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.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
On the Friday, June 26 episode of General Hospital, emotional moments, a new duo on the run, the end of the line for Britt and an eye-opening moment between Anna and Felicia were the order of the day. Let’s take a look at what went down, but first let’s give a round of applause for Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Finn Carr (Rocco) on their goodbye scenes.
In the story, Rocco insists to his parents, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Lulu (Alexa Havins) that he wouldn’t leave Tortola without Britt. Dante is getting impatient because Britt brought all the trouble in recent months to his son. They need to protect him and they can’t if he stays with Britt. Lulu tells Britt she is the only one who can do the right thing, right now.
Britt explained it is too dangerous for Rocco to stay with her. She was very selfish and made a lot of terrible decisions along the way and Cullum is tracking her down because she did not finish the project he enlisted her for. She convinces Rocco to go with his parents and gives him a little token of something that reminded her of when he was a baby which is a bottle to blow bubbles with.
Courtesy/ABC
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Rocco makes Britt promise to take her medication to ward off her Huntington’s disease symptoms and to keep changing locations so she is not caught. The two share a final hug as both are in tears. Dante makes a call. While in the car ready to leave Britt behind, Rocco says he will never forgive himself is something happened to Britt.
Back inside, Britt is ready to inject herself with her medication but is unaware that Cullum has now tainted it with poison! But she is saved from that, when two police officers burst through the door to arrest her for kidnapping charges! Did Dante call the local police? Is he doing this to keep her safe or to pay her back?
In Port Charles, Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) arrives at Crimson, completely unaware that the man in the elevator is following her. Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Charlotte have an argument about Willow (Katelyn MacMullen). Suddenly, Willow calls her mother that she is being questioned by the PCPD, and Nina learns, it is as a suspect for being the other driver that left Jordan and Curtis injured by the side of the road on Route 91.
ARRIVALS AND DESTINATIONS IN QUESTION
Chase (Josh Swickard) comes to Willow’s rescue much to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Justine’s (Nazneen Contractor) chagrin. Willow learns Lucy and Drew are the supposed witnesses against her. Chase figures out when Joe (Jonathan Bennett) was alone with Drew, he got him to blink in a way that implicated her. However, in a shocking moment, Justine reveals that the trip log from Willow’s BMW SUV placed her at the scene of the accident just second before it occurred.
Meanwhile, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) comes by Crimson to see Charlotte. He says he broke into the WSB office to get info to expose Cullum as a double agent. Charlotte blows a gasket! She can’t believe that he would do something so stupid that it could have gotten him killed. She firmly tells Danny that best thing he can do to help Jason is to stay out of things. Danny storms out, but notices the stranger in the elevator who now steps into the Crimson lobby.
Courtesy/ABC
The man tells Charlotte he is Agent Mark McKay with the WSB and he has orders to bring her in. When she resisted, he was about to chloroform her, when Danny knocked him out and took off with Charlotte.
ANNA PUTS HER TRUST IN FELICIA
In France, after having some private time with Emma (Braedyn Bruner), Anna (Finola Hughes) wants to talk to Felicia (Kristina Wagner). She tells her best friend she was trying to figure out what memories of her past with Faison, she could trust and not trust. Since Felicia knows her best she is hoping she can believe what she is about to tell her.
It is then that Anna says, “Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) is not who he says he is.” Felicia looks dumb-founded. Will she believe her friend … or think she has drummed this all up in her mind? Stay tuned.
So, what did you think about the goodbye scenes featuring Finn Carr and Kelly Thiebaud? Did you reach for the hankies? Do you believe that soon, Cassius will be caught for his duplicity and the truth about Britt’s “illness” will come to light? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below. But first check out the scenes featuring Anna on her road to recovery in France
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
Last weekend, we shared the news that General Hospital alum and Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos) was releasing his first single today on June 26th and it has indeed dropped! And for those readers who guessed that Duell’s first track out of the gate was going to be an EDM/Dance/House track … you are correct, sir!
The song entitled, “If You Need Me” is perfect for the late night clubs and can be found on Spotify and other major streaming platforms! Duell is noted as the performing artist, but as the composer/ lyricist and the beatmaker of the track. For his music projects, Chad is going solely by the name of “Duelly” which has been his social media handle for years.
Taking to his Instagram on Friday, Duell explained his deep dive into making music, expressing, “I’ve wanted to make music for a long time… I just never did it. It always felt like this huge, overwhelming thing to learn. All the technical side of it, the programs, everything that goes into actually building a track… it was easy to keep pushing it off. A couple months ago I finally just decided to go for it.”
Photo: JPI
BIT BY BIT PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Chad added, “Since then I’ve been putting in a lot of time learning, experimenting, figuring things out, and slowly starting to find a sound I’m really proud of. This first release is more of a dance/EDM vibe, but I’ve also been working on a lot of different styles behind the scenes that I’m just as excited about. At some point I realized I could keep holding onto everything trying to make it perfect… or I could just start putting music out and grow as I go.”
Stepping out of his own way, Duell firmly says, “So that’s what I’m doing. My first track “If You Need Me” is out now. More coming soon… this is just the beginning.”
As GH viewers know, Chad made the decision to step away from General Hospital after a 15-year run with the series where his last episode aired in January of 2025. By May of last year, the role was recast with Rory Gibson debuting in the part.
Give a listen below to Duelly’s “If You Need Me,” and let us know what you thought of it via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What Did You Think of the Return of Anna Devane, and What’s In the Letter?
Finola Hughes made her dramatic return on-screen on the Wednesday, June 24 episode of General Hospital. Viewers will see Finola as Anna Devane again on tomorrow’s June 26th episode.
In the story, while in the French mental health facility, Anna has a session with Dr. Laurent. She tell her she now knows she was never kidnapped and that Cesar Faison is dead.
As she continued with her ruse, she went on to say she understands she was enlisted back into the WSB on a secret mission, and through that she relived all the trauma she endured by Faison, which caused her to have a psychotic break. Anna promises Dr. Laurent that her treatment plan had helped her so much in figuring out what was real, and what was in her imagination.
Courtesy/ABC
ANNA’S GOT HER OWN PLAN TO ESCAPE
In a smart move (hopefully) Anna told Laurent if she could talk to someone else who had known Faison that it might aid in her recover. She was given the phone and she called Felicia (Kristina Wagner), who agreed to fly to France in the morning. Dr. Laurent claims she is pleased with Anna’s progress, but that they still have a very long long way to go.
Now by herself, Anna pulled out a packet of letters from a bedside table. There is one in particular that she is fixated on. What does it contain? Is this all a part of her escape plan? Will she warn Felicia that “Nathan” is really Cassius (Ryan Paevey)? If so, will Felicia even believe her?
In a summer preview with Soap Opera Digest, GH co-head writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten shared, “We’ll see echoes of Anna’s earliest incarnation as she returns to Port Charles with deadly intentions.”
So, were you happy to see Anna Devane back on your screens? What do you think is in the particular letter she was staring at? Will Felicia help Anna escape or not believe a word she says? Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, you can check out some of the scenes from Anna’s on-screen return below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Hope and Katie Take a Victory Lap Before All Hell Breaks Loose with the Forresters
‘Beyond the Gates’ Set to Air Week of Encore Episodes
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope Floors the Runway and the Forresters!
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Hope and Katie Take a Victory Lap Before All Hell Breaks Loose with the Forresters
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
-
General Hospital1 week agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
-
Recaps2 days agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope Floors the Runway and the Forresters!
-
General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
-
Days Of Our Lives2 days agoDAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoAl Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDeidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
-
General Hospital2 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
-
News2 days agoJosh Griffith Out as Head Writer at ‘The Young and the Restless’
