General Hospital
GH’s Adam J. Harrington Reveals the Behind the Scenes Story of Becoming John “Jagger” Cates
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.
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.
Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.
In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.
She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’”
Photo: ABC
THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH
Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’
The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.”
The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.
As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”
So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Favorite Amanda Setton Talks Brook Lynn and Chase’s Divorce, Jude Jacks, Baby Phoebe, and What’s Next (Exclusive)
On General Hospital, Brook Lynn Quartermaine’s (Amanda Setton) life as she knows it has turned upside down. First, she and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed divorce papers while in the Dominican Republic. As much as they loved each other, they just couldn’t get past all the trust issues between them.
Then, right after that, Jude Jax (Wil Traval) shows up at the Q mansion and demands to see his daughter, baby Phoebe! Brook Lynn is thrown for a complete loop. Is this guy claiming to be the biological father of Delilah Wilson’s daughter, which had been adopted by Brook Lynn and Chase, telling the truth? Brook Lynn is on her way to getting to the bottom of his claims.
Meanwhile, Brook Lynn’s portrayer, Amanda Setton just celebrated her first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination, and in the very competitive Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category. While Amanda ultimately did not take home the gold statuette, that honor went to The Young and the Restless’ longtime veteran, Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott), she was in great spirits when Michael Fairman TV caught up with her on the red carpet.
Photo: ABC
THE END OF THE LINE FOR BROOK LYNN AND CHASE
When asked how she felt about Brook Lynn being the first (between her and Chase) to put pen to paper on their divorce papers, Settton recalled, “She did. But I’m like, ‘Did she or did he kind of?’ They did it (both of them).”
Getting a new co-star and cast member can go one of two ways, great or not so great, but Amanda had nothing but high praise for Wil Traval’s entrance and performance as Jude Jacks!
THE ARRIVAL OF JUDE JAX
“Wil Traval is fabulous to work with. His debut was so amazing the other day, wasn’t it? He was just such a force and everybody’s faces and reactions when he says that he’s, ‘Jude Jacks, Jerry’s son.’ It was so good and well-played! Wil’s awesome. I’m excited for what’s to come. We’re going to have a lot of stuff together.”
Photo: ABC
According to Amanda, Brook Lynn will have her hands full in the months to come: “There’s a lot of stuff coming down the pike with Baby Phoebe. Will Chase and Brooklyn work together? Will they not? Is it really Jude’s daughter? Lots of questions!”
GRATITUDE TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY HER PEERS
For Setton, being an Emmy nominee meant the world to her, and to finally be acknowledged by her peers in a television career that spanned daytime and primetime including her performances as Kimberly Andrews on One Life to Live. But most importantly for her work in 2025 in the emotional rollercoaster of a story where Brook Lynn learns Gio (Giovanni Mazza) is her biological son.
“It means so much to me,” expressed Amanda. “It really does. I keep using this line, but I really mean it. It feels like a big hug. You know, not everybody who votes for these categories works with you. It’s really a very humbling feeling to know that your work actually touched someone and moved someone enough for them to vote for you. And getting to play the storyline that I got to play was such a privilege. It really was, with the actors I got to play it with. To be a little rewarded for it feels so nice.”
You can check out our chat with Amanda Setton on the red carpet at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards below. Then make sure to check out all the Michael Fairman Channel red carpet interviews from daytime’s biggest night here.
So, do you think Brook Lynn and Chase will unite to keep baby Phoebe away from Jude Jacks? What do you think of Wil Traval’s performances thus far as Jude? How do you see this story for the custody of baby Phoebe playing out? Were you rooting for Amanda to take home the Supporting Actress gold? Let us know via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Heather Webber Has Everyone on Edge, Walls Close in on Ava and Drew, Sonny Has a Problem Named ‘Josslyn’
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, Heather Webber (Alley Mills) infiltrates herself back into Port Charles upsetting many a citizen, while Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is making it be known she will not rest till she takes Sonny (Maurice Benard) down, and Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) are now in the hot seat for the murder of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).
In the just released, ABC video spoilers for the action November 9-13, first we see a stare down between Heather and Ava when they finally come to face-to-face.
Next, Felicia (Kristina Wagner) warns Emma (Braedyn Bruner), “You cannot allow Heather Webber to see herself as a victim!” This is juxtaposed with Heather walking into the PCPD interrogation room. Is she going to incriminate Ava and Drew further on the murder of Jack Brennan … or is she there for something else?
Courtesy/ABC
Then, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) tells Joe (Jonathan Bennett), ADA Turner (Nazneen Contractor) and Molly (Kristen Vaganos) that the PCPD has to switch their investigation and put the focus on Ava and Drew.
In the video teaser’s final moments, Josslyn (Eden McCoy) shows up at Sonny’s front door, shouting, “You just keep getting away with everything.” That leads to Sonny to tell Carly (Laura Wright) to get her daughter to back of off him.
Check out the official General Hospital spoilers the week below.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER, 9
Carly makes her loyalty to Valentin clear. Tristan makes a shocking revelation. Chase comes face to face with Jude. Jason and Alexis strategize. Josslyn flies off the handle.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Jason and Brook Lynn compare notes. Emma confronts Heather. Gio and Trina get a new opportunity. Joe and Molly hit pay dirt. Ava meets Serena.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Sonny issues a warning to Carly. Josslyn opens up to Hudson. Jude stands his ground. Drew tries to reassure Ava. Molly confides in Alexis.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Carly fears Sonny’s wrath. Sonny and Ric form a plan. Alexis makes a bold move. Drew gets a reality check. Lucas reassures Josslyn.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Drew pitches a drastic plan. Liz bends the rules for Dante. Josslyn confronts Jude. Brook Lynn opens up to Gio. Britt issues an invitation.
Now below, check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Getting Away with Everything.”
Then let us know, what do you think Heather Webber is up to? Will Ava and Drew actually take the fall for the death of Jack Brennan? Will Sonny stop Josslyn from taking him down at all costs? Share your thoughts and theories in the comment section.
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