General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL 62nd Anniversary Episode: What Moments Touched You the Most?
This week on the April 1st episode of General Hospital, the long-running ABC daytime drama series celebrated its 62nd anniversary in heart-tugging style with little Easter egg moments and nods to its history led by the talents of the iconic Genie Francis (Laura Collins).
At its epicenter, and as has been promoted, the 62nd anniversary show was to feature the opening and dedication of the “Monica Quartermaine Cardiac Care Center” in tribute to the late Leslie Charleson who played Monica for 47 years.
However, it should be noted, that this dedication was part of the script and the storyline prior to Charleson’s passing on January 12th of this year, and that more of a tribute to the actress, and to Monica will be forthcoming when the series kills-off the beloved character, who has been seriously ill with respiratory issues and basically living bound upstairs at the Quartermaine Mansion.
Courtesy/ABC
In the 62nd anniversary episode, many nods were given to what Monica has meant to General Hospital. In one scene, when learning that Monica cannot be at her own dedication, a disappointed Laura shares, “Monica is the heart and soul of this place, and when you think about she is really the one that brought this place into the 21st century.”
Later, Tracy (Jane Elliot) says, “Monica can’t be here. As soon as she rallies, she has another setback. I don’t think this hospital would be standing without my sister-in-law. She should definitely be here.” In another scene, Ned (Wally Kurth) looks at the memorial wall, and he and his mother look at Alan, Edward and Lila and sing the praised of what both Alan and Monica meant to the success of the hospital.
Courtesy/ABC
During the anniversary show, Co-Chief of Staffs, Portia (Brooke Kerr) and Terry (Cassandra James) were saying that if it weren’t for Monica they would not have their positions, and later, perhaps extolling the best line of the episode during the dedication of the new cardiac care center, when during their speech they say, “We ask ourselves all the time, “WWMD – What Would Monica Do?”
However, it wasn’t just the “Monica” moments that made the episode touching, it was when Felicia (Kristina Wagner), Carly (Laura Wright) and Donna went to the hospital’s memorial wall and paid tribute to the late Nurse Bobbie Spencer (Jackie Zeman), and what she meant to the legacy of the hospital, and Felicia in tears and how she misses her best friend, and all that they went through (think BJ’s heart transplant storyline).
Courtesy/ABC
It was the moment where Laura and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) finally had an uncomfortable but much needed conversation about how Alexis’ daughter Sam (Kelly Monaco) died (thanks to Laura’s half-brother Cyrus Renault) after saving Laura’s daughter, Lulu’s (Alexa Havins) life with a live-saving liver transplant. The women hug it out in the end. We also learn in scenes with Laura and Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Sonny and Alexis, that the mob boss with the heart of gold is the secret benefactor of the Monica Q. Cardiac Care Center.
It was also the moment that after Lucy (Lynn Herring) sold Sidwell (Carlo Rota) on all the reasons that GH Nurses Ball is so important to the community in her pitch to get financial backing, that she sat down and told him the story of Stone Cates dying of AIDS and Robin living with HIV, and really brought home the story of the ball, when she spoke of Jon Hanley (Lee Mathis), the attorney who had AIDS with whom she started the Nurses Ball with back in 1994 and how she does the ball each year, “for all the little hearts in my rolodex.”
Courtesy/ABC
The iconic love story of Robin (Kimberly McCullough) and Stone (Michael Sutton) also remembered in a very touching conversation played beautifully by Finola Hughes (Anna) and Maurice Benard. Anna has a kiss from Robin for Sonny, for all that he did to help her and Stone before he passed. It was a sentimental touch played by two longstanding vets of the show.
There was also the moment in the hospital chapel, once again acknowledging that Carly and Sonny are still at the show’s epicenter, when Sonny tells Carly, he would never bet against her in anything. Carly, in an emotional moment recalls the importance of GH and says, “I see my mom and the nurses station. I had my babies here. You walking again, and the doctors and the nurses saving Michael so he has a fighting chance. And for the record, I wouldn’t bet against you either!” The moment leads us to believe that somewhere down the line Sonny and Carly will come back together.
Courtesy/ABC
At the dedication for the Monica Quartermaine Cardiac Center, Laura tells those in attendance at the new atrium set that she started as a candy striper at GH and is now in the mayor of Port Charles (which is amazing to think about all in itself!) After giving her speech, Lucy comes flying in with Jenz Sidwell to announce that Jenz has agreed to be the soul benefactor of the upcoming 2025 GH Nurses Ball leaving, Laura, Carly, Sonny, Anna and others looking suspicious and not so pleased.
So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 62nd anniversary episode? What moments touched you the most? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Hopefully, he hasn’t succeeded in pulling the wool over everyone else’s eyes, as Lucy only sees Dollar$igns. Especially after we saw what he did to his guests/captives in Africa was enough for me. Sasha will rue the day that she ever had dealings with him!
He’s a great villain! Excellent actor, too. Loving his role on the show so far. I can listen to his voice for hours….and he brings a level of intrigue and excitement to the show. I’m really enjoying “Sidwell.” Poor Lucas doesn’t know his new crush has a maniacal killer for a daddy…
Agree on all points, also glad most fans guessed right about who his son is but can’t believe hus mother is Natalia, after she made the big deal about her daughter being gay. Wonder hiw she actually feels about her son’s choices.
He’s a terrific villain! He can stay but Natalia can get the hell out of Dodge.
I thought it couldn’t have been more boring if it tried. I FF’d the entire thing other than the wall of beloved actors/characters gone. It was completely out of sync with the episode before it; it was just a standalone episode that lacked any continuity. And the “crowd?” It was mostly fillers. The people attending should have included the hospital staff we’ve come to know (whomever is left) not a bunch of strangers behind a handful of legacy characters. Thumbs down from me.
OMG, I guess I can tell the truth now! I felt the same way, especially after they held back the accident stuff we were supposed to see that day. Wonder if we’ll ever see it? I did the same thing as you and FF through most of it and than felt so guilty after reading all the positive things others had to say about the show.
And no Nurse Lizzy because she was in a car accident. Couldn’t they have had the car accident story occur after the anniversary special? No one even mentioned her and Lizzy is the head nurse at GH. And while we are on the subject of poor pacing, here it is Friday and nary any follow through with that story which occurred on Monday. The writing has gotten back to being horribly bad.
I so agree. I think the only flashback was Lucy’s dresses. I was hoping for an old scene of Alan and Tracy arguing since Ned mentioned it. And seeing Gail on the memorial wall made me miss Kin. They need to address Kin’s absence. They need to address a lot of things like Sonny killing Jagger in cold blood and the investigation coming to a halt. But I digress…..
The tribute was a little lack lust for my taste. I’m glad they spent some time in front of the tribute wall; but, I have a complaint about that wall. I was a regular GH viewer from day one, April 1, 1963 until 2005. I am offended that nurses, Jessie Brewer, Lucille March, Amy Vining, and Bobbie Spencer have all been relegated to the bottom row. When GH started, it centered around Dr Hardy, Nurse Jessie (Emily McLaughlin) and her cheating husband Dr Phil Brewer, with supporting character Nurse Lucille (Lucille Wall). It was well into the 1970s before the Quartermaines came. No offense to the late John Ingle and Anna Lee, both of whom I loved, but the founding nurse should have larger photos and be feathered on a higher row. Also, the photo of Amy (Shell Kepler) shows her in a student nurse uniform. Amy did graduate and become a registered nurse on staff at the hospital until 2002.
I realize GH is a fantasy; but, I strongly believe nurses and the nursing profession should to be shown much more respect.
Right. And Britt, who by no means was a GH legacy character, has a prominent place on that wall. She was only on GH for a couple of years!
A pity that Tristan Rogers and Rachel Ames couldn’t have come back for a day. Also, as wonderful as John Ingle was, it would be nice to swap out his photo on the wall occasionally for the wonderful David Lewis, who was MY Edward Quartermaine. I also agree that some of the nurses need to be given more love. Jessie and Bobbie should be in the top row surrounding Steve. The PCPD needs to have a photo hall of fame too, with pictures of Sean Donely, Guy Lewis, Dax, Frisco, etc.
David Lewis was my favorite Edward Quartermaine too. I have nothing against John Ingle though. David Lewis was Edward when I was a kid and I have many fond memories of the show back then.
What – Jed Allan wasn’t your favorite Edward?
Ames is now 95 and hasn’t been on camera in 10+ years. Hopefully Rogers (along with Samms) will return for a short stint around the time of Sasha giving birth.
The tribute was is going to need a redo with Monica’s passing. It’s a little jarring to see living performers (ie Kelly Theibaud’s Britt) up with the performers who passed away.
I know a lot of viewers see Sonny as a Mob Boss and nothing else, despite his kindness and generosity when needed, and not always asked for. It’s just too darn bad that he had to be a SECRET benefactor that donated the Monica Quartermaine Cardiac Care Center and not given the recognition he deserves. No one is all bad or all good and I sometimes wonder if the fans that never give this character a break , are as cold and heartless as they seem?
Violet
You’re a funny old broad (saying that with affection)…
You complain about characters like Ava and Tracy, yet you want to defend Sonny – who less than 6 months ago murdered an FBI agent right on screen.
Many long time viewers despise Sonny because the way mob stories took over the show in the early 2000s. His killing of AJ was the final straw for many. That alone justifies him not receiving credit for the donation.
I, for one, am okay with a balanced show that includes some Corinthos stories mixed with those of the core families (Qs, Spencers, Scorpios).
Thanks, OG for your half ass compliment! I’ve come to like and understand Tracy, thanks to you chastising me a while back, but Ava, never! She’s a first class bitch that only cares about herself. I stopped watching GH for years and had recently just got back to it when Sonny killed AJ , so I really only know what I read about him, and of course witnessed how Avery was conceived. Jagger was not just some FBI agent but a terrible person terrorizing so many people and I felt he got exactly what he deserved, and Sonny stepped up and to many people, that makes him a terrible person, but I think Jagger was a way worse person.
Jagger also had an autistic son whom he cared about. I don’t agree that Jagger is a worse person than Sonny.
Yeah… NuJagger loved his son so much that he left him Hell only knows where, so he could go chase his obsession over a 30 something year old grudge.
Sonny didn’t actually kill AJ. Yes, he was holding Ava’s $1.98 WalMart Special gun, which she had actually attempted to fire before Sonny was even on the premises.
Sonny picked up the gun, after walking in on a situation where AJ was strangling Ava. At the time Sonny had every reason to believe that AJ had murdered ConKate, which was frankly ConKate’s own fault, by leaving the intials “AJ” in her own blood. “Ava” would have only been one more letter, and she could have managed that before dying.
So if Sonny attempted to pull the trigger at all (as opposed to an accidental discharge) it would have been justified as an attempt to stop somebody who looked like a serial killer, under those circumstances.
In any case, AJ survived the single gunshot wound, and was well on his way to recovery a week later in the hospital, when he suddenly died of a “cardiac arrest”. Just like we saw with the more recent deaths of Sam & Dex. Now obviously Cyrus the Virus wasn’t around to shoot AJ up with Digitalis. But Ava was. And shortly before AJ’s “cardiac arrest”, Ava was seen in his hospital room, debating with herself (AJ was sleeping) over the fact that – as much as she liked AJ – he had to die before he remembered that she had confessed ConKate’s murder to him, and that the reason for the murder was that ConKater had realized that “Derek Wells” was an alias for Ava’s brother Julian, who was still presumed to be dead, and down here in Hell, at the time.
As far as Sonny leaving his name off of the Monica Quartermaine Cardiac Center, I think that was respectful of it. Though he and Jason are business partners, so it would have been just as easy for Jason to make the donation in his name, and nobody would question Jason honoring his own mother. Except maybe Drew, but nobody cares what he thinks anymore.
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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