General Hospital
EXCLUSIVE: GH's Kelly Monaco Opens Up About JaSam, Liz/Sam Fan Wars, Public Perception & What's Up With Those Fainting Spells?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman Photography
General Hospital viewers are in for major story developments in the days ahead involving JaSam. On recent episodes: Sam (Kelly Monaco) and Jason (Billy Miller) tracked down Nikolas (then Nick Stabile) to Cassadine Island, were held hostage by Valentin (James Patrick Stuart), almost perished in a plane crash, were rescued, and through it all Sam has been having periodic fainting spells. Speculation has been running wild on social media that Sam could be preggers. Is there another JaSam baby on the way, or is there something else going on?
On-Air On-Soaps sat down with the elusive Kelly Monaco at the just concluded GHFCW for an exclusive interview, where she opened up on a myriad of subjects both on-screen and off. From the Jason and Sam love story since Billy Miller took over the pivotal role, to if Sam is truly on the receiving end of the Cassadine Curse, to the Liz (Rebecca Herbst) vs. Sam fan faction wars on social media, and why Kelly feels there are misperceptions about her personally, and where it stems from. We even touch upon Sam’s often maligned wardrobe choices!
As for some dish on her GH co-stars, Monaco reveals her critique of her longtime soap scene partner Michael Easton, and his take on his latest Port Charles incarnation of Dr. Hamilton Finn. (Don’t miss Monday’s episode when they share scenes together for the first time since he returned to GH as the quirky doc!) One thing can always be said of Kelly – she’s the real deal, who is candid and possesses a great sense of humor. Read on and you will also learn why Kelly is very appreciative about being part of the A-list cast of General Hospital, and what it has meant to her all of these years. Without further ado, here’s what Kelly shared.
During our interview back in January of 2015, Jason and Sam were in a very different place. What did you think about the length of time it took for Jason and Sam to be reconnected back together in story?
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: I think it’s been unfortunate for Billy that he has had to wait as long as he had to actually play the character of Jason, and not “Jake”. I think he’s doing great. The writers are doing great at trying to find a middle ground of what works for the character, and what works for the future of the characters, and what Billy is capable of delivering. I think they finally figured something out. So, I am super excited.
Many viewers felt that it was long and drawn out, and that by the time of the crash where Jason began getting his memories back, that it felt somewhat anti-climatic. And in story, Sam certainly got gypped out of time, because she waited so long to have her husband back, and the man that she loves.
KELLY: I feel like there will be an opportunity to not be gypped in the future. Many times you think it’s going to go in one direction, and then it’s pulled into another and you are like, “Oh, OK. Let me get my footing.” Billy and I are trying to do our best, and it’s our job as actors to make the writing come to life.
How has it been working so closely in story now with Billy Miller?
KELLY: Oh, I have so much fun with Billy, and we have a blast on set. I am enjoying it a lot.
Many fans like seeing Sam kick butt! Do you want her to do that once again?
KELLY: Yeah! Now that they are solid, I am ready for the next challenge for the couple, and for Sam. I’m excited to see what hoops and obstacles they will have to jump through to prove that they were worth fighting for. I think that’s exciting, but it took them a while to get there.
We haven’t seen Sam in that many scenes with her, and Jason, and their son Danny.
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: I don’t remember the last time I have seen Danny! (Laughs) One day Sam tucked him into bed, and I have not seen him ever since. I had to sing this lullaby, and I did not know what I was doing. (Laughs) And, this was to the new kid playing the part. I am like, “Oh, Hi child. What’s your name? You’re five years older than the other kid!” (Laughs)
One of the big questions facing Sam: Is the “Cassadine Curse” following her around?
KELLY: I guess so! (Laughs) All I’m going to say is when we were taping those scenes at Helena’s bedside, and Constance Towers (Helena) was doing her dialog, and she is like, “I curse you Samantha ….” I go, “This is really going on, isn’t it? I’m being cursed!” They are like, “No, no, that’s not happening.” (Laughs) But yes it is! I have to say, I don’t think Helena is dead. I think Nikolas (Tyler Christopher) poisoned her with the tea that he gave her before her “death”. He poisoned her so she would be dead for a couple of seconds, and then we all went out of the room, but she is actually alive, and probably went through the trap door or something. Now this is just my opinion, but I believe she is alive and well, and yes, she has cursed Sam, and yes it’s following her around. It’s Sam’s parents, and her sisters, and she has cut herself after the cursing and had blood on her hands, and all of that and there is more to come! It’s really cool to play.
Did you talk to Genie Francis (Laura) about how Laura was cursed for decades by Helena?
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: Genie did say that when Helena’s will was being read. She turned to me and says, “You know …” I go, “No,” and she goes, “Ah-hah”. I go, “I knew it! I knew it!” That makes me excited the more I think about it. It’s awesome, and it’s like being on a giant adventure trail.
Let’s discuss your thoughts on the Elizabeth vs. Sam fandom, and fan factions on social media. It gets very nasty out there.
KELLY: They are so against each other, and it’s partly why I stay off social media. It’s really, really brutal, and there is bullying on both ends. Even if you are just talking about a character, some of the language that is being used is so inappropriate. But they are super passionate, and if these fan factions really hate each other then I guess we are doing our job well. It’s the nature of the beast, but as long as they are character-driven remarks and not personal. It’s not good at all when they attack us personally. However, I can’t win with some of the critics.
Why do you think that is?
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
KELLY: I have been for a decade trying to think about this. You either love me, or hate me, and there is no in between. I feel like people really don’t know me. The assumption people make of me, because of my past in Playboy, Maxim, and on Dancing with the Stars. They have this image in their head of who I am; I’m not married, I don’t have kids. Some people can look at that and see it as something negative. I think people will take those images, and just judge a book by its cover. I really think that has a lot to do with it. They don’t see me in another light. It could just be my own insecurities that I am thinking about, but I think I’m on to something. Even the other day, I was walking in the hallway and I had just come off set after two crying scenes. I go into the hair and make-up room, and the head make-up artist Donna Messina said something to me like, “You have to go in and sign some stuff for the people in there.” I’m like, “I walked by there three times today. Why won’t anyone of them come up to me?” And she is like, “They’re afraid of you.” I’m like, “Why?” She goes on to say, “Kelly. People just assume.” I think it all started when Sam started sleeping with Sonny (Maurice Benard)! I was doomed from then on. (Laughs) I became the tramp on the show then, and I have been fighting my way back to goodness ever since.
You chose to do Playboy, Maxim etc, when you were younger. Do you now regret any of those decisions?
KELLY: I thought growing up these were all cool decisions, but I wouldn’t necessarily be making the same decisions today. But it was my path and my story, but I think it comes back to bite me.
Courtesy/ABC
Many people feel that you are very reclusive about your personal life. Would you agree with that?
KELLY: Well, yeah. I was in an 18-year relationship with Mike, and we were never photographed even once together in public, or at an event. It was the only thing that I did have, and that’s before even social media started, and that was so long ago. I still feel that, but now I have nothing to protect. (Laughs) I also want to say, while the fans seem divided, I just want everyone to know that Becky Herbst is probably one of the top three closest friends that I have. So, it’s interesting that our fan base is in turmoil.
What do you think about all the drama going down between your on-screen parents Julian (William deVry) and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), or better known as “Julexis”? Will has been fantastic in playing the darker aspects of his character again.
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman Photography
KELLY: Will was so good that he creeped me out so bad. I don’t know if he was intentionally trying to do it … but it worked! (Laughs) It’s so good, and I love him dark. He is such a good bad guy, and he was scary creepy, and I don’t think Will knew it. I told both Will and Nancy. I said, “You guys are awesome!” When Alexis was texting Julian while in the tub, and he comes in and drowns her, I’m watching on the monitor going, “What is going on?” Then I realized Alexis was dreaming. Of course, I tape GH, and I do watch it, but not always, and I want to catch up. We don’t get the whole scripts, and so I don’t know what’s going on with all the other stories. But I will watch everybody. I think Will and Nancy are knocking it out of the park right now. I think we will see Sam involved in the fallout of what Julian and Alexis have become.
Would you like to see more father/daughter scenes between Julian and Sam moving forward?
KELLY: Right now, there is no reason why they should be. If anything, she should be out for revenge to protect her family.
If you were to write something that you would like to have happen for Sam in story, what would it be?
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: I can’t answer that right now, because something is going on currently, and if they go through with it, then there is something that I would like to see happen. If they don’t go through with it then that can’t happen. The show doesn’t know what I would like to do, yet. (Laughs) However, there is a part of the story that is being taped right now that I can’t discuss at this moment. I don’t know where they are going with it, but if they go through with it there is really something I would like to play, because I don’t think its been played before on General Hospital, but maybe it has on other soaps. But for me as an actor, I will be requesting that if we are doing this then can we please do that. Make sense? (Laughs)
If that doesn’t happen, then what are your thoughts on said story?
KELLY: If they don’t go through with it then I can’t play that. I can play something else, but it would be way cooler if I got to play this other thing. In my role as Sam thus far, I haven’t been able to step outside my character, and be outside of my character’s morals and values, but this would give Sam a reason to step outside of that.
What do you think about Roger Howarth as Franco, and his relationship with Sam?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman Photography
KELLY: I love Roger. He is so good. I think he is awesome, and one of the most talented guys in daytime, period. And, if there is any opportunity to work with him, I am grateful, and that is even if I have to play hating him, or anything else. I am all for it, because I think he’s great. And can I just say, Roger and Michael Easton are the two most funny, honest, loyal people you will ever meet.
Coming up next week on-air, you will be sharing scenes for the first time with Michael Easton since he returned to GH in his latest incarnation of Dr. Hamilton Finn. What do you think of what Michael is doing with this character?
KELLY: He’s the best, and I love what Michael is playing right now, and his character. He’s making choices that I don’t know if they are his, but I think they have got to be his with all of these OCD things he does with Finn. I think what he is doing is super intriguing and interesting. I love watching it, and it makes me look at him like a different character. I don’t get a Silas, or a Caleb, or John McBain. I get that he is someone different.
Clearly the show is moving toward a romantic pairing right now between Rebecca Budig as Hayden and Michael’s Hamilton Finn. What are your thoughts on the two of them together? Any thoughts of: “Wait a minute! I want to come in and play those types of scenes with Michael!”
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: No, that’s what’s going on right now, so I think that it will work. I don’t think Sam and Finn would work right now. It’s not about his character traits, but just where Sam is at in her life. She is all about her man, and her family, but if this thing happens that I hope happens, and I could play this other “thing”, then it opens the canvas up for some really interesting choices.
During your time on GH, what do you think was Sam’s best story … evah?
KELLY: I think her being pregnant with Sonny’s baby, and then she and Jason falling in love. I think hands down that was the meatiest, juiciest, best story that the character of Sam has gone through.
Maurice Benard (Sonny) and Steve Burton (Ex-Jason, now Dylan Y&R) were your scene partners back then. If I recall, Steve did a lot to protect the integrity of the Jason and Sam love story.
KELLY: They handled that with kit gloves with me, and methodically went up to the powers-that-be every single day to make changes, and to make it work. Originally, it was rushed, and Steve Burton had a big, big hand in changing that. He was like, “No, no, no. We can’t do this.” Knowing him and how a soap story was supposed to play out, coupled with the fact that I was so young that I really didn’t know what they were doing, it all came down to that I just trusted both of them. Steve had my back! The story was supposed to move so fast where all of a sudden Jason and Sam were in love. Steve made sure that our story was carefully planned.
Courtesy/ABC
Back in the day, the original Jason and Sam love story played so well. Maybe it was all just a moment in time, and the perfect storm.
KELLY: Yeah, the writing, the story, the timing – it was a perfect storm.
I think that was the Sam the audience wants to root for, and hopes to root for again. Agreed?
KELLY: Agreed! Me too. I want to root for her, too. I really enjoyed that time.
At this year’s GHFCW 2016 there was quite a stellar line-up of cast members that showed up. What were your thoughts on participating in that, and being witness to it?
KELLY: It’s awesome, and always great to meet the fans. What a turn out! When I walked in the green room and saw the cast I went “Everyone is here!” Now, I know Billy Miller was not here because he was at a bachelor party in Texas, and Laura Wright (Carly) was up north with her kids. But there would have been no excuse for me not to be there, especially since I don’t have children. This was the biggest turn out I have seen from our cast.
Did you look around and take stock at what a great powerhouse cast you are a part of at GH?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman Photography
KELLY: I am so appreciative you have no idea. Every day I go to work I have to get off the 101 Hollywood freeway. I remember when I first moved to L.A., and I was living out of my car with my boyfriend at the time. We would rollerblade up and down Hollywood Blvd., and eat eight dollars worth of Chinese food for the day. So now every time I get off that exit, I thank God, or whatever the powers-that-be, that I’m fortunate enough to still be driving 16 or 17 years later to the studio, and go work with what I consider my family. I see my real-life family twice a year, but I am with this crew every day for the past 16 years, so to me this is my family, and I am extremely grateful. I know how hard working and talented those actors are on GH, as well as the crew. Donna Messina and Sandy are like my pseudo-moms and aunts. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have that every day. I am very fortunate.
Let’s talk about another subject fans always comment about – the outfits that Sam wears on the show. Do you have a say in that?
KELLY: I know, poor Sam! She is stuck in jeans and t-shirt. The only time we got out of that was when she was the talk show host for “Everyday Heroes”. (Laughs) It just doesn’t make sense for her to be in dresses. When she was doing P.I stuff with Anna (Finola Hughes) for a little bit I was thinking maybe we could sharpen Sam’s wardrobe a little bit, and put her in slacks and a button up blouse and clean her up, but it didn’t work. I would love to be in dresses every day!
Courtesy/ABC
People are always dogging on Sam for her clothes!
KELLY: I know, but truth be told, I would love to have Maxie’s (Kirsten Storms) wardrobe! I don’t get to have that on GH. I’m a woman. I would love to wear a dress, and I love color, clothes, and fashion.
But she wears a lot of black!
KELLY: Always! (Laughs) She wears black and navy, and once in a blue moon I think she has on a red t-shirt! They really don’t have to have to spend any money on my wardrobe.
You are a good budget-cutter! (Laughs)
KELLY: Yes! (Laughs) Sam doesn’t even carry a purse. The directors have talked about it and came back with, “No, that’s not her. Get her a backpack.” (Laughs)
Sam just got off of Cassadine Island along with: Jason, Ava (Maura West), Laura, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), Lulu (Emme Rylan), and Kevin (Jon Lindstrom). Did you enjoy those group scenes?
KELLY: Well, (Laughs) I was hoping we would be like “Survivor” and they would have us stranded for awhile!
OK, Sam has been fainting! Social media is abuzz that she may be pregnant, or something else is afflicting her. What’s up?
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: Sam needs to take a multi-vitamin. She is low on iron! Stay tuned.
So, what do you think is in store for Sam and how it will play out? Kelly on her hopes for her upcoming storyline? How she opened up about how the public may have been perceiving her? The Liz Vs. Sam internet wars? Her comments on her GH co-stars, Becky Herbst, Michael Easton, Roger Howarth and Billy Miller?
Share your comments below, but first watch a preview of Monday’s upcoming episode of GH, where Sam lands in the hospital and is being evauluated by Dr. Finn!
151
Such a class act… love her… don’t care what others say… I also love Becky Herbst and Liz, not all of us fans chose sides… though I like Jason and Sam better and loving the Liz and Franco pairing… FYI, I like Jason and Sam better with Billy Miller as Jason, Miller is rocking it! Thanks for the interview folks!
That’s something I wish the more strident members of the two fan bases would remember (and not just in regard to this particular on-screen rivalry, but others like the Hope fan base on Days): that not all of us are necessarily in one camp or the other, just because there’s a war going. If I say something in favor of Jason and Sam, I’m not necessarily anti-Liz/Rebecca, and if I react favorably to Jason and Liz, I’m not necessarily anti-Sam/Kelly. I want a good, believable story, period (which, incidentally, I don’t think we’ve gotten in this case, but that’s on… Read more »
Beautifully put, Michael (not Fairman). I like Sam, and I like Lizzy–liking one does not negate the ability to like the other.
Michael (Not Fairman), Agreed with you on the first part. Very well said! Second part about triangles, to me, it’s not even about not knowing who is the good or bad guy. Just because one is good doesn’t mean he/she should be chosen and bad one be ditched. A pairing to me should be based on chemistry and great writing. Third, I just wanted to point out that if Liz hadn’t known Jake was Jason, she wouldn’t have want him. We saw how Liz picked Ric over Jake Doe but as soon as Liz discovered Jake Doe was Jason, she… Read more »
Exactly!@Michael (not Fairman)…and Harry, too! I’ve never found my affection for Liz or Sam to be necessarily mutually exclusive…comparing these two characters (and the lovely ladies who portray them) is like saying one must choose between an apple and an orange….as if one were unable to enjoy them both, albeit for different reasons! With all the horrible newbies that GH seems to present with disturbing regularity, I’m simply gratified that we still have these two stellar legacy players around to grace the GH canvas, particularly as there are certainly enough other major—and niggling—objections to characters and storylines left to debate… Read more »
AGREED, I like both actresses but personally I want the characters away from each other. Liz needs a decent man…Sam is better suited to Jason. Both of them have had no real family so they fit better….Just my opinion….
On another note… This show is full of powerful actors and actresses… big names! As a wanna be writer there is no cast I would want to write for more!
What Michael (not Fairman) said.
Kelly is always a class act! I have met her several times and appreciate her genus kindness, professionalism, sense of humor, and fun spirit. This is a very nicely written interview Michael. Thanks to you and Kelly for sharing.
Thank you Michael for a fantastic interview with my favorite Kelly!!!! I am excited for a new story for her and very intrigued that maybe she will have some Airtime with Michael Easton!!! Hmm….. Is he really Caleb???? Glad to hear she is having fun with Billy & having fun on the show!!! I would like to add again that I think Helena cursed the knife or Sam and that IS the real resson Julian went nuts! It’s a case of the Shining I tell ya!!!! Kelly is awesome…. !!
Yea she is really awesome actor
I agree
It was a really good interview. Mr Fairman asks thought provoking questions. I also appreciated Kelly’s thoughtful and honest answers.
That said, I have to admit I find Sam and Jason as boring as their monochromatic wardrobe and no, I am not engaged in the Jasam vs Liaison fan wars. Perhaps it was due to the long drown out writing. It’s hard to say. I like both actors very much but together they make the kind of sandwich one would find in an airport restaurant–they make a plane sandwich.
My thoughts exactly. I felt Kelly came off more introspective and perceptive than one might have previously believed. Still don’t see why she can’t have a better wardrobe and a more varied one. Yeah, what’s the deal with that, anyway?
That would be a real kick, wouldn’t it, Ces???? I first encountered Kelly’s unique “cool chick” presence when she played the Gothic ingénue opposite Michael Easton’s multi-faceted vampire characters on Port Charles, and I’ve enjoyed these actors’ various incarnations/interactions on GH ever since! Let’s just say it would certainly bring their original roles full circle if Finn were to turn out to be Caleb after all….even though Sam is obviously not Livvie! (He did say his wife had died….hmmmm.) Then again, that’s probably asking a bit too much, since cohesive and logical follow-throughs don’t seem to be a strong suit… Read more »
lol Shay!! If only other people wrote the show, they may actually be able to go into the depths of these characters. I think it would be cool if Caleb was Silas and Finn!! Now, wouldn’t that make for fun storytelling? Pretty sure this lame writing team won’t go that route… instead, we have another baby on board. Oh joy, as if they can even keep track of their first one. I think throwing Caleb into the mix would livin’ up the dullness that Sam & Jason have had lately.
This is true, Ces! Since I’ve always enjoyed Michael Easton, I wouldn’t mind if his multi-alter-GH-egos all somehow end up being related, but I doubt there will be enough imagination amongst the creative team to go there! However, it is a fun fantasy upon which to ruminate!!! I’m not sure what I think of Sam’s impending motherhood….depends where they go with it, I suppose!!!!
Shay, I think we (most people on Michael Fairman’s page) have more creative storylines for our favorites than the current acting regime do! Somehow, I don’t think they’ll bring all of ME’s characters together … sigh, wouldn’t that be SO awesome if it was Caleb all along?!
I’m not sure what direction they are headed with Sam’s baby but I sure hope she doesn’t have another baby crisis; hasn’t this girl suffered enough? I know it makes for good drama … but Kelly is so beautiful when she smiles 🙂 THAT & I hate baby storylines – BORING!
You are probably right about that one, Ces! Although I don’t envision a “Caleb conclusion” to this tale, it certainly wouldn’t go amiss to at least reveal a common familial link for all of ME’s characters…..twins, cousins, whatever!!!! As for the babies, yes, GH has gone overboard on using them as a plot device, especially over these past few years. It’s quite one thing to bring an infant into the picture if a great storyline comes along with it, like with Danny, or even, Maxie’s Georgie, Lulu’s Ben/Rocco and Ava’s Avery (except for the gross addition of Nina to the… Read more »
That whole stupid breast-feeding story was so damn dumb! The boobs in court, stupid Olivia, NINA again in every story. Please, no more kids on the show….
Tell me about it, Ces!!! I always refer to that storyline as a real bust!!! Prior to the “Lunchtime for Leo” peep show, I really enjoyed Olivia…she was a unique character with a lot of personality, but once she that child, it tied her down…’twould have been quite one thing if the baby had led her to pair up with its father and break up that ridiculous “Julexis” farce, but it accomplished nothing as far as making for an interesting story for or furthering the character of Olivia. And I’m with you….no more babies, although I don’t want to see… Read more »
lol – lunchtime for Leo! Pointless story. Pointless character; never liked Olivia; she seems to always be talking with marbles in her mouth and in everyone’s business. Glad she is recurring (as in – never seen).
As for Sam – hope she doesn’t lose baby, but maybe it can be a little Rosemary’s Baby (lol!!) hey, that’s never been done and Kelly said it was a story that may have never been done before. Still wishing its’ a little Caleb child; just to make things interesting, otherwise it will be a boring preggo story! Yawn!
Well, you know, Ces, given Helena’s involvement with nearly every recent baby storyline, it’s hard to say what horrors she may have planned for Sam’s pregnancy….I imagine that whatever tribulations she and Jason shall face this time around, they won’t be just of the straightforward medical variety….at the very least, they will no doubt include some sort of record tampering, since that is a recurring theme on GH. As for Olivia….yes, in recent years she has been a bit overbearing, but I would have loved her as a romantic spoiler in that pathetic Julexis pairing, although she was at her… Read more »
Loved the interview, she truly has me intrigued about her story ahead, hopefully she gets to play out the story that she thinks is so good. Kelly is a powerhouse actress also along with the rest of them.
What a classy woman! I think Kelly Monaco is a talented and smart woman. I am glad to hear Kelly speak up about the criticism and bullying. The sad part is these personal attacks on her comes from adults and they ought to be ashamed for their comments.
Hmmmm…I’m thinking the fainting spells are going to segue into some kind of split personality change or something of that sort.
I don’t think we can take it if Sam is sick. Please let it be pregnancy. It took so long to bring u and Jason back together. The writers promised some happy times. So they better deliver. By the way Billy Miller is a hunk. I am so glad he joined GH.
Jason and Sam are soul mates without a doubt.
They said she’s pregnant today (Mon.).
Great interview! The fan wars are out of hand & I always feel so bad for the actors involved. Kelly seems like a very lovely person. Looking forward to her upcoming story line.
Thank you for the interview, Michael! I pretty much enjoyed all the questions you asked except for the wardrobe one. lol. I could careless what the characters wear. I mean I have seen characters dressed worse than Sam but I’m just not bothered by the clothing. I need GH to write better storylines! For example, I’m very disappointed with the way the power at be at General Hospital handled Jason’s return and memory story. It was never about Jason but instead all about Liz’s obsession with Jason. Worst of all, there were no consequences or fall out for Liz and… Read more »
I love her so much she is the BEST I drove 350 miles to attend her event she was so worth the trip great interview thank you
Interesting interview. Can’t wait to see what the “big thing” would be. I am trying to think of the scenario that hasn’t been played on GH before.
I think it’s interesting no one ever references Sam’s sordid past on the show. The character has been pretty much whitewashed.
Sounds like Billy’s going to be around a while–maybe he’ll start smiling again soon.
he smiles quite a bit now
You know very well that the show can NOT sell a leading heroine as the woman that watched Jake’s kidnapping and hired ARMED thugs to terrorize a mother, baby and toddler!
Why not?? If they did with Luke( who raped a woman), they can sure do it with Sam.
Of course, you can. Liz, lied, slept with a married man, who had amnesia, While she knew he was Jason and had a son with Sam, and was married to him, Liz slept, with Nicholas, while married to Lucky. Then cheated on Lucky and slept with Jason while he was drunk, many years ago. Should I go on. However, you still want Liz to be a heroine, of what, seducing and cheating. DON’T FORGET SAM RIGHTED THAT WRONG, SHE SAVED JAKE, FROM THE BURNING BLDG. I REST MY CASE!
@MsCris, I was never an LnL fan because of what Luke did to Laura and that was almost 40 years ago! Do you really think Luke raping a teenage girl on the dirty disco floor would fly, now? I don’t think so.
@Bee, What Sam did to Jake in 2007 was never outed where EVERYONE in town knew what she did to a baby, so I stand by my earlier comments.
You sound disappointed BM will still be around now see this is Liz fans are so negative
Marie, stop projecting.
Harry, best two words of all time: STOP PROJECTING. What a great comment to use in the Liz and Sam fandom war. Good enough for a T-shirt slogan.
I don’t care for Sam but Kelly Monaco has always seemed cool. Good for her for calling out those fan wars. People need to grow up.
I really wish Kelly would not say this: ” if these fan factions really hate each other then I guess we are doing our job well.” It makes me wonder if she has looked at some of the things her fans have said about Becky, and the level of hatred that is on social media. Fans verbally attack and threaten each other over tv characters on a soap.
Yes, I agree, it does seem to exhibit an enormous disconnect. It’s not a good thing at all, and it sure doesn’t do anything to support or promote the show.
I think her interview acknowledged all of that very well. She’s been on the recieving end of the same kind of attacks.
Sam definetly cleared it all up. More than I would have bothered to do. She has class.
Even though she said that one thing, it’s obvious that she’s sick of the fan war stuff. Fans from both fanbases attack each other, Kelly, Becky and the co-stars they admire. It needs to stop for sure and I’m glad she spoke about it because it feels like some of the people in charge don’t get that it’s harmful & not cool. With the way that GH used Jason’s return to fuel the Liason/Jasam fan wars, someone in charge was clearly not concerned about taking care of their leading ladies. It was extremely disrespectful to both Becky & Kelly.
She pretty much acknowledged that she’s not on social media because of that very reason —- in a probably half joking matter, she said GH is probably doing their job well with the characters hating each other. Pretty certain from everything else she said she does not encourage it.
So good to see a Kelly Monaco interview!!! I love how down to earth she is and how much she loves and appreciates her fans. I cannot wait to see what is to come for Sam and for Jasam! I wish she could go talk to the writers like Steve had in the past so that the writers could focus on details for the couple and not skip through major plot points. Great interview!
No actor should ever have the level of control over story as she describes Burton as having. Period. That’s a stunning admission, and to me an alarming one. But it certainly explains to me why the show was so centered around the Jason character for so long back then. No wonder the ratings were in the basement.
Alanna, Steve had said it himself a long time ago that the writers had wanted to rush Jasam and he went to them and told them to take it slow. And he did them a favor. Jasam has become second to Luke and Laura. The slow build of the Jasam relationship is what made viewers fall in love with them. It was natural. Maybe the writers need a reminder that rushing a story doesn’t mean it’s going to be successful.
I agree ALanna —- I don’t mind the actors maybe shedding light on their characters to new writers, but dictating how the story goes? That’s not their job.
That’s not Burton or any actor’s job to ‘remind’ the writers or to dictate story flow and pacing. As Ces said–offering an opinion is one thing, but beyond that is overstepping.
As for Jason/Sam being second to Luke and Laura — I personally find that laughable, considering Robert and Holly, Frisco and Felicia, Mac and Felicia, Anna and Robert, Anna and Duke, Sonny and Brenda, and last but not least, Liz and Lucky are couples who place way higher in the scheme of things. Sorry.
Agreed. We see what happened when Tony Geary’s ego ran rampant–he destroyed a legacy character, an epic, romantic love story, and lost his legion of fans–that’s all!
NO COUPLE can ever be L &L or even come close
I have heard Kelly make this statement before. I am always curious though whether she was talking about 2004 or when they reconnected in 2009. I don’t think Steve is the type that would demand that writers do things a certain way he would suggest and they could choose to listen or not.
Please Burton and Benard were running the joint with Phelps was over there no surprise!
And while Ron was there, they weren’t lol. No that Ron is gone, It’s become the Sonny and Jason are the best in the world show again
ok-
I just y’all to notice;
I am not going to say anything about Sam ….
But you did, su000! You did. You came in here to say you’re not going to say anything about Sam.
ahaa haa! I did didn’t I …
ok, so now I will say something..
whatever she has Julian blood/whatever can save her and therefore all will be in his debt and he’ll start his redemption !
Another great interview, Michael. I feel like I got to know Kelly Monaco better today. I’m a big Liason fan and Twitter is my Social Media platform of choice and in defense, I’d like to shed some light on the fanwar issue. As with most fanbases, we have a group of people we like to exchange ideas with and over the years have become quite good friends, discussing General Hospital, of course, other shows, books, movies and occasionally our personal lives. It’s also a platform for us to discuss our favorite couples, which contrary to the modern soap executive mindset,… Read more »
And Becky needs to do the same thing with her fans. I’ve read many horrible things her fans have said about Kelly. But I guess you haven’t seen all that.
What you mean LIZ fans don’t attack first?? Liz fans have a FB groups dedicated to bashing KeMo And FYI KeMo has a much larger fan base and you know it Micheal Fairman thanks for the interview but please take Shell comment with a grain of salt I can prove how vile Liz fan base
It would be great if that HUGE KeMo fanbase watched the show–maybe the ratings would go up
And the responses are only proving their point that all of you need to chill. They are story lines!
LOL, Robynne. Co-sign
Yes, Michael does GREAT interviews. Thanks, Michael F!
I rooted for Liason way back before Sam was even on the show. But I lost interest when he fell in love with Courtney, and then Sam. And then he was in love with Liz again. And then Sam again. He seems like a ‘love the one you’re with’ kind of guy. When he came back to the show as Jake, he was ALL IN for Liz, but now he’s all in for Sam. I got whiplash from how fast he got over Liz and fell for Sam. Not romantic in the least.
Thanks, Michael, for creating an environment in which Kelly could be so comfortable being open with her thoughts and responses. I love that Kelly is a “fan” of the show, too, with opinions about characters, actors and storylines. Thanks to Kelly for showing how much she cares about what she does, cares about Sam, cares about her co-workers and cares about fans. I look forward to what is ahead for Sam, and for Kelly.
Great interview with my favorite girl Sam. Thank you Michael and thank you Kelly Monaco for being so gracious. I really hope the GH writers let Sam move on to do bigger and better things like she described in the interview, she can definitely handle it and knock it out of the park. It was very classy how you handled the fans who don’t necessarily like your wardrobe or you with Jason. Glad to hear you and RH are good friends outside of work too! She is also a good actress. Can’t wait to see what GH has in store… Read more »
I may not be a Sam fan, but I am such a fan of the always adorable Kelly Monaco. What a beautifully candid interview she gave! I hope the story ahead gives her plenty of opportunity to stretch out creatively.
Kelly Monaco seems like a sweet and smart woman. I, for one cannot wait to see what “Sam’s” story is going to be. I am also hoping for another baby for Sam and Jason.
Awe. Kelly is such an elegant, professional and talented person.
Thanks for asking about the lack of Sam, Jason and Danny scenes. The 3 of them are loved by viewers and the viewers want to see the 3 of them together as a family on screen. Also, I think this is a question that should be addressed to executive producers and writers on General Hospital. I hope you get to ask the executive producers and writer about the lack of Sam, Jason and Danny scenes. I look forward to hearing what they have to say.
Yes! I’m so disappointed in the lack of Jason/Sam/Danny scenes too. It’s time for GH to let Jason/Sam/Danny focus on each other. Family time is what I want to see on General hospital
Jason will ignore this kid like he does the other 2 he has.
Kelly Monaco is such a great friend to Rebecca Herbst….always speaking kind things about her AND showing it. I think it’ll be nice for Rebecca Herbst to do the same too if she considers Kelly Monaco a friend. I’m sure she might just start doing it now just because it’s pointed out.
Actually, Becky has mentioned prior to this interview several times she considers Kelly a great friend. She said in multiple interviews that they are very close off set. She even said Kelly was the first person she called when she sorted out her contract with GH.
Katie is right. Rebecca has indeed told her fans to chill, she has reminded them that she and Kelly are close friends and that this is fiction.
Geez, some of you are really blurring the lines between reality and fantasy and you give us somewhat sane and intelligent soap viewers a bad name. I would understand if you were in middle school but I suspect those days are long behind you. Knock it off–you just sound childish, silly, insane and stupid. There, I said it.
I was thinking the same thing too. This Kelly/Becky friendship seems too one sided. Poor Kelly! I hope she finds better friends.
Right. A true friend would never let other bashes her friends. If I am right, a few of the mean Twitter accounts that tweet mean things to Kelly Monaco actually tweet other things to Becky and she does answer them. If I was Becky, I would not even acknowledge them as fans if they personally attack my friends by NOT responding. This doesn’t go to just Becky but everyone. I hope one is not that desperate that they continue to take them any way they can get it.
Rebecca Herbst is married with two kids
I hope she doesn’t take time out to mind this
Sam can keep Jason … just hide
Jason can stud muffin OUTside of Liz orbit
all will be well
there’s nothing to mine here… Sonny and Carly ; Jason and Sam… are all tapped out
there are so many good actors on that cast
As a fan of Rebecca Herbst, she has 3 beautiful children. Rebecca would probably sidebrush this as usual. Sam doesn’t have to hide to be with Jason. That would be Liz’s thing because Jason wasn’t proud to show her off. And if Liz wasn’t hiding to be in a relationships with Jason, she would be lying to him. Jason is already outside of Liz’s orbit, and all is not fine because the Liz fans are bitter. Have you seen the hate on Billy Miller now that fictional Jason is not with Liz? Sonny and Carly, Jason and Sam are GH… Read more »
What Katie said is true.
As a fan of Rebecca Herbst, she has 3 beautiful children. Rebecca would probably sidebrush this as usual. Sam doesn’t have to hide to be with Jason. That would be Liz’s thing because Jason wasn’t proud to show her off. And if Liz wasn’t hiding to be in a relationships with Jason, she would be lying to him. Jason is already outside of Liz’s orbit, and all is not fine because the Liz fans are bitter. Have you seen the hate on Billy Miller now that fictional Jason is not with Liz? Sonny and Carly, Jason and Sam are GH… Read more »
My previous comment was toward Patrick. Somehow, I replied to you, Robynne
Hi Elizabeth. Kelly did address that. She said the fan wars were brutal and that’s why she stays off social media but realizes that she and Becky must be doing a good job if people get so passionate about their characters. She also stated criticizing a character is okay; criticizing the actor isn’twhich most of us would agree with.
As for fans threatening each other, ugh, some people literally are loose cannons, unstable. Scary…
I love what she said about the Liz/Sam fan war. I have often thought when reading some of the comments, that it would be funny to see Kelly and Becky in character do a video, reading the tweets in character. Something like the mean tweets that Jimmy Kimmel has on his show. Just making fun of each other and the fans in a fun way.
Love Kelly Monaco . Love Jasam. They are my favorite on GH
PS. Love Billy Miller as Jason. He had big shoes to fill and is the best recast ever!
He filled, plus more. He has added in his own touches. Billy, is a three time Emmy award winner. He is the best recast ever, I agree Noreen. I got sick of Y&R, and use to watch only for Billy Abbott. Love him as Jason.
I just wish they would give him a good story now.
Thanks, Noreen, for supporting our Billy. I absolutely ADORE Billy Miller, always have, and frankly have been disheartened reading some posts blaming him for not being the exact same Jason as Steve Burton. These two actors are obviously quite different in their approaches, but I appreciate both. I do blame the writing for not allowing for enough of a change in Jason’s brain chemistry and therefore being a bit lighter at times. I really miss Billy M.’s incredible, sexy, “I can get away with anything” smile, and sweetly goofy humor. You don’t win 3 Emmys without the range to play… Read more »
What a wonderful interview! Kelly always seems like she is very down to earth and kind. I love what she had to say about her costars. I would love it if she received a better wardrobe, and it’s nice to know she would too!
Thank you for the interview, Michael. I love Kelly and Sam!
@Laura – I agree. As people age, many change their wardrobe style?
Kelly Monaco is a great actress. I hate that she has insecurities . People should not judge her from personal past experiences and her TV character’s actions. I would love to see Kelly branch out to do movies because she is that good. I have been watching GH for a long time and Sam is one of my favorite characters, and I do hope they give her better story lines and screen time because she is that good and deserves Emmy winning writing to perform.
I think she is a so-so actress, unfortunately, BUT I respect the maturity she exhibits in the interview. And she is grateful; I admire her for that. And I’m glad she is secure in her job; she has obviously worked hard and has come far from living in a care. Obviously she really wanted her career. I also liked it that she candidly acknowledged that she might not have done the nude spreads if she had it to do over again. Seems like she has her feet on the ground and is realistic–would that we could say that about all… Read more »
Wondering if she and Billy are NOT an “item” as we heard some time ago–when they had pics of the two swimming together. She says she has “nothing to protect” presently in her life–contrasted to the 18-year relationship with “Mike” that she fiercely protected but that is no more.
living in a “car”!
Thank you for this interview with Kelly. I think she is beautiful, awesome and a fantastic actress. I hope she gets to play this “big thing” sounds interesting. But I don’t want Sam and Jason to split up. Billy Miller is doing a great job and the chemistry between Kelly and Jason is something special.
Kelly is an amazing actress and very gracious and appreciative of her fans.
Great interview. I always love hearing from Kelly. She is such a sweet person. I’ve met her at GHFCW before and she was very friendly and down to earth. Her comments about the possible way her story could go are pretty intriguing. I can’t wait to see what is coming up with her. And I’m loving her being back with Jason. KM and BM have so much chemistry.
Yes they don’t!
Meant yes they do!
No, they don’t–you are right, unfortunately. And Billy acts so very bored–sleepwalks through his scenes. Wonder why that is since he has won Emmys for his work. I didn’t see him before GH so I don’t have anything to compare to his lackluster performance on this show.
Kelly monaco has always been my favorite and Jasam’s is the best love story in soap history because it was the realist and natural. Glad to see new jasam has that chemistry, I just hope the writers don’t destroy this couple they’ve been through enough GH needs that strong powerful couple not every couple needs to be cheating. I would love a medical illness of some sort that let’s Sam step outside her box. No split personality that is played out on GH. I could go for a baby too, but i don’t think that’s the case.
Kelly, is extremely classy. The same man for 18, years. No kids. I’m so sick of rumors. She gets along with every one on GH. She is truly beautiful.
One thing. If Kelly, and even others like Becky, have a problem with the fanwars that have viciously destroyed this Jason return story, then they shouldn’t be pointing fingers at the fans. This fanwar was exactly what Frank and Ron wanted when they brought on Billy to try to play Jason. They didn’t want a good story. Their plan all along was to reignite the fuse of this disgusting fight hoping to garner ratings from it. I love that it has blown up in their faces and ratings have instead nosedived and never really recovered. If Steve had not done… Read more »
I also blame the execs. Just when you think things are calming down and it’s “safe” to assume things are headed in the right direction they pull us right back in. I’ve lost “Internet friends” because I am a Jasam fan. I actually had one that I chatted with daily who once she learned I was a Jasam fan totally cut off communication. This even before I was vocal about it! So ridiculous. I believe the lack of a payoff after waiting so long for it is also what’s fueling a lot of fans. Not only with Liz but Franco… Read more »
I think all the characters and actors in the show are awesome, but sometimes the storylines Drag a little too long but they always turn out to have great endings….. keep up the good work guys
I’m glade Billy is Jason are in wouldn’t be watching I’m a JaSam when he started playing Jason It’s what made me tune in on a regular base so I’m happy we have BM playing Jason
I am sorry but one cannot blame the EP and head writer for engaging in idiotic, immature, delusional and hateful behavior. I mean really, these nut cases need to get a grip on reality.
Harry – Well said!
Yes, Harry. Well said….you should listen to your own advise and not be among that group with the delusional, hateful behavior of which you speak. Your worsds against Nina/ Michelle Stafford are not so “nice”, for lack of a more fitting word. You speak from both sides of your mouth. Most of us do not vacillate. Love Kelly….beautiful, sweet woman. But, I am not very fond of Sam and her ridiculous storylines. Obviously, not her fault. As it is not Nina’s. Your ridiculing of the character and repremanding me for liking her belies your point, my dear Harry. What’s good… Read more »
I’m with you, Harry–:all the way”! 🙂
Honestly, Harry, I just don’t get anybody who is so wedded to a soap opera character/actor that they vehemently defend them and denigrate fellow show fans who don’t share their highly-vaunted view of said player. To me, it totally smacks of being dangerously unhinged! Of course, we all have our favorites, and may even post extremely complimentary thoughts regarding them—like here on this thread, I’ve always had good things to say about Kelly Monaco!— but to take umbrage and attack those when an opinion of a pet character fails to comport with one’s own indicates to me a person that… Read more »
No we are all responsible for own actions, but they have no problem fanning the flames. If you think they don’t consider it good exposure or that they don’t like it, it’s very niave. If it’s so bad and they really wanted to change it they would be writing very different for both Liz and Sam. I was really looking forward to a good big redemption story for Liz. One that shows remorse etc. just doing that would have calmed things down tremendously. Also keeping her separated from important long awaited Sam and Jason scenes would have helped. Of course… Read more »
Writers can’t have their stories dictated by potential online “fan wars.” Love triangles have been a soap staple for decades and the rooting power of both couples is what drives long term story. Ron was setting up a classic triangle with Sam/Jason/Liz and wisely avoiding the whole “Stone Cold” mob angle but unfortunately Jean and Shelly chucked that in favor of the yawn inducing JaSam pairing and a return to the Sonny/Jason mutual admiration fan club.
And you, Alan, never disappoint me with your concise, no-nonsense comments. You see things crystal-clear and you transmit what you see descriptively and honestly. Thank you for your mature posts, without the use of ‘misplaced’ sarcasm. I do not ‘indulge’ in the stupidity of social-media wars. This is my only venue to communicate my thoughts and opinions…..I LOVE my soaps. I have favorites and not-so-favorites. However, I can guarantee that I have never used the word ‘hate’ on these sites, or in my everyday life. Nonetheless, my thoughts are my thoughts…..and, it drives me up the wall when some have… Read more »
I suspect Sam did pick up some disease in Greece and it may be related to what is killing patients at GH. Or somebody at GH has tried to poison her. Glad to hear that she stays off social media to avoid the wars!
Thank you, Kelly & Michale (no pun intended) for a great interview. This new storyline looks very promising. It seems that everyone is going to be drawn in to the Cassadine Island story and the fallout. I really enjoy the stories that involve more than a few characters and have high hopes that we haven’t seen the last of Helena Cassadine. Kelly seems like a very nice, approachable person. It just goes to show that she does a great job of acting a badass on GH. I watched Dirty Soap and although she was going through some stuff on the… Read more »
I adore Kelly as Kelly and as Sam……I adore Becky as Becky and as Liz….so awesome…both!!!!! I really wished you had asked Kelly about her and Billy in REAL life. I was hoping they were a THING!!! Great going, everyone. Love the show for many many many years. It is the only one I watch!!!!
Hi…good interview….I adore Kelly as Kelly and as Sam…..and I adore Becky as Becky and as Liz. Great jobs girls! I was Hoping you would ask Kelly about her and Billy in REAL life!!!! I have watched GH for many many years. It is the only one I watch now. Good job everyone!!!!!
I hope Sam is pregnant! There is no way she picked up a disease in Greece because there were like 10 characters that went to Greece and if it was some kind of disease more than 1 characters would be sick. Baby Girl Morgan is coming!!
Doc said so today!
Good interview! Some Liz fans are just straight up nasty. Ask any actreassss who has ever played opposite of Becky Herbst’s character Liz what Becky’s fans say about them personally. Heck, you can even ask the producers and you’ll see Beck Herbst fans begging producers to let so and so actress go because so and so actress is a rival of Liz. So crazy! Some Liz fans don’t know the difference between real and reel that they start attacking the actresses. Yes! There are real attacks on the actresses who played Sam, Maxie, Gia, Courtney, Hayden, Carly and Britt. I… Read more »
You’re right! I think the worst verbal attacks I’ve seen on an actress for GH is both Kelly’s. KM & KT got it really bad. It’s one thing to express dislike of a particular actors acting style. We all have our likes and dislikes but it’s quite another to seek them out in order to harass and call names and make fun of their appearance. It’s warped and mean.
Loved the interview. Love Kelly. Love JaSam. Hope there are good things ahead for JaSam and I hope there is a lot of drama that I know my couple can handle. Just hope it is written well.
Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve read an interview with her. What a treat! I love how candid she is. Great job Michael! Thank you!!
I have a whole lot of respect for Kelly Monaco and anyone else who speaks up about personal attacks on them over a fictional pairing or character. It is just ridiculous and I am happy she talked about it. Now, if only, 20/20 can expose some of these mean social media accounts, which I must say, most of them refused to use their real pictures to do all the bullying.
Thank you Michael Fairman and Kelly Monaco for such a wonderful interview. I have been a soap oper fan my whole life as a matter of fact, I’ve watched General Hospital for 49 years and used to listen on the radio. For my soaps. As a long time soap watcher, I have always loved the whole cast! As for the characters, some may have made me disappointed in the choices they make but I never hated any of them. It makes me really sad to see some soap watcher, particularly adults bashing our soap actors and actresses personally. I really… Read more »
My grandmother had a battery radio and she listened to “Helen Trent” and “Our Gal Sunday” on it–played it loudly. I can still put myself there in her little house with no electricity as I entered her room with her Grit and Christian Science Monitor spread out on her bed (which was in her living room). Sometimes she would have a fire in her fireplace in the summertime–she burned coal. A sweet memory.
Hi Michael Fantastic Interview Kelly is truly a class act she never has any false pretenious airs about herself her honestly and humility are so refreshing Kelly is the epitome of Grace and Beauty and Kindness I love the characters of Jason and Sam and I am truly looking forward to thier new up and coming storyline they deserve to be happy Kelly and Billy Miller are very talented they are both so EXTRAORDINARY as a fan it is a true Blessing to watch them on GH Thank you
They need another kid like they need a well shot to the head it is going to be some illness and Julian saves her blah blah blah so they can try to save Julian’s character. I like KM but I find their storyline Jason and Sam to be as moving as a slice of butter
If it wasn’t you Kelly I don’t think I waatch G H even I don’t know you really really good what you do don’t even bother what they say about you you brilliantl love you
Michael, I have been expressing how disappointed I am in GH for the lack of Jason/Danny, Sam/Danny, Sam/Jason/Danny scenes. I want some family scenes for the Morgans. It’s time to shift the focus to Jason, Sam and Danny.
It’s like Laura and Kevin–just gets momentum–and there it goes–off canvas. Can’t tell a story like that, can you? I, too, would love to try my hand at writing some (better) scenes for the characters.
Great interview Michael. Love Kelly. She is a great actress and a class act. She is right fan war is out of control. Folks need to learn the difference between reel and real. Hoping for good things for Kelly as well as Jasam story.
my adrenaline and pulse escalate… I am in to ONE fan base war than any other
LOL… it’s a fanatical thing… when you start reading posts and your mind races and jumps all over the place
wanting to commit to your reason
it’s my understanding… that most of these fan bases collide… is especially twitter
Rebecca Herbst does not need propping protecting and imagination run amok
be real
this thread reads we are still here… just not as loud as the first time around
will a preggers solidify THEIR true love
whatever
I think it will be made clear once we find out what Sams adVENTURE
EXCLUSIVE: GH’s Kelly Monaco Opens Up About JaSam, Liz/Sam Fan Wars, Public Perception & What’s Up With Those Fainting Spells? it was bland… nothing to muster… after all the hoopla premiere of Jason and Sam faded and lacks this thread is searching for resuscitate ? Will it be Kelly Monaco to the rescue if she’s preggers ? the show really doesn’t know what to do with them. ONE thing I really can’t stand… is GH choice of clothing for Sam… that black/drk. blue tank top with her skinny jeans and those god awful thigh high black boots with ( it’s… Read more »
Sam is like fingernails on chalk board LOL
Patrick, great comments re Sam and Jason and Sonny and Carly. There ARE other characters in the cast (wink, wink)! Hey, writers. . . are you listening?
Great interview. Loved Kelly from day one. Hope she gets to play “that” story line she wants.
Thank you soo much for having the beautiful and talented Kelly Monaco. She is so humble and such a class act. I’m a jasam fan for life. But I was a big fan of L&L too. Becky and Kelly are great actresses and I for one are against all the bashing that goes on social media. I have been watching GH for the past 40 yrs. I love all the cast, they are the best. Kelly you are a role model, you are smart, witty, gorgeous and you have a big heart. You love your fans and you make us… Read more »
I agree Patty!! I love Jasam too!
General Hospital
General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn Chats On Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Performance and Its Significance
When the nominations were revealed for the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, General Hospital mainstay, Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis), was recognized for her stunning work in the Alexis-centric standalone episode which honored her 25th anniversary with the ABC daytime drama series.
Grahn, is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner. She won back in 1989 in a tie for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work as Julia Wainwright on Santa Barbara along with All My Children’s Debbi Morgan, and again received the honors in that category in 2012 for her work on General Hospital.
Now. she is vying for the gold in 2022 in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category against other formidable actresses including: B&B’s Kimberlin Brown, DAYS Stacy Haiduk, Y&R’s Melissa Ordway, and her GH castmate, Kelly Thiebaud.
Michael Fairman TV caught up with Nancy to talk about her decision to enter the Emmy race this year, her powerful and moving scenes, why this nomination is significant and important to her, and her take on some very important social issues of our time.
Always candid, insightful, combined with great humor and wit, here’s what Nancy had to share below, and make sure to check out GH this week when sparks fly between Alexis and Gregory (Gregory Harrison). Will he turn out to be the new beau in Alexis’ life? Stay tuned.
Courtesy/ABC
Congratulations on the Emmy nomination. How do you feel about being in the running again, especially with the material from your 25th anniversary episode?
NANCY: You know, I don’t submit myself if I don’t think I have something, and I didn’t last year. This year, I had the one show, and the first reason I submitted myself was I had the episode that was worthy of the competition. These judges have to sit, and watch this stuff, and very often, it’s hard to watch soap opera scenes. It really is, unless you’re in it. It’s a different kind of material that most primetime people aren’t used to watching. So, it’s tricky business. I don’t want to put them through anything too awful. I don’t want to torture them and I’ve judged before. It can be a bit tedious. So, for me to submit myself, I thought, it has to be something that isn’t going to torture another human being. The second thing is, older women get marginalized the older they get, and they get diminished very often, and every time we get nominated, it means something different to me. This time, to me, I want it to somehow be symbolic, or a shoutout to women who are still producing, who have been doing their job for a long time and are still doing it good enough, and that it’s still worthy of respect and recognition.
When we were at the GH Convention back in March, I played the scene on-stage for the fans in attendance of when Alexis goes over to the corner of Kevin’s office and heals her younger self. You saw the reaction just from the fans. It’s such a beautiful moment within the story. What did you think about how the standalone episode was crafted?
NANCY: It was a different experience for me because GH co-head writers Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor, and script writer, Scott Sickles gave it the attention, but even more to that, they allowed me to participate in the creation of it. They allowed the director, Phideaux Xavier, to participate. We all sat in a room. They said, “You know what? Make it how you’re comfortable with it.” There were so many people who gave it time and effort, and Phideaux gets a lot of credit because he came up with a lot of ideas. So, the little girl in the therapy room wasn’t initially a part of it. That was Phideaux’s idea, and they let us alter things, and they allowed me to write some words that meant something to me with the character. Our producers, Michelle Henry and M.K Weir, who I both adore, were also a part of this.
Courtesy/ABC
That is great to hear that you were involved in the collaborative process of the creation of the episode.
NANCY: We read through the whole script, and we worked it like you would on primetime. We went through it like, “Does this moment work? Does that moment work? Does this make sense? Does that make sense?” We never do that in soaps. We don’t get to that. So, it was a gift to me. It really was. Chris and Dan, and Scott and Phideaux, and the two producers, generosity in gifting me that experience and making sure that it was to everybody’s liking, was really very special to me, and it meant a lot.
Did you come up with the key lines which summarized Alexis as a person and her journey: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a fighter, and an idealist and an advocate?”
NANCY: No. They designed it, but we were allowed to enhance and contribute creatively to it, and, we don’t normally have the time to do that. They don’t have the time to – and you can’t allow people to do that with every episode, to be creatively participating, because it would turn into madness with everybody.
Then, when it came down to choosing the scenes from your anniversary episode to include for your Emmy submission, was that a challenging process of which moments to go with?
NANCY: I just told a little story with it with the time that I had, and so, I edited it with a friend of mine. I did a sort of pre-edit on it, I’m good at that, and handed the timeline to our editor, who nicely put it together. It took very little effort.
In my humble opinion, I think that episode featured one of your all-time best performances.
NANCY: Thank you. There was a nice effort from everybody, from the lighting to everybody else, and all the effort Phideaux put into it. He worked so hard on that! It was fun for us. It was like the old days where you really got to work something out.
Photo: ABC
It truly harkened back to everything we knew up to that point about Alexis and her past as well, and included a montage of scenes over the years.
NANCY: I think it was M.K. who put that together, but when you’re working at the pace we’re working now, to have to sit and put together a montage of twenty-five years, that’s not an easy feat. Nobody has time for that anymore, but they did it, and like I said, it was really, really appreciated. My only thought with it is that I wanted it to be relatable to other people. I didn’t want it to just be some, you know, self-indulgent Alexis episode. I knew that by bringing in the little girl and talking about people being hurt in their childhood and how that makes somebody feel that it was probably relatable to many people, and so it became meaningful to other people and not just me.
Do you think you’ll attend the Daytime Emmys? I know the last time you won you were not present.
NANCY: Yeah, I’m planning on it. I mean, barring anything happening! (Laughs)
Does it feel nice to be recognized by your peers?
NANCY: Of course, it does. It always does, and way too often, women who are still producing well in their jobs, don’t get the respect and the acknowledgment for it. So, that’s why I’m saying, this is no small thing, and that I want other women to know that I know that, and that I wish for them the same thing.
What was the reaction of your daughter, Kate and your fiancé, Richard, when you told them you were Emmy-nominated?
NANCY: Richie goes, “What is this? Your 18th nomination?” (Laughs). You know what I mean? It was just kind of like, “Yeah, sure, why wouldn’t you be?” It wasn’t like, “Oh, my God!” It was like they kind of expected that. That was nice! I’m glad they feel that way. I’m glad they weren’t surprised. They were like, “Sure! Of course, you would be. Why wouldn’t you be?” I said, “You know, it doesn’t always work like that!”
Photo: JPI
Now comes the part of having to find a dress and all that goes with it for the red carpet. Do you enjoy that part?
NANCY: No, I hate that part. That is my… oh ‘boohoo’, you know? I mean, I have to find something to wear. Also, the older you get, that becomes so much less important, and the more makeup, and the more hair, and the more foofy, the more ridiculous I look. I start looking like Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. You’ve just got to keep it simple.
You were talking about women and ageism. Do you not feel that also exists for men?
NANCY: It exists for men, but it’s not at all on the same par as women. I mean, men still get paid more than women, and men still are valued more than women. I mean, there are exceptions, but if you look in any place of employment, even the soaps, you will typically find the men making more money than the women, and the older the women get, the less they get. Life’s not fair right now. It’s fairer than it was, but still the equality game is not won yet.
Photo: JPI
I know how much all of this means to you in terms of equality for women, and people being run out of their jobs because of their age.
NANCY: It’s just a reality. It’s not something that I’m hopeless about, but I have a story to tell. I’ll tell it when the time is right. It’s life! It happens in every field everywhere. When my mom was 70, she was still producing the exact same way she was producing when she was 30, and she got run out, and was replaced by a man who was 40 or something, and there was no particular reason for it. It was just, “You’re done. We decided you’re done,” but like I said, it happens everywhere, in every line of work, and that’s why I just wanted to give a shout-out, when you still, after 36 years, can be recognized or shown respect or acknowledgment for what your do. It’s a very big deal that I am appreciative of and grateful for.
So, rooting for Nancy to win the Outstanding Supporting Actress prize? Happy she was nominated for her work in the the milestone episode devoted to Alexis? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and to tune-in to the 49th annual Daytime Emmy Awards on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 24th.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What’s Up With Elizabeth?
General Hospital
GH Alum Sydney Mikayla Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, Decision To Exit & Her Former Co-Stars
It’s been quite the banner year for Sydney Mikayla (Ex-Trina Robinson, GH) thus far, and she topped it off with her second Daytime Emmy nomination, when a few weeks ago she landed in the Younger Performer in a Drama Series category. That means, Mikayla will be vying for the gold statuette, but also against some of her dear friends and former co-stars from General Hospital.
Back in March, Mikayla revealed she was leaving the ABC daytime drama series to focus on college full-time where she is a freshman at UCLA. With Sydney’s departure came recasting the role of Trina and the part went in to the capable hands of Tabyana Ali, who is currently appearing on the soap and carrying on the Trina Robinson torch.
As the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are just around the corner (they air live next month on June 24th on CBS), Michael Fairman TV caught up with the very busy Mikayla, to get her take on all things Emmy including: the scenes she chose for her nominated reel, working alongside with Nicholas Alexander Chavez and creating what would become the popular “Sprina”, the factors that led to her departure and more. Here’s what Sydney shared below.
Your former co-stars and fellow ‘Younger Actor’ nominees, William Lipton (Cameron) and Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Spencer) appeared on my Daytime Emmy Nominations livestream special, and both share how thrilled they were that that you got nominated. I know you’re friends with them, but they just could not have spoken more highly of you.
SYDNEY: That’s so sweet! I’ve loved working with them for so long. It just feels so great to know that they said that.
Photo: ABC
What was on your Emmy reel submission that landed you the nomination?
SYDNEY: I was a little bit nervous this year, more than last year, because last year was the first time that I ever had a storyline. So, for this year, I was definitely like, “I’m not really sure how this is going to go,” because there’s just so many new elements that were happening with everything that was going on, for example: Trina getting a more acclimated relationship with her mom, and then we had Cyrus (Jeff Kober) come in for a little bit. I chose the best moments that really showcased my acting, even though it wasn’t a cohesive storyline from start to finish on my reel. I’m really glad it worked! I was a little more on pins and needles for this one, and ultimately, it turned out great.
Photo: IG
Was Nicholas Alexander Chavez in any of the scenes you submitted?
SYDNEY: He was! I got to show that soft side of Trina, which I really didn’t think we got to see, especially in my first Emmy reel, and her being vulnerable. We never see Trina really make a mistake, so that was really fun. Not that her relationship was a mistake, but more that we never get to see her slip up or say the wrong thing, or just put herself out there, and put her heart on the line. I enjoyed being able to play that and then being able to put it in my reel. Nicholas just made it so easy … what an amazing co-star. He just made me feel so comfortable. It was just really fun to do and to include. I also had scenes with the teen scene …there’s five of us! Of course, I had to include Trina’s standoff with Esme (Avery Pohl). I think, it was actually the last clip I put in on my reel.
Which was a great scene!
SYDNEY: Yes, and Avery is so sweet, but she plays evil so well. So, that was also so incredible to do, just that standoff of: ‘Who’s going to win!? Trina? Esme? What’s going to happen? What’s going to go down?’ No one knew, so that was really fun, too.
Photo: JPI
Did you include scenes between you and Eden McCoy (Joss) as bff’s Trina and Joss on your Emmy reel?
SYDNEY: Oh, of course, of course! It was some of those heartfelt bestie moments of her just kind of consoling me, and making sure everything was okay between Trina and Esme. I like those heartfelt moments that Trina had with one of her closest friends on the show, and a great friend in real life, as well.
When you found out you were nominated, who was the first person you called … or was your phone blowing up and you were receiving lots of congrats?
SYDNEY: This year, with being on a college campus and being in person for the first time, it’s really easy to get sick. So, I was not feeling too great. I was sleeping in my dorm when the nominations came out. I still keep in contact with my makeup artist from the show, Ali, and she’s so sweet. We were texting, and she was like, “By the way, congrats”, and kind of kept texting me, and I’m like, “Congrats for what?” I looked, and I was like, “Oh my gosh! I got nominated!” So that was pretty funny, and I screamed through my whole dorm! I posted a video on Instagram because I wanted to keep everyone in the loop, and I really do feel so grateful. I feel all of the support from my friends, and family, and the fans of the show. I always try to make a video every year to try to just be grateful, or say ‘thank you’ because I really want to key everyone into this journey. It was a little bit of a shock, but definitely in the midst of not feeling too well, it was the highlight of my day, for sure! Now, I am feeling that heat of finals at school, but I am so excited. The Emmy definitely breaks up the stress a little bit, so I’m very grateful.
Photo: ABC
Was there somebody you called to let them know you were nominated, though?
SYDNEY: I actually called Nicholas and William, first, to say congratulations. William had called me before I had woken up, and then I called him back, and then of course, I called my mom and dad. It was also a surprise to them. I think it was just because I had been so laser-focused on school that looking at the Emmy nominations really wasn’t the priority this year.
Could you believe how popular ‘Sprina’ became so quickly? They weren’t even a bonafide duo yet!
SYDNEY: I could not! I was really shocked, but I was excited to see how much the fans loved it, and how much the fans kind of lived through it. That in turn, gave us more of that ammo to really build that story and build that tension, and to always kind of play those moments in between. Nicholas did a really great job of that, and of challenging me to always have that subtext, under the lines. I was really shocked to see how quickly the popularity of Sprina blew up, but I’m grateful that the fans loved it for as long as they. I hope that they continue to love it with Tabyana Ali playing the part. She is such an incredible actress and powerhouse.
Photo: ABC
You were so popular in the role of Trina, and now Tabyana is bringing her take on the role. Do you check in on GH?
SYDNEY: Don’t cancel me, but no! (Laughs) I don’t have time to watch TV! I’m very serious. I’ve just had so much going on here. I’m also part of clubs, and leadership is also something that’s very important to me. I love planning things, and when you’re planning things, that also takes up your time. So, doing that along with school and just trying to keep my GPA up, I just don’t have the time to check in on it. I think that was kind of part of it for me too. On a spiritual level, I always believe that you can’t receive other things in your life, great things, acting or otherwise, until you are able to let things go, and so for me, I knew when I was leaving, I really would have to leave mentally and physically. As much as I love General Hospital (and I really cannot wait to see everyone in person, I really can’t wait to have that big reunion!), I really don’t feel like any part of me is still clinging on to General Hospital. I’m so grateful that the audience has also received Tabyana so well, because that’s exactly what I’ve always wanted. So, I’m really happy for her, and I’m really happy for both of us. I think we are both in a great place.
Was making the decision to leave GH a difficult one for you?
SYDNEY: Honestly, no. I always kind of knew in the back of my mind that it would have to come at some point because as much as I love General Hospital, I’d really been working for college for all of my life. I wish someone had told me that colleges really don’t look at anything past high school because I was working really hard in elementary and middle school too! But that’s my point, I’ve always had this dream of, “I’m going to go to college. I’m going to get that second education. I’m going to do really well. I need to get my degree, and possibly even get my doctorate.” We’ll see if I even want to go that far, but I know for sure that going to college and getting that bachelor’s was really important for me. So, I knew that took precedence over anything else in my life.
Photo: ABC
What are you studying?
SYDNEY: Right now, I’m studying sociology. That might change. Honestly, as a freshman it’s just been really general classes, still kind of general science, general math. We’ll see as time goes on if I still want to stick with sociology. So, that’s also been really fun, and just meeting people, and experiencing the college life.
You’re in a gender-neutral acting category at the Daytime Emmys … Outstanding Younger Performer. How do you feel about that because you’re actually competing against your former castmates, Nicholas and William, in the same category?
SYDNEY: Coming to college, you meet a lot of people who are non-binary. I’ve always wondered how that would work when we are going to have more actors who identify as non-binary as our generation starts to get older and as we start getting cast in these movies. I actually think we are kind of moving towards the future and in the future, it will all be smooshed together for all of the categories. We are going to eventually do away with the Best Actor and Actress because a lot of people don’t identify as either. I think either way, whoever wins is going to win. I’m just really glad to be nominated, and it works for me!
Courtesy/ABC
If a role came up in a movie or project that interested you, would you do it, or are you just only concentrating on your studies?
SYDNEY: We’ll see kind of where life takes me. It would definitely depend on so many things, of course, but if an opportunity were to present itself, it would definitely just be by a case-by-case basis. Of course, I’m definitely open to doing things in summer too. During the school year, like I mentioned, it’s really important for me to get this degree.
Photo: SMikaylaIG/ABC
Is there any favorite moment you had from your time on General Hospital as Trina that you wish you could have included in your Emmy reel, but didn’t?
SYDNEY: There were so many good moments! If I could include any moment, I would include one of the blood scenes. I had never worked with fake blood, and it was sticky, but ultimately a good experience. I was acting, but there wasn’t much of me talking. It was more everyone being concerned for me, like, “Why is she covered in blood? What’s going on?” So, I don’t think I included that as much, but if they just wanted me to include amazing makeup, then I could have put it in there! So, it’ll always be in my heart. It’ll always be in my personal reel, and I hope that counts for something!
Photo: TimSchaeffer
I’m assuming you like picking out a dress, and then walking the red carpet?
SYDNEY: I do! It’s actually funny because I don’t usually enjoy hair and makeup on a day-to-day basis, but I do think I enjoy the creativity of doing my own look for the Emmys. I get to be somewhat a little different, like a super awesome version of myself. I wonder, for celebrities who have to go to red carpets every week if they really like it, but for me to do it a few times a year, I really love it. I love choosing the aesthetic that I’m going for. This year, I’m definitely trying to do something classy and stylish. I’m super excited for you guys to see because I’m beaming even as I talk about it now!
The Daytime Emmys are back to being in-person, after two years of being virtual. Didn’t you have to tape an acceptance speech last year when you were nominated, in case your name was called?
SYDNEY: Yes! It was so funny, one of our producers, Nneka Garland, called me, and she was like, “Oh, it’s going to be in person,” and it just like, snapped for me: “Oh, this is going to be live!” I’m looking forward to that this year. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone, giving everyone real, in-person hugs! I can’t wait!
So, are you rooting for Sydney to take home the gold in the Outstanding Younger Performer category at this year’s Daytime Emmys? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
So grateful!! #GH #TeamTrina #Emmynom 🙏🏽😁 pic.twitter.com/wKXIg715c1
— sydney mikayla (@SydneyMikayla) May 5, 2022
General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn Chats On Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Performance and Its Significance
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to Guest Star on UK Soap EastEnders
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What’s Up With Elizabeth?
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson and Beth Maitland Honored with 40-Year Milestone Celebration (PHOTOS)
GH Alum Sydney Mikayla Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, Decision To Exit & Her Former Co-Stars
As the World Turns Alum Marnie Schulenburg Passes Away at 37
THIS IS US: Goodbyes and Connections; Rebecca Passes Away in Penultimate Episode
The Bold and the Beautiful Scores Biggest Audience in Over Two Years
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Ciara Saves Baby Bo with Assist from Heavenly Bo; Tripp Shifts Into Satan & Crashes Through Window
Fox Announces Primetime Soap ‘Monarch’ On Fall Schedule
GH Alum Sydney Mikayla Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, Decision To Exit & Her Former Co-Stars
DAYS OF OUR LIVES PREVIEW: Peter Reckell Returns as Bo Helps Ciara and Steve in Their Time of Need
GH’s Michael E. Knight Chats On: Taking on the Role of Martin Grey, Friendship with James Patrick Stuart, and All My Children’s Tad
As the World Turns Alum Marnie Schulenburg Passes Away at 37
General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn Chats On Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Performance and Its Significance
The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy Nominees Talk Reactions, Reels, and Their Co-Stars
The Bold and the Beautiful Scores Biggest Audience in Over Two Years
Fox Announces Primetime Soap ‘Monarch’ On Fall Schedule
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What’s Up With Elizabeth?
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson and Beth Maitland Honored with 40-Year Milestone Celebration (PHOTOS)
The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy Nominees Talk Reactions, Reels, and Their Co-Stars
GH’s Michael E. Knight Chats On: Taking on the Role of Martin Grey, Friendship with James Patrick Stuart, and All My Children’s Tad
DAYS OF OUR LIVES PREVIEW: Peter Reckell Returns as Bo Helps Ciara and Steve in Their Time of Need
FRIDAY: Y&R Alum Michael Graziadei Featured in Netflix’s New Series ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’
General Hospital Tapes 15,000th Episode; Featuring Genie Francis with Almost Every Single Cast Member Appearing in It
TONIGHT: General Hospital’s Michael E. Knight Live! – 8 PM ET/5 PM PST
DAYS Daytime Emmy Nominees: Arianne Zucker, James Reynolds, Stacy Haiduk & Lindsay Arnold Chat On Their Reels, Reactions, and Co-Stars
THURSDAY: General Hospital and All My Children Favorite, Michael E. Knight Livestream Interview
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Remembers Sheila Shooting Finn. .. and Her, Then Vows Revenge
WATCH: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2022 Replay
-
General HospitalMay 19, 2022GH Alum Sydney Mikayla Talks On Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, Decision To Exit & Her Former Co-Stars
-
Days Of Our LivesMay 14, 2022DAYS OF OUR LIVES PREVIEW: Peter Reckell Returns as Bo Helps Ciara and Steve in Their Time of Need
-
General HospitalMay 15, 2022GH’s Michael E. Knight Chats On: Taking on the Role of Martin Grey, Friendship with James Patrick Stuart, and All My Children’s Tad
-
As The World TurnsMay 18, 2022As the World Turns Alum Marnie Schulenburg Passes Away at 37
-
General HospitalMay 22, 2022General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn Chats On Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Performance and Its Significance
-
InterviewsMay 15, 2022The Young and the Restless Daytime Emmy Nominees Talk Reactions, Reels, and Their Co-Stars
-
NewsMay 17, 2022The Bold and the Beautiful Scores Biggest Audience in Over Two Years
-
Breaking NewsMay 16, 2022Fox Announces Primetime Soap ‘Monarch’ On Fall Schedule