General Hospital
Daniel Cosgrove Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ as Political Figure Ezra Boyle
Another longtime soap opera alum is joining the cast of General Hospital as now comes word that Daniel Cosgrove (ex-AMC, GL, ATWT and DAYS) will take on the role of politician Ezra Boyle.
According to TV Insider, who first noted the casting news, look for Cosgrove to make his debut on the Friday, March 21s episode of the ABC daytime drama series. From the looks of it, the storyline will reunite him with his former All My Children pal, Cameron Mathison (ex-Ryan Lavery), who plays newly-elected Port Charles congressman, Drew Quartermaine.
As it turns out, Cosgrove was put onto GH’s radar when he auditioned for the role of Jack Brennan, as a replacement for Charles Mesure. That role went to One Life to Live alum, Chris McKenna. After he read for the role opposite Laura Wright (who Cosgrove knew from his Guiding Light days when he played Bill Lewis and she played Cassie Layne), apparently the GH powers-that-be asked Daniel if he would be interested in playing Ezra.
Photo: JPI
Daniel recalled, “They told me a little bit about him, and one or two people I’d be working with, but they kind of kept things tightlipped. Now, I probably have been filming for the past month and a half.”
In his GH storyline, Cosgrove teased about his new Port Charles alter-ego, Ezra Boyle: “At first, he seems to be aligning with Drew Quartermaine and there’s some shenanigans going on, but the character is kind of mixing it up with a lot of the cast, from Genie Francis, Mayor Collins, to the Quartermaines, to just kind of creating a little bit of a thorn in the side to some of the good folk of Port Charles. He comes across as maybe a little arrogant and full of himself, but it’s definitely been fun so far. I’m working with such a fantastic cast.”
Photo: JPI
Daytime fans first met Daniel when he played Scott Chandler on All My Children, a role he played twice 1996–1998 and again in 2010–2011. Next, Cosgrove traveled to Springfield and Guiding Light to play Bill Lewis from 2002–2005 and again in 2007–2009. After Guiding Light, Daniel took on the role of Chris Hughes on As the World Turns, and was the last of nine actors to play the part until the series demise. Cosgrove played Chris in 2010. Later, he ventured to Salem to play the new love interest for Kristian Alfonso’s Hope on Days of our Lives in the role of Aiden Jennings from 2014-2016.
In recent years, Cosgrove had appeared on the TV series” Billions, Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, You, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and more. Daniel, who lives on the east coast, says he will continue to commute to Los Angeles while playing the role of Ezra Boyle.
Photo: JPI
So, what do you think about Daniel Cosgrove joining the cast of GH as a new political figure? Will Ezra wind up being competition for congressman Drew Quartermaine? Will he be as smarmy or more smarmy than Drew currently is? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Knowing he was up for the recast of Jack Brennan is infuriating; Frank Valentini really needs to stop hiring every single Tom, Dick, and Harry that comes across his casting pool. Either way, I welcome Daniel Cosgrove back into the daytime fold again. I’ve enjoyed [most] of his stints in daytime, so I am sure I am likely to enjoy him (despite hating the story he’s going to be introduced for).
Ultimately, I also think he would’ve been a suitable Jax recast, if we needed to recast that role (which we do not).
I don’t understand what you are saying in these sentences: “Knowing he was up for the recast of Jack Brennan is infuriating; Frank Valentini really needs to stop hiring every single Tom, Dick, and Harry that comes across his casting pool.”
Why is it infuriating he would have auditioned for Brennan? And how is an established soap actor with a built-in fan base and proven ability to carry off a role with flair “every single Tom, Dick, and Harry”?
Sounds like they didn’t see him as Jack but had the role of Ezra on the table and thought he would be right for that. Standard casting practice.
Did I say it was infuriating that he was up for the role? No, I did not. No offence, but you have clearly missed the point of my comment; this is Valentini’s M.O. with casting roles. It’s a proven track record.
No offence taken, because I did totally miss the point. As I said right at the start of my comment, “I don’t understand what you are saying…” I was hoping for clarification because I usually enjoy your comments and I was interested in your thoughts. But your answer did not clarify a thing for me!
In your reply you state: “Did I say it was infuriating that he was up for the role? No I did not.”
But in your original post, you began with: “Knowing he was up for the recast of Jack Brennan is infuriating.”
So, again, I truly don’t understand what you are saying. Maybe I am just dense.
But in your original post, you began with: “Knowing he was up for the recast of Jack Brennan is infuriating.”
Because that connects to:
Frank Valentini really needs to stop hiring every single Tom, Dick, and Harry that comes across his casting pool.
The two statements went together. This is not the first time an actor has been up for a role⏤recast or otherwise⏤and then Valentini chooses someone else and then brings in the other actor in for a different role, either made for them (i.e. Giovanni Mazza as Gio Palmieri) or cast into a role that was upcoming (i.e. this role is likely).
It is Valentini’s M.O. to clustercast. It is. It isn’t the first time he’s been noted for doing it, and it will not be the last.
Thank you for the explanation. I understand what you are saying now. But I do think it happens all across the TV landscape that casting directors (like Mark at GH) keep people in mind for other roles when they don’t get the role they originally auditioned for. There are lots of stories from all sorts of different shows about situations like that. And it makes sense that they would have been interested in Daniel Cosgrove, since he comes with a pedigree and a good reputation.
Hilarious a slap for Frank but a hug for Daniel.
Yes, and? So?
Well.. it is very bite the hand that feeds you. It reads a strong disapproval of Frank yet at the same time approving of his hires.
Interalized soap opera drama i guess.
Do I approve of Cosgrove returning to daytime? Yes. Do I wish it were at a different soap? Yes. And I’m not biting the hand that feeds me, as Valentini does not feed me, thankfully.
Your comments were about Frank… anyway.. stay calm and carry on !
Actually, my comment(s) were about both. And I am calm, but please don’t tell me how to be. You’re not my parent. Thanks.
Oh my… lucky me.. I guess.
It’s time to stop attacking people for commenting on your posts. It’s a freaking soap opera.
Or his mother should put him over her knee and get out a wooden spoon !
That’s a little harsh, I liked the Fly Swatter better, but in this case I think banging their heads together would work best!
Wasn’t he also Chris Hughes on ATWT?!
Yes he was.
I adore Daniel, and I first loved him as Bill Lewis on GL, and then as Chris Hughs on As The World Turns. I never watched OLTL since I’m traditionally a CBS gal, but am super happy to see him heading back to daytime. He’s mid-50s so will he ultimately be romantically paired with Alexis? Ava? Nina? All rock star female actors with a need for some love in the afternoon…
I’m with you all the way!! I love him and also first saw him on GL and the ATWT. I’m happy he got this role instead of playing Brennan, I don’t think that would’ve been a good fit. Can’t wait to see what happens with his character and love interest. I’m thinking he’ll hook up with Nina, Ava has something with Ric and I don’t think Alexis is interested.
Yes, everything you say sounds good in theory but he’s not playing a Chris Hughs or Bill Lewis type here, from what I saw today, he waa described as being a sleeze type, or did I hear wrong?
Daniel Cosgrove would have suited the role of Jack well, but he also would have been a much better Drew than Cameron Mathison. He and Steve Burton look much more alike, and I think he could have brought the same personality to the role that Billy Miller did. CM has never fit the character of Drew in my opinion, and the writing has been atrocious.
I’m hesitant about this because the last thing GH needs right now is another new character. And this role sounds like it will be much more Aiden Jennings than Bill Lewis or Scott Chandler, so we’ll see how that goes… I don’t have confidence considering that it sounds like most of his scenes will be shared with Drew.
Oh I agree. I just said the same thing. He looks more like Burton. Yes he would have. I don’t know why CM was hired as Drew but I think it was a very bad casting decision in my humble opinion
I agree with you Jimmy. Daniel Cosgrove has much more resemblance to Steve Burton than Cameron Mathison. Too bad they didn’t cast Daniel as Drew. But, I really like Daniel Cosgrove and from what I’ve seen, it looks like Drew is on his way out (let us pray).
Cosgrove is also closer in height to Burton than Mathison. Drew grew four inches while he was held captive by Victor.
Lol every time Daniel joins a show it means it’s gonna get canceled lol
Days hasn’t been cancelled yet. But his character thankfully was. What a waste of time him and his rapist son both were.
No mention of him playing Chris Hughes on ATWT? Come on, now. This guy is the go-to for legacy characters. Whether he’ll click in a role without family ties, who knows?
From article:
After Guiding Light, Daniel took on the role of Chris Hughes on As the World Turns, and was the last of nine actors to play the part until the series demise.
I doubt Drew is… better than Ezra
Good one!
Where is Scott Baldwin lately??
It’s a shame Daniel didn’t get the Brennan role, I think he would have been a much better Brennan. Chris McKenna would have been better suited for another part on the show, I’m not buying him as Brennan. Cosgrove plays smarmy pretty well, as I recall, so it sounds like this role as a politician is right up his alley. I’m interested to see him on GH.
I don’t know why Charles Measure left but GH should’ve tried to do everything they could to keep him. Now another thought, they could leave him off screen for 2-3 months and bring Measure back as a Jax recast. He would be good. If Measure would agree to return even if recurring.
Mesure (no “a”) wanted out. A change in characters wouldn’t make a difference.
I love Chris McKenna as Brennan! I think he made the role his own and I think he and Laura Wright have great onscreen chemistry.
I agree!
I agree, too!!! I very much like him with Laura/Carly. It seems that the character of Brennan now has longevity.
I wouldn’t be so sure of that unfortunately. Even if Carly hadn’t been poisoned, there’s no way he’s going to be in good standing with anyone once they find out he recruited Joss to the WSB. I hate this; it’s a good story arc but when they write a character into a corner like this I don’t see him coming back from it for him to stick around. Carly, Sonny, Jason, Trina, Felicia, Anna, etc will all turn on him once they find out. I’m loving the actor in the role as I said but I’m doubtful he has longevity on the show as Brennan.
OMG, the thought of his smarmy, dimpled face playing Jack Brennan is sickening!, but he’s damn good in the part he’s got now.
Shoot I was hoping it was a Drew recast and they were redeeming him. I think he would’ve been a good Drew. Loved him from when I watched him on GL. Too bad Emme Rylan is not back; they could have him as a love interest for Lulu. His Bill was married to Rylan’s Lizzie on GL. Look forward to watching him. Still miss Charles Measure.
Are you kidding? A good Drew is something Cameron plays good when he does it right, he really has all the good qualities, good looks included. I think that’s one reason why people hate him so much now, because his whole persona has been turned inside out, like a new person/actor. Cosgrove on the other hand , as he’s gotten older, to me, has lost any sex appeal he ever had in his other roles, and as a Drew recast is just laughable!
always loved daniel from his time on the soaps hope he good and he wipes the floor with drew.
That is so funny! Seems these guys are just alike, at least Drew has balls, though crappy ones, but the new guy is just disgusting. Didn’t realize he could play this kind of part so well.
He is a runt, one that will be dealt with quickly.
Ha, ha, ha, that is so funny and I mean it sicerely, not sarcastically.
I can’t see him as either Jax or Brennan like a few have suggested in the comments here. He’s too short to play either, and doesn’t project strength; he comes off kind of goofy in his role on GH thus far….
He definitely would not be good for the Jax role. Jax is more classy, tall and sexy. Almost aling the lines of a James Bond type.
Not familiar with this actor—en par with Drew; which means I won’t like him. My grandmother liked him on AMC.
Aside—Who eats food off the floor? Disgusting.!! Joss and “that” guy ate filthy croissants. ( BTW, “s” at the end of a word is not pronounced in French, unless followed by the vowel “e”).
He can play such good roles why must you put him in a nasty deceitful, hopefully soon ending position? Put him in something he can play and stick around I remember watching him as Scott he was great I’m dating myself there now aren’t I LOL
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
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