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Jonathan Jackson Interview: His New Role On Nashville Gives GH Favorite A Chance To Showcase His Many Talents!

Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

Five-time Daytime Emmy winner Jonathan Jackson will finally debut this Wednesday, October 10th (10PMEST/PST) in ABC’s highly touted new dramatic musical series, Nashville

After needing a break from playing the day in and day out emotional ringers of General Hospital’s Lucky Spencer, Jonathan decided to leave GH at the end of last year, and quickly was cast in the new ABC primetime series as aspiring singer/songwriter, Avery Barkley! Now anyone who has followed Jackson’s career knows that not only does he act, but he is indeed a singer/songwriter, and has his own very popular band, Enation.  So with Jonathan being cast in this most buzzed about of new series, television fans nationwide will get to see the many talents of this young star.

On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Jonathan to get his thoughts on: his new character, getting the opportunity to sing in the primetime series, if he will share screen time with another soap alum, co-star Hayden Panettiere, and taking a brief stroll down memory lane to the red carpet at the 39th Annual Daytime Emmys this past June. 

Soap fans are looking forward to seeing you and Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes) together on-screen in Nashville.   In the pilot episode, you two literally bump into each other!  Will the two of you have more scenes together as the first season of Nashville progresses?

Courtesy/ABC

JONATHAN:   I think that is somewhat inevitable, and our characters do bump into each other in the pilot.  We had shot the pilot a while ago, obviously, and then started filming all-new episodes on August 3rd.  But in terms of the long term projectory, I don’t know where the two are headed.  It’s pretty mysterious right now.

You have said in interviews that your character of Avery Barkley is not a good guy, nor a bad guy.  Any change in that philosophy?

JONATHAN: One of the things that Nashville creator Callie Khouri is good at is character development, and having the characters have complexities and contradictions.  I think there are going to be a lot of surprises thrown at us as actors through the season … who are these characters and what is going to come out of them in certain situations and with certain other characters.  So I am just really excited to be a part of that.  I am interested to see if he is a gray character, and not black nor white, or not!

So I hear you and the cast are performing some Elvis Costello tunes in Nashville?

JONATHAN:  Yes. They are all originals.  These are all songs Elvis Costello wrote, but they had never been recorded before, and T-Bone Burnett is producing the music.  It’s pretty crazy!

Courtesy/Enation

Would you try to get a song from your band, Enation on Nashville, or the soundtrack for the series?

JONATHAN:  Well, only God knows, right?  But they are open to hearing some stuff.  I am trying to schedule a day in a studio in Nashville to record some demos, because some of the songs that I think would fit with the show I haven’t demo’d … ever.  I have a lot of songs that I have written that I had not recorded with the band that I could send to them.  Hopefully, I will get a couple of days to record some of them and see if something can fit for Nashville!

It has been so cool to watch your career.  You started out as a very young boy with this knockout performance on General Hospital as Lucky Spencer, left the show to do feature films, your music, your writing, came back to GH to reprise the role of Lucky and won two more Daytime Emmys for it to add to your collection.  Nashville seems, on paper, like the perfect storm for you … acting and music colliding in a big way, where both your passions come together in a role on a major network television series!

JONATHAN:  It’s amazing to do this type of show, and for me it’s incredible!  I have had conversations with my brother, and even my father who said to me a few years ago, “You know, what if there were a show about a young musician?  And you guys should write that!”   And I said, “Yeah, that would be great.  But … do you have any idea how hard it is to get a show on the air?”  And then, this show happened.  It’s crazy!

So you and Lisa and the kids moved to NashvilleEveryone is moving to Nashville: Steve Burton (Jason, GH), Scott Reeves (Steven, GH) has home in Music City, etc.

Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins

JONATHAN:  We did make the move to Nashville.  We are renting a house, and we are on blow-up mattresses! (Laughs)  It’s an adventure.

When I last saw you, it was at the 39th Annual Daytime Emmys and we were on the red carpet doing our interview, and all of a sudden we heard all of this commotion. We turned around and saw an alligator (thanks to Jack Hanna) coming at us, among other things!   Have you seen the video interview?   It is really quite funny!

JONATHAN:  No. I haven’t, but I wanted to see it!  I just couldn’t believe how close Jack Hanna was getting to us.  He was bringing these animals towards us!  And, I am not an animal expert.  I don’t know what they are going to do!  I am a human being here. (Laughs)  I thought, “What the heck is this?”  Wasn’t it a porcupine and an alligator that went by us?  Oh, man! (Laughs)

So soapers, will you be tuning-in to see Jonathan in his new role on Nashville? Are you looking forward to seeing him sing on the series as well?  And, would you like to see him return for a guest stint on General Hospital?  Let us know!

 

 

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Awesome interview! But I’m a little confused b/c I read in the Washington Post that JJ did in fact already record a song he wrote for Nashville and they are going to use it on the show. Maybe that happened after this interview took place?

I’ve been very excited about seeing Jonathan on Nashville plus we get the bonus of watching him sing. I’ve been a long time fan of his and have missed watching him on gh so as long as gh gives him a great storyline I hope he’s able to return for a short time. He’s one of the best actors I seen in a long time and he so deserve any success that comes he’s way.

He is an awesome actor. Ever since I saw him in “The Deep End of the Ocean” I have followed him. He was fabulous in that. Can’t wait to see him in Nashville.

Not watching.Boycotting ABC except for GH.Been on another network would have checked it out.Sounds like a copy of Country Strong.

Ditto for me Mary

Jonathan is an incredible actor and singer and the guys in Enation are absolutely sweet and down to earth and their music is inspiring and really really good. I’m so happy that Jonathan finally found something that clicks with him. The people at GH should be ashamed of themselves for not giving Jonathan what he needed. He came back to GH and I started to watch again, hoping that we would get our LnL2 reunion, but was disappointed with TPTB, who ruined it for us, thank God, they have new writers and producers. Thank you Jesus!

Great interview with J.J. I wish him the best on his new acting adventure! “Lucky” him to perform two of his loves, acting and singing in one of this years hot new soaps Nashville.

Johnathan: I love you! I simply love you.
Now listen up. I hope your head doesn’t get to big and you blow up on this show and forget about General Hospital, your historic character and heir to Luke and Laura. Yes, I want you to be a BIG STAR big as they come. In fact, some of the bigger star’s being paid BIG BUCKS you can RUN CIRCLES AROUND, acting. You should have long… gone BIG-TIME in Hollywood. Here’s the deal: Please always save time and space for your role of Lucky Spencer. That character is a ” heir ” to an IMPT legacy on the show-greater than NONE OTHER in Daytimes ” Rich” history. So if Genie Frances comes back, PLEASE PLEASE and PLEASE, come back to the show (even if you have to pre-tap scenes) and complete the Luck, Laura, Lucky, Lulu family. You can do this for along time IF they (the writer’s) know how to make it work with your other job, Nashville. The pleasure as YOU, (a grown Lucky) with Lulu, Luke, Laura, and YOU ALL being on the canvas for a long period of time, hasn’t been. Please Johnathan Jackson, give that to us providing Genie Frances comes back. If we see you as a Spencer ( four ( 4) times out the month, that’s BETTER than NOT seeing you at ALL. We love you Johnathan Jackson. And you will be more loved for this. Good Luck on Nashville and I hope to see on General Hospital (here and there) but as long as I see you.
Thank you in advance.

Michael said: So soapers, would uyou like to see him return for a guest stint on General Hospital? Let us know!

1love says: No Michael, I would NOT like to see Johnathan return for a guest stunt. I would like to see him return on a permanent, less than half time basis. Like 4 times a month. Go to the Gh set twice a month and shoot his scenes for the whole month. Thats what I would like, given Genie Frances return.

Nice interview with Jonathan, Michael. He is one of the most talented actors ever. I hope this show does well by him. I know I will be watching! Good luck..Lucky…

very excited. will definately watch.

It’s so nice to see Jonathan on Nashville. He can do no wrong acting wise. I like the show so far and hope he will be the break-out star as the show continues. Actually, the show is really a soap in night time.It’s too bad GH couldn’t do the same……

General Hospital

Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn

Some very intriguing casting news out of General Hospital. The ABC daytime drama has cast former Santa Barbara favorite, Lane Davies (ex-Mason Capwell), in the role of Fergus Byrne, an attorney who crosses paths with Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn).

According to TV Insider, Davies will make debut the week of May 22nd.  As soap fans know, together with the aforementioned Grahn, they created the Santa Barbara supercouple of Mason and Julia Wainwright. Davies portrayed Mason Capwell family from 1984 through 1989.

Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time in Port Charles for Lane. From 2002-2004 he played Dr. Cameron Lewis and also shared on-screen story with Grahn.  At that time Davies, played Xander Smith’s father.

Photo: NBC

GH fans are wondering about the last name of Davies new character, “Bryne”. If you recall, Alexis got herself involved with therapist Dr. Neil Bryne, who died when Harmony broke into Alexis‘ house and killed Neil by injecting him with opioids.

Photo:

Taking to her Instagram, Grahn shared her excitement at the upcoming on-screen reunion with Davies, “It never gets old. We do 😂…. but it doesn’t 😍. Lookin’ forward to another romp.”

So, what do you think about Lane Davies returning to GH to play an attorney in Alexis’ orbit? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nikolas Gets an Earful from Ava About Sonny and His Meds; Nina and Drew Can’t Seem to Resist Each Other

Ava (Maura West) seems to feel she has a confidante in a jailed Nikolas (Adam Huss) on the Monday, April 29th episode of General Hospital. In story, Ava heads to Pentonville to visit her ex-husband before he is set to get transferred out of state.

When discussing her living relationship with Sonny (Maurice Benard), which Nikolas already knew about, Ava says she is happy about how her relationship with Sonny has been evolving, Nikolas ask if she’s in love with Sonny. Ava denies it, but goes on to say how great it is for her daughter, Avery to be living with both her parents, who are on the same side and not at odds.

Nikolas believes that Ava loves being in Sonny’s inner sanctum and the power that comes with it. Ava fires back that she spent years looking in from the outside and that everyone despised her. When Nikolas brings up Nina (Cynthia Watros), she says Nina never really could understand the true type of man that Sonny is.

Courtesy/ABC

Then, Ava launches in on Carly (Laura Wright), and how she would love to stick it to her, for all the times she blocked Ava from seeing her child and Carly’s attitude towards her. Then, Ava admits to Nikolas that she knows that Sonny has a watered-down version of his bipolar medication, which is making him more vulnerable and she’s capitalizing on it for her own gain. She says she needs to figure out who is responsible, but Nikolas voices concern for Ava’s plan and that if Sonny ever found out she knew about it and did nothing, he would be on the warpath against her. Ava promises she knows what she’s doing. When she says goodbye to Nikolas, he looks upset and sad, as he still seemingly cares for Ava.

Courtesy/ABC

Meanwhile in Drew’s (Cameron Mathison) office, Nina walks in complaining about Carly giving her a hard time about maintenance in her office. Nina wants payback for Jason (Steve Burton) buying Carly the hotel, but Drew is not up for playing games with her.  She says they both want revenge on Jason and Carly, which Drew denies. Next thing you know, Nina grabs Drew and kisses him. Although, it seems he might walk out the door and away from her, he locks it, and the two proceed to have round 2 of their hate-sex.

Courtesy/ABC

Elsewhere, Anna tells Jason about her shooting Charlotte and her concern about Valentin’s (James Patrick Stuart) involvement with Pikeman. Meanwhile, Valentin visits Jack Brennan (Charles Mesure) in Pentonville, where threats are laid out to make Sonny look like the guilty party in eliminating Jason, while Anna is the line of fire, if she doesn’t keep her nose out of Pikeman business, which worries Valentin, who doesn’t want Anna getting hurt in any of this.

So, what do you think about Ava’s plans? Did you like seeing Nikolas back on the canvas? Are you all for a Drew/Nina continued affair? Will Anna get caught in the crossfire only to be saved by Valentin? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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Breaking News

Haley Pullos Receives 90-Day Jail Sentence Following DUI Charge And Wrong-Way Car Crash

Former General Hospital actress, Haley Pullos (ex-Molly Lansing-Davis) is going to be doing time in jail, exactly one-year after her arrest from a hit and run wrong-way car collision.

The crash resulted in bodily harm and damages to the other driver, and now Pullos who pleaded “no contest” to the charges and will serve 90 days in jail. She was taken in custody on Monday, April 29th, after the ruling.

According to Haley’s attorney, Mark Daniel Melnick, the 25-year-old actress struck a plea deal and after her three months in jail will be sentenced on July 29th. As part of that sentencing, she must serve five years probation, 200 hours of community service and pay $8,260 in restitution to Courteney Wilder, the other driver in the crash and her driver’s license is revoked for a year.

Courtesy/ABC

According to TMZ, the plea deal for Pullos has the “no contest” to one DUI, while the judge dropped the felony DUI causing bodily injury and misdemeanor hit and run charges.

Melnick said in a statement to PEOPLE, “Haley is very grateful to the court for a minimum sentence and for recognizing her remorse and the strides she has made in her sobriety.”

Pullos had played the daughter of Alexis Davis (played by Nancy Lee Grahn) on the ABC soap opera since 2009, but after her car crash and DUI she was replaced by three different actresses until the show finally settled on the current Molly, Kristen Vaganos.

Photo: Pasadena PD

Back in April 29 of 2023, and at the scene of the crash, the police found edibles and mini-bottles of tequila in Pullos’ vehicle and that she was intoxicated. As it turned out, this was to be the second hit and run in the evening for Pullos who had an earlier collision with another car.

The courts decision follows a year-long legal battle with Haley’s pleas changing throughout it, ranging from “not guilty” to “no contest”. She sought treatment for her drinking at a rehab following the crash.

Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed Pullos’ on-screen mom took to X on Monday night, April 29th and shared on the sentence and the specific jail, Haley will be serving time: “As Haley’s TV mom I can tell some truths about her as I’ve loved her since she was little girl. She made a HUGE mistake, knows it, owns it & has spent the last yr doing EVERYTHING imaginable to take responsibility 4 it. It’s not that I oppose jail. It’s that I oppose this jail.” The jail in question by Grahn is the L.A. county jail.

So, what do you think about Haley Pullos serving a 90-days jail sentence, and the other rulings that will be part of her sentencing? Comment below.

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