General Hospital
ABC Exec Nathan Varni Says No Truth To GH & Roger Howarth Contract Talk Rumors!
Courtesy/ABC
Over the last 36 hours takes on a blind item of a “veteran actor” being subject to difficult negotiations from the network in which they appear picked up steam. It then became rumored to be of fan favorite Roger Howarth (Franco) and General Hospital.
ABC executive Nathan Varni, who helps oversee General Hospital came forward on his facebook page clearing the air on this by stating: “Soooo you know how sometimes people like to get our loyal GH fans all fired up over nothing? That sadly happened earlier today in regard to the magnificent & talented Roger Howarth. For some reason a certain blogger took a blind item which was posted and fooled everyone into believing it was Roger & GH related. I’m happy to confirm their “sources” perhaps thought today was April Fools Day and decided to completely make up the story without ever reaching out to ABC to ask the question. Perhaps asking for the real answer would take the fun out of reporting inaccurate information. The truth is that blind item had and has absolutely nothing to do with GH or Mr. Howarth. For those who believed it, I’m truly sorry they fooled you and for everyone who loves and watches & supports GH, I say thank you on behalf of one of the hardest working crews and cast I’ve ever been fortunate enough to work with, we can’t tell you how much we all appreciate your viewership!”
So, glad to know that things look to be good between Howarth and ABC? What did you think of Nathan’s statement? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
So…does he have a contract, or not?
I am stunned by this man’s unprofessionalism and immaturity while utilizing social media!! A simple old-school “We don’t comment on ongoing contract negotiations” would suffice. He talks in circles and riddles. He invariably insults someone. It always sounds like he is putting spin on something, and always sounds like he has something to hide.
Exactly Dylan –
Well said!
Then who was or is the difficult contract negotiations about then? That begs the question!
I’ve been reading a lot about stalled contract negotiations with Tyler Christopher. He has also announced a leave of absence. They have temporarily recast Nicholas
Roger is a great actor but yet again he’s not getting good material! Roger is gold but with the material he’s getting is horrible these writers have to use strong actors GH is becoming nothing but Sonny and Carly show with Alexis and Julian. They need to make a change ASAP you have so many talented actors Michelle Stanford, Roger, Maura and they all are just in the back burner.
I so disagree. I LOVE Roger’s Franco. He plays a man who is struggling with himself…to have confidence in his abilities to do right by those he loves while facing the wrath of half the hypocrites in town who have committed crimes as bad or worse. Love how he stood by Carly until she turned on him, how he loved Nina, how he loves Kiki and lil Jake…not to mention that cute goofball, his dad, Scott Baldwin who I also love. Wish we’d see more of him too.
Usually the official ABC comment is that they have no comment on an actor’s contract status or negotiations. But then Mr. Varni feels compelled to post something on his PERSONAL Facebook page, AGAIN. He did it with Rebecca Herbst during her contentious negotiations too.
I do not believe that this is his job description, and if he is speaking officially on behalf of the show, then he should be posting on the official General Hospital Facebook Page, not his personal one. And further by commenting on something that was started on a less than legitimate source, he has just legitimized it.
If Mr. Varni were my employee he would be fired for his lack of discretion. What a mess.
This is the same guy who PMed confidential information about Becky Herbst’s contract negotiations to a fan. He has no credibility whatsoever.
I wish they had gave him another character other then Franco. He is a awesome actor, But no one can replace James Franco
No one *should’ve* replaced James Franco. What a stupid story. Very ill-conceived from the start. Should’ve left it all in the past where it belonged.
Basically he’s playing a different character with the same name. Can’t compare James to Roger in the role because the role was different when James Franco played it. I think people have to look at this version of Franco as if he’s a new character.
I appreciate the fact that Nathan Varni takes the time to read & respond to some of the thousands of tweets he receives. As for Roger Howarth I think he is talented & I enjoy his acting. He is a little stand-offish with fans which is a shame and I personally do not like him in the role as Franco. Bad choice for him as a character but he certainly gives his all in each performance. If he is going thru contract negotiations I wish him the best!
Everything that I’ve seen about Roger Howarth from his personal appearances says that he is warm and engaging with his fans.
But that’s just it, NYca81, Varni speands way too much time on social media defending and denying and sometimes it just begs the observation that “me thinks thou protests too much.”
Todd/Franco is the only reason I watch G.H. again!!!
RoHo was brought back as Franco Franks and not Todd Manning which is a failed character on GH.
You had to be snarky? Todd will always be, I.e. Franco, the dude from Flash, whatever his endeavors are. Todd came first!!
It’s not a fail for me…I love Roger’s Franco. I love James Franco, but for all intents and purposes they changed the character Franco’s personality so I don’t compare. I love THIS more human, poignant version.
I was not being snarky, but stating what I see as RoHo continuously playing OLTL’s Todd Manning on GH after PP yanked the character in 2013. Todd Manning is RoHo’s go to role instead of trying something new as a serial killer now trying to live a somewhat normal life.
Nothing says human like burying your mother.
Was THAT snarky? Lol…
That’s a good thing! Love RH as Franco!
Agree
Ah Nathan, its May, not April AND so you criticize a blogger for starting a rumor BUT you offer no assurance that Roger will or has signed a new contract! Whose zooming who?
Yeah cause ABC never lies about show/actor rumors. The only way you know when ABC lies to it’s viewers is when their lips are moving.
Exactly!!!
clh…oh, I agree. As far as I’m concerned, this, uh, latest ‘stunt’ is further proof that ABC/Disney themselves do nothing but lie, manipulate and ‘perform’ all kinds of damage control. When, oh, when will those pinheads at ABC/Disney REALIZE that us soap fans are FAR FROM STUPID?!?!?!?!?! Truly dumb as hell.
Was that an answer.. Is he running for the presidency.. Geez
Me thinks the gentleman protesteth too much! But seriously I love Howarth and I agree with all those who wish GH would write better stuff for him. Somehow they have to get Franco’s history behind him so he can stop apologizing for it or defending it all the time. That’s why I liked the romane with Nina — it was two broken people who made terrible mistakes trying to get life right. I wish they had stayed on that track.
I agree. What assurance to we have that Roger will be sticking around? Why was this man compelled to put something out on Facebook? Seems a bit suspicious to me.
I love Roger Howarth and although he’s doing an incredible job as Franco, he’ll always be “Todd” to me. He’s awesome! One of the main reasons I continue to watch GH.
ahhha soap fans are huge on starting rumors, I paid no attention to and wait for whomever to speak.
I have now heard that is was a rumor, case closed.
su0000, seriously? You’re willing to close the case because (gulp) NATHAN VARNI says it was a rumor?
I mean, it might have been. You’re right that the soap community is often one big rumor mill, with people getting their knickers in a twist over ab-so-lute-ly nothing.
But based on the past, I would not believe Mr. Varni if he told me the sun rises in the east.
These contract negotiations are suppose to be in private Varni is so unprofessional did the same thing to Becky he needs to zip it.
Wasn’t it Daytime Confidential that did that with their blind items?
Love Roger! Love GH! Hope they stay together for a very long time!
there is no better actor on daytime
Nathan has been less than fwd lately and sadly, so haven’t many. You all.leak to the special few and they give us a little. Idk. I care your not utilizing ava, Franco, Lucas, Brad, epiphany, Feliz, etc. You use Roger and Maura wrong. History soap characters,.fool.in abc
I agree with Tae ; it’s become Sonny and Carly’s show with Sonny’s character allowed to run rough shod over everyone Someone needs to stand up to him. The writers have already allowed Michael to forget that Sonny killed A.J. in cold blood ; plus, he only spent a few weeks in prison. It seems as if I’m about to leave G.H. again! My last straw was when Sonny beat Julian in his own house. Julian is always written to be weak to me Give other people in town a backbone. Also, the writers had Anna teaming up with Sonny . What a mess!
….Not only that, Belle; but, Carly, who has zero rights to Avery, has the audacity to stick it to Ava.
What exactly makes Sonny a better parent than Ava? And, who, on God’s green earth, crowned Carly queen mother?
We are subjected to watch, ingest and digest the notion that Sonny is now Sir Gawain, in shiny armor? Lawful abider of the law? He is a murderer!!
Enough with all these efforts ( including Anna) to avenge Duke’s death by turning the world on its head. Who, may I ask, is avenging AJ’s death? Disturbing, that!!
PS: forever RoHo. He has been fab, as Franco….he is Franco. The only drawback for me is watching Nina possibly fall apart. By the same token, this break-up may be the making of Nina….find yourself, Nina, and pick yourself up!!
Good morning Belle.
As a 30 year plus viewer of GH I have always divided the show into pre-Sonny and Post Sonny.
A far better show before. Sonny should have been a one or two arc character. To make him the center of the show wrong.
Oh, to bring back the late 70s and 89s!
GREAT ACTOR…….GIVE HIM THE STORY LINE HE DESERVES.
Totally agree with you! Roger is the sole reason I ever started watching GH in the first place and I hope he and TPTB can iron out a new contract to keep him on the show for many many years to come! Moreover, he deserves a juicy front burner story line that allows him to showcase his amazing talent. He is definitely thee best actor on daytime!
It has been heartbreaking to see him betrayed by Carly and to watch Nina break up with him.
Now, I am rooting for a lasting romance to blossom between Franco and Elizabeth. Loved how he literally caught her backstage at The Nurses Ball. When he came to Jake’s rescue to do a little bit of a duet, I melted. Leaping into action to instill confidence in the little boy was so sweet.
I have followed Roger on OLTL, ATWT and GH for over 20 years. I enjoy and appreciate his captivating performances so much.
Finally, I think it is an abomination that he hasn’t collected his so richly deserved share of Lead Actor Emmys!!
I’m glad Nathan said something because I’d hate to go through the same misery over Roger than I went through over Michael. I have watched Roger for 24 years and he is as good as it gets, along with Michael Easton. They need to keep the 2 best actors if they want to keep me as a very supportive mega fan!
Reading TVLine’s top article, it looks like it was Tyler Christopher….
Aaah it’s Tyler Christopher not Roger.
Lol MissySnow…Franco had residual crazy when they began writing for him. He also sounded like a 2-year-old half the time. I thought the character at THAT time was imbecilic compared to James Franco’s genius socio_psychopath. But they evolved Roger’s Franco since then. They gave him Nina, Kiki and Scott to love…and had them love him back. They gave him little Jake, who I believe he’s crazy about. So he was redeemed a long time ago for me…
And Heather? She’s too freaky to die!
Celia, I agree with you when you asked who’s avenging A.J.’s death? It certainly isn’t Michael , Dante , or any other law abiding citizen. I also agree that Sonny and Carly act as if they’re holier than thou when it comes to Avery and Anna acts as if Duke was a Sunday School Teacher. G.H.’s writers need to write for all of its fans and not just Sonny’s fans.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
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‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
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