Breaking News
Cameron Mathison Confirmed As General Hospital’s Drew Cain
After months of speculation, what had been rumored has been proven true. When Cameron Mathison makes his General Hospital debut, he will indeed be taking on the role of Drew Cain.
As GH fans know both Billy Miller last played the role, and now we will also know when Cameron will first be seen on the ABC daytime drama series. Circle, August 16th.
According to EW.com, who confirmed Mathison’s role, the actor started working on GH around July 9th.
Mathison weighed-in on of it was scary for him to take the pivotal role of Drew previously played by other actors or did give him things to draw upon to come into the part. He shared: “I think it’s a little bit of both. It may be a little bit scary how the character wasn’t on the canvas that long. Billy Miller and Steve Burton both played him for a bit. I feel like there’s enough that has been sort of untapped. There is an opportunity for me to bring my own take and version of this great character.”
In EW’s exclusive video preview, just as Sam (Kelly Monaco) is getting cozy with Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), she gets a call from none other than Drew. How will this change the direction of Sam’s story? Is a love triangle on its way?
So, what do you think of Cameron being NuDrew on GH? Comment below.
Well, while they were in their respective captivities, with Drew was put on the rack and stretched or Jason shrank to explain how once identical twins are different heights.
I don’t mind the recast as long as they write for the character and don’t try to make this a Peter redemption arc as that’s one murder that didn’t happen.
The contract cast (with Mathison and soon Shaugnessy) is ridiculously large (approaching 35). Wonder how Frank manages to balance the budget and meet contract guarantees.
All of Monica’s sons will now have had “multiple lives”. AJ (as well as Emily and Dawn) are gone for good. Maybe Drew will finally take the Q name.
Frank (and Chris & Dan) has addressed two major concerns fans have had for the past 15 years. Both the Quartermaines and the hospital are back to prominence.
Yes and no. The Quartermaiens aren’t people we recognize other than Ned and Monica, both who are rarely on. Michael is ridiculously and insultingly carrying on the name of the man who stole him from his father; then killed him. We mostly see Olivia, now Valentin, Chase, Willow, there.
I’d LOVE them to bring back AJ and, no, I don’t care that he’s been dead like 2-3 times. And why not bring back Skye and Dillon? Great that they’ve “added” Q’s but what about established ones that haven’t passed in real life or retired?! Pisses me off…
A few years ago, I would have agreed 100% with you. I will say that Monica has been on more in the past few months than some actors who are under contract. Ned goes in spurts, but he drove story for a bit with his affair and subsequent hiding of it. And, we can’t deny the powerhouse that Brook Lynn has become. We’re likely only a few months away from Tracy’s annual visit.
If Scott Clifton ever left B&B, I’m sure Frank would grab him to bring Dillon back. RPW seemed nice, but his version of the character lacked dimension.
I’ve read elsewhere that Robin Christopher has retired from acting.
To paraphrase Edward, the house may have a lot of “interlopers and hangers on.” That, in my opinion, is what keeps it interesting.
I’ve stopped watching B&B. Does Scott Clifton give any indication he’d leave B&B? Last I watched Liam was a central character with no hint of being written off. I love Scott and, of course, he was the first Dillon and was great. But I also liked RPW and he was sidelined when written off. He’s big into his music but I’d love to see him come back.
Ned is barely on; he didn’t have an affiar with Alexis, just a one-night stand. That story mostly revolved on Olivia’s reaction and we primarily see Olivia. Wally’s over at Days but he’s not on that much that he wouldn’t be able to do more time on GH. Ned rarely makes an appearance;he hasn’t even moved back into the mansion full time which is ridiculous. It’s his family home; not Olivia’s, yet we see more of her than any of them.
AJ should never have been killed off; that was Carlivati having a hissy fit over an argument he and Sean Kanan had so that should, in my opinion, be undone and AJ should come back. I really wouldn’t care how they explained yet another one of his deaths, lol. I can go with any reason they give as long as we had him back.
Michael needs to go full Quartermaine. Him carrying on the Corinthos name and giving it to Wiley is a slap in the face to AJ fans and in-story..how much lower can you go then to carry the name of the man who took you from your father and killed him???!!!
I LOVE Brook Lynne; don’t get me wrong, but it’s sad that’s she’s really the only Q from the original family we see in a major story. I understand Leslie Charles is older and has had a few bouts of medical issues so I get why she’s not on often, an oh how I wish Jane Elliot would change her mind about retiring; if only…
…But at this point when we do have Quartermaine scenes? There’s Olivia, Nell, Valentin, Chase, Carly…the house is standing but it’s not the Quartermaines without Quartermaines in it. Great that we’re getting Drew back and Austin was added, but how great would it be for AJ to come back and Jason to be seen more in the fold. It’s just sad…Unfortunately actors get older, retire or pass. So it can never be what it was. But they fired the ones that could still be present…and never returned Jason to the family.
And seeing Carly in the house is galling. To my mind, she should see Michael and Wiley at her house. Monica “accepting” her is ridiculous, as is lettig her in “her” house. I can’t see any mother ever allowing her in after what she did to her son. Hideous writing as far as that’s concerned…
I’d pretty much say Tuesday’s episode had many true Quartermaine scenes. The family meeting, which was a result of an action Tracy took, with Ned in his rightful role as the new “patriarch”.
Sadly, there seems to be more Sonny fans out there than AJ fans, so Michael isn’t likely to deny him again anytime soon. For a similar reason, we’re not likely going to see Jason get his Q memories back. At this point, I’m grateful he’s on better terms with Monica and even called her mom occasionally.
As someone who’s watched GH since just before Alan was introduced, I’m quite content with the current state of the family. Chase and Valentin are only in the house temporarily, just as one time were Grant Andrews, Larry Ashton, Chloe Morgan and yes, Luke Spencer. Speaking of the house, they’re making full use of the sets – foyer/living room, den/terrace and gatehouse all in a few episodes last week.
I’m grateful for what we do have now as I clearly remember the sad state of the family in JFP’s later years as EP.
Steve,
I loved the rapport Billy Miller as Drew had with Monica and oh, you’ve forgotten that they have made use of certain bedrooms, Willow’s anyway.
I really don’t understand the people who seem to absolve AJ of all responsibility for his life life. I am not justifying Sonny’s actions but I’ll take a mobster over a drunk any day. You deal with a mobster, you know what you get upfront. Drunks can kill your kids and not even remember. AJ brought all the drama on himself because he was was he was self-indulgent little rich boy with lousy parents and a morally bankrupt grandfather, so he drank drove killed Jason Quartermaine and created Jason Morgan.
And since we now know AJ was NOT dead all those years but in hiding from the law for shooting Alan (but was in touch with Monica the whole time), he CHOSE not to be a part of life for over half his life. Once Michael got shot, and Carly and Jason admitted they were wrong, AJ could have come home and fought for Michael, given his parents guardianship and nobody would have protested. But he didn’t. He put himself first always! He didn’t come support Michael when he came out of the coma, when he killed Claudia, went on trial and went to jail. When Michael got raped, had his first love murdered, AJ hid and left “his” son to deal with it however he could. And, what happened when things didn’t work out like he wanted with ELQ after he came back, he blamed Connie, got drunk and went to kill her. The only reason he’s not a murderer is because Ava beat him to it. None of those choices have anything to do Sonny, Carly or Jason! Michael keep’s Sonny’s name because that’s the man who raised him and was there good or bad his whole life (and because Jason, the uncle who’s more his father than anyone, named him that).
If they brought AJ back, I’d hope he would be a stronger, sober, more responsible character than he was last go round. And, since GH’s writers seem to change key components of character at a whim and have almost no character growth, I don’t see that happening.
moors60,
I did not see much of AJ except what has been said by the viewers, some good, some bad. I didn’t like the little I saw of him, except the actor who played him,Steve Kannan.
Well that’s where we differ. I wouldn’t take a monster over an alcoholic. One is a diseade, the other a choice. Sonny CHOSE a life of crime. We learned he killed the DAs father just because Sully ordered him to as a kid to prove himself.
He managed a strip club and forced Scotty’s daughter, a med student, to strip at his club and fed her drugs. And slept with her.
He was and is a murderer. His every success in life is on blood money.
He TOOK Jason from the Quartermaines. And while it was true that Jason didn’t want to go back home, that decision, as Sonny knew, was because of his brain injury. Monica and Alan were his parents AND doctors. They BEGGED Sonny to reject Jason in the hope of getting their son back. Edward and Lula begged him, too. Sonny selfishly ignored them all and groomed Jason, an aspiring doctor, to be his lapdog, putting his life on the line for the rest of his days. Yet, Sonny fought to get Christina away from Shiloh even though she didn’t want to go back to her home. Fought Julian to get Morgan away from the Jerome’s. But when it came to the Quartermaines, he thought nothing of their please or Jason’s future.
AJ? AJ was insecure and inherited his father’s alcoholism. That wasn’t a choice. And that car accident wasn’t a choice either. Jason jumped into that car knowing AJ was drunk. And when AJ found out what happened? He was devastated.
AJ had a series of bad breaks and was disrespected by his family. Only Lila and Monica gave him a break. AJ was an empathetic character; an underdog U always rooted for. Always in his thug brothers shadow. The Qs kissed Jason’s arse even though he murdered people…
Carly was a B/it/ch to AJ and had no right to take his son. Zero.
As for Michael? It’s sickening how he continues to love the man who stole him from his father and murdered him. Such stupid writing…
Sam and Drew were happily divorced when Drew disappeared so there should be no conflict but this is a soap so………..
Kelly and Burton have ran their course they have no chemistry and who cares ??? Burton is yesterday’s news as is Bernard and god awful Wright
Kay
Couldn’t agree more though I do like Jason,but wish he had more of a backbone where Snarley Carly is concerned. It makes him look so whipped in my opinion.
Now that Laura has more or less given Dante her blessing to pursue other women, I wonder if he will, namely Sam?
“Drew” would be a fool to get back with Sam. She CHOSE JASON. Dumped the life she had built with Drew…they were incredibly in love and happy (so depicted) but she ultimately realized she really loved Jason. And, when Drew “died” she barely shed a tear. So for the writers to even go toward putting them together again would have Drew looking, in my opinion, like a sap. At LEAST if they had shown Sam truly mourn Drew’s supposed passing; but she didn’t. When Jason was thought dead she could barely function for a year. She “felt” that he was still alive. When Drew supposedly died, I think I saw a solitary tear try to come out. It apparently couldn’t find the strength because it never did.
I know there are mixed opinions out there, but I say give him a chance!
There’s no way Billy Miller was coming back, and I think there’s still a lot of story for the Drew character, so someone was going to be hired. I’d rather have Cameron than an unknown.
I’m excited to have “Drew” back!
Being huge Billy Miller fan, when I first heard this I was so very disappointed. Nothing personal against Cameron Mathison, but I will never see him as Drew, now matter what. Then I started to think about it and maybe it’s best for Billy not to come back to bland one sided writing and the fan wars. I do have a feeling though, that they will be biased and go out of their way to give Cameron much better writing then they did for Billy. We shall see if I am right about that one, but since I don’t really watch GH any more, I won’t be able to really prove that. Anyway, I hope to see Billy Miller land on another soap where I can start watching him on a regular basis soon.
I like Cameron but he needs a voice coach his voice is distracting and did we really need Drew back ? Curious as how Kelly is taking this I know she was close to Billy
Kay,
Our friend Soaphound says he sounds like Mickey Rooney at least to those old enough to remember him, but can be dance and sing?
Great I like Cameron because Sam and Dante seems a little bit usshy sense she had an affair with Sonny.
Mathison’s comment that “the character hadn’t been on the canvas for long” and thus wasn’t really tied to one actor might actually make sense, under normal circumstances.
But this isn’t that. Drew Cain is supposed to be Jason Morgan’s TWIN brother. When Drew first arrived in Port Charles, he got literally run over by a car, which explains why he did not have Jason’s face… even though he did have enough other similarities to pass as his brother for three years or so. So you can’t bring him back now as a character with yet another face, and apparently, a significant difference in height from Jason Morgan. How are they going to explain that one? Was he stretched out on a torture rack for the last two years??
A case could be made for why Drew Cain needs to be back on the canvas, but I don’t think this is the guy for the job. Which will be painfully obvious when he has to share scenes with his supposed “twin”.
Thank you, Satan. Once again, you speak truth.
Ummmmmmmmmm . . . isn’t Cameron Mathison about 15 years older than Billy Miller? I mean, it does make sense in that CM is closer in age to Steve Burton, but. . . . I guess I should not be surprised. (I just checked the internet; CM will turn 52 in August, and BM will turn 32 in September, so there’s actually 20 years between them, and Burton just turned 51.) If Howarth and Easton can come back and play characters who look exactly like other characters, why should a significant age difference between recasts make me pause? Still: yikes.
Miller is turning 42 next month. The character’s plastic surgery as a result of the accident (Ava still has never confessed to) made the age difference palatable. Plastic surgery also explains why Valentin and Julian appeared younger than they should.
I had thought that Drew would eventually return with Burton in a dual role. Glad that’s not happening.
Billy Miller will be 42 (1979) not 32 – so it’s 10 years (CM was born in 1969(. And you answered your question – the twins (SB & CM) will now be much closer in age (1 year apart). Don’t forget when BM started, he was Jason, so it was easy to change the age, but once he became the twin of Jason, it’s touch when the twins are 10 years apart in real life.
Oh Michael, for me it’s even more than the age difference, though that is significant. Billy CREATED Drew and under some pretty uncomfortable circumstances (Steve Burton’s return) and had great rapport with everyone, especially Franco, Monica, Jake, Carly, even Sonny. I wish they’d left the character alone in our memories.
Soaphound,
Gosh, was there anyone in the cast of characters that didn’t like Drew, I don’t remember anyone.
Billy will turn 42, not 32. Lisa LoCicero is 51, Dominic Zaprogna is 42 acting as her son. In the past, Jed Allan was two years older than his “son” Stuart Damon.
Jed Allan, otherwise a fine actor, was one of the worst recasts in GH. JFP thought she could easily push John Ingle to recurring. Ingle was immediately givens contract by DAYS. That led to a quick recast that lasted way too long (until JFP ate crow and brought Ingle back under contract).
Sure, the age difference between LiLo and DZ is a bit off putting, especially as he gets older.
Steve,
Santa Barbara was my favorite Soap back then and Jed Allen was to me my Prince Charming. Don’t know if you or anyone that watched remember the scene with him dancing with Constance Marie and I thought it was the most romantic scene ever. She was so beautiful as well as a great dancer.
Hey Violet
I did not watch Santa Barbara, but heard good things about Jed from both there and from his start on DAYS.
I’m partial to his hosting Celebrity Bowling in the 70s. It’s a hoot to watch those again online.
Yikes, is right. While I liked Cameron on AMC , I got sick of him on Hallmark but I guess we just have to accept these deconstructed actors/characters or not watch the show. C.M is closer to Steve Burton’s age, as you pointed out, making him more of the twin thing. Time will tell.
There is 10 years difference between Cameron and Billy. Cam is 51, Billy is 42, Steve B. is 51, and Howarth is 52. Billy was really the only age defying one here as the other three are all believable as brothers or kids who were the same age because they basically are.
Soap characters do not look their age anymore. Sometimes actors play the parent and they are only 10 years older than the actor playing the child. After all the SORAS on soaps over the years, we just have to accept that soaps exist in a continuum where people age back and forth, and where things maybe don’t happen on a linear timeline.
On another note, back in 2013 when the OLTL 3 had to have new characters created for them, I dreamed up an umbrella storyline for 2 of them (I am a writer).
The storyline had Howarth coming in as a real redneck cowboy type who was Jimmy Lee’s son!! That would have immediately anchored him to the show rather than spending 8 years trying to shoehorn killer Franco into the canvas.
I had Maura West as his trailer park, trashy girlfriend. Think Jamie Presley from My Name is Earl. Hilarious, over the top, money hungry, but loveable at heart. Her character would have been a blank slate at first, so she could have ultimately been related to anyone. I don’t think I quite got that far in my imaginings.
I have posted this storyline idea on MANY reputable soap sites over the past 8 years. I find it kind of odd now, 8 years later, this storyline finds Howarth recast as the exact character I had in mind and posted about. I know that producers and writers read these sites to get immediate feedback on their shows because they film so far in advance now.
I am not claiming that my idea was stolen, but it very well could have been. Am I angry? Heck no! Having Howarth as a Q was where he should have always been in lieu of not being able to play Todd. If someone connected to the show saw one my various posts regarding this and thought it would make a good story, that is flattering!
If it was just two creative minds that were really on a similar wavelength, that’s cool too!!
I don’t know what to make of Austin yet. I hope he is not going to be an outright villain. The way they are writing Jimmy Lee now is kind of revisionist. They are making it sound like he was this terrible, almost irredeemable bad guy that was hated. That is very opposite of how it was.
He was a sexy charming “bad boy” that ruffled feathers at first, but by the time he left the show he had been accepted and found happiness with Charity. That relationship was a letdown because she was much older than him and quite maternal. I preferred the passionate relationship he had with Celia even though they were distant cousins.
Roger looks refreshed and good for him! He had gained some weight, he was looking tired and bored, had bags under his eyes etc. Looks like he hit the gym during his time off and ate some Keto friendly meals. He is looking great and very youthful and probably 25 pounds lighter.
It seems no matter what character he plays, even when he went to ATWT and played Paul, he plays it the same. Todd, Franco, Paul … and he seems to be using some of his same old acting quirks in this now role, but he is trying to bring some different mannerisms to this role. I have to wonder if the constant similarity is because of the actor only, or because writers who get the chance to write for him know his previous work, know what he does, and write to that and for that.
Hopefully Austin can help repopulate the Q mansion soon. A 50 year old doctor should have at least 2-3 children out there!
This is wrong on every level. If Billy had been given the story he was promised he would probably still be there. They hire him as Jason where, like it or not, he & Kelly were the #1 soap couple and brought in big ratings. They took that away from him and with his input created Drew who continued to shine yet they once again reneged on their promises and never wrote Drew’s story. Instead they gave Billy nothing of substance and barely let Drew and Sam share scenes together, even as coparents. No surprise Billy walked away, at which point they simply erased Drew/Billy from ever being there at all. How does a woman sitting in prison not have 1 flashback of her safe, happy life or she shed no tears when Drew died? That is deliberate avoidance of a character and suddenly he’s important and needed back?? No offense to Cameron but if they couldn’t give the story to the 3 time Emmy winner it was originated for then leave Drew dead. Cam could have easily been someone new. In 51 yrs of watching soaps I have never seen such disrespect for some and blatant favoritism for others.
Let me just say….AMEN.
Hooray, Elaine, you said it best. They don’t deserve Billy Miller after the appalling treatment given. The worst is that we, the audience, has to suffer the loss. And now, they’re adding insult to injury. Shame on them.
Thank you. Biggest mistake ever letting him walk away.
You’re correct in pointing out the real lack of acknowledgment when Drew was presumed dead. It was kind of like, “Drew’s dead, pass the mashed potatoes.”
Miller did get a bit of a raw deal when Burton came back. However, I wouldn’t say Miller was in it for the long term. He kept agreeing to only 1-year contracts and was not big on fan events.
Hopefully Miller will have a career post-daytime. I’m cautiously optimistic about CM. Never a Ryan Lavery fan, I want to see what he can bring to a revitalized Q family.
Steve
Right and Iam still waiting to see what Austin will do to the Q’s.
While I agree with pretty much this entire comment, let’s not fool ourselves to think that anyone nowadays brings in big ratings. Billy’s arrival didn’t lead to big ratings…
I beg to differ. When Billy was NuJason he and Kelly Monaco were pulling in 2.7-3.0 ratings. While not gargantuan they were certainly better than the 1.4-1.5 that were coming in when OGJasam was reunited. Granted it was not all due to Billy. It was better writing and stories, respect to history and characters, a more balanced cast and love in the afternoon. Sadly with Steve Burton’s return, the drama onscreen was replaced with bts egos and favoritism and GH became dark, losing nearly all beloved pairings and focused on 3 characters instead of a well rounded cast. Losing Billy Miller only made it worse. He was a definite bright spot and even with no real story his class and finesse shown through. CM is probably a great guy but he does not have the acting chops to replace Billy. I will never know as I have not watched in well over a year and have no intentions of returning to the Jason, Carly and Sonny show. Billy Miller’s return would have brought me back. CM will not.
Violet, Celia, su000, Lew S., Kay, jamesj75, and my other valued commenters.. this is a very dark day for me. I had such (perhaps unrealistic) hopes that my favorite daytime actor Billy M. would somehow return. Bad enough Drew has been recast but with someone who needs to learn how to talk without sounding like Mickey Rooney gathering the kids to the clubhouse. Where is our Billy? Will we never see him on daytime again? I fear my days at GH may be numbered…well, until I see Austin help Chase get even with Michael. So sad…
Soaphound, I understand how you feel, and your thoughts on Billy M. are no doubt shared by many fans. PS: Thanks for including me in such great company!
000HHH-NOO!
I am not familiar with the Camron guy–
I read of his Lifetime/whatever movies.
So checked him out–
He is horrible as a Q and a twin..
His looks and voice are not in harmony with GH Qs
He is too tall and just everything is wrong for the Drew character!
The GH/ABC casting dept should get an award for-
the worst casting of a GH character..
Bottom line-
There is no way I can get into this Camron guy as Drew.
What the hell were they thinking casting that guy.
((a Q and Jason’s twin- WTH! bad bad bad!))
______ PS.
Austin is mysterious and he’s intriguing me.
There is more to Austin than visible..
Roger owns all his charters- a genius actor.
His eyes and facial expressions are outstanding/
Let’s wait to judge where Mathison falls on the recast list. As long time viewers know, CM would have to be fairly awful to be added to the worst recast list that includes:
Jed Allan as Edward
Jennifer Branson as Carly
Sandra Ferguson as Felicia
Lindsey Morgan as Kristina
Oliver Muirhead as Ashton
I’m sure I (or others here) can come up with another 5.
Hi Steve 🙂
yup, but none of them was a Q
or
Jason’s twin..
that Mathison is horrible casting,,
he will stick out in the Q realm as an oops bad casting..
He will not, can not fit in, nope..
He’s no more a Q or Jasons twin than the Hulk would be.. lol
I do have some comments about your 5 “worst”. I am not necessarily disagreeing with you, lol, but I always try to be respectful of actors.
Jed Allen – a superb actor. I get what they were trying to do here. They were trying to make Edward a slightly younger, more viable character. The writing was too severe, and the comical snark that Edward always had got lost between that and Jed’s portrayal. The fact that Anna Lee passed away during this recast was even sadder, because they had no delightful flashbacks that they could use.
Jennifer Branson – I have always loathed the character of Carly. I liked Sarah Brown’s acting. I could not stand Tamara B as Carly. Her weird facial tics, her arrogance, her entitlement…not a fan!
When Jennifer took over, Carly was in the midst of a fierce nervous breakdown. She was snarky and fierce and wild and over the top… basically just a ramped up version of what the other two actresses did. I thought Jennifer committed fully to the character and the story and actually played Carly for the lunatic she is / was. Again, the writing was a little heavy handed, and Jennifer had played a pretty rank psychopath on OLTL a few years before. She didn’t have a chance to play the softer side of Carly.
Sandra Ferguson – It was very strange that I never really noticed before how much Sandra and Kristina actually look alike. They had a short term story arc for the character, and it was my understanding that Kristina was not available or not interested so they gave it to Sandra. I felt she did a fine job under the circumstances, but again … they were attempting a throwback to the Maxie / BJ heart storyline, which was one of the most famous in the history of the entire show. Along with a freshly recast Maxie, and some non Claire Labine writing, it didn’t quite work.
Lindsey Morgan – I can’t say much in defence of this recast. But as with all of the above, she was handed a lot of melodramatic mob speak that made her sound like she was Tony Soprano. They tried to do way too much with the character. First up with the Mob Princess bit, then she got married, and was a widow in a matter of months, and they had her carrying on and weeping over a man she hardly knew.
Also, following Lexi Ainsworth who was a very subtle, understated actress and the fact the character was written way too differently added up to a dud.
Oliver Muirhead – To be honest, I have no thoughts one way or the other. That character always played like a cartoon buffoon. As written by Ron C., any actor would have looked foolish playing him. It was mercifully brief.
I have a list of some of the worst recasts too! Not all are from GH! I will start with that one who replaced Robyn Richards as Maxie briefly before Kirsten took over. I even forget her name. Very vapid, overly made up. She went on to play prostitute Jessica on Passions. Awful. And bad writing too! Maxie had been sweet and quiet up until then. Suddenly she was this surly troublemaker. Thank goodness they got Kirsten… who better be dusting off a shelf in her home for her 2022 Emmy!
This is fun! Let’s all think of BAD recasts!!
Hi JJ
Appreciate your detailed analysis. As I’ve mentioned in other posts, I had no qualms with Jed’s acting – just they he was so wrong for Edward.
Kristina Wagner wanted a contract to do the revisit of Maxie’s heart condition. She said that she wouldn’t go recurring at that point (I think
Wagner went back to college instead). John York, had just been bumped to recurring. Because of Wagner’s decision, they reinstated York’s contract as to ensure continuity.
You covered it all with Bransford and Morgan. And yes, you’re totally on point about the first attempt to replace Robyn Richards. They had Richards come back for a few months until Storms grabbed the role.
About the character of Lord Larry Ashton… while he was at times buffoonish, Hugo Napier had a certain charm that made the character a bit of a loveable loser. Loved how he got away with saying “Tracy, Ole Gal”. Because Muirhead assumed the role during Tracy’s exit story, the charming part was missing. He also didn’t look like he could be Wally’s dad.
Would definitely be interested in hearing some of your other worst recasts.
The fake Duke Lavery (aka Jon Paget) was pretty bad…. though at least they retconned him as a total imposter, once the real Duke returned (though ironically, impersonated by Faison in an idiotic mask for a few months)
The pathetic attempt at a Frank Smith recast – during the botched Luke Spencer exit storyline – had to be one of the worst ever. Most obviously, the guy was at least 30 years too young for the part. Either of the actors who had played Frank Smith successfully would have been at least in their late 90s at the time that storyline was taped (and I believe both of them were already deceased by then). The whole storyline was a clusterfuck in every way imaginable, but bringing on some guy who was probably younger than Tony Geary and calling him “Frank Smith” had to be one of the more obvious fails.
The Lois Cerullo recast that was on for a few months – Apparently she was on a CBS soap before, so she had her fans from there. But she was totally wrong for the part of Lois. Probably why they haven’t bothered attempting to recast that character since. Rena Sofer is Lois. Nobody else can do that character justice.
Any of the Morgan Corinthos recasts between Aaron Revfem (the kid who really looked like Dante’s little brother) and Bryan Craig. Think there was at least two of them, before they gave up and sent him off to “boarding school”
The temp hire who played Nikolas Cassidine between his first faked death & the second one (which ended up lasting a while). Don’t think they ever intended to keep that guy around for long, which is just as well. He was terrible in the role.
Since Jonathan Paget (played by Greg Beecroft) was later retconned not to be Duke Lavery, I don’t consider him a true recast. Similar to how I don’t consider Billy Miller to be one as he turned out not to be Jason.
Lesli Kay was wrong for Lois, but that would be a tough role for many actresses. Rena Sofer created a character that could be cartoonish in the wrong hands. The Brooklyn accent needs to appear somewhat authentic- Sofer nailed it, Kay did not.
Nick Stabile (temporary Nikolas) has many fans on this board, but he looks to old to be Genie’s son. His brief tenure in the role can be compared with Camilla Moore, who was brought on for about a month as Anna when Finola’s contract expired (prior to the boat explosion with Robert and Faison).
Carlivati bringing back Frank Smith at that point reminded me of another of his boneheaded returns from the dead – Victor Lord (Sr.) George Gaynes originated the role of Frank before his standout performance in Tootsie. For now, I’ll say good day Dr. Brewster (I said good day Sir).
Hey you forgot this terrible Spencer recast. He’s got to be the worst ever, oh except for Elizabeth Taylor. What in the world were they thinking of her playing the old witch from Spoon Island?
Hey Violet – I’m giving NuSpencer a little while to settle in before I rate where he falls.
Elizabeth Taylor was the first actress to play Helena, so she’s not a recast.
I LOVE NuSpencer! I think he’s perfect as the grownup lost boy. He’s nailing the pompous, know-it-all, snobby attitude yet he shines in vulnerability, too. I think he carries the image of “trying so hard to fit in,”…to being accepted and yet feeling a need to impress.
Nicolas Bechtel was perfect as child Spencer. Adorable and fit the part for that stage of Spencer’s life. But they wanted a Spencer that was Cam, Joss and Trina’s age; also a love interest. I don’t see Bechtel in that role at this point
@Rebecca1, I totally agree with everything you said about NuSpencer, Nicholas Chavez has captured the role immediately, in my opinion. Casting by Mark Teschner is usually spot on and I believe Nicholas Chavez was the right choice in aging Spencer. Your commentary…. Well said! I LOVE NuSpencer, too!
Elizabeth Taylor as the original Helena was just a brief stunt casting role. Think she was on for two episodes to curse Luke & Laura at their own wedding.
That originally was the end of the character. They tried bringing back Helena a couple different times after that with random actresses nobody remembers, but it was pointless. Then years later, they brought Constance Towers in, and she actually brought the character to life…. several times, given her numerous escapes from Hell!
With all due respect to Elizabeth Taylor, we didn’t see the TRUE Helena until 1997.
Soaphound,
Hey friend, do I have to give you the pep talk I’ve been giving some of our other pals here? Sad days are here I know. We all wished for Billy to come back in one character or another, but it isn’t meant to be. Maybe you can just look at him the way I do with nu Spencer, who can never be Spencer, just a wannabe.
Yes, Cameron’s voice is annoying and just imagining romancing Sam or any other woman on the show is ludicrous. Iam wondering if when Heydon returns they might pair these two because of the romantic relationship they had on AMC?
Dear Violet, thanks for the encouragement, I’m getting over it. It’s one of those situations where the results will be obvious…Drew is Billy’s character, period. And have you noticed that Jason/Steve seems unusually catatonic lately? Maybe he’s missing his brighter days with Britt as much as many of us are. Can you imagine being married to Carly? Those shoes… you’d never have a moment of peace.
I am excited to see CM play Drew,
Jacqueline,
To each his own. I don’t see your excitement lasting very long though.
Nails on a chalkboard…that’s what Cameron’s voice is like to me. He remains one of the most bland actors in soap opera’s long and storied history. Ugh.
That Bosley
I think that’s why he was such a hit on the cookie cutter Hallmark series.
I LOVED Billy Miller as Drew, but I knew he wouldn’t be back so I’m willing to give Cameron a chance. That being said, I’d like him to go full Quartermaine; we need more of this family. And DON’T put him back with Sam. Sam dumped him; realized her true love was Jason. She broke his heart, their family apart…and barely shed a tear when he was presumed dead. We need a new love interest for him. Possibly Liz if she and Finn are a no-go, though I do like them together…And there’s always Sasha if she and Brando fizzle. Maybe Nina???
this is going to be grating… like a good chalkboard screech ! since when did Cameron Mathison , enter any where near the Quatermania realm ? he’s still in that cookie cutter cutesy cutesy… do good guy hero to the rescue ? between any of his “gigs” from All My Children days to 2021 ???? he’s a Quartermaine ? at least he’s not Sonny brother, Ric Lansing, as played by Rick Hearst ???? whew ! thank the gods for that change . ANd by no stretch… he’s no Billy Miller. he’s just this , at one time, cutesy cutesy amiable guy… that left no impact. OK fans loved him with , at last turn… Rebecca buddig ?!?! wah blah blah.
ugh !!!! this is not even worth any ones interest… he’s another being just like Roger Howarth Austin ? should be dead Peter. way to go GH
Too bad they didn’t let Billy Miller keep the role! I’m tired of all these out of work soap people after loosing billy miller And will DeVry
Will DeVry left by his own choice. He wanted to live in Canada, which is where he’s from. The pandemic & resulting closed border would have made it impossible to “commute” back & forth on any regular basis. So if you have to pick one country & stick with it… well, who could blame the guy for choosing the one with a functional health care system?
Billy Miller also left by choice. He was supposed to have a big role in a series on the Apple TV streaming platform. I saw that show… I think he was on for a total of 10 minutes over the entire season. Probably could have taken a week off from GH to film that much. I have no idea if he’s found work elsewhere since then. If he has, I haven’t seen it. It would certainly make more sense to bring him back as Drew than to bring in a different actor who will never pass as Jason’s twin even with the “plastic surgery” excuse for a different face. Perhaps Billy doesn’t want to do daytime anymore…. though it’s probably the best chance at a “stable” acting gig, since the pandemic doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, and Hell only knows when Hollywood will be shutting down production of every damned thing again.
There was a picture awhile back on Twitter of Billy with the Paramount water tower in the back ground insinuating that he was working on the Paramount lot. He was wearing a mask and had longer, curly hair. There was no explanation so it was not known if he was working on a series, or movie, or if he is still involved in it. I still would love to see him come back to soaps sometime in the future and hope that it still might happen someday.
Well, that would seem to suggest he’s working, which is a good thing for him. Guess the folks who subscribe to Paramount+ will have to let us know when he turns up in a new gig, since they would seem to be his new employer. Or it could have just been a pilot which may or may not have been picked up yet. Not sure when those things are announced for the streaming services. Hell even the “normal” TV networks don’t seem to be back on their normal schedule yet, since the whole Covid clusterfuck started.
Satan! You of all people should know!! It is spelled plandemic!!
Sorry… we don’t get Infowars or OANN down here.
Cameron as Drew is a bad choice. I dont like the actor. BUT, I wasnt a fan of Billy Miller either. Cameron is buddies with Valentini and it begins and ends there! Nothing we as viewers can do. Same with the new version of Nicholas and Spencer. Horrible choices but it is what it is.
PS: Someone should tell Roger Howarth to just act like he usually does. Quit trying to invent a speech or habit pattern for Austin. If the characters dont point at him and make comments that he looks so much like the deceased Franco, why should we care if he just talks and acts like Franco or Todd.
Timmm,
I can’t stand the new Spencer, even his looks bug me. I’ve never seen eyebrows like his that got that way naturally. As for R.H who I love, I think before he returned this time, they implanted a rod or stick all the way up to his neck. I hate the way he’s been acting plus the stiffness in his movements.I agree with what you said about letting him be him self.Maybe this time he isn’t supposed to be likeable.
Breaking News
‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 7. That’s when Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker, also known as beloved Santa Barbara supercouple, Cruz and Eden, will participate in a global two-hour streaming event where they will be in conversation together for the first time in years.
The last time A and Marcy appeared publicly together was back in August of 2024, when both stars were in attendance at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara. Now, host Melissa Braverman, who has also penned the upcoming book, Santa Barbara: The Complete Story, will moderate this special event beginning at 4pm ET/1pm PT.
Fans around the world who continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of Santa Barbara will be able to watch Braverman lead an intimate discussion with the actors and go behind the iconic characters of Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell.
Photo: JPI
In a statement, Braverman shared, “A Martinez and Marcy Walker didn’t just play a couple. They created a cultural phenomenon that resonated across continents. This event is a rare opportunity for fans to hear directly from A and Marcy about their chemistry, their favorite storylines, and the lasting impact of the show’s unique storytelling.”
She added, “A and Marcy’s partnership as Cruz and Eden was unforgettable. Bringing them together for a dedicated conversation about their SB journey is a true event, and a testament to their enduring appeal and the sheer popularity of the characters they created.”
The exclusive event will feature: a moderated discussion exploring the actors’ favorite memories from the Santa Barbara set. Behind-the-scenes insights into the show’s most famous location shoots and dramatic arcs, and a Q&A session where ticket holders can submit questions in advance to the stars.
Martinez, currently starring in AMC’s hit series Dark Winds is known for his multi-decade TV and film career. He won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1990 for his portrayal of Cruz. In the soaps, A has also appeared on General Hospital, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives and The Bay. Walker, whose unforgettable daytime run began as Liza Colby on All My Children before her definitive turn on Santa Barbara, took home the Outstanding Lead Actress honors in 1989 for her work as Eden Capwell.
Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime reunion are $100, and registration is open now. For additional event information, visit Melissa’s author page on Facebook or www.melissabraverman.com.
So, if you are a Santa Barbara fan and one of the unforgettable Cruz and Eden, does this sound like the event for you? Let us know, and share your favorite Santa Barbara moment and storyline of Cruz and Eden’s via the comment section, But first, in case you missed it, the Michael Fairman Channel shared the arrivals at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara in this video below.
Breaking News
Jennifer Harmon, ‘One Life to Live’s’ Cathy Craig, and ‘How to Survive a Marriage’ Star, Dead at 82
Sad news to report for the One Life to Live family. Actress Jennifer Harmon who was the last actress to play the emotionally troubled Cathy Craig has passed away. Harmon, who also starred on the defunct NBC soap opera, How to Survive a Marriage, died in New York on May 9 at the age of 82. Harmon’s family made the announcement.
Jennifer was the fifth actress to play One Life to Live’s Cathy, following Catherine Burns, Amy Levitt, Jane Alice Brandon and Dorrie Kavanaugh. During her two year tenure with the soap, from 1976 through 1978, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series at the 5th annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 1978. The award that year went to Another World’s Laurie Heineman (ex-Sharlene Frame).
In her soap career, not only did Harmon have major success as Cathy on One Life to Live, but she starred on NBC’s new soap opera, How to Survive a Marriage as Chris Kirby and stayed with the series through its entire run which lasted just over a year from 1974-1975.
Photo: NBC
How to Survive a Marriage told the story of divorced couple as they battle for custody of their daughter, and as the mom enters the workforce. In the span of a year, Chris got divorced, remarried and battled alcoholism. Rosemary Prinz was the featured name in the cast.
On One Life to Live, Cathy was the nemesis of Victoria Lord (Erika Slezak). Cathy blamed the wealthy Viki for the accident that killed her child Megan Craig Riley (even though the baby has a congenital heart defect and her life expectancy was short). So, she set out to make Viki’s life hell by kidnapping Viki and Joe’s child, Kevin.
Later, Jennifer would return to One Life to Live in the 90s to play Viki’s attorney in a new role, went on to play Jean Weatherill on Guiding Light in 1991 and Lucretia Jones on Loving in 1995. Her primetime TV credits included: Barnaby Jones, Dallas, The White Shadow, St. Elsewhere, Homicide: Life on the Street, Oz, Rescue Me and The Good Wife.
Harmon was also known as one of the most accomplished stage actresses on Broadway having appeared over 21 times in different productions spanning nearly 50 years including in plays of the works of legendary playwrights: Noël Coward, Wendy Wasserstein, Lillian Hellman, Neil Simon, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee and Jon Robin Baitz. Throughout her theatre career she was was known as a reliable actress, and at times was an understudy for the likes of: Stockard Channing, Judi Dench, Jessica Lange, Blythe Danner and Jessica Lange.
Share your remembrances of Jennifer Harmon on One Life to Live, How to Survive a Marriage, and more, in the comment section below.
Our friends from across the pond, BBC One’s EastEnders took home Best Soap honors at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards in London, England on Sunday, May 10.
Just last year, EastEnders celebrated 40 years on television and has seen a resurgence. In attendance were cast members: Michelle Collins, Jessie Wallace, Diane Parish, and Aaron Thiara, as well former executive producer Chris Clenshaw and his successor, current showrunner Ben Wadey.
EastEnders was nominated in the category along with their rivals, Casualty and Coronation Street. Accepting on stage was 20-year veteran of the series, Diane Parish, who paid tribute to all the hard working people in front of the camera and behind the scenes. “It’s not easy doing a soap, but we manage to make it work,” shared Parish.
Courtesy/BBCOne
A BIG RETURN AND MEDICAL CRISIS IN STORY AHEAD
Recently, it was confirmed that in honor of her two decades with the show, Parish’s character, Denise Fox, is set for a major storyline this year, when she is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a blood cancer.
And there’s more! In the winner’s press room, Ben Wadey shared there is a major return in store teasing,“I would keep your eyes peeled in the next few weeks, there might be some surprises on the horizon.”
On the official EastEnders Instagram account it also shared, “EastEnders has gone and won the Soap award at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards! 🎉🥳🍾🙌What a huge honour, we truly couldn’t be prouder. Thank you BAFTA the whole cast and crew will be holding this one high when it makes it way home to Walford.”
Photo: EastEnders
BAFTA TV AWARD HISTORY IS MADE
Adolescence, the Netflix drama that took home Emmys and Golden Globes stateside, made BAFTA TV history during the ceremony winning four awards for the first time ever. Stephen Graham finally took home the coveted Leading Actor category in what was his 8th attempt to win a BAFTA in the fields of both TV and motion pictures.
The series is Netflix’s second most-watched English-language show of all time, and won BAFTA’s for Limited Drama and Supporting Actor and Actress for Owen Cooper and Christine Tremarco.
For a complete list of all the winners, click here.
So, happy to hear EastEnders won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Soap? If you catch EastEnders, who do you think might be returning on the horizon as teased by the series current EP? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
B&B Alum Lisa Yamada in Production on New Film, ‘My Boyfriend Is A Demon’
Anthony Geary’s Husband, Claudio Gama, Shares Remembrance of How Much the ‘General Hospital’ Legend Loved Working with Erika Slezak
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Who Will Ridge Make His Co-CEO … Brooke or Steffy?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Cullum’s Got Plans to Keep Brennan Out of His Way
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Rocco is Coming Apart at the Seams
‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan is Rocked at News of Delilah; Is Baby Phoebe His Child?
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Previews His New Role as PCPD Officer Joe Fitzpatrick
‘Days of Our Lives’ Jacob Martinez on LGBTQ Representation, ‘Javi is the Kind of Character I Wish I Could Have Looked Up to On Television as a Kid’
Eileen Davidson Talks Auditioning for ‘General Hospital,’ Love of ‘Ryan’s Hope’ and High Praise for B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang
B&B Alum Lisa Yamada in Production on New Film, ‘My Boyfriend Is A Demon’
Anthony Geary’s Husband, Claudio Gama, Shares Remembrance of How Much the ‘General Hospital’ Legend Loved Working with Erika Slezak
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Cullum’s Got Plans to Keep Brennan Out of His Way
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Rocco is Coming Apart at the Seams
Y&R’s Mark Grossman and Joshua Morrow to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
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General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan is Rocked at News of Delilah; Is Baby Phoebe His Child?
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