobody remembers the first Laura or Monica,
Though I do remember the first Ned… who hooked up with Monica before he realized she was married to his uncle!
Eden M as josselyn
GH was on before the year 2015 you know.
You’re wrong!! Sarah Brown and Tamara Braun were AWESOME AS CARLY!!!
Laura Wright will be the only Carly I will ever remember! It is time for Ava, Nicholas, spencer and the Nelle replacement to be put on a boat a never return.
He will be missed for sure …. Wish he had returned ….
I thought for sure this talented young actor would play Spencer and age normally as done with Kimberly McCullough as Robin.
Exactly, Robin seems like the only child character that wasn’t aged.
What happened with Kimberly is exceptionally rare. For a child actor to segue into the same role as an adult at least 3 things have to happen:
1. Acting quality continues to grow
2. Appearance doesn’t change dramatically
3. The actor must want to continue to act
While Kimberly successfully made the transition, eventually #3 came into play as her career ambitions point to directing.
The character of Robin also had the benefit of GH not having many child characters in the mid/late 80s. AJ and Jason had been sent to boarding school so they never played into story until they came back as teens. Steven Lars was long gone. We didn’t know Nikolas existed until he was a teen. Today, one could argue that there’s been too many children added to the GH canvas over the past 15 years.
Steve
They seem to be keeping the little twins that play Avery. Iam pretty sure they have used them since birth and letting Avery mature normally. I wonder how old the latest child Donna will be if we ever see her again.
Hey Violet
Some of the younger performers (including Avery) might stick around for a while until a new teen grouping is needed. Although rarely seen, Aiden has been played by the same boy for years. However, none of the current child characters are featured as much as Robin was in the 80s.
Donna is definitely one of head scratchers as to why the character was added (especially since LW wasn’t pregnant IRL).
Steve
Thanks for reply.Yes, the Donna thing is really a mystery.Maybey they just wanted another kid in reserve in case they need one in a hurry.
She looks older than the current and gorgeous “Avery’s”
Just bring him back!! He MADE the character of Spencer come to life and was a fun character. You have ruined it.
For me Nicolas Bechtel was simply the best child actor ever on daytime dramas! While I would have loved for him to continue with the role I am looking forward to seeing what Nicholas Alexander Chavez does with the role.
It is sad to see you being replaced as Spencer. You played him (Spencer) superbly. I wish you much success and hope to see you in other shows/films etc. Know that you are irreplaceable. Lots of love.
The show should recast him as Brenda’s son Alec.
That’s a shame—-he is an outstanding character and played Spencer to the letter—-so believable was he.
Spencer has been aged—-I suppose he needs to be en par with the rest of PC’s youth. Spencer needs to “look” the part within that age group—Nicolas would be sort of an outsider looking in……Too young to hook him up with romantically.
It looks as though Trina and nuSpencer are bein manipulated into a liaison?
But, what a way to introduce him!! I don’t like him already—-sneaky and malicious…..Could have introduced him in a sunnier light. I bet the character has turned off a few viewers—-needs to really do his best —-prove himself to be welcomed into the fold.
Please bring back nickolas bethel.GH Always takes away really good characters
They need to bring back Emma as well, she has family in town, and is of college age, so she could go to PC university along with Cameron, Joslyn and now nuspencer. But please don’t recast Emma, bring back Brooklyn Silzer.
Well, I’m glad to see I’m not the only one that hates this recast. Nicholas Bechtel made Spencer a Great character and I always looked forward to his scenes.
Great job, much success
This recast is horrible. Either bring back Nicholas or recast again asap
Nicolas, just know, the more we see the new guy, the more we want you back!
Please bring him back
No one can replace you Nicholas. Good luck with all that life sends your way.
Why is Nicholas so hard on spencer choosing Ava over his son
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
GH’s Amanda Setton Previews Brook Lynn & Chase’s Wedding: “It’s a Really Satisfying Payoff for the Fans”
Steve Burton Confirms New Relationship
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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