Connect with us

General Hospital

8

Cynthia Watros Recalls Her Wild Ride as GL’s Annie Dutton and Playing the Wedge Between Her Favorite Soap Couple Josh & Reva

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Image: © Ed Geller/Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.comCourtesy/ALMAY

Long before Cynthia Watros took on the role of General Hospital’s Nina Reeves, daytime fans first got acquainted with her back in 1994, when played Guiding Light’s Annie Dutton. That part would make Watros a household name for soap fans and for those who tuned-in to the drama of the beloved CBS soap.

Recalling her humble beginnings in Springfield, Watros shared how an acting choice led from saccharine sweet Annie to her quickly becoming “crazy” and villainess Annie with Rewind Magazine.

Speaking of an early GL scene, Watros remembered, “I added in that I had a terrible headache. I don’t know what what made me so brave to say, ‘I have a headache,’ and I kind of grabbed my head. The writers wrote in that Annie starts taking pain medication for her headache, and then I started getting addicted to pain medication, and then it just spiraled to where I was doing all sorts of crazy stuff, and that was a blast.”

Photo: CBS

Guiding Light put Annie right in the path of supercouple Reva and Josh played by four-time Daytime Emmy winner, Kim Zimmer and Robert Newman. Being put in a triangle, or the thorn in the couple’s side was more than you can even possibly imagine for Watros who revealed that working with Kim and Robert was full-circle for her.

“When I was in high school, Josh and Reva were my favorite couple,” admitted Watros. “I watched Guiding Light, and they were my go-to couple. If they had good day, I had a good day. So, I was in the rehearsal hall, standing in between Robert and Kim as Josh and Reva, yelling at one of them, and I was like, ‘This is so crazy. This is a couple that I love and now I’m playing the wedge between them.’”  

Photo: CBS

In 1998, Watros ended her run as Annie, but not before picking up her much-deserved Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress that same year. Speaking on all the things Annie Dutton had perpetrated, Watros expressed, “She started off nice and sweet and ended up kidnapping people, drugging people, throwing people down stairs, and then finally, just parachuting out of a plane with a gun and a video camera and saying, ‘I’ll see you, Springfield.’”

So, did you watch Cynthia Watros as Annie Dutton on Guiding Light? What was your favorite performance of hers from her run in Springfield? Here’s a few below, then weigh-in with your picks!

8 Comments

8 Comments
oldest
newest

I loved her as Annie from the very beginning and she got even better and funnier right before she left so it was disappointing to see her leave.

I remember when she was a day player and played a different character who played a waitress and hooked up with Matt Reardon. She was then later hired to play Annie Frickin Dutton. She was soooooo good. Guiding Light was on fire then. Good memories.

I’m a Johnny come lately to the Cynthia Watros fan club as I never saw her playing Annie in Guiding Light. She won me over playing the clumsy, awkward, vulnerable, funny and lovable Nina Reeves on General Hospital. Unfortunately, the writers do not give her the quality material she deserves. Somehow she manages to rise above it.

Harry
How did you feel about Stafford as Nina?

I thought the character had run its course when Stafford left (and never quite fit on the canvas).

Watros made me care about Nina. While I’m tired of the granny wars, she plays exceptionally well with costars like Wright, Mathison, Gati, and even Benard.

I was not a fan of Stafford’s Nina as she seemed to be still playing Phyllis from Y&R. The way that Nina would taunt the likes of Willow and romantic rival sounded just like Phyllis when she went after her romantic rivals like Sharon or Cricket. Like you, I didn’t care about Nina until Watros fleshed her out showing her vulnerability, her messiness her sweetness and her humor.

She was wonderful in that role with a well deserved Emmy.

Agree that her portrayal of Annie on GL got her the much-deserved Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress. I had hoped she would win in 1998. Her acceptance speech was the best! Glad she is with GH now but needs a better storyline, writers!

She was brilliant as Annie Dutton! Every minute was relished.

General Hospital

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

8
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x