General Hospital
Former Miss Alabama USA, Jesica Ahlberg Joins General Hospital In New Role!
Courtesy/JesicaAhlberg.com
More casting news out of ABC’s General Hospital. Former Miss Alabama USA 2014, Jesica Ahlberg, has landed the new role of Darby who will be arriving on the scene in Port Charles. Ahlberg makes her debut on the Monday October 19th episode of the long-running daytime drama series.
According to ABC Soaps In Depth, all that is known at the moment is Darby is a friend of TJ (Tequan Richmond) and Molly’s (Haley Pullos).
The actress/model took to Twitter to share her excitement on her first daytime soap role on Tuesday. Jesica tweeted: “Thanks for all the love! I’m thrilled to be playing Darby on General Hospital! I hope you all enjoy her as much as I do.”
Ahlberg’s previous credits have included roles on primetime TV series such as: Necessary Roughness and Banshee, and work in some feature films including: Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Roap Chip.
So, what do you think of GH’s new casting addition? Who will Darby ultimately be mixed-up with in story? Share your theories in the comment section below!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
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Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
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General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
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How old is she to be hangin’ with Molly and TJ??
She looks much older .
Ummm my thoughts exactly.
I hope she performs her scenes in a swimsuit high heels and tiara.
Pray her talent is acting. Or I fear GH Will get their very own Summer Newman
At least Hunter king, can act. She is a wonderful actress and has won 2 emmys, back to back. Torqumada who sound bitter of Summer Newman lol
Josh, I kind of think Hunter King is getting a bad rap.
Sure, I have no use for the character because she is written as a whiny, self absorbed narcissist with a sense of entitlement. But every now and then, when Summer is allowed to show some concern for other people, something shines through.
They just need to give the girl a story which doesn’t revolve around The Newmans and The Abbotts. I mean, what is this young girl doing with her life? Is she even going to college?
Let’s give this girl a chance. You must admit, Torqumada, gorgeous women have always been caricatured or given less respect than a plain Jane or an average looking woman ever has. That’s the story since ALWAYS…..until one opens her mouth. Looks do not always run parallel to one’s intelligence. Trust me. It is always taken for granted that a beautiful woman lacks wit/ wisdom/a brain. I suppose this is the way said women are portrayed, even in this, the 21st Century. That fact is perpetuated, without fail.
My question is, why hire more characters? There must be a reason.. As long as there is a purpose and/or consequence, then okay. But, if it’s to ‘vamp’ the set, well, I don’t know…..
GH already has a bloated cast. The last thing they need is another newbie much less a teen. Some long time characters already go missing for weeks.
Darby becomes the new wuv interest for Morgan only to learn they are half siblings-Brenda is her momma and Sonny her pappa!…he already has kids all over the place so why not…ok, she cant be…i just cant care for another newbie in an already bloated cast with several characters they dont even care to write for but yet bring in a newbie and can write for her?
Exactly, Jimmy. What happened to the Brad/Lucas/Rosalie storyline? I know that was so dumb to have Brad and Rosalie married….still, the storyline was just left hanging.
i already forgot that storyline but then again it was forgettable when i watched it..lol
@jimh.
Exactly my point, Jimh. Forgettable. Why? ….because ‘they’ are all over the map; yet, more characters are introduced.
Why can’t they work with the people that they have and write decent storylines for them? TJ and Molly are barely on anymore and when they are it’s lame. Not looking forward to this at all.
Amen! I want to see Felicia, Mac, Scotty, Lucy, “Doc”, Laura, Bobbie, etc. what hole did these characters fall through?
If you need to add someone, how about Jasper Jacks?
I believe the new writers said that the cast will be trimmed down (a bit).
How is adding trimming down? Is Ben Weston on his way to Port Charles?
i hope so…lol
Sigh!!! Nothing against Jesica but since when is the T.J./Molly story, if you even consider it a “story,” of big interest. I realize GH wants to attact the “preferred” demos, but so far they don’t have a great track record of giving the younger actors interesting storylines anyway. Sometimes you hear they go to school, but mainly they go to Kelly’s, and don’t appear to do anything except have parent and boyfriend/girlfriend problems.
I truly believe there is more potential with things that can happen in their lives. There were a couple of promising stories where writers dropped the ball…Molly writing her book and then having Connie steal what became a best seller (with a little editorial embellishment from Connie). And TJ’s run-in at Wyndoms Dept store.
And as other commenters point out, don’t forget the stable of great fan favorites who aren’t criminals and barely appear anymore. Life doesn’t stand still for them either.
Oh dear Lord, why? This sinking ship needed to get rid of excess baggage NOT add to it and certainly not introduce new characters. Stupid, stupid move and she is not even an actress, she’s a beauty contestant. Great, just great.
Not only that, Harry; but, there is a ten year difference between Jesica ( what happened to the other ‘S’ in her name, anyway?????) and Haley/Molly. Are they supposed to be school friends? Even Tequan /TJ is older (22)….but, at least he could pass as a teen. This girl looks like she’s been around the block a few times. She is gorgeous, though. I just hope her acting is as outstanding as her looks.
Cee Cee:
It reminds me of all those movie from the 80’s when they had thirty year olds playing teenagers.
In the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite there is a blond man with a receding hairline playing a school bully who is supposed to be sixteen years old. I am sure he’s forty if he’s a day. Perhaps that was part of the joke?
In any case, Vote for Summer!
@Harry.
Yeah, Harry. What about 90210. I caught a few episodes of that show….most of the characters were in their late twenties or early thirties playing teen-agers.
I agree so much on this! why, why, why yet another character when there are so many we need to unload on this show?!
lol!
it’s about money..
the creator of the character get money, money for the character as long as it lives!
but-
stupid to create a young one..
c’mon, teens do not watch soaps. it’s the 21st century and what interests teens/younger people have in media are not their grandma stories/soaps. LOL
Damn, Su000, we are agreeing wayyyyyy too much these days.
teens are glued to their phones not watching soaps and adults aren’t interested in teens. agree!
I second that Harry! Just what we don’t need, a beauty contestant playing an actress. Lordie.
I’ll withhold judgment until we see where this is going as I have high hopes that Ms. Passanante and Ms. Altman will deliver the goods.
While I’m here I’d like to renew my plea to Mr. Valentini to drop the actress who plays Kiki. Actually, go ahead and drop the character, too. I’d have much preferred that she was killed off versus Silas (or Duke, for that matter). In all of the years that I’ve watched this wonderful program I struggle to recall when I’ve fast forwarded through scenes but I fast forward through most of hers. They’re painful to watch and are tantamount to nails on the chalkboard. How about a return to Nina carrying around her revenge list (to which she recently referred) with Kiki on the top line? She needs to go.
Finally, regarding Maura West and Michelle Stafford…
Welcome back, Ava! We’ve missed you terribly. I’m surely not the only fan who believes that, along with the snooze-fest that was the pointless (and lifeless) takeover of ELQ storyline, the rise of Denise Dimuccio was the nail in the coffin for Ron Carlivati. I’m looking forward to Ava locking horns with Carly and, of course, Nina. Speaking of Nina…
Michelle Stafford is quite simply fabulous. She looks fantastic (especially so on Tuesday’s episode) and is a splendidly gifted actress. Her chemistry with Roger Howarth has the makings of a super couple. I’m hopeful that she’ll be given good stuff to play by the new writers. She’s a gem.
Agree with you on Kiki 100% and to have this troll living with Franco & Nina is absurd. Wish Kiki would go away; neither actress has done much with the character but the current one really grates my every last nerve! Michelle Stafford deserves a better story than having this brat hanging around.
She seems too old to be hanging with TJ and Molly? Okay, now that I got that out of the way, its time to be shallow! Can I please get a walk on role at GH and play her coffee mug! She is beautiful!
I like your humor, Timmm. She is striking, isn’t she?
My god!
I think she’s a female version of Nathan–all looks and no talent or substance. Nathan is so bad he manages to make the usually exciting Maxie seem dull.
I swear, it seems like Frank and the ABC suites are trying to sabotage GH.
Words from the wise; my husband. “You’re so smart, babe…but, with your looks, you don’t need smarts”. LOL. Nathan is good for my eyes and soul….very soothing, Harry.
Seriously speaking, I will not pass judgement on this most beautiful girl. I can appreciate your temerity concerning her acting ability, but one can be as beautiful as she is talented. My concern is, how will the male cast members be able to flawlessly go through their lines. They will surely stumble over them. And, speaking of stumbling, do you think Sonny will try to bed her? I mean, he has sampled most women in PC and beyond!
Harry – way to judge a book by its cover. “No talent or substance.” Wow. I hope people don’t judge you based on your looks. And by the way, it’s “suits” unless you’re talking about large rooms at the ABC offices.
Yes, AJ, I did mean to write suits. Thank you for correcting my minor typo with such angry, self-righteous indignation. (this blog site does not allow us to correct our mistakes after posting them).
However, I stand by the thematic thrust of my comment. I have seen this actress in the shows mentioned above and her acting is barely sub par. In fact, she cannot act her way out of a paper bag. Moreover, she is a decade too old to be hanging out with the teenagers as if she were a peer. Finally, we do not need new characters right now when there is not decent writing being afforded to the characters we have on the canvas right now.
And sorry Miss Cee Cee, I know you like him but Nathan is played by a horrible actor, and the actor does not seem to grow better with time. The last thing GH needs is more superficial eye candy.
Harry, Nathan and Kiki had a scene on Wednesday and it was so bad I was hoping Chloe would hop over from Y&R and mistake me for Adam and put me out of my misery!
First let me say she could be the worst character ever on GH. Or she can be the best character ever on GH. Who knows. Exactly! Who knows? You people are bashing this poor girl, even mocking the spelling of her name (CeeCee – I don’t know where the other “S” is, but maybe you can loan her a C or an E). Last I checked, GH was a soap. You know what soaps do? They add and subtract characters. A lot. There are also 2 new writers. There’s going to be upheaval. No doubt about it. There will be changes. This girl may be on the canvas for 2 months. Or she could be on for 20 years and be so beloved. Again, we don’t know that, but give the poor girl a chance and give the new writers a chance. Don’t you all want GH to succeed? It doesn’t seem like it from reading these comments.
AJ,you are taking our comments way too personally. In fact, your responses seems rather shrill and hysterical.
The fact is GH does not need new characters–they need to get rid of the excess baggage. The timing could not be worst and you must understand this.
Folks are feeling that GH is guilty of self-sabotage and this idiotic casting choice is yet another example of this.. It’s nothing personal against Miss Alabama. It’s not about her but what she represents.
I am sure she can twirl a baton just brilliantly.
Yes, subject verb disagreement. I am guilty as charged.
So sue me.
Nope, not taking it personally and no hysterics either. I just hate to see such negative attitudes about a show that we all devote a great deal of time to and that we all supposedly love.
But as I said above, and maybe I missed it somewhere, but no where is there an indication that this is a contract role or even a “heavy recurring” role. She could be on for a few weeks and that’s it. Maybe she serves as a plot device for Tequan to leave the show to film his pilot.
I will try again, since the moderators did not like my response to you; nonetheless they have allowed your very offensive words to appear. Why? Why does my nickname bother you? My sibling has called me that as a small child. …..could not say Cecelia; so it stuck. Why are you bombarding me and Harry? I said nothing untoward about ‘Jesica’ whose name, I assumed was misspelled……it happens all the time. My question was rhetorical. She is gorgeous and I will wait to see if she WOWS us. I will not put the cart before the horse, per se.
Additionally, this site is dedicated to positives and negatives. It is intended for us to give opinions ….what and how we feel . I don’t know how many times I have said this. Our comments cannot please everyone. But, as Harry pointed out, you seem to take it personally. Did anyone direct a comment to you? No one has. But, you took it upon yourself to target me and my name.
I cannot comment on this girl’s acting. And, I haven’t. How could I? I never even heard of her until now. I do not know her work. I can only judge her physical assets, at this point. She is, by far, one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. And, I’m a girl!!! Women are the best judge of other women.
Also, LOAN in a noun, not a verb. If you are to correct people’s grammar, then sobeit. At least Harry made a typo, not a grammar error. That’s the difference. There is no reason for you to poke fun at my moniker.
UGH!!! I don’t want to bash anyone who’s just trying to earn a living, but I really don’t want any more new characters or returning characters for a long while. GH is so full of characters I like and only get to see once a month. There are so many story lines that are played the same way or left waiting in the wings forever.
I am hopeful that his new writing regime ties up all those loose ends before moving into new stories. I’d like to know what’s going on with Brad/Lucas/Rosealee. What’s happening with Monica and the judge? How about Epiphany and Milo? Whatever happened with Molly’s writing career; her published book? What about Shawn being TJ’s daddy? How Helena able to keep Robin away when Nicolas seems to have neutralized her? I’m sure I’m missing a few, but who’s going to care? How are we, the audience supposed to care about any of the story lines if they are constantly dropped all the time or only played once a month?
I love GH despite all these comments and even though I think it’s a train wreck of late. There’s so much good and so much bad. I hope they can get it together before I start thinking it’s more bad than good. I think they can.
If you look @ her long enough she could pass for a long lost Corinthos’
I think that Darby is Sonny and Sam’s daughter that died at birth why not they all end up dead and yet come back!!
I did some research on that back story, Ashleigh. How different was Sam back in the day?
That’s a very good assumption on your part……or, any of the other women Sonny ‘touched’; hither and yon.
I am very much looking forward to make Darby’s acquaintance. Take care of yourself, Ash.