General Hospital
Billy Warlock On A. J. Quartermaine: "That Character Has Never Been Given A Fair Shake!"

Courtesy/ABC
From one A. J. Quartermaine to another! After the news broke this morning that Sean Kanan is out at General Hospital, after Kanan revealed he was disappointed in the writing and the direction they were taking the character and by mutual decision with the series EP, Frank Valentini to part ways, another former A.J., Billy Warlock, took to his Twitter account to express his feelings over the show losing Kanan and the character of A. J. itself!
Warlock first tweeted, “I must say if it’s true about SK I am truly bummed. Not just for him but for AJ as well. SK was a great AJ! Go B&B.” But then followed up with another tweet which expressed, “Believe when I say I’m not lobbying. It’s just how I feel. That character has never been given a fair shake.”
When you look at all the twist and turns for the character of A.J. over the years, does Warlock have a point?
What do you think? Has the character of A.J. been bungled over the years by various regimes at GH? Let us know your thoughts!
I have had a lot of bad luck over the years so i never had any problem the way A.J. was written except for the relish storyline and his story dropped for two months…besides A.J. can always return one day with either Sean K., Billy W. or even with a newbie like Micheal M. ex Adam or Billy M. ex Billy from Y&R…no big deal to me but sad to see only a few Qs left!!!
Agree. And like I said in the Sean leaving post, Frank and Ron did the character no favors this time around for sure.
yes yes yes agree>>>>>>>>>>.
Well even it may be true but if he was looking for work, this may not happen now being A.J again. Its tough there are budget restraints that do not allow everything, I understand as I live within a budget in my personal life and yes its tough but a necessity and im sure the soaps are the same way. Good luck to SK maybe sometime in the future he will return.
AJ has been a whiny crybaby for literally decades. His character needs to grow. Mainly up. No matter who plays AJ the victimhood has to go. No one cares about a 40 year mess there’s got to be more to AJ than drunkeness and misery.
Are they recasting or killing off AJ? I am not getting a clear picture on this. Does anyone know?
I believe he’ll be in a coma and sent to that same clinic where Nina was supposed to be!!!
The fact that BOTH actors have publicly complained about how unfairly the character has been treated speaks volumes. Heaven knows that there are a lot of longtime GH viewers like me who have always hoped that the writers would FINALLY stop making A.J. the show’s ‘whipping boy’ and give him real growth and happiness. I hope Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati are raked over the coal over this. If they’re smart, they’ll keep A.J. in a coma and recast him with a strong, dynamic actor who will FINALLY put Sonny in his place. Here’s a crazy casting idea for a new A.J.- how aout MICHAEL MUHNEY??
isn’t Michael Muhney that guy that got really handsy with a teen actress on his old show?
The only proof so far that MM put hands on HK comes from TMZ. Really! He would be great as new Jason, AJ or anything they want to give him. I think he is the best actor in daytime.
Thats one of my picks…M.M. if they eventually recast…and i suggested A.J. to be in a coma in another post!!!
Sean Kanan is plenty strong…a whole lotta good-looking…and I’m sure he could have put Sonny in his place if the writing was there! Sucks.
100% agree. It’s the writing. Sean K. plenty strong enough to play a strong AJ. Character development / storyline is the problem.
Ditto. SK could have made AJ amazing if the writers had written the story that way. I would have loved to see AJ as Sonny’s downfall.
Rebecca, now I may be reading between the lines but I don’t think MB is happy with his storyline either as he is dropping hints about extending his contract which is up on 7 months. He may be blowing smoke as he is oft to do, but I really don’t think he relishes (no word play intended) the idea of his character lying to his son that he would not hurt AJ, only to break his promise in his mis guided belief that AJ killed Connie. See? This storyline does not only inflict harm on the character of AJ, it inflicts irreparable harm on Sonny as well.
Hey Harry…where’d you read that? Was it on Twitter?
I don’t know…Maurice Bernard has barely done anything but GH…(as far as I know a few TV movies here and there…). Not sure how in demand he would be on another soap; on the one hand others may not want to touch him because he’s been Sonny for soooooo long they themselves might have him pegged that character forevermore.
On the other hand…another soap may just swoop him up since he’s been (seeminlgly) unavailable before.
As for his wanting to leave because of the current storyline…I’d find that surprising for a few reasons. First…he’s at the forefront once again. When the new writers came on he had griped that while he welcomes new blood (no mafia pun there!) to the show…there needs to be a balance. Meaning, he didn’t like the facd that he was getting less screen time. Now it seems they’ve returned him back so he’s probably thrilled.
I also think (at Sean Kanan’s/AJ’s expense) that a story where he has to hide what he did from Michael…or live in fear of being found out…or perhaps being found out and the repercussions (not sure which direction they’re taking this) could make for very good drama.
As for Sean Kanan…you know how I feel. Big loss for me as a fan/viewer.
I thought SK was terrific as AJ and hope he’s happy on B&B. I would LOVE for AJ to be recast with Michael Muhney and for the character to be written differently. MM would be amazing. His multi dimensional, riveting performances would be incredible to watch as AJ!
Absolutely. I was excited to see Sean Kanan back in the role of AJ and the return of the Quartermaine family. They totally dropped the ball. But they will never admit it.
I agree, 1,000%!
I watch GH from time to time, but Sean Kanan as AJ brought me back to the show.. they really messed up by letting him go. Kanan played AJ better than every other actor in that part.
#EPICFAIL
I couldn’t agree more. I liked both SK and BW as AJ. I always found it odd how AJ was treated so badly (by the writers).
And with both actors, the fans are with A.J., no matter how he’s trashed by the writers.
I don’t think that BW would make a good AJ at all. Just can’t see him in this role so I hope they either recast with someone else or let AJ remain off the canvas.
you know he’s been AJ before, right?
B W was a great A J and he is a great actor the writers never have given him a fair shake in any of his roles and I don’t know why he is awesome!
I initially thought Bill Warlock was an odd choice as an AJ recast, but he made it work interjecting a wounded son vulnerability into his performance. His comments here show what a class act he is and I find it very sweet that he not only feels bad for Sean, he feels bad for the character he once played.
No matter who is playing him, I am forever rooting for AJ. Just once, just ONCE! I’d like to see this man win.
Agree!
It was awful! No chemistry with anyone.
He’ll always be “Ricky Flyer” to me……
He is not lobbying for a job first of all they have to put AJ in a coma if they are going to keep Sonny & Ava around obviously they are AJ has to go. MW is the new it girl on this show and I am already bored with her and it has nothing to do with her personally. Just add her to all the rest of the over the top acting on GH.
This is what I mean when I say gh is a mess right now a Quartermaine character with long term ties to the show should not be treated like this. I’m glad sean is coming back to bold and beautiful which is a much better show anyway!
AJ was a drunk and a kidnapper who pretended to be dead to avoid prosecution. To have him be a romantic leading man right out would have been ridiculous. Plus his story was stalled when the show had to switch gears when Kimberly McCullough came back.
The fact that both actors have spoken publicly only speaks to their lack of class. If you’re a GH hater you’re going to twist everything to support that hate.
Ahem, but you think it’s okay for Franco, the man who orchestrated Michael’s rape and who tortured and tormented Jason to be Carly’s romantic leading man? You think it’s okay that a cold blooded murderer like Julian is having an affair with Alexis?
I disagree with your assessment of both actors having a lack of class for speaking the truth. Warlock did not disparage Ron or the show, he merely said this character he once played never got a break–tis true. And Sean said the writing for the character was not to his liking. Neither actor said anything that we viewers didn’t already understand.
Where did I comment on Franco or Julian? Don’t put words in my mouth.
I never said AJ wasn’t a viable character, but he needed to go through some rehab, literally and figuratively, before I could see him as a leading man. And “speaking the truth” is problematic in that “the truth” is subjective and not always appropriate or respectful. It’s best to know when to say nothing and merely shake hands and move on.
What does class have anything to do with this? RC can not take anybody not thinking he parted the Red Sea. The man needs to seek therapy nobody is going to love everything you write. Live with it!!! Gosh there are always hit and misses he is as thin skinned as I have ever seen he is nasty on twitter just when people are making funny jokes. GH will be in the toilet soon if he does not become a grown up FV is not the problem RC is.
Oh please. Plenty of people are unhappy with the writing on GH these days and that doesn’t make them GH “haters” – it makes them people unhappy with the writing.
It’s completely possible to love a show and hate the current direction and writing. We all don’t have to think Ron C. is a genius or else we don’t “love” the show.
I love the show but Ron C. and his “talent”……not so much.
And because I love the show I wish they’d get someone in to write it who actually CARED about GH, which we haven’t had in at least a decade.
It’s starting to feel like AMC.
And once again someone who disagrees with me is putting words in my mouth. Show me where I said Mr. C is a genius or that you don’t love the show. I didn’t.
You misunderstand the term “hater.” A hater is someone who only posts negative comments. I completely understand viewers being unhappy with the show, as there are viewers who don’t like what’s happening on every show on television. But the ratings hold up and that’s what the network cares about.
MFarris, now follow closely since my point eluded your grasp. You said that AJ could not be considered as romantic leading man based on his past. Your stance is negated by men who have committed far worse crimes (ie, Sonny, Jason, Julian and Franco) being given romantic lead statuses. That is why I brought those characters up–to negate your rather silly point.
I agree, Bose, and I am so tired of the overuse, misuse of the term”hater.” It’s on my list of pet peeves along with the overuse and misuse of the word “literally.”
It is literally driving me insane!
mfarris70…I agree with Harry. by what you wrote you implied that AJ alone could/should not be a leading man because of his ways. however, even by omission…what does that say about Sonny, Rick, Julian, Franco, Luke…they have ALL committed crimes and have been center stage and pegged as “leading men.”
As for AJ kidnapping anyone…if you remember it was HIS SON that was stolen from HIM! He was rightfully a distraught, desperate man willing to do anything to get his son alone…prove to him he loved him…that he didn’t leave him…and to give him his side of the story. He didn’t hurt anyone…his intentions were always good and on the defensive…where people put him. I think your take on the character is a tad…a huge tad…off.
Again, putting words in my mouth. I’m trying to share an opposing point of view and enjoy discussion but don’t attribute things to me that I never said. Seems to be a habit with people who don’t like the show.
Yes, just about every man in PC has committed crimes and is now a romantic interest. My point was that AJ also did and needed to be mended a bit before I could cheer him on in his quest for Elizabeth. I was enjoying watching him try to be a better man, to make a huge mistake, to try and get his life together. I thought it was great story. And by the way, I think that faking Michael’s death probably hurt a lot of people!
mfarris79…I enjoy discussion too and am not…nor do I have a desire to…argue over a soap. So, take this with a grain of salt and part of a “lively” discussion.
I STILL disagree with your comments. First, I never thought AJ was a bad man to begin with, thus I didn’t really feel he needed to be a “better man.” I think he was vulnerable, hurt and a scapegoat. I think his actions were justifiable…he had no recourse in getting his son back, his life was threatened and harmed numerous times by Sonny when he attempted to claim his son. When I said he didn’t “hurt” anyone I meant physically. He had no help legally, nor from his family… parents to Emily to his own brother who helped keep his son away from him. As I said the kidnapping was a desperate act by an understandably desperate man.
Alcoholism is a condition that needs support and understanding…not hate and venom that was spewed upon this character…with the hideous assumption that Michael would be better raised by a murderer with known enemies than in the Q household. It was ridiculous from the start…though made for a good storyline.
The problem now is many AJ fans had eagerly awaited the character’s return as well as Sean Kanan’s…and once again the writers made AJ a victim who could never catch a break. It looked as though they brought him back to be a new power player…with success, a relationship and his son by his side…but ultimately reduced him to right back where he had been so unfortunately written…
Was really loving both the character of AJ….someone I actually cared about and rooted for. Also loved Sean Kanan’s portrayal. I think he and Michael shared a resemblance…I think their on-screen chemistry was great…and I think AJ added a touch of humanity to the show.
And…if he’s continually bad-mouthed even after the character’s departure, that too will be exasperating.
Yes he does, it’s clear that no matter whose in charge they can’t seem to write fairly for any character that goes against sonny . They already are turning Anna incompetent just to make sonny look good…
I so agree with you. I am so tired of Sonny.
As much as I agree with Billy Warlock on his statement, please do NOT bring him back as AJ! The only AJ for me is Sean Kanan. I’m so disappointed to hear that he is leaving; though, I can’t blame him. There was so much potential for AJ, having Sean back-bringing the Q’s forefront and center, ELQ, his relationship with Michael, his chemistry with Maura West, Laura Wright, etc. I’ll miss Sean.
I have thought if they recast Jason, which I think GH needs to do or entice Steve Burton back somehow someway,,,
But if they recast Jason with Billy Miller or really any other actor – the resemblance between SK and SB could be distracting and make it harder for the new actor to quickly assimilate on the show.
I am sure there is much more to the reason for the changes.. but this could be a contributing factor.
Why is it every time a male character needs to be cast Michael Muhney’s name is alway’s mentioned? I would like to see a recast ( and not MM) and see a sober AJ.
yes!!
Michael Muhney is an excellent actor and would bring his A-Game to GH.. and his million of fans with him to GH..
Michael Muhney would make a great Q ..
I tweeted FV and RC to grab Michael Muhney !!!!
Honestly, I could really see Billy Miller as A.J., I think he’d be amazing… Michael Muhney seems more fit to play Jason in my opinion. I’m sad Sean Kanan is leaving though, I liked his portrayal of A.J.
I wasn’t a viewer back when Billy Warlock played A.J. but I watched him as Ben Hollander on Y&R back in 2007 & 2008 and I really liked him. I agree with his comments about A.J., since his return he hasn’t really had any great material, other than his relationship with Elizabeth, which I was really hoping would work out.
I liked the character AJ.. He is full of drama and always in a mess lol
Kanan is an actor.
He is hired to act a part/character
If Kanan doesn’t like what he is doing then he should leave..
He is not a writer or directer he is an actor..
I wish him the best in finding what he wants..
Kanan did not his roll/character at Y&R either..
when leaving from Y&R he did comment he was at his best being the bad guy and that was rolls he wanted to play..
Bingo.
I have never been a fan of AJ, however…. I thought he was coming back this time sober and being a mensch. He acted stupidly, besides the drinking he confronted someone he believed to be a killer, and he believed someone he hardly knew (same person, Ava.) the character has potential. Perhaps if they have A.J. leave to go to a facility like Betty Ford, someday he can return. I think the writing on GH is getting worse and worse.
It is too bad that SK is leaving. I always liked him as AJ. I hope they don’t kill him off. I am so sick of Sonny and now Ava getting away with the things they do.
Regardless of AJ’s problems in the past RC and FV had an opportunity to reinvent the character and rebuild the Quartermaines. Instead we got…RELISH??? And what ever happened with Edward’s will, the missing Q heir, the battle for control of ELQ and the fate of PickleLila anyway?
I don’t know if I’d say the character of AJ never got a fair shake but SK certainly didn’t. It’s a mystery to me why SK/AJ was even brought back in the first place when Cartini clearly didn’t have a story in place beyond a stupid relish sight gag on Chew.
You gotta wonder what they’re thinking sometimes.
No disrespect to the characters but for years GH has been mostly the Sonny/Carly/Jason/Sam show. You’d think there were no other characters on the show. When Frank and Ron came in other characters were given a chance, finally. However, I’ve noticed that a lot of characters are either MIA or aren’t given a storyline. AJ being one of those characters. I have never been a big fan but it would be nice to see the character doing something other than what he has been doing. AJ has never really fully been given a chance to show potential as a character. Hopefully they will recast the role and not kill ANOTHER Quartermaine off the show.
ATTN GH
Michael E Knight for new AJ
Imagine the chemistry with Chad Duell and Jane Elliot.
Best wishes on B&B, Sean. Will miss you.
But life goes on, hopefully, for AJ.
M.E.K. is too old.
MEK is 54, two years older than the longest AJQ, BW. Also SK is 47. MEK looks darn good for 54 IMO. Anyway, actors age irrelevant. Just ask William Devry, just eight (?) years older than “daughter” Kelly Monaco.
And was RH (Franco) too old? Didn’t seem to matter he was in his forties, even though James (Franco, original Franco) is in his thirties.
Not a bad idea, Steven and yes, Michael Knight looks at least 5 years younger than his age. He’s be great, however, I simply don’t trust Ron not to continue with his ruination of this character. He seems primarily interested in introducing new characters (2 new 20 somethings will soon be shoring up to Port Charles) and boasting those characters. Right now, we have Robocop who is such a bad actor he makes his bare chest upstage him in order to distract.
But I adore Michael Knight, think he’s a very gifted actor who has the ability to make the viewers fall in love with him even when he’s screwing up.
I was definitely hoping for something better and once again they made him an drunken crybaby. Its ridiculous you would think the new writers would come up with improved characters but not true some are just not worth watching. good luck to sk he deserves a good role sorry it couldnt be on our show.
These writers and this producer is the one totally lacking in class. He consistently brings back characters from the past for the sole purpose of destroying them or making them look cartoonish and foolish in an effort to prop up a newer cast. Im ashamed that the soap press tolerates this practice and condones it. Im ashamed that producers think this is a way to go. GH is definitely now on the wrong track. I had hope for a new producer but he is doing the same thing that awful former producer did and is doing now to Y&R. Once Y&R became the Burton hour, it become worthless and I cancelled it. History should be respected, characters deserve integrity of character and the audience some respect. Im sad to say these new producers have little respect for the genre or the audience and they are ruining once great soaps. They sure broke my soap addiction.
I disagree with every thing you said..
GH is a suburb soap in all ways..
Never forget; GH has ”doubled” it’s viewers in a short time..
So, all is well ..
I have great respect for ALL at GH..
They have done great work and have kept me fully awake and wanting more.. And kept GH on the air, daily..
soaps have changed since 1970 everything moves forward and in other directions.. GH has moved along very well.. 🙂
GH has not doubled its viewers. Ratings are up for all soaps right now, but that is a matter of default considering there is no more AMC and OLTL to watch on either ABC or Prospect.
You must be kidding me suoOOOO if you think that crap is great. The show is very cartoonish and campy. Way to many new characters coming in all at once and there not tied to any core characters. Your right soaps have changed since the 70’s back then they were well written.
Wonderfully said.
What is happening at GH right now reminds me of what happened to AMC – and it’s not a good memory.
There are good writers out there – I wish GH would find one.
Soap writers are extremely hard to find, they are a rare breed..
Writers do not want to 80-100 pages of script, daily..
And to be able to connect past 20yrs to date..
Mostly writers would not want to put up with the soap fans..
They usually are a hateful hoard who bad mouth them at every breath .. lol .. who would want that put on them..
We are very lucky to have soap writers still hanging in there..
soaps switch writers but its rare a new writer enters the soap world.. the demands of a soap writer are very high.. I’d say stress off the charts..
be thankful we have writers.. 🙂
Boes, AMC was my first soap–once upon a time it was a great soap under Agnes Nixon’s tenure. But the last 5 or 7 years of it was simply dreadful. It was as if it were cannibalizing itself, as if it were trying to run off viewers. When it was cancelled, I didn’t mourn because I had already mourned its passing.
Yes, I am getting the same feeling about GH. It has become so bad it almost feels deliberate.
Sue, I do not know where you come up with your facts (the mother ship?) but soap writers are NOT hard to find nor are they a rare breed. What is a rare breed are EMPLOYED soap writers. I know of many qualified, unemployed soap writers who would jump at the chance to write for GH and they would do a much better job than Ron who ruins veteran characters, writes choppy storylines and runs off actors who are disenchanted with his writing.
AJ was bungled (again) by the writers, but would be great to see Warlock back if Kanan had to go.
Would love to see Billy Warlock back but Ron only going to destroy AJ no matter who’s playing the role.
Go back to DAYS, B.W.!!!
I agree with Sean comments about the writing of his character.
He was right of course. Ron has a temper tantrum on Twitter this guy is nuts and needs to go. Sadly i don’t think his going anywhere.
AJ never had a story to being with! He was a drunk, didn’t have a life! They could have done better for AJ. Got help for his drinking, had a relationship with Liz or someone else, a better foundation for Michael….. ya the writers didn’t do absolutely nothing for AJ. Cheers!
Amen !!!! AJ was never given a chance to have a real family like most people do.
He was always the villain.
Curious as to how Billy really feels. Does he mean the character has never been given a fair shake or the actors portraying him have never been given a fair shake? Or is it both. Glad to see he holds no bitterness and has moved on in his life and as an actor. Wait what show is he on now? What exactly is he doing now?
I for one am going to miss Sean Kanan. Although Billy Warlock is a talented actor, to me, Sean Kanan was always AJ. The best part of his return were his scenes with Chad Duell as Michael. They really did seem like father/son, but the rest was just the same old, same old. AJ as a punching bag for Tracy, Ned, and Sonny. It galls me that AJ was considered to be a bad father because of his alcoholism, but a gangster who breaks glassware, and treasts women like crap, is considered a good father! The show had ample opportunity to let the audience know what exactly AJ was up to all the years that he was away. I’m pretty sure he didn’t spend all his time in the clinic playing pinochle with Cesar Faison! Also the point about the missing Quartermaine heir is valid, whatever happened to that storyline? When does Tracy find the time to run ELQ, since she seems to spend most of her time worrying about Luke Spencer.
I always felt that Sean Kanan was one of the best AJ’s. The character, though an alcoholic, has always been dumped on be everyone throughout the years, Sonny, Carly etc. It comes down to the writing. They wanted Aj to be the drunk and Jason, though a criminal, to be the golden boy. Good Luck to Sean at B&B
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Shares He Was ‘Happy to Hear’ of The Triangle Storyline Developing Between Dante/Elizabeth/Ric

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) opened up about the burgeoning love triangle forming between his Port Charles alter-go, Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) after recently aired scenes, plus his hopes for the future of a Dante and Liz pairing, during his appearance on the Sunday, April 23 edition of the That’s Awesome podcast with Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli).
On last week’s episodes of GH, Ric has made the decision that he wanted to propose to his ex-wife, only when he showed up at Elizabeth’s front door, he misread the scenario he walked in with Liz tending to Dante’s injured leg from the softball game. From there, the legal eagle’s jealous streak is reemerging which may cause him to act out and do something unforgivable, or will he take the high road? Stay tuned.
Speaking with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson about where Elizabeth stands in the annals of the long-running soap, Zamprogna said, “She’s up there with Steve and Maurice (Maurice Benard) as one of the most legacy-filled people on the show.”

Courtesy/ABC
HOW DANTE AND ELIZABETH CAME ABOUT
Dominic jokes it’s a far cry for where Dante and Elizabeth previously, recalling, “We had some scenes together years ago and we were both laughing. Becky’s like, ‘Well, I guess we’re not going be paired up anytime soon.’ I remember we laughed immediately after they yelled ‘cut,”‘and said to each other, ‘Well, so much for that!'”
Fast-forward to early 2025 and as Zamprogna remembered it, “Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) came up to me at the General Hospital Christmas party, and I think it was a year and a half ago and she said, ‘We’re going to have you in scenes with Elizabeth,’ My internal monologue is going, ‘I’m not with Lulu (Alexa Havins) anymore and Sam’s (Kelly Monaco) gone, so maybe they want to see if this works.’ I didn’t want to get scenes with Becky and try to find the chemistry. I just wanted to play whatever honestly was written and came across for both of us and hope it was what people liked, and I don’t know if it is … or not.”
Knowing how beloved Elizabeth is to the GH faithfuls, Zamprogna added, “She got a big fan base with Ric … and a big fan base with with Jason … and you know, you’re going to piss somebody off. But, didn’t Ric drug Elizabeth and put Carly in a panic room?”

Photo: ABC
DANTE AND ELIZABETH PAIRING COULD STIR UP STORY FOR OTHERS IN PORT CHARLES
In closing, Dominic felt that the wide-reaching tentacles of a Dante and Elizabeth relationship is something he is 100% down for. “The triangle thing; I was happy to hear it was with Ric and her, because I felt it’s important to have her the top of it as opposed to Dante, Lulu and Elizabeth.”
Zamprogna added, “When you get into relationships on a soap, things seem to fizzle out a little bit, The buildup is what’s the fun part, and the getting to know each other, and the people who are affected by this coming together. When with this case it’s going to affect: Ric, Sonny, Lulu. There’s so much more story here. To me, it’s going to be a fun story to play.”
You can check out Dominic’s visit to That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford below.
Now weigh-in: Are you rooting for Dante and Liz, or Dante and Ric at this juncture of the story, or neither guy for Elizabeth? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section.
General Hospital
GH and OLTL Alum Patrick J. Gibbons Reveals the Story Behind Writing Trina’s Song on ‘General Hospital’ (Exclusive)

At the conclusion of today’s August 21 episode of General Hospital, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) sings a lullaby to baby Dez, that went into a montage to close out the episode as her father Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) reports to Pentonville and winds up in his jail cell.
However, in a fun fact, the song entitled, “A Lonely Heart To Give” was actually written by none other than former One Life to Live and General Hospital actor, Patrick J. Gibbons.
Daytime fans first met Gibbons as Sam Manning on One Life to Live. At the time, when he started on the soap, he was just 5-years-old. Gibbons played the part from 2010-2013 on ABC and Prospect Park’s editions of the show. Fast-forward to 2018, Gibbons shows up on General Hospital as Wyatt Hoover, the scout who seemed always be injured, but in the thick of the drama. Patrick had appeared on GH multiple times as Wyatt including: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023.

Photo: ABC
FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER’S DEATH CAME THE INSPIRATION FOR HIS SONG
Now in 2026, General Hospital fans are getting to learn about another side of Gibbons’ talent as a songwriter and guitar player after “A Lonely Heart to Give” debuted today! Michael Fairman TV caught up with Patrick, who is now a senior at Penn State entering his final year as a finance major, to get the back-story of how his song wound up on GH!
Gibbons explained he wrote the song in honor of his grandmother who passed away a few years ago with whom he was, very, very close with. “Randomly, my grandmother had a downfall and passed away during the second semester of my sophomore year. I was in my dorm a lot and I was just playing with my guitar. And at the time, I was really into finger-style playing. I wrote the lyric and music to it (with a little help from my guitar teacher Lou), and my mom showed the rough demo to Frank Valentini (EP, General Hospital). He’s like an uncle to me. Frank loved it so much he said, “Finish that up. I want to hear the whole thing, and I want it on the show.”
MAKING MUSIC FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL
Gibbons and his parents took the next steps! “So now, all we needed was a female voice, because I thought that would fit the song well,” Patrick shared. “At the golf club we go to my parents were at a dinner. They liked the singer that was performing and spoke to her about the song, and she says she would like to bring it to her ‘boss’ who ended up being Eric Bazilian of the Hooters fame!” (Bazilian also wrote the smash hit song “One of Us” for Joan Osborne).
Next, “We went in the studio and recorded it and the song came together and it was beautiful. We loved it. They loved it at General Hospital and now they’re putting it the show and they are coming in with a piano, instead of a guitar. Paul Glass, the GH musical director, has been keeping us updated over the last six months of how it was coming along, and when it would air, and how GH put their own arrangement to it. I can’t wait to see and hear what they did with it.”

Photo: JPI
PATRICK’S ONE LIFE TO LIVE FAMILY
Everyone knows that the One Life to Live extended family share a very tight bond, and Patrick said he does stay in touch with a few of his former One Life to Live co-stars, especially those from the Manning family! “I stayed in touch with Kassie DePaiva (ex-Blair) and sent her little videos here and there. She was like my second mom for five years. We keep in contact with Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) over X the most, and she can’t believe how big I’ve gotten. Like, none of them can! (laughs). I also loved working with Roger Howarth (ex-Todd) and Trevor St. John (ex-Todd and Victor Jr.), and to me since I was so young, they were just my friends, ‘Roger and Trevor,’ not Todd Manning or Victor Jr.”
It was a trip to California and a visit to Port Charles that ultimately led to Gibbons second soap role of Wyatt Hoover. Patrick explains, “In 2016, Frank Valentini invited us out to Los Angeles to visit the set of General Hospital. I think he heard me say, ‘This is so much fun. I miss being on the set.’ He goes, ‘You should come out. I’ll bring you on the show. We can make you a character.'”
A few years later, Patrick’s dream became a reality! “Then, by the summer of 2018, I was playing Wyatt, the scout, and shared scenes with Wes Ramsey (Peter August), and the best was when I shared a scene with Roger Howarth and Michael Easton (ex-John, OLTL and ex-Silas, Finn et al, GH), it was like chemistry from the old days.”

Photo: PGibbons
IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS
As to his future aspirations, it’s a career in the finance game that has piqued Gibbons’ real-life interest. But never say never to a return to acting. Patrick explained, “I’ve always enjoyed numbers. And on top of that, one of the biggest parts of finance is being personable and outgoing.”
He continued, “That’s one of the greatest skills I developed growing up. I really love the markets. I’m super interested. I’m never going to close the door to acting. I’m always open to that because I just love it so much. It’s such a great art.”
Take note! If there are any investment bankers or private equity folks among the GH faithful looking for a young analyst next year, Patrick’s DMs are open. You can find him on X at @PatrickJGibbons.”
So, what did you think of the song sung by Trina on today’s GH that was written by Patrick J. Gibbons? Did you enjoy Patrick’s performances as One Life’s Sam and GH’s Wyatt? Would you like to see him back on GH at some point? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Admits That He Didn’t Expect the Role of Michael Corinthos to be Recast, and Would Consider Working on Another Soap (Exclusive)

Chad Duell, the Daytime Emmy-winning actor, who stepped away from the pivotal role of Michael Corinthos on General Hospital, opened up about: his previous decision to leave the series after nearly 15 years, where’s he’s at now after time away from the demands of a daytime soap opera, and took a stroll down memory lane with some of Michael’s most-acclaimed storyline during his run, during a livestream chat on August 19 on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Viewers last saw Duell on-screen as Michael in January of 2025, and with his successor in the role, Rory Gibson making his debut at the GH Nurses’ Ball in episodes that aired later in May. It was clear that during the conversation, Chad was a bit surprised that the GH brass decided to recast him when he thought he was just taking some much needed time off.
Burn-out of the daily grind of being on a soap was definitely a part of Chad’s decision to take a break. Duell explained “People know when you’re doing something for so long or your character is kind of in the same place for so long or doing the same stuff over and over again, you do get a a little burnt out, you get a little stiff, stale, a little stiff at times. I didn’t want that to be any sort of lasting impression. I have 15 years of a body of work of I’ve done on that show, which is fantastic.”

Photo: ABC
WHILE CHAD WAS AWAY GH RECAST MICHAEL CORINTHOS WITH RORY GIBSON
Chad shared, his mindset when leaving GH was, “I’m taking some time away, we’ll see what happens.” Then he added, “Obviously, they decided to go in a different direction with Michael when I was gone. I didn’t think they were going to bring somebody back in my place. But you know, it’s the business. You never know what can happen.”
Duell also shared he has not watched a single episode of General Hospital since he left the series, but now feels he reenergized following the loss of his father and stepping away from the GH, “I’m in a place now mentally, where I’m ready to sink my teeth into it again.”

Courtesy/ABC
Even though he is no longer Michael on GH, Chad was very happy with his final storyline where Michael was set on fire when a bomb exploded at Sonny’s (Maurice Benard) penthouse. “It was fun to put him in a dangerous situation, because I was wanting Michael to be in something scary instead of trying to be a hero character or just things happening around him, but to be the center point of tragedy happening to him. (I always saw) Michael as the heart of the (Corinthos) family.”
When Michael was badly burned the show chose not burn his face, which normally a soap does when they are recasting role and switching actors. Chad weighed-in, “They didn’t burn my face because I told Frank Valentini (EP, GH) I’m willing to come back. It was just a little bit of a break. So, I assumed that if they would have burned my face, they could have brought somebody back looking different than me… if that’s what their plan was.”

Courtesy/ABC
MEMORABLE MICHAEL STORYLINES
One of Chad’s most memorable performances was the in the storyline of Michael’s rape while he was sentenced to prison in 2010 and the confession of it in 2011. “It was so well-written and I was very nervous,” recalled Chad. “When I get really nervous about something, it ends up being really good when I do it, because it just means I care a lot about it”
“I have to put a lot of effort and work into it, and I really want it to be good. I was working with Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) and Steve Burton (Jason) a lot during those scenes, and Laura Wright (Carly). It was great working with Steve and Dominic, especially, during that storyline.
A NEW SOAP ROLE FOR CHAD?
As to a future soap opera role, Chad is open to the idea and would love to jump back in to a juicy role, “I know people over at The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Young and the Restless. They know that if they’re interested, I would love to come in for a screen test or something, and they can see what I’m doing.”
Meanwhile, Chad has been busy putting out new music under the moniker Duelly and during the interview he explains how he creates his EDM tracks and much more. You can stream his latest single, Static in the Quiet Room on Spotify, Apple Music and You Tube Music.
You can check out the full conversation with Chad Duell below.
Now let us know: what show would you like to see Chad cast on down the line? BTG, DAYS, B&B, Y&R, or a new role on GH? What did you think of his thoughts on the casting switch while he was away in the role of Michael? What was your favorite Michael storyline during Chad’s 15-year run on the ABC soap opera? Let us know via the comment section.
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