General Hospital
GH’s Mark Teschner Tells Casting Stories of Johnny Wactor, Giovanni Mazza, Rebecca Herbst & Nicholas Chavez
This week during a very informative and insightful conversation, General Hospital’s 11-time Emmy-winning casting director and now a Daytime Emmy Silver Circle honoree, Mark Teschner spoke on finding the talent for specific roles on the ABC daytime drama series throughout his near three and half decades with the show.
During a livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel, Teschner recalled some of the behind the scenes casting stories that brought many beloved favorites to the GH family including the late Johnny Wactor (ex-Brando), the newly-arrived, Giovanni Mazza (Gio), longtime fan favorite, Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), and rising star, Nicholas Chavez (ex-Spencer) to name but a few.
When speaking with sadness over the loss of Wactor, who was shot and killed back on May 25th, and what he brought to the character of Brando, Teschner recalled, “With Johnny, what you see is what you get. You see the most kind decent, standup guy, and that’s innately who he is. So, that quality comes through in his work and with the character.”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Mark explained, “Brando was a raw kind of hothead, troubled kind of character, and Johnny was able to go there. He had a real intensity that he was able to bring to the role, but at the same time, the character of Brando had to have this depth and this giant heart that he doesn’t necessarily reveal when you first see him. Well, Johnny had the biggest heart of anyone you’ll ever meet. So that essence was already there, and then his acting and his skill played the character. Johnny brought so much of who he was to the character, and there was something so authentic about him.”
Photo: ABC
Giovanni Mazza recently debuted on GH as “Gio”, so what was his road to landing in Port Charles? Teschner shared, “I was casting a recurring role for a 15-year-old on the show, but when I’m doing the audition, sometimes I’ll open it up because we try to cast true to age, really within a year or so. If you think about it, all the kids in our show are the exact age of the characters that they’re playing. Because if you have somebody that’s older playing younger, it sticks out because they’re not going to blend age-wise. But I did read a number of actors that were older just because they looked interesting. Gio’s audition came in. I was viewing this through self tapes, and there was just something about him. It wasn’t just that he was a great-looking kid, it was just there’s something very soulful about him and something very compelling, and he draws you in. ”
Photo: ABC
Mark continued, “So with the group of the 15-year-olds that I sent to Frank Valeintini (EP, GH), I said, ‘Hey, I’m including this kid, Giovanni Mazza. I’m well aware he’s too old, but I just want you to see him.’
After having him come into audition, two weeks later, Frank called Mark and told him they were putting Gio under contract. Teschner added, “So, that was an example where it was his first week in LA, it was his first and ever audition. So we got before anybody else. I think he’s really gonna develop into, you know, quite a young actor.”
Becky Herbst has been beloved as Elizabeth for decades, and Teschner recounted her audition process and how she came to the role of Elizabeth. “She (originally) auditioned for the role of Sarah Webber. But the role of Elizabeth was created for Becky. While the character of Sarah did not last long, here we are with Becky 30 years later.”
Teschner cited Becky’s casting as a great example. “I always tell actors when they come into audition, you lay it out, you put it all out there, you bring everything you have to that role. You may not get the role, but if you do good work, you get remembered. And it’s so true.”
Photo: ABC
Nicholas Chavez popped in the role of Spencer Cassadine before exiting the series. Teschner tells how Chavez came onto the GH casting radar. “Nicholas sent his self tape in from Florida and the rest is history. He had a meteoric impact on the show.” Mark added, “You always have an expectation and the hope that they’re (the actor) going to nail it and run with it. But sure, there are actors, you think, ‘They’re gonna be awesome,’ and then all of a sudden it goes to another level. With Nicholas Chavez, we knew he’d be amazing, but you know, who knew? Well, we did.”
Watch the full conversation with Mark Teschner below where he talks about even more of the casting stories behind some of your GH favorites, then and now.
What you think of the Teschner’s eye for talent casting the characters of General Hospital? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Yes, these are all good actors. I wonder what could have been done to keep Chavez on the show. Wish someone could work their magic on him to get him back. I also wondered what ever happened to Wactor on GH. He was a great actor. Why was he let go? He must not have left for some major life changing role somewhere else or I doubt he would have been bartending when his life was so tragically taken.
There was nothing that could have been done to keep Chavez. He’s at a point in his life where opportunities can explode for actor with his talents and looks. Disney/ABC has a healthy relationship with Ryan Murphy, so they let Chavez go do the Menendez series.
Sadly, despite his Johnny’s talents, Brando was cut for storyline purposes.
General Hospital
General Hospital Co-Stars Share Heartfelt Goodbyes to Michael Easton
Michael Easton is set to exit General Hospital on-air tomorrow on the Thursday, June 27th episode of the ABC soap opera. This comes on the heels of the actor’s videotaped announcement on Wednesday via his Instagram, where he revealed that he has wrapped his run as Dr. Hamilton Finn.
Since the time of the video’s posting, several of his GH co-stars have followed suit with comments on their time working with the popular actor, who has been with the show on and off since 2012, and in three different roles; John McBain, Silas Clay, and lastly, Finn.
Michael’s exit comes as Finn has fallen off the wagon, and is losing custody of his daughter, Violet due to his drinking. Previously, Finn found his father, Gregory had passed away in the middle of the night after battling ALS. The material has given Easton a chance to shine in memorable performances as he says goodbye to his time with GH.
Photo: ABC
Here’s just a sampling of what some of Michael’s pals and GH co-stars had to say to him below:
Maura West (Ava): “MEastie, I am so grateful I had the opportunity to work with you … you are just an exceptional person… as an actor, author, poet, friend. Your ample talent surpassed only by your humor, decency, kindness and charm. Class A1 in every way. xxo your fan and friend forever, MWestie.”
Jophielle Love (Violet): “💔😢😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 There are no words…”
Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis): “The class, grace and elegance in which you just did that is why I will miss you every working day.”
Finola Hughes (Anna): “Michael, love you. You are a stellar person, a wonderful actor and I had the most fun and unique storyline with you and loved every moment.”
Photo: ABC
Jon Lindstrom (Kevin): “You’re a gift to any set you choose to work on, and an excellent artist no matter where or what you create. Proud to call you my friend Michael. Be seeing you soon.”
Emma Samms (Holly): “I’m SO sorry I didn’t get to work with you again..!”
Eden McCoy (Josslyn): “You are magic love you forever Michael”
Risa Dorken (Amy): “Amy will always have a crush on Dr. Finn… Rise will always love & appreciate Michael. Thank you for your warmth & professionalism every time.”
Photo: ABC
Brook Kerr (Portia): “This was gutting. You are a phenomenal actor and man…until next time.”
Marc Anthony Samuel (ex-Felix): “Congratulations Michael! It was a pleasure to work there when you were there.”
Jacqueline Grace Lopez (Blaze): “Your work was inspired. Congrats on an incredible character. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Lydia Look (Selina Wu): “Love to you Michael! Keep riding.”
Michael Fairman TV will continue to update this post with more reactions from the cast as they are posted across social media.
What do you think about the high regard Michael’s GH co-stars have him? Will you miss him on the ABC soap opera? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Breaking News
Michael Easton Exits General Hospital
UPDATED: Early Wednesday morning, Michael Easton revealed that he has already taped his final scenes as Hamilton Finn on General Hospital.
The popular actor, who arrived at GH after his enduring run as John McBain on One Life to Live, took to his Instagram and announced his departure from the ABC daytime drama series, following weeks of rumors that he was out at the show. Reportedly, Easton’s final airdate is Thursday, June 27th and the video Easton posted was pre-taped awhile ago.
Standing outside the entrance to the set of General Hospital in what seems to be the wee hours of the morning, Easton shared the following message to his fans: “I’ve always been partial to the Irish Wish goodbye. That’s where you leave the party without actually telling anyone you’re gone. But I thought you all deserved better.”
Photo: MEastonIG
Easton then expressed, “So, I just wanna let you know, I just filmed my final scenes here at General Hospital. I’ve loved every minute that I’ve been here. I want to thank the entire cast and crew for allowing me to share their stage this past 10 years. Most importantly, I wanna thank all of you for the kindness and love you shown me and my family. I won’t ever forget you.”
In an emotional closing, Michael ended his video message, with, “As I walk out here for the last time, and with apologies to the great Lou Gehrig, I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Ironically, the former New York Yankees baseball star in Easton’s reference, died of ALS (also known as “Lou Gehrig disease”), which was part of the storyline Michael recently played out on-screen with Finn’s dying father, Gregory, who had the same disease.
Photo: ABC
Michael punctuated his thoughts within the Instagram post with one final goodbye, “Thank you for your kindness. My heart is filled with love and gratitude.”
Currently in story, Finn has lost his sobriety after seven years, and is in the midst of a serious downfall after his father, Gregory passed away and his daughter, Violet (Jophielle Love) has been taken out of his home and has been served a restraining order to not come near her. How will Easton depart GH? Is Finn exiting the Port Charles canvas to get the help he needs?
Clearly, this marks the end of the line for Finn and Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) as they just had it out over his drinking, and with yesterday’s announced return of Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) to GH this summer.
Photo: ABC
Easton’s GH journey started when he took Llanview’s McBain to Port Charles after One Life was canceled. He debuted on the long-running soap in March 13, 2012. However, due to the legal disputes with ownership of the characters from One Life to Live, between ABC and Prospect Park, he had to leave the series. Michael’s last episode as McBain was in March of 2013. Next, General Hospital brought him back as a new character, Silas Clay, in May of 2013. Two years later in 2015, Silas was killed-off. Easton made one more GH run, this time as Dr. Hamilton Finn which he had been playing since the spring of 2016.
Throughout Easton’s time on General Hospital, he has earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2018. Given his recent performances, many suspect that Michael might close his time on GH with another Emmy nomination in 2025.
You can watch Easton’s emotional goodbye below.
Now let us know, what are your thoughts on Michael Easton’s exit from GH? Sad to see him go? How do you think the show will write-off Finn? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
Jonathan Jackson Addresses Fans on His Return as GH’s Lucky: “Your Persistence and Love Has Certainly Played a Part in All of This”
Earlier on Tuesday, it was revealed that General Hospital’s five-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Jonathan Jackson is making a return to the ABC soap opera for the first time since 2015.
Jackson is now set to reprise his role as Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura’s (Genie Francis) son, Lucky Spencer. Shortly after the soap world was abuzz at the news of his imminent arrival back in Port Charles, Jonathan took to his Instagram with his own personal message to his fans.
Jonathan started, “Hey everyone. I just wanted to let you know that I will be returning to General Hospital this summer as Lucky Spencer. Super excited and can’t wait to dig in and see what’s going on in Port Charles. Excited to see Genie Francis, obviously, and so many others.”
Photo: JPI
“Just wanted to say thank you to all of the fans over the years,” he continued. “Your persistence and love has certainly played a part in all of this. So I just wanted to say thank you. Also, to Frank Valentini (executive producer, General Hospital) and everybody at ABC for welcoming me back. Super excited. So, just sending much love, and I guess, I’ll be seeing you all fairly soon. God bless.”
Photo: JPI
The actor and musician’s video post was accompanied by the words, “excited for the journey” to continue, and so are we! Lucky was last seen in 2015 when Jackson returned to the soap to be a part of Tony Geary’s final storyline as Luke. At the time of Lucky’s exit from the canvas he left things on good terms with Elizabeth and the children.
So, now the question is, h0w does Lucky arrive back in Port Charles this summer? Share your theories via the comment section below.
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