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Blake Berris Steps Into The Role Of Spinelli On General Hospital!

Courtesy/Facebook

Courtesy/Facebook

One of Days of our Lives most memorable performers, Blake Berris (Ex-Nick Fallon), is returning to daytime in a surprising recast.  Berris had teased his fans on social media that something was coming that would bring him back to the soaps, but he did not expand on that leading to much speculation.

Now word on Christmas Eve from Soap Opera Digest confirms the rumors that Berris will temporarily step into the role of General Hospital’s Damian Spinelli. The role has always been played by Bradford Anderson.

Apparently due to a scheduling conflict, Anderson was unavailable for the upcoming latest return for Spinelli, so enter the talented Mr. Berris!

Blake will appear in several episodes starting in January on the ABC soap opera.

So, what do you think of Berris taking on the role of Spinelli?  Comment below!

 

 

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I want to say miscast, but will wait to officially pass judgement!

Same here…

I will say it now; NO A THOUSANDS TIMES NO!!

On the contrary! These short term recasts are proving to be very popular. I can’t think of really anyone else with a soap background whe could step into Spinelli’s shoes! Remember Nick was a lovable goofy nerd too until the writers inexplicably made him a psychopath.

Yeah, that is why I am reserving some judgement here… I am not sure I could see anyone take Anderson’s spot, but if anyone can it would be him… we will see!

SO TRUE .HE’S EXPERIENCED ,maybe longer,maxxie shouldn’t be without her child most of the year because B
radford is busy and lives far away

C’mon guys..
The man is only stepping in, not staying..
He is temporary through January, no big deal..

You have a good point. Blake Berris is a great actor. I actually wish they would have casted him in a long-term role instead. I was just having a rough time seeing someone else in the role besides Anderson, but I will give him a chance… like I said if anyone can do it he can!

I think this is actually good news for Brad Anderson. If the writers feel a need for Spinelli’s role so much that they have to cast someone else short-term, I think that says overall, they see Spinelli’s role being key on a long-term basis. Otherwise, they’d write around it. Take it as a good sign for Brad. He’ll be back.

Nothing personal, but not even close!!!

It was so disappointing to see him today at Maxi’s wedding. Andersen should have done this

Did he even study the part before going on. He was nothing like Spinelli. He showed absolutely none of Spinelli’s endearing qualities.

he’s a cutie, just like bradford, but lets keep the original, no recasting, i hate recasting, this guy is cute he could of played someone else on the show he looks like a keeper.

Well at least it’s just temporary. Blake is too handsome for the role and may lack the quirky that makes Spinelli, Spinelli. Nó disrespect to Blake he is an amazing actor having watched him on Days.

Blake Berris…. is in a whole league unto himself

he is a remarkable actor… along with his – extremely – GOOD LOOKS

because I miss him so much @DAYS…

I would welcome him in any capacity

I hope it’s for a long run.

the thing is… is Maxie is just not the same character, of late.

Spinelli oddities with Maxie ditz equaled

I don’t know that it would be acceptable , today.. as it has run its course?

so… seeing a new spin on OOMPH hot me out…. Blake Berris IS back

@GH – keeper

WELL SAID!!

I agree whole heartedly, Blake Berris was one of the best actors ever to be on Days. If even just short termed, I think Blake can pull it off with style.

Now, this is definitely exciting news! And this is definitely a reason to tune in!

Solid No on this. Granted I saw Blake at Nick on DOOL and actually thought he did a great job, but there are some shoes not capable of being filled.

For goodness sake. Why bother recasting for someone who is only on once in awhile?! Just rewrite the script to excuse Spinelli from whatever plot GH had in mind. This is so stupid.

agree, they could of introduce another tech geek, with this actor, surely spinnellii is not the only tech geek in the world.

Maybe there was some sort-of a last-minute scheduling conflict, and they had already wrote the character of Spinelli into their scripts and TPTB didn’t really know if Bradford was going to have a last-minute hick-up so because of time constraints and scheduling constraints, too… they felt they had to find somebody to fill the characters shoes briefly fast.

I’m not saying this is exactly what happened, because I don’t know for sure really, but just a guess / predilection as to why they would need to put somebody else (i.e., Blake Berris) into the role of Spinelli for a short-term stint.

If Bradford Anderson is not available GH should keep Spinelli out of the script til Bradford Anderson IS available.

agree!

GH should just keep Spinelli out of the script til Bradford Anderson is available.

Absolutely agree!! The recast of Jason isn’t working for me either. Jason isn’t Jason!!

There is no one that can play spinelli but Bradford. I understand this but can’t wait for Bradford to return.

Blake Berris is an excellent actor…the best of the best. If Bradford is not available GH could not find a better replacement. I hope GH fans understand the situation and give Blake a break. He is one of the finest actors I’ve seen on Daytime. Remember, Bradford can’t be there. Be kind.

I agree. 100% Agree

I’m always good with anything new and different.
Blake is only temporary through January, but still something different.
And by his picture he looks the part..

((Bradford will alway be Spinelli )

No one can replace Spinnelli

Would love for him to make the character compelling instead of irritating!! Please oh please!

Bradford was on the plane to LA to film several episodes of GH…and got a call from his agent to tell him he landed a recurring role on Homeland which films in NY…so they really had no choice but to recast for Spinelli due to taping deadlines.

How wonderful, will have to watch for his episodes when they air! Spinelli only for me!

Wow! That is so cool for Bradford! Congrats!

blake berris is a phenomenal actor – he should have no problem with portraying the character of spinelli – i am looking forward to his scenes……………..

I am happy with this decision because I get to see Blake again who was outstanding as Nick on DAYS. He is only around temporarily so I can totally understand Bradford not being able to do a spin on GH and Blake filling in for him is ok with me. I am looking forward to seeing Spinelli and Stone Cold and Goddess together again!!!

He is a fine actor. I look forward to seeing him fill in for BA.

no no no no no, only one Spinelli!! I will be ok as long as it is temp. but Bradford IS Spinelli!

I can live with “temporary”.
Bradford Anderson IS Spinelli.

As long as its only a temporary recast I can deal with it, as Bradfod Anderson is Spinelli. Since he wasnt available, I can deal with a short recast.

Do without the character until Bradford can return.

There is no replacement for him!! These writer’s not only changed the show…This isnt “one life to live” thats how that show ended!!! To much long writing with no story…OR dragging something out that leads to nothing …NO one can even fill in for him!!!

I think he works well in that role; Nick was originally a huge nerd when he came to Salem and was with Chelsea- not that either Nick or Spinelli stayed that way, and not that either actor didn’t prove how much more range they possessed than a typecast. But I’m still glad it’s only a few episodes.

COLD SHOWER LOL…WHEN I SEE HIM EVERYTHING I POST WOULD BE CENSORED SO I’LL STOP NOW!!

He could be playing the mailman who cares as long as THAT IS ONSCREEN

I think that as sporadically as Spinelli is used, they should have waited until he was available. There is only one Spinelli

Only one Spinelli! Damn ABC

I agree!!!!

No…there’s only one Spinelli.

As long as it’s temporary!

Acting chops aside, I can’t believe how many posts talk about how “great looking” this guy is. I must be missing something. I guess beauty really IS in the eye of the beholder. His former cast-mates Robert Scott Wilson, Eric Martsolf, and Casey Moss…those are great looking guys. Maybe I’m getting old.

Agree 100%. Handsome is clearly subjective. That said, Blake is a phenomenal actor. Could be a newly discovered Cassidine spawn or, younger Jerome.

Must say I’m happy for Bradford who is definitely a great actor but, also an all around entertainer, singer, musician, comic…love him – soooo glad he is getting other work. GH has been downright abusive to him. No way should Bradford be sitting on the sidelines and goofy one note, never maturing Maxie be without her daughter. Jason is nobody’s P.I. Comeonnnn…

I loved him on days so much but its going to be hard to see him as spinelli I cant imagine anyone else bit Bradford!

Blake the temp Spinelli and Molly was a temp Maxie! xoxo

Good or Bad, I am not judging Blake, but the key word here is::

” TEMPORARY”.

agree temporary PLEASE

NO, NO, NO, and NO.

THERE ARE SOME CHARACTERS YOU CANNOT REPLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey..
It’s something new, enjoy it ..
Different is good…. It’s just for some scenes during January ..

No one can replace Bradford SORRY to hear this!

I’m definitely willing to give Blake a chance. I’m always open with all recasts, whether they’re permanent or in this case temporary. They all deserve a chance to get used to the role and get comfortable on a new show, before people start judging them. Of course, that won’t stop some people that can’t help themselves. I don’t watch Days, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about him. Plus he’s easy on the eyes, which is always a plus in my book, lol.

As long as it is only temporary, I’ll enjoy seeing Blake again. No one can really replace Brad Anderson as Spinelli because he is one of a kind. Just sorry he had a scheduling conflict.

Recast was not even necessary and is a dumb idea. No one will even equate the character with Spinelli in a short run to begin with. Just like Stabile was never Nicholas just a random character in a random, would never happen, story with Ava.

If they needed Maxie’s daughter at the wedding they could just have written it as Spinelli was in the middle of something and had Ellie bring her.

Dumb

I think it’s a good move. He’s a great actor. Remember no one wanted anyone but Michael Muhney to play Adam on Y&R but when Justin Hartley took the role we loved him as much as Michael even though they are completely different actors. If Bradford is unwilling to come back or only come back once in awhile then why shouldn’t a great actor that needs the work have the role. Blake is a very capable actor and I’d like to see more of Spinelli. We can fall in love with Blake’s performance too.

I’m Ok with whatever needs to happen. He has such star power, maybe he could be a different character, like Spin’s mentor or go the other direction, his protege and this guy fills in while Spin is out of commission. Or half brother? Speaking of recasts can we please get Nick Stabile back on the screen in 2017?! He was a terrific fill in for TC and thought he brought something special to the show. Loved him with Ava.

How about as a recast Dillon……..

This man is PRETTY! So much eye candy on this show lately.

I think if Blake takes off Bradford is history! I am for this. Spinelli needs to grow up and expand as a character. Bradford has been a one trick pony!

I really miss Blake Berris on Days. He played the villain so well, and he was definitely eye candy. I’ll never forget when he was naked except for a valentine heart covering him. I miss those lips!

I love Blake Berris, and Days hasn’t been the same since he left. Why did he agree to do soaps again if he left Days though? They didn’t have to kill his character then. I have so many questions. Why even bother to recast Spinelli? Why not make Berris a new character, or maybe even another legacy character? I never liked Spinelli that much. Plus, how am I going to deal with Spinelli going from cute to ‘damn he’s hot’ overnight? I hope Maxie will say stuff like, ‘Your time away has done you good,’ lol. Why do they always get Days stars to replace Gh stars temporarily? Well, glad to see Blake.

Keep calm and Enjoy!!! He is wonderful , i hope he stays long term.!wayyyy better with Maxie than old spice opps i meen old Spinelli

I don’t understand the drama. Soaps have been recasting roles with new actors for a long time. Give the guy a chance.

I am excited personally I have never been a Bradford fan.

If this is a couple of episodes ~ no big deal.

Bradford created this character, no one could ever ‘take over ‘ for Spinelli.

Spinelli is a one- in -a-million creation of a most talented, gifted actor and a production and writing team that could use this creation for laughter and later heartbreak in great storytelling.

I just think the way Bradford addresses it was magnificent… he was in the wrong, he took the blame for the inability to fulfill the obligation and as a professional, you can imagine how that must have gone over…not. This is a win win for everyone.. first it takes the pressure off of Bradford and the long standing relationship he maintains with GH and we also have the opportunity to see Blake use his acting chops…. I assume it’s for the Maxie / Nathan wedding and there IS no explanation as to why Spinelli would not be there….

HOWEVER… while we are speaking of Maxie, has anyone noticed it appears she is covering her face again? Hope that rash has not returned …anyone notice that?

Also wouldn’t it be CRAZY if that actress that replaced Maxie for a few months had to take over for the wedding scenes at GH? She and Blake worked together on DOOL… and quite the history!

So the “psycho” for DOOL will be playing our beloved Spinelli….well I wish him luck. 🙂

General Hospital

Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

Talk about your impressive line-up! It’s a soap fans dream and for a great cause. General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is prepping her one-night only ALS fundraiser which will feature many of her friends and co-stars.

The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Learns Britt Died and Tells Anna He Has Been Working For Cates Since November 2021

On the Tuesday, March 26th of General Hospital, Anna (Finola Hughes) and the viewers learn about where Jason (Steve Burton) has been for over two and half years. However, Jason gets some news of his own.

Anna is visiting Jason at the PCPD interrogation room. She asks him if he shot Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), which he flatly denies. Anna believes him, but she tells Jason it doesn’t matter, because video footage shows him on the roof at the time of the shooting

When talk turns to Jason not willing to speak without his lawyer present, Anna can’t grasp why Jason would instead spend an hour alone talking with John Cates (Adam J. Harrington).

Photo: ABC

It is then that Anna brings up that John went by “Jagger” and that the two of them knew each other in high school. Jason doesn’t recall much of his time in high school following his brain injury, but then he gets furious realizing John knew about “Jason’s” past. That is when Jason slams the table and tells Anna, “I’ve been working for John Cates since November 2021.”

Next, Jason explains further that he has been working as an informant for the FBI. Anna wants to know how this came about and he tells her that after the tunnel collapsed, and he couldn’t make it to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud)… all of a sudden he sees Anna’s face drop.  Anna is the first person to tell him that Britt died and was murdered. She tells Jason the killer is in custody, but he continues to be shocked, overwhelmed with tears welling up in his eyes. Realizing he has to pivot to save his life, Jason continues telling Anna how he wound up working with John.

Jason explains that after the tunnel collapse in Greece, FBI agents grabbed him and placed him under arrest and took him to Quantico where he met John. At Quantico, John played a recording of RICO violations and offered Jason a deal if he agreed to be an informant against Pikeman, the illegal arms dealer.

Anna hears from Jason that he thinks Pikeman is selling illegal arms to anyone flagged by the NSA but has ties to the WSB which they needed a civilian to infiltrate their organization as a military soldier, a mercenary.

Jason tells Anna he was a part of the team brought into eliminate Sonny (Maurice Benard). Every time an attempt was made on Sonny’s life over the last two years, a different team was sent to do the job. Anna gets furious when she learns that John told Jason his job was to kill Sonny and she was with John at the warehouse that night. Jason ensured the sniper missed Sonny and left the rifle behind. However, they were supposed to meet an extraction team. Before he was shot, Dante saw it was Jason on the roof and when he turned around with his hands over his head, Dante was shot by the other guy. Jason says if Dante dies, he’ll be charged with capital murder and then will be useless to the FBI.

Photo: ABC

Meanwhile, John visits Bobbie’s and runs into Carly (Laura Wright). She learns Jason is in custody and is going to head to the PCPD. Before she does, Carly has some words with Cates when she learns not only does John have a vendetta against Sonny, but Jason too.  Carly tells John he should recuse himself from the case.

So, what did you think about the moment when Jason learned Britt died? What do you think of Jason’s return storyline thus far and what we learned about Jagger/Jason and more? Comment below. But first, check out a moment from today’s GH with Jason and Anna.

 

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