General Hospital
Slezak, Jackson & Geary named "Power Performances of the Week"!
© JPI Studios
So here is ABC, who cancels two longtime soap operas and literally two weeks later airs two episodes in their daytime line-up that illustrate the creativity, emotional power, and unbelievable talent that is within the daytime genre. We dare say that these performances and episodes rival anything we have seen with a higher budget on a primetime series, and were magnificent to boot. Still, one of those shows is soon to be gone. And the other, who knows how long they will truly last. But let’s try not to dwell on that here. Let’s celebrate and recognize the beautiful performances this past week by One Life to Live’s Erika Slezak (Viki), General Hospital’s Jonathan Jackson, (Lucky) and Anthony Geary (Luke).
First up Erika Slezak, who delivered a tour de force performance that had us lapping up every delicious moment of her portrayal of Viki and her alters, Niki and Jean. And just when you think you have seen Erika Slezak do her ultimate work ( after those six Daytime Emmys) she proves without question, and remind us why she is the greatest actress on daytime television. Kudos to the brilliant writing of Ron Carlivati and team for the script, and Roger Mooney for the incredible set representing Viki’s subconscious mind. We have to say, when Erika as Niki in the courtroom flipped into Jean, and then started to lose her grip as the ‘everything-must-be-in-order’ alter, it was just stunning to watch. And that is only one little gem of many in the entire 40th anniversary episode in Erika’s honor. We don’t think there will be anyone who watches OLTL that will ever forget this episode, or the final speech made by Viki to her alters that included mentions of her character’s past: her losing her husbands, her child, her beloved mother, etc. Hankies galore! Erika, a seventh Emmy is on the way to you in 2012. Make sure you submit yourself, please!
Courtesy/ABC
Over at General Hospital, the creative team literally mounted a stage play of Luke’s Intervention complete with chairs, and basically no set, and just actors all sitting around six time Daytime Emmy winner, Anthony Geary. Each took their turn to read their letters and time-out-of-time pleas for Luke to get help for his addiction. In the end, it would ultimately fall on deaf ears as Luke would not accept what his friends and family were attempting to do! The writing and the production were exquisite… complete with a back-screen in which past clips were viewed to illustrate the relationships between all involved. Geary was understated, masterful, and balanced all of Luke’s emotions as a man literally and figuratively tied-up! And it was Geary, who had to listen and react effectively as each of the character’s in Luke’s life tried to get through to him.
However, Jonathan Jackson actually stole the show from Geary, once Lucky had his turn to confront Luke. With letting out his feelings on the way his father is destroying his own life, and how Lucky needs his dad to help him get over the loss of his son, Jake (even though Luke is the responsible party for the hit and run that eventually killed the boy) needless to say, it was powerful stuff.
We don’t think there is a better and a more natural actor, who is the prime of their acting career than Jonathan Jackson. In the time he has been back to GH, we have given Jackson this honor twice before! Jackson and Geary brought tears to our eyes and we are sure everyone else’s in the viewing audience. They are quite the team.
Watch clips of this week’s Power Performances of the Week below and let us know if you agree with our picks!
General Hospital
Giovanni Mazza On Contract at General Hospital: What Are Your First Impressions?
This week, General Hospital introduced newcomer Giovanni Mazza in the role of Giovanni Palmieri, who apparently is Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) second cousin, one removed or so the story goes.
The character of Gio showed up at Brook Lynn’s wedding to Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and played the violin at the ceremony. As has been previously reported, Mazza in real-life is a professional violinist and actor.
Upon making his first appearance on the ABC daytime drama series back on May 15th, fans wondered if Gio will be sticking around and that was confirmed by the closing credits of the May 17th episode where Mazza’s name is included along with other contract players.
Photo: ABC
When the news of Mazza’s casting was announced, the talent young man took to his Instagram and shared the good news, expressing, “I am so honored, grateful, and ecstatic to announce the big news! The biggest thank you to General Hospital for bringing me.” He closed his sentiments with “So much love and joy to my new fam! YAY!!! ”
Commenting on his post included new castmates Evan Hofer (Dex) saying, “Happy to have you brother,” plus Tabyana Ali (Trina), Eden McCoy (Joss) and ABC executive Nathan Varni who said, “Congratulations! Welcome to GH!
Photo: ABC
During the May 17th episode, Gio had an exchange with Dex, where he mentioned that his father was in the military back in early 2000’s. Previously, Gio revealed to Chase that his father died in the military when he was young. So this begs the question, who is Gio’s dad?
What were you first impressions of Giovanni Mazza in the role of Gio? Who do you think he might be romantically involved with and might be also related to other than the Cerullos? Comment below.
View this post on Instagram
General Hospital
Michael Easton Shares on the Loss of Kamar de los Reyes, “I Was Holding His Hand When He Passed”
For the first time publicly, General Hospital’s Michael Easton (Finn) opened up about losing his best friend, the late Kamar de los Reyes (ex-Antonio, OLTL) to cancer.
The former One Life to Live and All American star lost his battle to cancer back on December 24, 2023 at the age of 56. De los Reyes leaves behind his wife, actress Sherri Saum (ex-Sunset Beach, OLTL) and their twin boys, Michael and John, and his eldest son, Caylen from a previous relationship.
Easton along with Y&R’s Trevor St. John (Tucker) were both castmates with Kamar during their time on One Life to Live. The two shared their remembrances this past Thursday night during’s live virtual event, Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Photo: Robin Platzer
In tribute, Michael expressed, “It was a 30-year friendship with Kamar. We did our first movie together in 1990. I was scared and I was quiet and I was instantly drawn to his bravado and his sense of himself. Kamar was larger than life. He was the best man at my wedding, and I am the godfather to his son, Michael. His loss was profound on all of us.”
He added, “There hasn’t been a day gone by that I haven’t thought of him, and his family and what he brought to this world, and the contributions he made, not only to this acting community. He loved being an actor and he was a great actor. I always like to say Kamar was such a good actor that they cast him as a priest, not just once, not twice, like seven times. I mean, he was often shirtless. But, if you needed a shirtless priest, Kamar was your guy.”
Photo: Facebook
When discussion turned to the end of Kamar’s life, Michael shared, “I was holding his hand when he passed, and he was surrounded by family and, and friends. There was so much love around him. I mean, he touched so many lives. I mean, Trevor knows that at his memorial, it was the biggest, at Forrest Lawn. They couldn’t even fit everybody in. There was people stretched out all the way to outside. People showed that hadn’t seen him in 20 years. That was the effect. So many of the One Life cast members came and cast from All American.”
Michael also spoke to Kamar’s determination till the end and his incredible work ethic, “Extraordinarily enough, he went to work two weeks before he passed at All American. He was fierce to the end. He never talked about being sick. Even though the odds were stacked from the very beginning, and it’s still really hard for me to talk about, but I was in awe of his strength and his resolve. I would’ve shut down long before he did.”
If you haven’t done so watch below 46:47 mark for Michael and Trevor’s emotional appearances on Daytime Stands Up as they share their memories on Kamar.
Then let us know, what you thought of Michael’s candid tribute to his best friend via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase’s Wedding Reception Brings a Beatdown for Dex
On Friday’s, May 17th episode of General Hospital, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) wedding reception was the focal point as the touching celebration for the newlyweds got underway.
Sonny (Maurice Benard) was seething over seeing Dex mingle with the guests. With Dex becoming a cop, and ratting him out to Anna, previously Sonny feels betrayed by his former hit man. However, Sonny’s growing paranoia and mental stability is in question, in particular, because he has been off the proper dosage of meds for months now.
Later, when Sonny sees Dex talking with Gio (Giovanni Mazza) about serving in the military, and later chumming it up with Cerullos, he is about to go postal.
Photo: ABC
Outside the ballroom. Sonny confronts Dex about chatting it up with the Cerullos, who he says are his people. He warns Dex to stay away from his family. Dex says he was invited to the reception.
Next, Sonny calls Dex a snitch, a spy, and lets him know he is “lucky to be breathing.” Sonny issues Dex a warning to stay away from his family, or he may not be breathing much longer.
As Sonny turns to walk away., Dex grabs him by the arm to try to reason with him and to and say he’s not his enemy. However, Sonny throws a punch. In the pickup, Sonny continues to bloody and beatdown Dex, until Jason (Steve Burton) arrives on the scene and restrains Sonny.
Photo: ABC
Kristina (Kate Mansi) walks in on the moment. She sees her father is yelling that both Jason and Dex are traitors. Sonny screams that they are both dead and he’s going to put a gun to their heads.
Photo: ABC
In happy news, Brook Lynn and Chase finally begin their wedding night when they jump onto of their bed in their honeymoon suite. Chase says now they have a great wedding night, which will be followed by a great honeymoon, and that will be followed by their entire life together. They share a kiss.
So, what did you think of Sonny’s explosive words and actions against Dex and Sonny? Will Kristina figure out what is going on with her dad, once and for all? Comment below.
Kennedy Garcia on Joining the Cast of Days of our Lives: “For a Role to Come up for a Teenager with Down Syndrome was Just Amazing!”
Giovanni Mazza On Contract at General Hospital: What Are Your First Impressions?
Michael Easton Shares on the Loss of Kamar de los Reyes, “I Was Holding His Hand When He Passed”
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase’s Wedding Reception Brings a Beatdown for Dex
Kim Zimmer Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Michael Easton Shares on the Loss of Kamar de los Reyes, “I Was Holding His Hand When He Passed”
GH’s Nancy Lee Grahn Speaks Out for Jailed Former On-Screen Daughter, Haley Pullos
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
Steve Burton Confirms New Relationship
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
Michael Easton Shares on the Loss of Kamar de los Reyes, “I Was Holding His Hand When He Passed”
Kim Zimmer Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis
The Young and the Restless Eileen Davidson to Chat Live on Ashley’s Alters Storyline
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”
-
General HospitalMay 10, 2024John J. York Back at General Hospital
-
General HospitalMay 11, 2024GH’s Adam J. Harrington Reveals the Behind the Scenes Story of Becoming John “Jagger” Cates
-
General HospitalMay 13, 2024GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: What Shocker Awaits at Chase and Brook Lynn’s Wedding?
-
General HospitalMay 18, 2024Michael Easton Shares on the Loss of Kamar de los Reyes, “I Was Holding His Hand When He Passed”
-
Days Of Our LivesMay 12, 2024Days of our Lives Favorite Judi Evans Shares Touching Remembrance of Son Austin on Mother’s Day
-
General HospitalMay 9, 2024Giovanni Mazza Joins General Hospital as Brook Lynn’s Cousin
Michael, Those three performances were the best of the best. I also agree that Jonathan Jackson is the one that broke my heart and he consistency can do that in these stories. I hope Jonathan can have the career that Tony and Erika have had…he is that good! I commented on Erika’s performance earlier in the week. She also reached the pinnacle of her career so far, and she made me weep at the end of that episode. Tony has always given us something to wait for. You know he is the master of underplaying his role. All in all, this was a powereful week that should go down in the annals of soap history. They give all actors a high ladder to climb…..I also want to give you, Michael, bravo on your latest podcast. It was insightful and fun and very entertaining. I loved Robin’s emotional thoughts about OLTL and its demise. But I also feel there may be something or someone who has the guts to do something exceptional to back these two soaps.This has been an unsually difficult month for all soap fans. I will not abandon the soaps before their time. But, we have been privy to great writing and production on both those shows, not to mention superb acting. So. we are winners all around….
WOW!!!
those scenes were just awesome!!! erica, tony & jonathan ARE the best actors currently on daytime!! all three have a talent that i can’t even describe in words………….they put their heart & soul into their portrayal of the characters!!!
Wow. I do not watch GH, but JJ was amazing. AG is still as good as when I watched the show back before it was about the mob. Erika was great too. That episode was so much fun. It almost felt like the final episode with Viki’s speech at the end. Thank you for recognizing the incomparable Erika Slezak.
I thought the performances were amazing…of all of them. My only problem was the way the writer’s brought about this intervention. It seems they try but always HAVE to rely on the great performances of Tony, Jonathan, Jane, Julie, Maurice, Laura and Nathan because their writing falls short. It takes you up and leaves you hanging and then drops the ball and moves on to something else with no real closure. It’s very frustrating. Thank you for your kudos to these actors. They are well deserving of academy awrds.