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Anne Schoettle Joins the General Hospital Writing Team

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: AnneSchoettleFB

Soap opera veteran writer, Anne Schoettle, is the newest member of the recently retooled writing team of General Hospital. Schoettle’s name was revealed during the Thursday, September 5th episode of the ABC daytime drama series.

Anne is married to David Shaughnessy (who has directed episodse of Days of our Lives, General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful) and brother to actor Charles Shaughnessy (ex-Shane/Drew, Days of our Lives and ex-Victor Cassadine, General Hospital).

Confirming her position with the GH writing staff was her daughter, Amy Shaughnessy. Taking to X, Amy expressed: “Look out #SoapTwitter, Anne Schoettle is BACK! #GeneralHospital #ScriptEditor.”

Photo: JPI

Schoettle joins GH co-head writers Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte as the script editor along with associate head writer, Cathy LePard as key members of the team.

Previously, in her soap opera career, Anne has been the head writer at Days of our Lives (1990-1991), and part of the writing regimes at Port Charles, Sunset Beach, The Young and the Restless, Guiding Light, and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Photo: ABC

For her work on The Young and the Restless, Anne has received three Daytime Emmy Awards and two WGA Awards.

What do you think of the current GH writing regime with Chris Van Etten back as co-head writer, alongside GH mainstay Elizabeth Korte and the recent promotion of Cathy LePard and now Anne Schoettle joining as the script editor? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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So far, it’s looking like Sonny will get away with murder yet again so I don’t see any difference with this new writing team and the others before.

Hope thar means GH/ABC is bringing back Kelly aka Sam; because Sam has way more story with lots of ties in Port Charles. I stand with Kelly Monaco, my favorite.

Youre riding for a disappointment. Writers dont hire actors. They just write story. Frank Valentini and the Disney execs fired Kelly Monaco. Only they could save her job. The writers have to write for the actors hired and placed under contract. They can only kill off characters when the Producers and Network Execs fire them. Kelly is done.

And Jacquelyn Grace Lopez as Blaze!’n

Blaze is inconsequential as she was only on GH for about 2 minutes. Kelly is a vet. No comparison.

So far so good.

Hope she makes a positive impact. I have not been able to watch GH because of the contract negotiation stalemate that is transpiring between Disney and Direct TV. Honestly, if I do not hear that things have drastically improved, I won’t go back when ABC becomes accessible for me again. Yes. I know I can figure out a way to watch GH on YouTube but I can’t muster up the energy/ enthusiasm it would garner for me to find a way to watch after a hard day at work. Right now, GH is like that gym that’s too far away from my home and work place. I need it to easily and effortlessly accessible. Disney allowing its contract with Direct TV to expire may have been the push I needed to break a life long addiction.

Hope she brings Sam Kelly Monaco back

I hope she can make GH watchable again. When they brought Van Etten back GH has gone downhill.

I could not agree more about GH and Van Etten. I may be in the minority here but I thought that when Patrick Mulcahey was co-head writer, the s/l’s and dialogue was on fire.

It won’t be General Hospital until Kelly is reinstated.
too many stories and not enough focus
like Harrington said, 3 group of writer changes while he played Cates. All went in a different direction.

Having been attuned to soap news/social media when Becky and Genie were originally let go, this time seems different. While I applaud soap fans for sticking up for their favorite performers, the decision to let Monaco go does not seem likely to be reversed.

The writing has been horrendous for a while now and Frank should rehire Ron! I’m sick of lame dialogue and I have been opting to watch on Hulu so I can skip over the ridiculous and nonsensical scenes and ludicrous entanglements.

okay I was feeling you till I got to the part where u said to rehire Ron, I’ll take any writing team over Ron, so please do not put that out in the universe.

Have you seen the absolutely appalling dragonshit that has been airing on Days of Our Lives lately?? First the dumbest serial killer story ever, and now an absolutely mindless “soap within a soap” story which ate up two full days of airtime this week? Because Days tapes 9 months ahead, ReRon is already gone, but we’re stuck with this garbage anyway.

It’s highly likely these stories got him fired from Days, just like the Fluke story and the absolutely moronic “exit story” he wrote for the iconic Luke Spencer got him fired from GH. And though OLTL never aired in Hell, I’m willing to bet any number of souls that his writing played a big part in that show getting cancelled.

Days makes so much sense compared to GH, why? GH always seems like they are making things up as they go along! And keep changing it and confusing as heck! No sospiness, no drama, no affairs, triangles! Ugh

Hey Potato Chip! I like your name.

does it really matter?, its like no matter what combo of writers they get together they’ll all make a mess, I mean I don’t even know who to blame for some of the current mess or who to give credit to when the show has been good. I don’t know if I’m paying more attention this year but the show has been a mess an yet its had some outstanding moments that kind that earn you the Emmy for best show, I feel like I’ve been on a roller coaster ride, But like I always say, this is my show, my ride or die, But its hard to give credit to a lot of the mess the show is airing right now. I’m not looking forward to a lot of what’s airing right now, I mean, we know they are getting rid of sam(unless the listen to fan outrage) replacing Lulu with a new actor, we know sonny is gonna get away with murder, they ruined the jagger character, Kristina is now acting like Sonny with a skirt, can someone tell me what’s to like here?

The role of Lulu Spencer Facolnari is now being played by Jennifer Landon. 🙂

Michael Landons daughter? If that’s her, she was great in the last show I watched her in , but was cancelled.
.

Actually the last thing she was in was “Yellowstone”. Which apparently has NOT been cancelled. There was a ridiculous delay in production of season 5b which will finally be seen in November. And latest word here in Hell is that the show will continue on with Season 6, even though the “star” of the show, Kevin Costner will not be involved.

Good luck to Anne bring any sense of coherence or watchability to a Stacy Pulwer “script.” Her writing, if one can charitably call it that, is so appalling it boggles the mind that no one in the production team hierarchy has noticed, let alone intervened or removed her. I skip any episode in its entirety as soon as she is revealed as its dialoguist, because I know the hour will be inevitably insufferable.

Maybe Anne Schoettle can help get GH refocused with Van Etten and Korte back at the helm. Need to work fast as GH has fell to 1.8M viewers.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did the ABC Soap Opera Just Tee Up a Jason and Serena Pairing?

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Jason and Serena

The Tuesday, October 6 episode of General Hospital kicked-off with Serena Baldwin (Kelly Kruger) literally turned upside down and stuck on the Quartermaine roof in front of Jason (Steve Burton), who came to her rescue.

This marked the first time that Kelly Kruger and Steve Burton shared any substantial screen time together since Kruger debuted on the ABC soap opera back in July.

In story, Serena was trying to save the peregrine falcons’ nest that Tracy (Jane Elliot) wanted exterminated. Jason agreed to help Serena relocate the nest to the nature preserve. Said relocation would be put in the preserve adjacent to the property, think where Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) buried Brennan (Chris McKenna)!

Later, when they returned to the Quartermaine mansion, the two have more banter where Serena told Jason they should both check themselves for ticks. Serena has done a full body check in the bathroom, but then asks Jason to go through her hair and look for any signs of ticks. Clearly, one or both may have ticks prompting suspicion if they wind up at GH with Dr. Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson) as their doctor who previously treated Ava for the tick stuck in her hair!

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

ROMANCE SWITCH-UPS

While initially General Hospital fans suspected that the character of Serena was being brought back to the canvas in the form of Kruger as a love interest for Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson), in recent weeks and in admission by Tanisha Harper, it appears that GH is teasing a Michael and Jordan romance. The two have been spending more time together at Aurora, and Michael helped her get accepted into the burn clinic in Germany to treat her facial scars from the car accident.

Meanwhile, after Steve Burton returned to GH after his extended hiatus this June, it was clear that the writers were heading in the direction of a Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) and Jason break-up.

Eventually, a few weeks ago, the duo called it quits after Anna (Finola Hughes) tried to kill Britt, and Jason would not help Britt press charges against his friend, who was suffering from delusions after being mentally gaslighted by Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) and Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and company.

So, what did you think of the scenes between Jason and Serena on today’s GH? Do you think Kelly and Steve have on-screen chemistry that you would be open to be seeing how it plays out? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

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Van Hansis

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2024 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.

Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.

When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Van Hansis

Photo: ABC

LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES

Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.

“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Van Hansis

Photo: ABC

GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS

Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.

Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”

The five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”

So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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Breaking News

Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

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Robert Kelker-Kelly

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.

According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.

Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Robert Kelker-Kelly

Photo: NBC

Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.

As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.

Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Robert Kelker-Kelly, GH

Photo: ABC

Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.

Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.

Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”

The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”

Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.

Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.

Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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