General Hospital
ABC Issues Statement On The Passing Of Claire Labine
Courtesy/Alchestron
Over the weekend, the daytime community continued to mourn the passing of nine-time Daytime Emmy winner, Claire Labine (pictured far right, next to Kate Mulgrew (Ex-Mary, Ryan’s Hope).
This imaginative storyteller passed away at the age of 82. She leaves behind a list of some of the most touching stories in the history of soaps that audiences who love the genre will never forget. Most of Labine’s success in her career was with the ABC Television Network where she co-created Ryan’s Hope, wrote many of General Hospital’s most revered storylines, and more.
Now ABC has issued a statement on the passing of Claire Labine, and what she meant to the network’s success during the highpoint of its ABC daytime block of shows and more.
ABC: “We are sad to learn of the death of our friend and former colleague Claire Labine. As creator of Ryan’s Hope and head writer of both General Hospital and One Life to Live in the 90s, Claire was an imaginative storyteller who inspired hope and sparked conversations through her stories and characters paving the way for a new generation of writers who would follow in her footsteps. We are proud and honored she was a part of our ABC Daytime family. We send our deepest condolences to her family and those closest to her.”
Share your continued thoughts and condolences on Labine’s passing in the comment section. But first after the jump. watch the opening and closing credits of the premiere episode of Ryan’s Hope from 1975, Bobbie learning B.J. is brain dead from GH, as well as Alan telling Robin she is HIV positive, all part of the iconic stories from Labine.
One of the true greats of the soap genre. Her “Ryan’s Hope” was literate, witty and filled with dimensional, compelling characters. Then, later she saved GH and made it better than it had ever been (wish she was still here so she could do it again). She tried to fix OLTL in the 90s and GL in 2000, but was consistently undermined by the network know-nothings that were in charge. The soap industry needs more Claire Labines, writers with the same class, talent, integrity and heart (much like the late Agnes Nixon, another brilliant, irreplaceable gem). RIP.
OH so very sad–she was an amazing head writer and instilled a sense of realism into her stories.
This is the worst November of all time-Leonard Cohen, Leon Russell and Claire Labine have all died.
Ohhhhh…so sad and surprised at the passing of Leonard Cohen. Wish I’d had the opportunity to see him in concert. Hallelujah…
If there were more like Labine writing for daytime, maybe there would be more than 4 soaps still on the air. If anyone has not seen her work, I refer you to the following–(1) scene from RH between the show matriarch, Maeve Ryan, and show villainess, Rae Woodard, including in the 1981 Daytime emmy clips on youtube, (2) “Ryan’s Hope’s” last episode where Maeve sang ‘Danny Boy’ and everyone, in front of and behind the camera were in genuine tears. (3) From her ‘GH” days–Mary Mae Ward reciting a prayer (Grace Realized) to AIDS patient Stone and his girlfriend, Robin. Also, I vividly and fondly ALL the St. Patrick Day episodes on “RH.”
Claire was my cousin and that’s how I knew her. None of her success or fame was ever shown when we were with her. Rather an incredibly warm, considerate and funny human being who was as interested in our lives as though we were as important. She will be remembered!
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your cousin, Steve. I know she is resting in peace.
You and your family must be very proud. Sorry for your loss…
So sad that such an iconic writer is gone. She added so much to the soap landscape with her memorable storylines.
One of the great story tellers and Ryan’s Hope was the first soap opera I got hooked on. It was great reliving Ryan’s Hope when SoapNet network was on the air. Rest in Peace and prayers to her family and friends.
It’s good to see that ABC acknowledged her. The Stone and Robin sl is still relevant and cutting edge today. It surprises me too. I would’ve loved to see similar statements made for head writers Norma Monty and Ann Marcus, two 80s writers that helped keep GH great. I suppose this is what we call progress for the network?
The photo used above comes from my interview with Claire Labine and Kate Mulgrew from 2011 which can be found here https://www.totallykate.com/labine/interview.html
TotallyKate.com webmaster
Claire wrote my absolute favorite era of “GH.” What a talent! Rest in peace, dear lady.
Mine too-Sonny, Brenda, Ned, Lois, Stone, The Q’s-all of my favorites, too!
The stories that Claire Labine wrote for GH in the 90’s are the stories that got me hooked on the show. Robin/Stone’s story along with Ned/Lois and Sonny/Brenda are still the gold standard for me of GH storytelling. Those stories will forever be in my heart. Rest in peace Claire, you gifted the viewers with tales that will last a lifetime.
What can I say? I am at a loss for words. This lady came up with some of the best stories in our history of soaps. Well miss you, Claire.
I am curious as to which new generation of writers who have followed in her footsteps they are referring to??
THANK YOU Miss Claire. RIP.
Claire Labine is one of my all time role models. She inspired me to focus on writing and she helped me become a better, more empathetic person through the stories she wrote. I was just a 15 year old boy when she captivated me as she began her tenure at GH. Through Ned and Lois’s romance (still my all time favorite pairing), Monica’s breast cancer, Stone and Robin’s story, the infamous Lucy/Damian “bet” – but most especially through BJ’s heart – Claire created GH’s true golden era. The BJ story remains the best story ever portrayed on daytime television in my opinion. I am so grateful for Claire’s storytelling. May she rest in peace.
Ms. Labine was truly one of the best. Ryan’s hope was a gem in a class by itself; Claire left her stamp with her inimitable writing/story telling style and creativity with quality par excellence in any project she wrote for or collborated on. Her story telling for General Hospital was soap at its best. She is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed. My condolences to her family including those of us in her soap family.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.
In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.
She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’”
Photo: ABC
THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH
Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’
The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.”
The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.
As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”
So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.
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B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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