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General Hospital

Emma Samms Talks Long Covid, Tony Geary, and Her Work With Children on Maurice Benard’s ‘State of Mind’

Courtesy/MBStateofMind

In the latest episode of Maurice Benard’s State of Mind You Tube series, the General Hospital star welcomes as his special guest, Emma Samms (Holly, GH).

During the conversation, Emma who has been battling Long Covid for over two years (and recently returned to the ABC daytime drama series for a month to tape new episodes) opened up about: her health struggles, her career from GH to Dynasty, and her work with children including the Starlight Foundation, and more.

When explaining to Benard how she realized something was very amiss after contracting Covid-19, Samms shared, “I went down and did some gardening and then felt very unwell again, and have not got well since. I have still got breathing issues. I feel like there is an elephant sitting on my chest – almost all the time. It’s a horrible feeling not being able to catch my breath.”

Emma went to explain, “Nobody knew there was such a thing as Long Covid. I still have no taste or smell and it’s been two and a half years now. I have massive fatigue to the point where I can barely move. If I make a huge effort to do something, there will be a consequence to that.”

However, the most upsetting part for Emma was originally not being believed by the doctors: “The worst part of it all for me was when I started going to doctors and asking, ‘Why can’t I still be breath properly?’ They approached it with (and they were doctors who didn’t know me, and looked at me as a woman of a certain age as they would say), ‘So, how are things at home?’ I knew what that meant, which is, ‘It’s all in your head’. This is anxiety, this is somatization – which are the physical symptoms produced by an emotional source.  I was furious. Really outraged, because first of all, I knew more about it at this point than them.”

After doing research on what was happening to her, Emma said, “A post viral syndrome is not an unusual thing … so every doctor out there should have thought there is a possibility that this could cause ongoing post viral syndrome … I have to fight to be believed, and that’s the worst part.”  Samms shared that her current storyline on GH is the first time she has worked in over two years.

Later in the interview, the conversation turned to the history of Holly and her being part of the ‘hey day’ of GH. Emma shared how she ultimately landed the part of Holly: “I came in post-Luke and Laura. They had been trying to find another love interest for Tony Geary to work with.  So they tried Demi Moore … that didn’t work, Janine Turner … that didn’t work, and the viewers were just not ready, they were not having it.  They were not going to accept him with anyone else other than Genie (Francis). Then, I was the third attempt to find a love interest for Luke.  I didn’t know any of that, cause I had not watched the show.”

Samms went on to praise Tony Geary: “I eventually did a screen-test with Tony, who was so nice to me, so good to me and spectacularly patient, generous and basically taught me how to act, but certainly, taught me how to listen when acting, which is more than 50% of it.”

Check out the full State of Mind with Maurice and Emma below.

Then let us know your thoughts on Emma’s journey in her career, on GH, and her inner strength and resolve, as she continues to deal with Long Covid, via the comment section.

General Hospital

General Hospital Co-Stars Share Heartfelt Goodbyes to Michael Easton

Michael Easton is set to exit General Hospital on-air tomorrow on the Thursday, June 27th episode of the ABC soap opera. This comes on the heels of the actor’s videotaped announcement on Wednesday via his Instagram, where he revealed that he has wrapped his run as Dr. Hamilton Finn.

Since the time of the video’s posting, several of his GH co-stars have followed suit with comments on their time working with the popular actor, who has been with the show on and off since 2012, and in three different roles; John McBain, Silas Clay, and lastly, Finn.

Michael’s exit comes as Finn has fallen off the wagon, and is losing custody of his daughter, Violet due to his drinking. Previously, Finn found his father, Gregory had passed away in the middle of the night after battling ALS. The material has given Easton a chance to shine in memorable performances as he says goodbye to his time with GH.

Photo: ABC

Here’s just a sampling of what some of Michael’s pals and GH co-stars had to say to him below:

Maura West (Ava): “MEastie, I am so grateful I had the opportunity to work with you … you are just an exceptional person… as an actor, author, poet, friend. Your ample talent surpassed only by your humor, decency, kindness and charm. Class A1 in every way. xxo your fan and friend forever, MWestie.”

Jophielle Love (Violet): “💔😢😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 There are no words…”

Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis): “The class, grace and elegance in which you just did that is why I will miss you every working day.”

Finola Hughes (Anna): “Michael, love you. You are a stellar person, a wonderful actor and I had the most fun and unique storyline with you and loved every moment.”

Photo: ABC

Jon Lindstrom (Kevin): “You’re a gift to any set you choose to work on, and an excellent artist no matter where or what you create. Proud to call you my friend Michael. Be seeing you soon.”

Emma Samms (Holly): “I’m SO sorry I didn’t get to work with you again..!”

Eden McCoy (Josslyn): “You are magic love you forever Michael”

Risa Dorken (Amy): “Amy will always have a crush on Dr. Finn… Rise will always love & appreciate Michael. Thank you for your warmth & professionalism every time.”

Photo: ABC

Brook Kerr (Portia): “This was gutting. You are a phenomenal actor and man…until next time.”

Marc Anthony Samuel (ex-Felix): “Congratulations Michael! It was a pleasure to work there when you were there.”

Jacqueline Grace Lopez (Blaze): “Your work was inspired. Congrats on an incredible character. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Lydia Look (Selina Wu): “Love to you Michael! Keep riding.”

Michael Fairman TV will continue to update this post with more reactions from the cast as they are posted across social media.

What do you think about the high regard Michael’s GH co-stars have him? Will you miss him on the ABC soap opera? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Breaking News

Michael Easton Exits General Hospital

UPDATED: Early Wednesday morning, Michael Easton revealed that he has already taped his final scenes as Hamilton Finn on General Hospital.

The popular actor, who arrived at GH after his enduring run as John McBain on One Life to Live, took to his Instagram and announced his departure from the ABC daytime drama series, following weeks of rumors that he was out at the show. Reportedly, Easton’s final airdate is Thursday, June 27th and the video Easton posted was pre-taped awhile ago.

Standing outside the entrance to the set of General Hospital in what seems to be the wee hours of the morning, Easton shared the following message to his fans: “I’ve always been partial to the Irish Wish goodbye. That’s where you leave the party without actually telling anyone you’re gone. But I thought you all deserved better.”

Photo: MEastonIG

Easton then expressed, “So, I just wanna let you know, I just filmed my final scenes here at General Hospital. I’ve loved every minute that I’ve been here. I want to thank the entire cast and crew for allowing me to share their stage this past 10 years. Most importantly, I wanna thank all of you for the kindness and love you shown me and my family. I won’t ever forget you.”

In an emotional closing, Michael ended his video message, with, “As I walk out here for the last time, and with apologies to the great Lou Gehrig, I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Ironically, the former New York Yankees baseball star in Easton’s reference, died of ALS (also known as “Lou Gehrig disease”), which was part of the storyline Michael recently played out on-screen with Finn’s dying father, Gregory, who had the same disease.

Photo: ABC

Michael punctuated his thoughts within the Instagram post with one final goodbye, “Thank you for your kindness. My heart is filled with love and gratitude.”

Currently in story, Finn has lost his sobriety after seven years, and is in the midst of a serious downfall after his father, Gregory passed away and his daughter, Violet (Jophielle Love) has been taken out of his home and has been served a restraining order to not come near her. How will Easton depart GH? Is Finn exiting the Port Charles canvas to get the help he needs?

Clearly, this marks the end of the line for Finn and Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) as they just had it out over his drinking, and with yesterday’s announced return of Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) to GH this summer.

Photo: ABC

Easton’s GH journey started when he took Llanview’s McBain to Port Charles after One Life was canceled. He debuted on the long-running soap in March 13, 2012. However, due to the legal disputes with ownership of the characters from One Life to Live, between ABC and Prospect Park, he had to leave the series. Michael’s last episode as McBain was in March of 2013. Next, General Hospital brought him back as a new character, Silas Clay, in May of 2013. Two years later in 2015, Silas was killed-off.  Easton made one more GH run, this time as Dr. Hamilton Finn which he had been playing since the spring of 2016.

Throughout Easton’s time on General Hospital, he has earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2018.  Given his recent performances, many suspect that Michael might close his time on GH with another Emmy nomination in 2025.

You can watch Easton’s emotional goodbye below.

Now let us know, what are your thoughts on Michael Easton’s exit from GH? Sad to see him go? How do you think the show will write-off Finn? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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General Hospital

Jonathan Jackson Addresses Fans on His Return as GH’s Lucky: “Your Persistence and Love Has Certainly Played a Part in All of This”

Earlier on Tuesday, it was revealed that General Hospital’s five-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Jonathan Jackson is making a return to the ABC soap opera for the first time since 2015.

Jackson is now set to reprise his role as Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura’s (Genie Francis) son, Lucky Spencer.  Shortly after the soap world was abuzz at the news of his imminent arrival back in Port Charles, Jonathan took to his Instagram with his own personal message to his fans.

Jonathan started, “Hey everyone. I just wanted to let you know that I will be returning to General Hospital this summer as Lucky Spencer. Super excited and can’t wait to dig in and see what’s going on in Port Charles. Excited to see Genie Francis, obviously, and so many others.”

Photo: JPI

“Just wanted to say thank you to all of the fans over the years,” he continued. “Your persistence and love has certainly played a part in all of this. So I just wanted to say thank you. Also, to Frank Valentini (executive producer, General Hospital) and everybody at ABC for welcoming me back. Super excited. So, just sending much love, and I guess, I’ll be seeing you all fairly soon. God bless.”

Photo: JPI

The actor and musician’s video post was accompanied by the words, “excited for the journey” to continue, and so are we! Lucky was last seen in 2015 when Jackson returned to the soap to be a part of Tony Geary’s final storyline as Luke.  At the time of Lucky’s exit from the canvas he left things on good terms with Elizabeth and the children.

So, now the question is, h0w does Lucky arrive back in Port Charles this summer? Share your theories via the comment section below.

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Video Du Jour

Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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Michael Easton as Finn

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