General Hospital

Donna Mills Reflects On Knots Landing’s Abby, Winning an Emmy for General Hospital & Being an In-Demand Actress in Her 80s

By Michael Fairman

Published

3 years ago

January 4, 2024

Michael

Photo: JPI

There will be two very special guests introducing tonight’s ABC primetime special, General Hospital: 60 Years of Stars and Storytelling.

Be on the lookout for Donna Mills (ex-Madeline Reeves, GH and ex-Abby Ewing Knots Landing) along with soap vet, Morgan Fairchild, who has been appearing as Haven de Havilland on the ABC daytime drama series, to help kick-off the GH special.

This past year saw Mills becoming one in-demand actress appearing in multiple projects from Lifetime’s V.C. Andrews’ Dawn to Ladies of the ’80s: A Diva’s Christmas, and more. In addition, Mills shows no signs of slowing down her acting career; even after just celebrating her 83rd birthday a few weeks ago.

Photo: ABC/DMillsIG

Recently, Michael Fairman TV caught up with Donna during the Daytime Emmy week celebrations to get her thoughts on: her enduring career and recent roles, winning a Daytime Emmy for her role as GH’s devious Madeline, and if there might ever be a Knots Landing tour featuring Donna and her co-stars from the cul-de-sac, Michele Lee (ex-Karen) and Joan Van Ark (ex-Val).

First, Donna shared on the making of her recent holiday film, Ladies of the ’80s: a Divas’s Christmas, which also starred, Morgan Fairchild, Loni Anderson, Linda Gray, and Nicollette Sheridan that, “It was so much fun with those ladies.”

Photo: JPI

Mills noted, she had known or worked with almost all of her ‘Ladies of the 80’s’ co-stars in some fashion, previously. “I did know Linda Gray,” Mills explained. “She was on Dallas and I was Knots Landing, and so we worked on the same lot, forever. Morgan Fairchild and I did a Bob Hope Special together, where I played Joan Collins and she played Linda Evans. It was really funny and you can catch it on You Tube (see below). Loni Anderson (ex-WKRP in Cincinnati) and I had never worked with each other before, and she was lovely! Nicolette Sheridan (ex-Paige, Knots Landing), of course, I know!”

Donna has returned to acting full force in her later years, sharing it’s something she aimed to do after she raised her daughter, “I did want to act more, because for all of those years I wasn’t trying. I was raising my daughter, Chloe, and just being a mom, I wasn’t that interested. You know? Then, when I started to get interested again, then you realize you have to work at it. You have to get a manager, you have to get a publicist. You have to go to red carpets.” When asked if she likes the hustle and bustle of red carpets, Mills replied, “It’s always fun to be adored. Really, how bad can that be?” (Laughs).

Photo: JPI

There had been rumblings that the Knots Landing trio of Donna, Michele Lee, and Joan Van Ark might take to the road together for a tour to reminisce about ‘Knots’ and their enduring friendship. Mills explained, “We did go on the road before. We did two nights in separate years in Palm Springs at Oscars, where they interviewed us together on-stage. They are actually trying to set up a whole tour. It was so much fun to do with Joan and Michele. We are like old buds.”

Photo: ABC

General Hospital fans recall that Mills appeared on the soap opera as the vindictive and cunning Madeline Reeves; the mother to Nina and estranged sister to Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati). Donna’s first run on the show lasted from 2014-2015. She later returned in 2018.

In 2015, Mills took home the Daytime Emmy in the Outstanding Guest Performer Category in a historic three-way tie for her work on GH. Reflecting on the win, Donna expressed, “I felt like the Daytime Emmy that I received was for my time on Knots Landing, too. It wasn’t just for the little bit I played on General Hospital.”

Photo: JPI

Weighing in on if she had wished she had received an Emmy nomination for her work on “Knots”, Mills shared, “Yes, I had hoped. But the Emmys voters didn’t vote for the show. Also, with a character like mine, everybody thought that was easy. They may have been thinking, ‘You just flip your hair off the top of your head. That’s not acting.'” As Knots Landing die-hards know, that while Abby was a tough-as-nails schemer, she did have a motherly side to her, especially with her kids, Olivia and Brian. Donna explained, “Abby had feelings. She wouldn’t show them to anyone, but she had them. It was a wonderful character.”

Photo: JPI

If you thought GH’s Madeline or Knots’ Abby were mean girls, they were nothing compared to the role Mills played in the V.C. Andrews’ Dawn series where she played the evil grandmother, Lillian Cutler.

Mills said of portraying Lillian, “I loved the role in the Dawn Cutler series and that was the meanest character I have ever played, and that’s saying something!”

So, are you looking forward to seeing Donna on the GH primetime special? Do you hope their will be a Knots Landing tour coming to you town featuring Donna, Joan and Michele? What do you recall about GH’s evil Madeline Reeves? Comment below.

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Merlin Jones

2 years ago

I have been (re)watching Dallas from episode one (I’m somewhere in the 5th season now) on Freevee and enjoying every minute. I wish Knots Landing was also streaming – it’s time to let everyone see that great work again!

General Hospital

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

Published

7 hours ago

August 3, 2026

Michael

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

Published

17 hours ago

August 2, 2026

Michael

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

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

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

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

Photo: HutchinsPhoroi

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

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

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

Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com

Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

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

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

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

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

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

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

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

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

GH's Carly, Laura Wright ready to meet the fans.

Kate Mansi, ex-Kristina, arrives to the fan fest.

Sealed with a kiss - Alexis and Ric, err, Nancy and Rick.

Paige Herschell attends her first GHFCW.

Cassandra James makes an appearance.

Longtime fan fave, Carolyn Hennesy

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

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

General Hospital

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

Published

2 days ago

August 1, 2026

Michael

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

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

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

PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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