General Hospital
Antonio Sabato Jr. Addresses Not Being Asked Back to ‘General Hospital’ for 30 Years to Reprise the role of “Jagger” Cates
Antonio Sabato Jr. (ex-Jagger Cates, General Hospital) has taken to social media to share his viewpoints on why he has not been asked back to the ABC daytime drama series to reprise the role in 30 years.
This came about after the Friday, February 2nd episode of GH, where it was revealed that Adam J. Harrington has been cast as the new John “Jagger” Cates.
Taking to his Instagram, Sabato posted a video of himself doing some cardio and addressing his fans and the public as to what he says are the reasons he has never been asked to return to GH. (UPDATE: Since this story was first posted, Antonio has deleted the video post.)
Photo: ABC
Sabato started with, “I’m being bombarded with a lot of questions about this General Hospital thing. You need to know the truth from me and you need to know the only truth about what’s going on.”
Next, Antonio spoke to “Jagger’s” popularity around the world: “At the beginning of my career, I started on a character that I truly, truly adore, that I created with Wendy Riche, the executive producer, and an amazing team of writers at General Hospital back in 1992. I was on General Hospital from 92 to 94, playing a character by the name of John “Jagger” Cates. I’ve been asked by the fans, by millions all over the world, not just in America and in North America, but all over the world, about coming back to General Hospital for 30 years. Now, like I said, I’m doing very well. I’m not begging to go back on the show. This is not about that. I have many careers. I’m still acting very well. I have a movie coming out. I have a lot of things coming out that I’m very proud of.”
Photo: ABC
To clarify his stance, Antonio added, “I’ve never been asked to come back on General Hospital for 30 years. The producers at General Hospital, ABC, and Disney, they know where to find me. They know where I am. The fans always ask me every single day, ‘Are you going back to General Hospital?”‘
Photo: IMDb
Honing in on Adam J. Harrington’s first on-air appearance in the role Sabato Jr, said, “So now, they started a new character by the name of John. They don’t even call him ‘Jagger’. They call him ‘John’ because they know that the character’s only been played by me ’cause it’s part of who I am. It’s my life. It’s a character that is really a big part of my soul, that I dedicated my life, and that’s why it turned out to be great. I gave everything I have to that character and I would still do. So, the truth and the fact of the matter is, people say, well, ‘you ruined your career because you voted for this, or political, or this and that.’ I shouldn’t be hired on my political views. I should be hired on my merit, on my acting abilities.”
Sabato Jr. added, “So, this is on them hiring a new person, which is fine. They could do whatever they want. But for all the fans around the world to speculate, or to say, ‘I ruined my career and all this stuff,’ no, that’s not it. So now you know the truth. I’m gonna leave this out there for you to see.”
Now let us know, what do you think about the sentiments shared by Antonio as to why he is never been asked back to GH in 30 years? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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I feel that with his fan base, GH’s rating would soar if the hired him back.
I post earlier to give the “new guy” chance.. but knowing all this now…
His “fan base” has faded through the years. There’s little chance of him showing up in daytime any time soon.
Oh I agree with you. Wasn’t even watching General Hospital when Antonio was on but I knew the moment she said Jagger who he was because that character was so popular
I loved the character and was part of what made an everyday GH viewer. Before Jagger, Brenda and Jason I didn’t watch GH much. I would be THRILLED if he came back!!
I watched this and am not sure if he is delusional or truly doing “very well” dabbling in several careers.
He does seem arrogant and angry but I don’t know what to think after watching this. How much of what he is saying is true?
Arrogant and bitter.
I don’t know why GH hires so many ignorant people, but ASJ can stay gone.
Or keeps loud mouths on for years. Who’s got what on who? I want to read the behind the scenes memoir. Lol
Why is everyone making such a big deal about the recast. I didnt know he was still acting? I dont think Ive read or heard of him in any significant role since the late 90’s. He’s been fairly irrelevant for long time. It’s not like he’s an A list star. LOL.
Exactly
ASJ has been bad mouthing the execs at GH for years now. Those execs owe him nothing & why would they want to re-hire him when he badmouths them????
If Y&R can replace Heather Tom as Victoria and a David Tom as Billy, if AMC can replace Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kendall, if Days can replace James Scott as EJ, then I think GH can replace Antonio Sabato Jr. as Jagger 30 years after the fact. He was a handsome man but 30 years later irreplaceable.
He was a handsome man but 30 years later NOT irreplaceable.
Yes, but in all those ‘ recast ‘ examples the originating actors etc quit and moved on to other soaps and/ or higher in Hollywood, Antonio Sabato the one and only Jagger was not asked to return and obviously has been willing. Doesn’t make sense to recast when the original who was mega popular is willing to resume his rightful role.
Not asking Antonio to come back just because of how he feels outside of the studio is unprofessional and immature.
We have no clue what the relationship is between the powers that be and ASJ. You’re going by what he says. I was a Jagger fan, But I watched them on some stuff, like wife swap or spousal swap whatever it was… I don’t like the way he talks to people and I didn’t like the way he talked to his wife. He said himself he wouldn’t like to work with anybody who followed Biden, but then he said he’s not like that. Which is it? I think the powers that be at GH did what was best for the whole community of everyone who works at GH in this particular situation. I don’t always agree with them, often. I don’t agree with some of their choices, but this one I do.
A soap character is recast…years later… who cares?
The fans
Not this fan.
Welcome Adam J Harrington.
Welcome Adam J Harrington to General Hospital, or we like to say GH.
It’s pretty clear from these ramblings that his elevator doesn’t go to the top.
The people who hire at General Hospital are one sided in their politics. They keep Nancy Lee Grahn on who is very vocal to the left. However they took the first opportunity they could to fire Inĝo. The reason for his firing was the vaccine mandate okay fine well the mandates over how about now it’s over and they have not hired him back and I understand he sued them and maybe he burned his bridges. Understood. Yeah you could argue Steven’s a conservative and Republican and they’re having him back. However Steve Burton has never come out and voiced his political opinions. Antonio Sabato Junior has and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to if Nancy Lee Grahn can. However I truly believe this is the reason he was not hired back and that’s a real shame. They should be able to hire Democrats and Republicans. Hire people on their talent and not what their political beliefs are. If they do not hire people because they’re outspoken in their political beliefs then General Hospital needs to fire Nancy Lee Grahn immediately because she’s gone over the top with it. This is absolutely hilarious because the recast looks nothing at all like the original Jagger. If they were going to recast couldn’t they at least hire someone that looked the part? Plus I don’t even think Anna was around when he was there was she?
Has Nancy Lee Grahan ever supported a terrorist coup against the USA? I don’t think so.
There’s a difference between Republicans and MAGAtts.
Thank you!!
This article is about Antonio Sabàto, Jr. But again, you went there, so I’m gonna bite. A self proclaimed “satan” is calling half of this country terrorists is rich. I’m a gay man who is a reformed democrat, a current Republican and a proud supporter of making America great again. That doesn’t make me racist or anti-immigrant or this or that, but it does make me anti-satan. And that’s what riles the radical left. Think about it, or is that too much self awareness?
You do realize that fascist movements aren’t big fans of the LGBTQ community, don’t you? Every time one of these right wing regimes takes over, guess who they come after first? It was true of Putin, Orban in Hungary, obviously true of the religious wackjobs in the US who are deluded enough to believe my old friend JC would come back as an Orange sexual predator. And of course, their role model – the guy in Germany with a funny mustache – had those little pink triangle patches on the uniforms of some of the prisoners in those camps where he sent people to “concentrate”.
I get that there are “Log Cabin Republicans” who like their tax cuts above all else, but last I checked, even that organization was really trying to distance themselves from the MAGAtts.
You nailed it!!!!!! Sabato supported and endorsed terrorists who engaged in treasonous activity against our country.
Yes!
The character of Jax became irrelevant before Ingo was released from him contract. Jason, love him or hate him, has numerous connections on the canvas.
Do not confuse politics with racial, homophobic or insurrection actions/comments.
Who’s talking about insurrection? ASJ being a conservative makes him an insurrectionist? That seems to be a word the radical left tosses around now like racist or nazi but doesn’t really understand what it means or, worse, understands but doesn’t care about throwing charged words around. Please educate yourself.
Another question. I’m a gay man, but I’m a big boy. I can protect myself. I am not so fragile that someone who uses words against me or doesn’t like me because I’m gay is gonna ruin my day. People have the right not to like me, and I have the right to not like them back. Can you let me know what made you think that people don’t have the right to dislike each other? Did the radical left somehow succeed in abolishing the first amendment? What did I miss?
Agreed. I watch the show for the escape. Unless Antonio has fought or made his coworkers uncomfortable it shouldn’t matter how he votes. No political side is Innocent
Just because Steve didn’t want the c vax doesn’t mean anything about where he is politically. It shows he cares about his health and what he puts inside of his body, that it should be HIS choice. Democrats used to feel this way too, my body, my choice. I’m glad he’s coming back. I agree with you about NLG. She is a biggot and GH clearly discriminates against anyone who is conservative unless they keep it a secret.
Surprise he is not democrat though. And trump is not an insurrectionist. Might help if you do a little self. Study and not listen to news reports to see who really started all that upset that still is not an insurrection.
The new actor would have been a better recast Jax if GH recasts it. He looks the part looks like Joss and looked good with Carly. Could they not see that? Also if they did not renew Rogers contract to free up money and they have to have money to bring Burton back why are they bringing in all these different people? Are they all recurring and they don’t have to pay them as much?
Roger’s contract wasn’t renewed because the character of Austin was not working. Tried to make him a Q – didn’t with. Tried pairing him with Maxie – no spark. He had some (but not tons of) chemistry with Ava, but not enough to warrant a contract renewal. With the network against a Todd return, it was time to let Roger fly.
We won’t know until next Friday if Harrington is on contract.
Tristan Roger’s isn’t on contract. He has been recurring ever since he was brought back in 2012. Regarding the new Jagger, the writers must have a reason to change his appearance. For Anna to take a few seconds to recognize him must mean that the character had some sort of plastic surgery done.
She was referring to Roger Howarth who played Austin and Franco and Todd.
Ok. No problem.
Nobody knows the answer to that but the powers that be at General Hospital. However politics should play no role in hiring and firing of people. People should be hired based on their merit. Plus it’s silly the new actor looks nothing like the original Jagger. Couldn’t they have least hired somebody who looked like him? Why not ask ASJ back? Ratings would have went through the roof
I didn’t really understand what he was saying. It sound like a lot of babble.
I agree. Didn’t understand anything. He never said exactly what his beliefs are or why he wasn’t asked back to GH, just that they never called him. I don’t follow him, so I don’t know what his beliefs are. He talks as if everyone knows him. In my opinion he talked around the subject, like a politician. Come on ASJ, give us what we asked for, not a bunch of mumbo-jumbo!
*The new John Cates should at least have dark hair.
He should’ve been asked back he’s the only Jagger but on the other hand just keep quiet — talking about it too much makes you look desperate. Recasts are generally successful on these shows too although I hate recasts! Sherry Springfield played Blake on Guiding Light for less than years and I loved her but her recast was on for 20 years and I always called her the new Blake lol!!
I love him but almost everyone is replaceable on these shows he should know that by now.
Jagger Cates is no Laura Collins, Robin Scorpio or Sonny Corinthos. Recast totally acceptable.
The ratings, the extended fan base, would be enormous if Antonio had been brought back. HE IS JAGGER! No disrespect to the new character “John”… but Antonio IS JAGGER, heart and soul!
They should have at least asked Antonio Sabato Jr., since he made the role and I agree that ratings would get a bit of a bump bringing back the original character and actor who portrayed him. It is Disney and it’s very left wing politically, just look at some of the GH stars tweets i.e. Nancy Lee Grahan, actress who plays Carly, etc.
No one and I mean NO ONE has asked for Jagger to come back, much less played by someone who believes they can act. The now-deleted post was arrogant as frick, and such a turn-off.
Yep looks like it was deleted.
Appears to be reposted Monday morning.. I didn’t find it arrogant or anything…
Soap characters belong to the producers (Proctor and Gamble, the Bell family, etc) or the network and not the actor. I love Christian Bale as Batman. No one else measures up to him in the role in my opinion but if the producer wants to recast his role that is his prerogative. Such is the life of an actor.
I believe ABC soap characters belong to ABC. (?)
He is absolutely right. People are hired if they can do the job. Anything you do outside your job is nobody’s business.
They would have gotten a ratings boost. GH has brought characters back after they’ve said and done (or not done) very controversial things politically. Why not him?
I’ve been watching GH since I was in Grammer school. Now I’m 68 years old. I saw Antonio Sabato Jr. come to GH and I hated when he left. No, I dò not like a new person portraying John “Jagger” Cates role. Nor could anyone really do so. It would be like replacing Luke Spencer, Sonny Corinthos, or Jason’s characters with another actor. It’s not possible. Sorry ABC. This is a bad move.
Respect your opinion, but Sabato’s two year run as Jagger does not measure up to the decades long performances of Geary, Benard and Burton. If it did, Jagger would’ve been brought back years ago. The character hasn’t even been mentioned until Friday. Despite not being on, Luke and Jason are mentioned all the time.
Been many years ago let it go and he has moved on become a Christian moved to Florida had a successful career why he would even talk about the past surprises me . Now I’m shocked that people think loving america and wanting to put Americans first is racist astonishes me but that is ok . I just said goodbye to four soaps so wish them the best but you had to bring politics into it
This is why underwear models should be seen and not heard.
It’s pretty clear the people who run GH do not like conservatives and discriminate against them.
I would rather Blackie have come back. John Stamos has been sitting idle for years and I have always wondered why they won’t bring that character back. Stamos is still SMOKING hot. This guy would’ve made a better Jax recast. And considering ASJ is still a relevant name, announcing his return would’ve been a PR dream come true in the soap world, ASJ is STILL HOT. If they didn’t hire him back bc of his political stance that is utterly ridiculous. Brenda wouldn’t have looked at this guy (current Jagger) twice, haha.
First you say Harrington (new guy) would be a good Jax. Then you say Brenda wouldn’t look at this guy twice. You do recall that Brenda and Jax were a couple on numerous occasions?
Ironically, if he had replaced Jax, the same people in this thread would be complaining about the recast for the same reasons. (Ingo & Sabato being “persecuted” for supporting a fascist movement which tried to overthrow the US government)
Agreed 100%. and at times a little concerned at how intense comments are getting.
First off, I never liked his acting or thought it was so great. The awards and acting offers seem to agree with me. Second, the character of John “Jagger” Cates was not owned by him. the only “Truth” he stated was that it IS “fine” for the show to cast who they want in the role and do with that character whatever they want. Cates belongs to GH. Thirdly, I have no doubt that some people are saying his political views have kept him off the show. But those statements are from only some people and do not represent and “truth” on the part of the show or network. He sounds very egotistical and I think that shows in his acting. Thus, why I’m not a fan. I appreciate that there are GH fans who remember him as Jagger, but I’m not one of them. That makes it easier for me to accept a new Cates; Adam’s take is new to me.
I think Antonio’s not upset, I just think a courtesy call would’ve been appreciated and possibly offer him a chance to reprise the role.
The fact GH is not even mentioning “Jagger” within the recast tells me that they know a potential mistake has been made in recasting the character.
There’s one thing recasting a character like AJ (with both portrayals being exceptional) but when it comes to the legacy characters like Lucky, Lulu, Jason, even Carly the original should always be asked beforehand.
Now unless Frank has something different to say, I’d say let Antonio vent.
A courtesy call? After 30 years? That doesn’t seem likely to me in any industry.
Sounds like sour grapes to me.
They don’t need another Trump supporter in daytime anyway.
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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