Connect with us

General Hospital

28

GH’s Adam J. Harrington Reveals the Behind the Scenes Story of Becoming John “Jagger” Cates

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

When Adam J. Harrington showed up on all-new episodes of General Hospital, it shocked viewers of the long-running ABC soap opera, because he was the recast John “Jagger” Cates.

The character was previously played more than 30 years ago by Antonio Sabato Jr., and as fans of the soap have seen, Harrington’s version of Jagger and his circumstances are quite different. As it turns out, Adam was in the dark at what GH role he would be eventually cast in.

Speaking with GH co-stars, Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) on their Daily Drama podcast, Harrington shared the behind the scenes journey that led him to being the new version of John.

Photo: ABC

Adam shared, “I went into a chemistry read with Laura Wright (Carly) for a different character. I was told I wasn’t going to get the character, but hang tight, there’s something else. Then, that kind of took a couple of months and now we’re in December (2023), and then all of a sudden it was like, ‘here you go.'”

Once Adam was given a role on GH, he explained, “I still didn’t know who I was playing. I should have asked at that point. So the deal gets done, and I go, ‘By the way, who am I playing?'”

Photo: ABC

That’s the point where the GH powers-that-be let him in on just what he was about to take on. “They sent me a one sheet with John “Jagger” Kates in the description,” shared Adam. “It wasn’t until I went on YouTube and spent a good three or four days, watching all of Steve (Burton’s) storylines in the nineties (that I figured it out). By the way, they were fantastic. The production value … it was amazing the level of the acting, and the relationships you guys had. I really enjoyed it. So, that’s how I found out (about the character).”

Burton and Anderson asked Harrington about his thoughts on being a recast. “I thought it was important to go back to his circumstances and his upbringing, because that wouldn’t change no matter what he had become in the 20 or 30 or 70 years since we’ve seen him,” Adam shared. “I looked at what Antonio Sabato Jr. did and thought, ‘There was no way in hell I can even touch that or even come close, nor do I want to.’ The only thing I recognized was given his upbringing and what he’d gone through, it was a common sense of humor in there that’s either used defensively or as a way of getting through the world.”

Photo: JPI

As to how Adam should approach the part given it was a recast, he noted, “What I had been told from the brass is don’t worry about following that same emotional storyline. He’s gone away for a very, very, very long time, become successful and he’s come back. Basically, they were saying, you bring in you.”

Being part of the fabric of GH for awhile now, Harrington expressed, “I will say this about my experience so far. I am in absolute awe of the cast and the crew and watching how you do this on a train that refuses to stop. I said to a friend, ‘I’m on a train that’s going a hundred miles an hour, and they slow down to about 90 to kick you off after your scene is done.'”

So, what are your thoughts on Adam as John “Jagger” Cates after now seeing how the role has evolved and changed since its original version over 30 years ago? Comment below.

28 Comments

28 Comments
oldest
newest

Love him! I could see him with so many other characters. I wasn’t watching when the other guy was on, so I have no reference. But from what I’ve seen and read about the first Jagger, I’m glad Adam has taken over. He’s doing a great job and has chemistry with everyone. You really want to watch what this guy does. He’s mesmerizing. Good call GH! Let’s keep Adam around for a long time to come!

Antonio Sabato JR was a great guy and a decent actor. He was only blacklisted from Hollywood because he was an outspoken Christian and Conservative. You really shouldnt desparage someone over just what youve read. It’s not an intelligent look. Food for thought to an obviously starving mind. SMH

Totally agree
This is a soap opera let’s stick to that & not politics

I watched when Antonio Sabato, Jr. was on back in the day; he was gorgeous and anyone with a pulse had a crush on him. But he’s kinda off-the-wall now. He publicly stated that this role is “his” and they have nerve to recast the role. Not only has he said some really offensive and off-the-wall things on social media, he literally tweeted Ingo on “X”/Twitter (as you may know Ingo sued ABC) and said something like, “Frank what’s-his-name should be fired” (regarding Ingo’situation). But now he’s “aghast” that they didn’t ask him back, lol. I guess he hasn’t figured out that publicly spewing wishes for the producer of the show to be fired may not have bode well for him being asked back to reprise the role. Too funny…

I’m with you; I love Adam in the role; he’s not only gorgeous but he made the role his own. Granted, for those of us who remember “Jagger” this isn’t really the same character in any way, shape, or form, but I’m okay with it. I hope they keep him around. And instead of pairing him up with Carly and having him become lapdog number four, I’d rather they pair him with Lois.

I think he is the greatest and enjoy General Hospital so much more with him on there

I remember how I loved Antonio Sabato jr sooooooo much, he was it for me but I outgrew him and even though it would of been interesting to see him back, I’m not mad, Yes, Adam doesn’t look like the jagger we remember, but he’s such a good actor and not bad to look at either so I’m happy with his new interpretation on the character, and lets be honest, Antonio was great to look at back in the day, but even back then I knew he was no Marlo Brando.

LOL aria, “no Marlon Brando” indeed. Welcome Adam.

Hollywood is always complaining about “inclusivity”, “diversity” and “racism.” But yet in this case an enormously popular role originated by a Latin American is recast with a Caucasian and no one even considers the fact that this could look have the appearance of racism. The hypocrisy in the entertainment industry is just astounding. That being said Adam Harrington is a great actor who deserves a role on this show or any other. BUT HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAST AS A NEW CHARACTER. SMH.

Antonio Sabato Jr. Is not Latin American… he is also Caucasian. His father is Italian and his mother is Czech with Jewish heritage.

It’s wise to get the facts straight before making accusations. Sabato is of Italian and Czech heritage – not Latino.

Antony Sabato Jr is Italian and part Jewish. And this has nothing to do with race, smh. Why don’t you complain that Trina was originally Asian and wound up black, or the lack of diversity in terms of any Jewish characters. Yeah; thought not.

The show is unwatchable, and there is absolutely no need for his character on the show.

I didn’t think he belonged there but I am loving him now!

The show under these new writers is a nightmare; worst its been in all the on/off decades I’ve been watching. With that said, I really like Adam; he’s gorgeous and the show needs new eligible guys. If they’re going to keep Lois, I’d love for them to bring these two together as a couple, instead of ruining him by becoming another lapdog for Carly.

Then don’t watch. It’s that easy.

Im sorry I loved Jagger..and I can’t believe they recasted him with someone that isn’t even close to looks..like really blond hair blue eyes..really smh

Jagger cates He looks better without the face hair doin well but no match when sabato jr did it

Sabato was on GH over thirty years ago! I think Adam is way better looking than Sabato looks today.

Disagree. Sabato is way better looking and wasn’t a complete jerk like this guy is playing him.

He’s playing him like the character is written; they don’t make up their own dialogue! lol. If Sabato was playing the role it would the same, unless he added his own full-of-himself attitude to the character. I think Adam is perfect in the role. Yes, I’ll always remember the good ol’d back in the day GH and all the actors, legacy characters, etc But I have a feeling they didn’t ask Sabato back because he’s trouble; they don’t need another Ingo. Better to go with someone who can do the job and stay professional, and seems emotionally mature, which Sabato doesn’t.

Why is Sabato trouble? Because he’s a Republican?

There’s a very real difference between “Republicans” and “MAGAtts”. Sabato is the latter, which essentially makes him unemployable. Just like Ingo.

He’s playing him the way he’s being written…smh

Why add the “smh”? Just because we have different opinions?
That’s just rude!

I really am enjoying the actor but this was a terrible recast. Antonio Sabato Jr was Italian and now we have a blond hair blue eyed Jagger. Why not recast at least with another one who looked like Sabato? Harrington would have been a better Jax recast (we all know GH will NEVER has Ingo back). Maybe they can send Harrington off for 6 months and bring him back as Jax? Or as a recast Steven Lars. He would be about right age for both.

The character of Jax was going nowhere for some time before Ingo left. Unless there’s some compelling long-term story, this character’s been kind of played out. Josslyn, like Molly and Maxie seem to be getting as long fine without their birth fathers.

Steven Lars Webber- despite being the offspring of Jeff & Heather – was a dull as dishwater character. A decade in prison (and a reformed? mother) might have made the character interesting. He’s moved up the scale on my characters that should return list (with Dillon and Serena also having prominent spaces on that list).

Now that Jason’s back maybe there’s a chance that Steven Lars could make a comeback, since those guys are close friends offscreen and have been since they both had minor roles on Days in the 80s. Paid off for both of them though… Scott Reeves met his wife there, and Steve had a fallback gig to return to 30 years later while on “leave” from GH.

A Steven Lars recast probably wouldn’t be out of the question should Scott not want to do it. As long as they don’t bring back the first guy who looked like he could have been the 4th member of the Bee Gees (or 5th if you count Andy)

The only way I’d see them bringing back SL is with a recast. Harrington might’ve been a bit young but it could’ve worked – but they chose him for Jagger.

Were they to bring the character back, they should avoid the temptation to pair him with Carly. A Steven Lars/Ava pairing would be quite interesting.

General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

Published

on

By

Kin and kelly

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.

Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.

In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

WHERE IS SCOTT?

On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.

In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”

The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.”  Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.

So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Seeks Answers For Sonny, Drew Gloats, and Chase is in for a Battle

Published

on

By

Chase, Jason and Drew

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, getting to the bottom of truth is paramount for several characters, but who will continue to lie and who might break?

In the latest video spoilers for the week of October 19-23, Sonny (Maurice Benard) needs to prove that he is innocent in orchestrating the prison beatdown of Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner). His girlfriend, ADA Justine Turner (Nazneen Contractor), wants to seemingly turn him to as she is seen saying, “I won’t give up until Sonny is behind bars,” to none other than Drew (Cameron Mathison)!

Meanwhile, it looks like Sonny has pulled Jason back in to to help him clear his name telling him to, “Find out whatever you can.” Later, we see Jason (Steve Burton) posing the question to someone, “Did you frame Sonny for it?” Did he go to Pentonville to confront Sully?

Britt and Jude

Photo: ABC

Elsewhere, Chase (Josh Swickard) and Monet (Blythe Howard) get set to dissolve Chase’s marriage to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) who now has lawyered up with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). Monet tells Chase, “We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” Chase fires back ,“I don’t want a battle!” Is the battle over baby Phoebe, or a down and dirty fight just to get a divorce?

Then, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) is reeling with happiness in the best possible way, after apparently sharing four kisses with mysterious stranger Jude (Wil Traval) at the Brown Dog Bar. Britt tells Lucas (Van Hansis) all about her evening. But, who is Jude and did he target Britt, or is he truly enamored with her? Stay tuned.

SPOILERS

Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 19-23.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Britt makes an intriguing deal. Trina is unsettled. Anna checks in on Sonny. Carly gets the third degree from Lucas. Jason calls out Serena.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Carly puts her heart on the line. Alexis delivers shocking news to Valentin. Sonny has a warning for Jason. Justine makes Drew an offer. Portia is wary of Monet.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Anna seeks out Valentin. Britt’s attitude raises eyebrows. Molly seeks Alexis’s advice. Jason makes an offer to Lucy. Tracy and Cody catch up.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Britt has juicy gossip for Lucas. Chase is thrown for a loop. Emma puts on her detective hat. Michael and Jordan await medical news. Ava is put on the spot.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Ava pitches a dangerous plan to Drew. Jason calls out Josslyn. Ric and Monet go toe to toe. Lulu is discouraged. Sonny dangles a tantalizing deal.

Take a look at the latest GH promo, “Worst Case Scenario” below.

Now weigh-in: Will Jason figure out that Drew and Ava were behind framing Sonny? Do you want Chase to get parental rights to baby Phoebe? Do you like the attraction between Britt and Jude, or is something more nefarious going on with the guy? Let us know in the comment section below.

 

Continue Reading

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Talks On Where Joe Fitzpatrick is Headed and Soap Opera Shirtless Scenes

Published

on

By

Jonathan Bennett

It had become abundantly clear that roomies Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) and PCPD detective Joe Fitzpatrick (Jonathan Bennett) seem destined towards a romance on General Hospital.

In fact, to get Lucas all hot and bothered (although he does fully let on), during the Friday, October 16 episode, the good doctor helps Joe pick out something less stuffy to wear to a bar to meet people.

However, the moment is met with Joe taking off his shirt in front of Lucas and doing a quick change from sport coat and button down shirt to a more relaxed casual button down shirt. In fact, the ABC soap opera even called out the moment as their clip of the day (see below).

Lucas and Joe

Courtesy/ABC

MAJOR STORY TEASE FOR JOE

Bennett spoke with OUT in a new feature about what may be on the horizon for the by-the-book Joe and the moral Lucas, and how he learned that once the producers and writers on a soap script in a shirtless scene, if it goes over well, said actor, can expect many more in the months to come!

“I’m so excited for the audience to see where my character goes on General Hospital. It’s going to be monumental and I think people are going to love it,” teased Bennett. “I was shirtless in an episode and so petrified to shoot it,” he added. “I wanted to look my best and feel good. I really worked hard to get my body to a good place and I did it.”

STAYING CAMERA READY

However as Jonathan points out, now he is finding himself half-naked in upcoming scenes as officer Joe! “I think I shot myself in the foot! Now that I did it once and it turned out well, every few weeks I read a script and I’m coming out of the shower, changing my shirt, or in the bathtub,” revealed Jonathan.

So, how does he keep camera ready? “I’m in the gym more, I have a better diet,” pointed out Bennett. “You have to stay healthy if you’re going to be shirtless every few weeks! I’m gay, an only child, and an actor. Of course I love the attention!”

While Bennett’s Port Charles story is going to reveal itself in the coming months, you can also see Jonathan back as the host of The Food Network’s Halloween Wars 16th season which concludes on Sunday, October 25.

Now below. check out the scene in question from Friday’s GH entitled, “Lose the Shirt.”

Weigh-in: What do you think will be “monumental” that Jonathan has teased that viewers will find out about Joe in the coming weeks? Are you feeling the on-screen chemistry between Joe and Lucas? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

28
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x