General Hospital
Dominic Zamprogna Talks Dante’s Torment, His Daytime Emmy Nomination, And If He Might Be Back To GH
If you caught last week’s episodes of General Hospital, you witnessed the heartbreaking goodbye (the second time around) between Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) and his wife Lulu (Emme Rylan), after it had been revealed that Dante is suffering deeply and disturbingly from his time in captivity in Turkey, and the mission that sent him away from Port Charles in the first place. Of course, GH fans know that leg of the story served to facilitate the exit of fan favorite, Zamprogna, who departed the ABC daytime drama series back in 2018.
But since his original exit, Zamprogna has popped up on the series a few times. First, as bad Dante in the special standalone episode celebrating Maurice Benard’s (Sonny) 25th anniversary with the series, and then again, a few weeks ago with his ten-episode run that set the stage for what might become of the duo known as “Lante”.
In addition, Dominic also learned a few weeks back, that he received a Daytime Emmy nomination for his performances in 2018 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama category.
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Zamprogna while he was in Tuscany, Italy on the first leg of his three-week European trip with his family (which will also take him to France and Germany) to get his thoughts on: this just completed guest return on General Hospital, receiving the Emmy nod from his peers, and what the future holds for him in, or out, of the world of soaps.
When you came back for this ten-episode run, did you know what the story would be?
DOMINIC: I knew it would be kind of a Brody from Homeland kind of story. Frank Valentini (executive producer, GH) and I had a conversation, and he said, “Sonny is going to rescue you,” and I said, “With all due respect to Sonny, Dante got himself into this mess. Let’s kind of help them, help each other get out of this mess,” and he was like, “I like it.” That’s kind of how that came to fruition. Then, he said something along the lines of: how they were going to make it like Dante got messed while he was away, and that he had seen some crazy stuff, and that Dante had to do so some crazy stuff, and he brings it home with him. So, we knew the story arc would be a little messy, for sure.
Courtesy/ABC
The impetus was to bring Dante back to Lulu, then to separate them again while you were off the canvas, because they left the character of Dante dangling out there previously, right?
DOMINIC: Frank said, “We don’t believe that this guy would ever take off on his family in this way for this length of time,” and I said, “Oh, I agree with you, so let’s figure out a way to wrap it up.” So, this is where we ended up.
I’ve been seeing many tweets from fans, like, “Dante’s the best,” and “You’ve got to bring Dominic back full-time.” The story was very emotional, and I thought it was a good opportunity for you to remind everyone of your acting chops. And, the writers made a point of making sure Dante said to Lulu, “Don’t wait for me,” which leaves her story kind of open, as well.
DOMINIC: I know what I want, and that is a good story, and around the time that I left before, we didn’t have a lot of great stuff going on. I think Dante needed a good shakeup. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise for a lot of the fans, but I don’t know. I know that there have been some negative reactions too … like, “Why bring this guy back if he’s going to leave again?”
Yes. I have seen those reactions as well.
DOMINIC: I’d say that you bring this guy back because he did leave thinking he was going to come back sooner than he did, and stuff got a little too crazy, and maybe you can’t leave him hanging out there like that. You do have to address that. Dante wouldn’t have left his family for that long, knowingly. It was ten months. I think it is valid to bring him back and address it, and then realize that if the actor, or the show, isn’t ready to commit to what’s next, you do whatever creates the most drama. Isn’t that why people watch these things … to yell at the TV? (Laughs)
Courtesy/ABC
Let’s talk about the tears Emme Rylan shed in those goodbye scenes that just aired!
DOMINIC: I think she was really angry at me! (Laughs)
Probably! She was like, “What are you doing!?” (Laughs)
DOMINIC: She was like, “What the hell is happening?” (Laughs) I think that’s what people watch GH for. I went on twitter and saw the clip of General Hospital from 56 years ago in honor of their anniversary. It makes you give pause and think: “What are you watching this show for? Are you watching it to feel resolve at the end of it?” Probably not! As much as people don’t want to admit it, you don’t really want to feel fantastic after watching the show. Nine times out of ten, you want to feel conflict and unresolved. Otherwise, why would you come back the next day? I feel like we kind of achieved that. Which is why when you posed the question on Twitter, “What did you think of Dante’s return story arc?”, I responded by saying, “I thought it was pretty good,” because a lot of fans are going to be pissed off. However, a lot of viewers are going to be happy with seeing some good drama and some emotional scenes, and a cool arc (because I thought it was a good arc for Dante).
Photo: ABC
When you played Dante on this recent return, he’s obviously been tortured.
DOMINIC: Yes, he’s been tortured, and he’s had to torture people to prove his worth. As easily as he killed Raj, he’s probably had to kill other people during this time. I think that’s a big step for Dante, because he’s never really had to do that. In the time that he’s been on GH, he’s always been very black and white. I thought it was very good for me to be able to play that, because maybe he’s been pushed to the limit, and in those situations, you have to justify things that you probably would never have had to justify before.
Right! I thought it was really sad, because you see people with PTSD who have been tortured. Did you do any research on how being in captivity and how the condition may manifest itself in cases such as this, or someone under mind control?
Photo: ABC
DOMINIC: I think PTSD is a pretty wide-ranging thing. There are people who deal with PTSD who haven’t had to kill people and haven’t been tortured. I think there is PTSD that people deal with in everyday life. I think for a lot of people, if you had to go back and examine things, you’d be like, “Wait a sec, maybe that’s what this feels like,” and it’s not a comfortable place to be, but for this role, you kind of do go to places like that.
I think there’s been a silver lining for you in a few things since your exit from GH last year. 1) Since you’ve left, you came back, and got to play a bad guy version of Dante in the “Sonny-centric” episode. 2) You received a Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category. What do you think about what has happened since you have been away from Port Charles?
DOMINIC: That’s also about betting on yourself … because it’s kind of like rolling the dice. It can go either way. It can be: “Hey, if I step away and no one cares, that’s cool too,” but you have got to be okay with that. It’s like when I first started the show, and everyone said not to read the message boards, because if you read the good stuff, you’ve got to read the bad stuff, too. Well, if you roll the dice on yourself, you’ve got to be able to look in the mirror and say, “Hey, it didn’t work out.” Fortunately for me, in this situation, I rolled the dice, and it worked in my favor.
Courtesy/ABC
Did you love the “Sonny-centric” episode when you got to play mobster Dante?
DOMINIC: I did. I thought it was great. Honestly, Michael, I loved this story too. It was an experience for me. It was a cool journey. I felt like it was a neat exercise as an actor. It was a cool development for the character. I had interesting scenes with Sonny, I had interesting scenes with Anna (Finola Hughes), and I had good scenes with Mike (Max Gail), and the stuff with Lulu. I thought the end of the arc was interesting too, because I’ve already played these goodbyes. So, as an actor you’re like, “Man, we’ve already done this,” but as the character you still have to protect something. So, when people ask why he didn’t say certain things to Lulu that he did to Anna, it’s because it’s so much more difficult to say those things to the person who you’re married to, and go to bed with at night, who supposedly knows everything about you. It’s almost more difficult to reveal that vulnerability that he realized that he had been brainwashed! You don’t want to admit that you’re at your weakest to the woman who looks to you for all of the strength. That’s massively important. I thought it was really interesting.
You received your third Daytime Emmy nomination. Previously you were nominated in 2014 and 2016 in this category. I was so happy for you. What scenes did you submit that have you going for gold on May 5th?
DOMINIC: First off, this year felt kind of extra special. I think because I left the show and only had four months of material that I could submit within the guidelines of the rules. I sent the scenes with: Mike in the stables where he is talking with Avery, a scene where Nathan (Ryan Paevey) is dying, one scene with Peter (Wes Ramsey) in the interrogation room at the PCPD, and then the material where Dante says goodbye to Lulu to go off on his mission.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
You’re in with a good group of actors in the Supporting Actor category. Max Gail is in there, too.
DOMINIC: Yeah, and I’m so rooting for Max. He’s one of those guys, like with Maurice Benard, where it just takes very little trying in a scene. You’re in a place with a person and you’re just speaking, and good things happen. The other guys who I’m up against, I’ve heard they’re all good dudes and good actors. I’m not expecting anything. I just want to go and have a fun night and enjoy being around everybody, and the group who is nominated from GH. And … we’ve got Maurice, finally, back in the Lead Actor category which I am very happy about.
So, in terms of where you are now with GH, what would like to see happen down the line?
DOMINIC: I don’t know. When I left, Frank said, “Let’s have a chat about that future.” However, I don’t know where I’m at as far as coming back goes. I’ve been enjoying the freedom of being able to take a little control of my moves, so we’ll have to see. I miss my friends and my family there, and we’re in a good place on both sides. I think the story has been received well.
Photo: ABC
So, if GH gives Lulu a new love interest, how would you feel?
DOMINIC: Oh, totally fine. She’s dead to me at that point, but I mean, whatever. (Laughs) Lulu better find somebody at some point. I think in the long run whatever happens can only create more material for everyone to play, if we do revisit another appearance in town.
For the drama, Lulu will have had to have had sex with somebody by the time Dante reappears.
DOMINIC: Oh, for sure. If she doesn’t, I’ll be like, “What are you waiting for? (Laughs) I told you forever is a long time,” but as long as it’s not like Peter, or Valentin (James Patrick Stuart), then I think Dante would fully expecting her to be with….
Photo: ABC
… Chase (Josh Swickard)?!
DOMINIC: Oh, Chase. Yeah, what about that jerk? (Laughs) I forgot about him. You know, if Lulu did do that, it would kind of feel like almost like a “Top Gun” kind of thing … like if Maverick slept with Goose’s wife, or something like that. Then, if Dante showed up and they were like, “Well, you were gone, and she needed help,” and Dante would be like, “Whatever Chase! That’s low!” It would be expected, right? Chase is a good dude, and Dante left very messed up, so it’s kind of his fault, but I think in the long-run as a human being, she needs to have her needs met. If it happened right away, then it’s like, “Wow! You didn’t wait forever at all. Forever was two weeks for you? (Laughs)”
Photo: JPI Studios
So, what did you think of Dante’s return and the performances of Domininc Zamprogna? Are you rooting for Dom to take home the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series? Who do you think Lulu might fall for while Dante is off the canvas? Are you hoping Dominic returns on-contract with GH at some point down the line? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below!
Dom you bring such a tenderness and so much heart to Dante. I really hope you find a way back to Gh and eventually, after a bunch of drama, back to Lulu too. It’s just who Dante is. Best of luck!
Dominic Zamprogna, will, without a doubt, return to GH..
The vet actors and their characters Always return home.
He is a soap actor–he won’t be going to BB nor Y&R, he will, eventually, return to GH- Dominic Zamprogna is GH family.
I’d bet he’ll be back before fall..
Me too please I don’t understand he does have a life and a family to think about
Well,if Dantes not coming back a new character would be best,for Lou Lou.shes leaving for Paris good time to introduce a new character
I think if Dominic doesn’t want to come back they should recast him. Any suggestions on Who?
I’m still in a Lulu fix, after this good time; it’s a 3 years
the scintillating brought back sex.. with Lulu PLUS
thee – ONLY – couple that resonates SEX, and that’s Nina AND Valentin;
ADULT – FIRE
who’s on next
I just loved all his comments. He hit all the right notes. Shows what a conscientious actor–and great human being he is. I do hope he comes back. And I do hope he wins; he’s just so modest and unassuming. And a realist without an outsized ego. How very refreshing! I’m missing you, Dante–and Dominic! Good traveling!
I want Dante back with a vengeance getting the help he needs, Lulu coming back from Europe finding her strength and them working through their trials and tribulations. I love their love and strength. Let’s see Dante’ come back and face his demons
I would love that too they make for good story
DZ is very open in the conversation and definitely comes across as a nice guy.
He should only return if there is good story written out on a long term arc. Otherwise, the character could easily be recurring.
As for the Emmy, it’s Max Gail’s in a runaway.
Dominic was always the voice of reason. We need characters like that in the show. Nowing that Lulu was almost murdered and the killer not found, leaves the door open for Dominic to return soon to protect his family. He went after Raj to avenge his wife, but a an active murderer may be after her now. Dominic would protect his family.
I want him back… even if it’s a week out of every month.
“THEY” may as well not cut this cycle – Next man up ; Scotty Baldwin FIRE
let’s see him, NOW , sequestering Lady Ava.. for a good time
mid life
his pull on Ava.. they are the best bff go to comforting glue
why not try a get go @Lucy.. while Ava festers
it saddens me Lucy felt bad and/or stopped hearing the news of nuptuals of “Kevin” and Ava
I would love to see this “PLAY” out newget
Scotty “fires”
“I’ve got a gun and know how to use it” as he walks
So the big question everyone wanted answered wasn’t. Why is he leaving GH? Did Frank want him gone or was it a personal decision? Cause he is so loved by the fans that I can’t see them not figuring out a way to make it work. I mean he is adored. Fans love Dante. He needs to be on GH and it needs to be Dom
He left to do other things; as he said in this interview Dante didn’t really have much of a story. “He”didn’t.
As Dom said, “I know what I want, and that is a good story, and around the time that I left before, we didn’t have a lot of great stuff going on. I think Dante needed a good shakeup.”
Dom is such a good actor and they under utilzed him; he was back burner…there was nothing going on with him or Lulu for that matter. FINALLY, this short arc was worth his time and showed his chops; centered on him and made him interesting. I think if he had been more center all along with interesting stories he might have stayed. Now, we just have to see where it goes…
Love him 🙂
Yes, bring Dom back as Dante. Please don’t recast. Still getting used to a new lulu, even though it’s been 6 years since Julie left the show. Will be rooting for Dom in May.
I think Dom is diamond in the rough–we will never see his like again. Loved him the most with Julia Berman’s Lulu, and I will never forget their first date whereupon Dante took Lulu to the Opera. It was pure soapy-romantic magic.
Now, to you, Mr. Michael Fairman. I have seen links to your singing videos on your Twitter feed but the humble man that you are, you don’t afford fans the opportunity to comment. Maybe I missed it, but I could not find a comment section attached to your videos and I don’t comment too much on Twitter. Therefore, I shall respond here.
I have to admit I have been avoiding clicking on your videos despite the fact that I follow you on Twitter. I cannot lie about art–if someone is a poor writer, painter, poet, musician and singer, I can’t tell them otherwise. And you have been so kind to soap actors, the genre and their fans.
When I finally watched, I exhaled with relief. Why? Because you’re a really damn good singer. Oh thank God!! Who knew? Phew!
I was never much a Dante fan, but when writers finally gave him a more several-layered storyline in his recent re-appearance I was impressed. If they kept giving Dominic good lines to work with I wouldn’t mind seeing him. Back.
I never cared for the character, although, I think Dom had A LOT more chemistry with JMB. This version of Lulu annoys me, and grates on my nerves. I would much rather have Dom on my screen, than that Parking Lot FLOP who is creepy, stalker-ish, and has ZERO chemistry with his co-stars. #nepotism
Tell us how you really feel, DMRR!!! Lol…Having said that, I totally get your residual affection for “TruLu” over “NuLu!” They are like two totally different GH characters, and never shall the twain meet! However, I’ll still take either version over Peter Parking Lot…there is simply no way to make the fruit of Faison’s loins likable!
The PLP Flop can’t act, has zero chemistry with his costars, and is ugh/yuck! I can’t watch when he is on during the episode.
You have talent please come back we miss you. But I also understand you need to do what’s best for you. Maybe they work out a schedule that works for both sides.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer.
Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.
As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.
Photo: ABC
A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY
Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.
Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.
Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.
Courtesy/ABC
WSB WAR SCARS
Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.
In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.
Courtesy/ABC
Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”
So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.
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