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Antonio Sabato Jr. Addresses Not Being Asked Back to ‘General Hospital’ for 30 Years to Reprise the role of “Jagger” Cates

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: JPI

Antonio Sabato Jr. (ex-Jagger Cates, General Hospital) has taken to social media to share his viewpoints on why he has not been asked back to the ABC daytime drama series to reprise the role in 30 years.

This came about after the Friday, February 2nd episode of GH, where it was revealed that Adam J. Harrington has been cast as the new John “Jagger” Cates.

Taking to his Instagram, Sabato posted a video of himself doing some cardio and addressing his fans and the public as to what he says are the reasons he has never been asked to return to GH. (UPDATE: Since this story was first posted, Antonio has deleted the video post.)

Photo: ABC

Sabato started with, “I’m being bombarded with a lot of questions about this General Hospital thing. You need to know the truth from me and you need to know the only truth about what’s going on.”

Next, Antonio spoke to “Jagger’s” popularity around the world: “At the beginning of my career, I started on a character that I truly, truly adore, that I created with Wendy Riche, the executive producer, and an amazing team of writers at General Hospital back in 1992. I was on General Hospital from 92 to 94, playing a character by the name of John “Jagger” Cates. I’ve been asked by the fans, by millions all over the world, not just in America and in North America, but all over the world, about coming back to General Hospital for 30 years. Now, like I said, I’m doing very well. I’m not begging to go back on the show. This is not about that. I have many careers. I’m still acting very well. I have a movie coming out. I have a lot of things coming out that I’m very proud of.”

Photo: ABC

To clarify his stance, Antonio added, “I’ve never been asked to come back on General Hospital for 30 years. The producers at General Hospital, ABC, and Disney, they know where to find me. They know where I am. The fans always ask me every single day, ‘Are you going back to General Hospital?”‘

Photo: IMDb

Honing in on Adam J. Harrington’s first on-air appearance in the role Sabato Jr, said, “So now, they started a new character by the name of John. They don’t even call him ‘Jagger’. They call him ‘John’ because they know that the character’s only been played by me ’cause it’s part of who I am. It’s my life. It’s a character that is really a big part of my soul, that I dedicated my life, and that’s why it turned out to be great. I gave everything I have to that character and I would still do. So, the truth and the fact of the matter is, people say, well, ‘you ruined your career because you voted for this, or political, or this and that.’ I shouldn’t be hired on my political views. I should be hired on my merit, on my acting abilities.”

Sabato Jr. added, “So, this is on them hiring a new person, which is fine. They could do whatever they want. But for all the fans around the world to speculate, or to say, ‘I ruined my career and all this stuff,’ no, that’s not it. So now you know the truth. I’m gonna leave this out there for you to see.”

Now let us know, what do you think about the sentiments shared by Antonio as to why he is never been asked back to GH in 30 years? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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I feel that with his fan base, GH’s rating would soar if the hired him back.

I post earlier to give the “new guy” chance.. but knowing all this now…

His “fan base” has faded through the years. There’s little chance of him showing up in daytime any time soon.

Oh I agree with you. Wasn’t even watching General Hospital when Antonio was on but I knew the moment she said Jagger who he was because that character was so popular

I loved the character and was part of what made an everyday GH viewer. Before Jagger, Brenda and Jason I didn’t watch GH much. I would be THRILLED if he came back!!

I watched this and am not sure if he is delusional or truly doing “very well” dabbling in several careers.

He does seem arrogant and angry but I don’t know what to think after watching this. How much of what he is saying is true?

Arrogant and bitter.

I don’t know why GH hires so many ignorant people, but ASJ can stay gone.

Or keeps loud mouths on for years. Who’s got what on who? I want to read the behind the scenes memoir. Lol

Why is everyone making such a big deal about the recast. I didnt know he was still acting? I dont think Ive read or heard of him in any significant role since the late 90’s. He’s been fairly irrelevant for long time. It’s not like he’s an A list star. LOL.

Exactly

ASJ has been bad mouthing the execs at GH for years now. Those execs owe him nothing & why would they want to re-hire him when he badmouths them????

If Y&R can replace Heather Tom as Victoria and a David Tom as Billy, if AMC can replace Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kendall, if Days can replace James Scott as EJ, then I think GH can replace Antonio Sabato Jr. as Jagger 30 years after the fact. He was a handsome man but 30 years later irreplaceable.

He was a handsome man but 30 years later NOT irreplaceable.

Yes, but in all those ‘ recast ‘ examples the originating actors etc quit and moved on to other soaps and/ or higher in Hollywood, Antonio Sabato the one and only Jagger was not asked to return and obviously has been willing. Doesn’t make sense to recast when the original who was mega popular is willing to resume his rightful role.
Not asking Antonio to come back just because of how he feels outside of the studio is unprofessional and immature.

We have no clue what the relationship is between the powers that be and ASJ. You’re going by what he says. I was a Jagger fan, But I watched them on some stuff, like wife swap or spousal swap whatever it was… I don’t like the way he talks to people and I didn’t like the way he talked to his wife. He said himself he wouldn’t like to work with anybody who followed Biden, but then he said he’s not like that. Which is it? I think the powers that be at GH did what was best for the whole community of everyone who works at GH in this particular situation. I don’t always agree with them, often. I don’t agree with some of their choices, but this one I do.

A soap character is recast…years later… who cares?

The fans

Not this fan.

Welcome Adam J Harrington.

Welcome Adam J Harrington to General Hospital, or we like to say GH.

It’s pretty clear from these ramblings that his elevator doesn’t go to the top.

The people who hire at General Hospital are one sided in their politics. They keep Nancy Lee Grahn on who is very vocal to the left. However they took the first opportunity they could to fire Inĝo. The reason for his firing was the vaccine mandate okay fine well the mandates over how about now it’s over and they have not hired him back and I understand he sued them and maybe he burned his bridges. Understood. Yeah you could argue Steven’s a conservative and Republican and they’re having him back. However Steve Burton has never come out and voiced his political opinions. Antonio Sabato Junior has and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to if Nancy Lee Grahn can. However I truly believe this is the reason he was not hired back and that’s a real shame. They should be able to hire Democrats and Republicans. Hire people on their talent and not what their political beliefs are. If they do not hire people because they’re outspoken in their political beliefs then General Hospital needs to fire Nancy Lee Grahn immediately because she’s gone over the top with it. This is absolutely hilarious because the recast looks nothing at all like the original Jagger. If they were going to recast couldn’t they at least hire someone that looked the part? Plus I don’t even think Anna was around when he was there was she?

Has Nancy Lee Grahan ever supported a terrorist coup against the USA? I don’t think so.

There’s a difference between Republicans and MAGAtts.

Thank you!!

This article is about Antonio Sabàto, Jr. But again, you went there, so I’m gonna bite. A self proclaimed “satan” is calling half of this country terrorists is rich. I’m a gay man who is a reformed democrat, a current Republican and a proud supporter of making America great again. That doesn’t make me racist or anti-immigrant or this or that, but it does make me anti-satan. And that’s what riles the radical left. Think about it, or is that too much self awareness?

You do realize that fascist movements aren’t big fans of the LGBTQ community, don’t you? Every time one of these right wing regimes takes over, guess who they come after first? It was true of Putin, Orban in Hungary, obviously true of the religious wackjobs in the US who are deluded enough to believe my old friend JC would come back as an Orange sexual predator. And of course, their role model – the guy in Germany with a funny mustache – had those little pink triangle patches on the uniforms of some of the prisoners in those camps where he sent people to “concentrate”.

I get that there are “Log Cabin Republicans” who like their tax cuts above all else, but last I checked, even that organization was really trying to distance themselves from the MAGAtts.

You nailed it!!!!!! Sabato supported and endorsed terrorists who engaged in treasonous activity against our country.

Yes!

WOW, someone with some brains!! You hit the nail on the head!! This MAGAT CRAP is compleatly out if hand! And the IGNORANCE, OVERWHELMING! The Brainwashed Magat Cult, or tRumpism, same thing!! Nothing but Ignorance, just like their Cult Leader! Not to mention, staight up PHYCO!!
I was around for ASJ. Started watching in ’74, and I have to admit that I was VERY disappointed to see a recast of Jagger. Loved Jagger, and Sonny, Karen, Stone, etc…(Still Love Sonny) but even after 30 years, even with Adam Harrington, who I even liked in Supernatural, just, IMO, isn’t Jagger. If they had ASJ back as Jagger, or John Cates, the ratings would have gone up. No doubt in my mind. Big Mistake!!!

The character of Jax became irrelevant before Ingo was released from him contract. Jason, love him or hate him, has numerous connections on the canvas.

Do not confuse politics with racial, homophobic or insurrection actions/comments.

Who’s talking about insurrection? ASJ being a conservative makes him an insurrectionist? That seems to be a word the radical left tosses around now like racist or nazi but doesn’t really understand what it means or, worse, understands but doesn’t care about throwing charged words around. Please educate yourself.

Another question. I’m a gay man, but I’m a big boy. I can protect myself. I am not so fragile that someone who uses words against me or doesn’t like me because I’m gay is gonna ruin my day. People have the right not to like me, and I have the right to not like them back. Can you let me know what made you think that people don’t have the right to dislike each other? Did the radical left somehow succeed in abolishing the first amendment? What did I miss?

Agreed. I watch the show for the escape. Unless Antonio has fought or made his coworkers uncomfortable it shouldn’t matter how he votes. No political side is Innocent

Just because Steve didn’t want the c vax doesn’t mean anything about where he is politically. It shows he cares about his health and what he puts inside of his body, that it should be HIS choice. Democrats used to feel this way too, my body, my choice. I’m glad he’s coming back. I agree with you about NLG. She is a biggot and GH clearly discriminates against anyone who is conservative unless they keep it a secret.

Surprise he is not democrat though. And trump is not an insurrectionist. Might help if you do a little self. Study and not listen to news reports to see who really started all that upset that still is not an insurrection.

The new actor would have been a better recast Jax if GH recasts it. He looks the part looks like Joss and looked good with Carly. Could they not see that? Also if they did not renew Rogers contract to free up money and they have to have money to bring Burton back why are they bringing in all these different people? Are they all recurring and they don’t have to pay them as much?

Roger’s contract wasn’t renewed because the character of Austin was not working. Tried to make him a Q – didn’t with. Tried pairing him with Maxie – no spark. He had some (but not tons of) chemistry with Ava, but not enough to warrant a contract renewal. With the network against a Todd return, it was time to let Roger fly.

We won’t know until next Friday if Harrington is on contract.

Tristan Roger’s isn’t on contract. He has been recurring ever since he was brought back in 2012. Regarding the new Jagger, the writers must have a reason to change his appearance. For Anna to take a few seconds to recognize him must mean that the character had some sort of plastic surgery done.

She was referring to Roger Howarth who played Austin and Franco and Todd.

Ok. No problem.

Nobody knows the answer to that but the powers that be at General Hospital. However politics should play no role in hiring and firing of people. People should be hired based on their merit. Plus it’s silly the new actor looks nothing like the original Jagger. Couldn’t they have least hired somebody who looked like him? Why not ask ASJ back? Ratings would have went through the roof

I didn’t really understand what he was saying. It sound like a lot of babble.

I agree. Didn’t understand anything. He never said exactly what his beliefs are or why he wasn’t asked back to GH, just that they never called him. I don’t follow him, so I don’t know what his beliefs are. He talks as if everyone knows him. In my opinion he talked around the subject, like a politician. Come on ASJ, give us what we asked for, not a bunch of mumbo-jumbo!
*The new John Cates should at least have dark hair.

He should’ve been asked back he’s the only Jagger but on the other hand just keep quiet — talking about it too much makes you look desperate. Recasts are generally successful on these shows too although I hate recasts! Sherry Springfield played Blake on Guiding Light for less than years and I loved her but her recast was on for 20 years and I always called her the new Blake lol!!

I love him but almost everyone is replaceable on these shows he should know that by now.

Jagger Cates is no Laura Collins, Robin Scorpio or Sonny Corinthos. Recast totally acceptable.

The ratings, the extended fan base, would be enormous if Antonio had been brought back. HE IS JAGGER! No disrespect to the new character “John”… but Antonio IS JAGGER, heart and soul!

They should have at least asked Antonio Sabato Jr., since he made the role and I agree that ratings would get a bit of a bump bringing back the original character and actor who portrayed him. It is Disney and it’s very left wing politically, just look at some of the GH stars tweets i.e. Nancy Lee Grahan, actress who plays Carly, etc.

No one and I mean NO ONE has asked for Jagger to come back, much less played by someone who believes they can act. The now-deleted post was arrogant as frick, and such a turn-off.

Yep looks like it was deleted.

Appears to be reposted Monday morning.. I didn’t find it arrogant or anything…

Soap characters belong to the producers (Proctor and Gamble, the Bell family, etc) or the network and not the actor. I love Christian Bale as Batman. No one else measures up to him in the role in my opinion but if the producer wants to recast his role that is his prerogative. Such is the life of an actor.

I believe ABC soap characters belong to ABC. (?)

He is absolutely right. People are hired if they can do the job. Anything you do outside your job is nobody’s business.

They would have gotten a ratings boost. GH has brought characters back after they’ve said and done (or not done) very controversial things politically. Why not him?

I’ve been watching GH since I was in Grammer school. Now I’m 68 years old. I saw Antonio Sabato Jr. come to GH and I hated when he left. No, I dò not like a new person portraying John “Jagger” Cates role. Nor could anyone really do so. It would be like replacing Luke Spencer, Sonny Corinthos, or Jason’s characters with another actor. It’s not possible. Sorry ABC. This is a bad move.

Respect your opinion, but Sabato’s two year run as Jagger does not measure up to the decades long performances of Geary, Benard and Burton. If it did, Jagger would’ve been brought back years ago. The character hasn’t even been mentioned until Friday. Despite not being on, Luke and Jason are mentioned all the time.

Been many years ago let it go and he has moved on become a Christian moved to Florida had a successful career why he would even talk about the past surprises me . Now I’m shocked that people think loving america and wanting to put Americans first is racist astonishes me but that is ok . I just said goodbye to four soaps so wish them the best but you had to bring politics into it

This is why underwear models should be seen and not heard.

It’s pretty clear the people who run GH do not like conservatives and discriminate against them.

I would rather Blackie have come back. John Stamos has been sitting idle for years and I have always wondered why they won’t bring that character back. Stamos is still SMOKING hot. This guy would’ve made a better Jax recast. And considering ASJ is still a relevant name, announcing his return would’ve been a PR dream come true in the soap world, ASJ is STILL HOT. If they didn’t hire him back bc of his political stance that is utterly ridiculous. Brenda wouldn’t have looked at this guy (current Jagger) twice, haha.

First you say Harrington (new guy) would be a good Jax. Then you say Brenda wouldn’t look at this guy twice. You do recall that Brenda and Jax were a couple on numerous occasions?

Ironically, if he had replaced Jax, the same people in this thread would be complaining about the recast for the same reasons. (Ingo & Sabato being “persecuted” for supporting a fascist movement which tried to overthrow the US government)

Agreed 100%. and at times a little concerned at how intense comments are getting.

First off, I never liked his acting or thought it was so great. The awards and acting offers seem to agree with me. Second, the character of John “Jagger” Cates was not owned by him. the only “Truth” he stated was that it IS “fine” for the show to cast who they want in the role and do with that character whatever they want. Cates belongs to GH. Thirdly, I have no doubt that some people are saying his political views have kept him off the show. But those statements are from only some people and do not represent and “truth” on the part of the show or network. He sounds very egotistical and I think that shows in his acting. Thus, why I’m not a fan. I appreciate that there are GH fans who remember him as Jagger, but I’m not one of them. That makes it easier for me to accept a new Cates; Adam’s take is new to me.

I think Antonio’s not upset, I just think a courtesy call would’ve been appreciated and possibly offer him a chance to reprise the role.

The fact GH is not even mentioning “Jagger” within the recast tells me that they know a potential mistake has been made in recasting the character.

There’s one thing recasting a character like AJ (with both portrayals being exceptional) but when it comes to the legacy characters like Lucky, Lulu, Jason, even Carly the original should always be asked beforehand.

Now unless Frank has something different to say, I’d say let Antonio vent.

A courtesy call? After 30 years? That doesn’t seem likely to me in any industry.

Sounds like sour grapes to me.

They don’t need another Trump supporter in daytime anyway.

General Hospital

Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)

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Maura West and Kelly Sullivan

It was just over 13 years ago on General Hospital when Ava Jerome (Maura West) shot and killed Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri (Kelly Sullivan) in an effort to keep her quiet from revealing that Derek Wells was actually Ava’s back-from-the-dead brother, Julian Jerome (William deVry). It’s a crime that somehow Ava never has quite paid for either.

The episode back aired on August 13, 2013 and viewers had to say goodbye to Kelly Sullivan who played Kate and her alter, Connie. In the story, just before she died, Kate/Connie scrawled the letters AJ in her own blood, initially making the PCPD and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) think that it was AJ Quatermaine (Sean Kanan) who did the deed.

Now, Sullivan recalled sharing scenes with the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning West, during a live conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Kelly was the special guest talking about her recent return to the soaps in her new role as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Darcy Dylan.

Photo: JPI

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MAURA WEST

Speaking of her final GH scenes and working with Maura West, Sullivan gave her then GH co-star major props. “If you’re going to be shot by somebody (on the soaps), you want to be shot by Maura West, c’mon!”

Maura West debuted back in May 2013 as Ava, and Sullivan remembered when the As the World Turns favorite began on GH. “I remember when Maura West first arrived at GH. She walked in with this cute little bob (hairdo) and she’s just delicious,” shared Sullivan.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Kelly revealed more about Maura, adding “I think she’s amazing! I remember right before I left the show, someone suggested, and I would still love to do this with her, if she ever want to, but someone suggested that they wanted to direct the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire with Maura and I, where I would play Stella and she would play Blanche! Wouldn’t that be great?”

Speaking of the Ava/Connie showdown scenes, Sullivan expressed, “On television and on General Hospital specifically, Maura West is able to play a character who does the most horrendous things and you still care about her and that’s the mark of a really great actor. In other words, you’re able to be liked in the midst of the most horrendous things, and as a performer not shying away from that, and to just have the courage to do what’s on the page (in the script).”

Photo: JPI

KELLY SULLIVAN PARTING THOUGHTS AS SHE LEFT GENERAL HOSPITAL

Kelly also shared her sentiments when she walked off the set of General Hospital after her run back in August of 2013. “I really was honored. Every day I would go to work and I would say a little prayer, which is I want to do justice for my character, explained Kelly. “It’s between me and my character. I get to walk this path with her and to leave the show on that note, which is, I left every out there. I just gave it my all and again what an honor it was to play Kate/Connie.”

You can catch the full conversation with Kelly where she talks about her time on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless where she played Sage Warner and now The Bold and the Beautiful below.

So, do you remember the Ava and Connie scenes where Ava shot and killed her? What did you think of Kelly Sullivan’s sentiments about Maura West? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, watch the reveal where Ava recalls murdering Connie below!

 

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General Hospital

Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’

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Steve Burton

The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.

TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.

That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.

Steve Burton

Photo: ABC

STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES

GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.

Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).

Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.

GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS

Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.

Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.

Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.

So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?

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Jason and Britt

On the Friday, September 11 episode of General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship becomes strained to potentially the point of no return.

Things take a turn when an unglued Britt having been traumatized by almost being killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Jason to back her up with the PCPD when she reports Anna for attempted murder.

However, Jason told Britt, he can’t. Jason shares that he does not believe Anna would have gone through with shooting her. Therefore, Britt was not in any real imminent danger. Britt is flabbergasted and hurt that Jason is refusing to tell the police what he actually witnessed for himself on Mount Emerson.

Britt

Courtesy/ABC

BRITT WANTS BACK UP FROM JASON

Jason counters that he can’t believe that Britt would want Anna punished. or sent to prison, or a mental facility after the trauma she endured while being locked up and mentally tortured while at Wyndemere.

He asks Britt, “How could you even say that you want her locked up or prosecuted for what she did when you knew she was being held prisoner and you did nothing to save her?” Britt is stunned by Jason’s response.

Coming up, official General Hospital spoilers share that on the upcoming Monday, September 14 episode, Jason confides in Carly (Laura Wright), while Britt is stung. In the video preview that aired at the end of the Friday, September 11 episode for this coming Monday, Britt says to Jason, “You don’t believe me. Do you?”

General Hospital head scribes, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte previously teased in their fall preview of the soap, “Britt and Jason have come a long way and fought a lot of enemies to be together. But the most stubborn obstacle to their happiness isn’t without, it’s within. Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”

So, what do you think will happen? Will Jason and Britt break-up over Britt’s lies and Jason’s unwillingness to report Anna’s crime against her? Do you want Jason and Britt to go their separate ways? If they do, will Britt become romantically involved with Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) ? If so, who do you pair Jason with? Anyone? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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