General Hospital

Bryan Craig Talks Javi In ‘Grand Hotel’, Recasting GH’s Morgan, And His Post-Daytime Career

By Michael Fairman

Published

7 years ago

March 12, 2019

Michael

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

When Grand Hotel finally makes its highly-anticipated debut this summer (Monday night, June 17th) on ABC, soap opera fans will see some very familiar faces in primo roles as this sudsy drama, based on the Spanish series Gran Hotel, tells the story of a family-owned hotel in Miami, the people who run it, and all of the secrets they keep from one another.

Brought to you by executive producers Eva Longoria and Ben Spector, the show explores the family dynamic of the Mendoza family. Longoria herself will play a mother in four episodes of the show, as well.

General Hospital fans will take note that Daytime Emmy-winner, Bryan Craig (Ex-Morgan Corinthos) is front and center in the cast as Javi Mendoza, the troubled son of the family who has some major obstacles in front of him.

Michael Fairman TV caught up with Craig during the recent ABC TCA’s Press Tour for the network to get some insight into his new role, how he would feel if GH would recast the role of Morgan (he recently propped up former DAYS star Billy Flynn as a potential viable candidate) and what it has been like post-daytime in his burgeoning career in film and TV. Here’s what he had to say about his TV life past and present.

What has this experience been like for you taping the episodes of Grand Hotel and working with such a stellar cast?

BRYAN: It’s been incredible It feels like it went by so fast. It’s an awesome group of people. We’ve got a fun show.

How would you say your character of Javi Mendoza stacks up against GH’s Morgan Corinthos?

BRYAN: I think it’s one of the most layered characters that I’ve ever played. There’s a lot going on with Javi. He has a big disability, kind of like Morgan did. It’s a physical disability, and there are a lot of challenges that come along with that. He also has a substance problem. So, some of the same issues and in the same world that Morgan was in. Javi is a very troubled character, but he is also a lot of fun, and a ladies’ man … and sleeps with a lot of women! (Laughs)

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

Do you think the audience will care for Javi, though?

BRYAN: Oh yeah, one hundred percent. He was written in a very kind-hearted manner. He’s a great guy, who has had a tough life.

Did they put you through a audition process to nab the role in Grand Hotel?

BRYAN: They had read hundreds and hundreds of people for this role. I came in at the tail end of it, and then the process went pretty quickly. I read once, and the next think I knew, I was in a room with Eva Longoria and director, Ken Olin. Then two days later, I was testing with Eva, and then I got the call that I had the part.

You’re a part of the core family, the Mendozas, on Grand Hotel, and on GH, you were part of the Corinthos clan. How do the family dynamics stack-up?

BRYAN: It’s pretty special. There are a lot of similarities. It feels like we have kind of shifted GH into prime-time. In Grand Hotel, we have Demián Bichir, who plays Santiago Mendoza, and he is my Sonny Corinthos now. They gave us a very heavy, heavy storyline … just like they gave Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) and me. So, I think the fans are really going to buy into it. ABC, (I think) wanted to marry that bond a little bit, and I feel it was very apparent in the writing. This network has been very good to me.

Courresy/ABC

Did you know that your co-star Denyse Tontz was in Prospect Park’s All My Children reboot as Miranda Montgomery and had a soap past, as well?

BRYAN: Yes! I did know that. Denyse plays my sister on Grand Hotel and we work together a lot on the show. There were quite a few people on the show who came from soaps. Even some guest stars who came in were big in soap at points.

So, this kind of all worked out for you! You left General Hospital, and landed a major primetime series, plus your other movie roles!

BRYAN: It was a scary move, but it worked out. I did a few things; a couple of movies, and I did a show for CW for a while, and then this. So, it’s been back-to-back. I’ve been fortunate.

Courtesy/ABC

How would you feel if General Hospital, ultimately, recast the role of Morgan?

BRYAN: You know, if it was to behoove the show, then so be it. I feel like it was a pretty nice end for me there, but I can’t sit here and be selfish and be like, “I’m the last person who could play that role!” Would that be awesome? I mean, yeah! But, who knows? They’ve got to do what’s best for the show.

GH’s Maurice Benard had great story in 2018 with the Alzheimer’s storyline involving Sonny’s dad, Mike Corbin (Max Gail). Had you been checking it out at all?

BRYAN: I know! I do keep up with Maurice a lot. We are good friends.

To remind those who have not seen the trailer to Grand Hotel check it out below. Will you be watching Bryan in his exciting new role on Grand Hotel? Will you be OK with a Morgan recast on GH, or hope the show will wait for Bryan to return one day? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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20 Comments

oldest

newest

Colin

7 years ago

I think the Morgan ship has sailed. Morgan is dead. Why does everyone else lose a child on this show (Bobbie, Felicia, Scotty, Monica, etc etc) and Sonny and Carly just keep getting more? If Morgan comes back alive…then that negates the message that Sonny’s criminal lifestyle is dangerous. I don’t see a place for a returned Morgan. It would be forced and contrived and awkward. I’m still waiting for it to come out that Morgan was Avery’s father though. I vividly remember the scene where Carly had complete access to the paternity test. I think she changed the result to Sonny being the father for a few reasons. One, to protect Morgan from Ava. Two…to protect Avery…Morgan was unstable at best. Three…to keep the child from Ava. As grandparents, they would have very few legal options. Keep Morgan dead.

Celia

Reply to Colin

7 years ago

I agree with you, Colin….I can’t even imagine a pregnant Carly—-more focus on this irritatingly overbearing woman. However, Laura may be expecting in real life.
And, speaking of babies, methinks Willow has one on her mind….with Chase? Will she blindside him?

1luvNE13

Reply to Colin

7 years ago

Wow really? It is possible but Carly yeah possible

Kathleen Crabtree

7 years ago

Wow I can’t wait to see this show.. Great cast from what I could see.

Elizabeth Harrison

7 years ago

Wow cant wait its going to be great and Bryan is going to slay it so proud and yes he is right if they recast morgan that will be fine its time ABC you ROCK fro Elizabeth Harrison

Timmm

7 years ago

The GH fans never liked Bryan and the character of Morgan BUT if you cast a good actor and have him return with Kristen Alderson in a new role, I’m in!

Satan

Reply to Timmm

7 years ago

GH fans liked Bryan as Morgan just fine. As far as Kristen Alderson goes, the only people who liked her were the OLTL fans. Pre 2/2012 GH fans never could stand that whiny little twit, and resent the way she was thrown in our faces as if she was meant to replace Robin Scorpio, literally forcing her on screen the same day Robin allegedly “died”. It was a horrible mistake…. like all the other OLTL related dragonshit that Frank & ReRon forced into the show.

Timmm

Reply to Satan

7 years ago

Your evilness, perhaps the GH fans in hell liked Morgan but us here on earth didnt like him! But anyway, I agree with you about most of Frankie boys OLT buddies coming on the show for no purpose whatsoever but I do think Ms. Buchanan is serviceable.

PS: Nobody can replace our Robin!

su000

Reply to Timmm

7 years ago

Heeeey Timmm,
I luvs and miss Morgan/Bryan .
He’s the only reason I’ll tune in to Grand Hotel.. 🙂

Violet Lemm2

Reply to su000

6 years ago

Hey suOOO
Just happen to see this, and wondering if you have been watching. I love it and Bryan’s new role. It is a nighttime soap, in most ways, but I am really liking it.

Pam

Reply to Timmm

7 years ago

There are a lot of GH fans that loved Bryan and thought he played the role of Morgan exceptionally well!!! I don’t think anyone else could do the role justice !!!
Congrats on the new show Bryan .

Timmm

Reply to Pam

7 years ago

You are probably right. Unless they could afford to hire a cardboard cutout!

Jimh

7 years ago

Keep Morgan dead…enough said!!!!

Dzzdee

7 years ago

Recast Morgan already! Bryan is gone, bye bye let him move on, so Morgan can renite with the Corthinios

Satan

Reply to Dzzdee

7 years ago

There will be a new Morgan in town by the time Carly’s baby drops. You can bet your soul on it!

Patrick

7 years ago

^^^ this is why the Corinthos’ remain dead.. along with piss ass writing .. courtesy of Shelly AND Chris

@GH is NOT taking the Nielson 18-49 women or any demographic

you have to MOVE away from Sonny and Carly

Violet Lemm

7 years ago

I could care less if they bring back Morgan. I didn’t like Bryan Craig in the part, but I’m loving him on the other GH.
After Sonny and Carly read what the sex of their baby is, was it ever revealed, or did I miss it? Of course, boy or girl, they will call it Morgan.

1luvNE13

7 years ago

I always wanted him back on Gh, however I like him on Grand hotel too. Just glad he is back!

carol tuttle

7 years ago

does Bryn Craig really have a prosthetic leg?

Violet Lemm

Reply to carol tuttle

7 years ago

I really don’t think so Carol. The fans wood surely know it, wooden they? LOL, sorry, bad joke.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob

Published

9 hours ago

August 3, 2026

Michael

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”

Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.

Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.

Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.

Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.

Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.

Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

Published

19 hours ago

August 2, 2026

Michael

General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.

Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).

In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.

Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:

Photo: HutchinsPhoroi

GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com

Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.

Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.

Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.

So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.

General Hospital

Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80

Published

2 days ago

August 1, 2026

Michael

Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.

The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.

PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL

Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)

According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”

Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.

Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.

In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.

Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.