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.
If Anna Devane’s (Finola Hughes) new therapist on General Hospital looks familiar to you, it’s because actress Kearran Giovanni, who plays Dr. Nichols, previously played a doctor on One Life to Live!.
Viewers tuning-in to the Thursday, September 10 episode of GH got their first look at Dr. Nichols who has been brought in to help Anna recover from her PTSD and trauma following the reveal that she has been suffering from a break in reality since before being put in mental health facility in France, after being gaslighted by Cullum and company earlier in the year.
One Life to Live fans will recall that Kearran Giovanni played Dr. Vivian Wright in 2009, and it was then she first worked with current General Hospital EP, Frank Valentini, who at the time was at the helm in Llanview.
Photo: JPI
WHERE ELSE HAVE YOU SEEN KEARRAN GIOVANNI?
Giovanni appeared on OLTL in the recurring role through 2012 and in the final ABC episode of the beloved series was the the ob/gyn who delivered Destiny Evans (Shenell Edmonds) and Matthew Buchanan’s (Eddie Alderson) baby into the world, whom they named Drew Buchanan II after Bo Buchanan’s (Robert S, Woods) late son. In addition, Vivian has been dating Shaun Evans (Sean Ringgold).
In addition to One Life to Love, Giovanni has very impressive credits having appeared in numerous TV series and motion pictures including starring in the TNT drama Major Crimes from 2012-18, ABC’s Designated Survivor 2017-19, the CW’s Black Lightning from 2019-20. Most recently, Giovanni appeared on the Fox series, The Resident and has a recurring role on the CW’s crime series, Walker from 202-2024.
HEALING ANNA
On today’s General Hospital, after Anna’s harrowing meltdown where she almost shot and killed Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) after seeing visions of “Peter August” (Wes Ramsey), Jason (Steve Burton) saved the day and talked Anna down from committing murder. Now, Dr. Nichols was introduced as a valuable staff member at the hospital. Although, this marked the first time in the history of the show we have heard of her character.
So, do you remember seeing Kearran Giovanni on One Life to Live? Happy to see that Anna may have a qualified therapist in charge of her healing, unless the doctor turns out to be not on the up and up? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Anna Breaks Down in Front of Jason and Britt After Shots Are Fired
The Wednesday, September 9 episode of General Hospital featured top-notch performances by Finola Hughes and Steve Burton, as Anna holds Jason and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) at gunpoint on Mount Emerson.
Anna is not in her right mind as hallucinations of Peter (Wes Ramsey) overtake her, egging her on to shoot and kill Britt. Jason begs Anna to put down the gun, but it’s clear Anna is speaking to someone who is not there, but in a direction that is just past Britt.
Suddenly, Anna screams at Britt, “You’re just like your father!” Anna also tells Britt that she knew Britt was aware that she was locked up on Spoon Island and did nothing to save her. Britt turns to Jason and tells him she had no idea Anna was on the Island, “until Cullum showed up in Port Charles.” That declaration gave Jason pause.
Courtesy/ABC
“PETER” TAKES A BULLET
Next, Anna is overcome with angst, filled with tears and screams out, “I won’t let you beat me!” She fires the gun where the imaginary Peter was standing, as Britt screams and Jason dove to cover her. Now completely shaken, Jason took the weapon from Anna and ordered Britt to leave the scene as Anna collapsed in Jason’s arms.
Jason was so concerned for Anna. She reveals she’s been seeing visions of Peter August since France. Jason shared his theory with Anna that she was manifesting her worst fears about Faison. However he knows deep down Anna would never have shot Britt. Jason promises to come back and clean up the area, but would take Anna home first.
Courtesy/ABC
ANNA ADMITS TO EMMA SHE TRIED TO KILL BRITT
At Anna’s, Jason brings her in the front door as Emma is there. Jason tells Emma (Braedyn Bruner) he would like to return and spend the night. A confused and worried Emma get the full story from her grandmother.
Anna explains she tried to kill Britt and she is not as well as she was pretending to be in France. Cut to: Jason cleaning up the site of Anna’s plot against Britt on Mount Emerson. He moves over and finds bullet casings on the ground and examines one of them.
The story climax also signaled the end of the run for Wes Ramsey, who has been showing up on episodes over the last several months as Anna’s dark side conscience. Now that Anna was able to break the psychological hold visions of “Peter” had on her, it ends this latest return of Ramsey’s.
So, what did you think about the scenes between Anna and Jason? Do you think Jason and Britt’s relationship will come to an end now that seemingly Britt revealed she knew Anna was held captive after Cullum came to town? Glad to know Anna won’t be haunted by visions of Peter August anymore? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The marriage of Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) and Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) may have come to an end by the conclusion of the Tuesday, September 8 episode of General Hospital.
In story, confronted by Trina (Tabyana Ali), and in front of a room full of Quartermaines, Brook Lynn copped to being the other driver involved in the crash that scarred Jordan’s (Tanisha Harper) face and ultimately sent Curtis (Donnell Turner) to prison.
Chase, who thinks at this point Brook Lynn was covering up her involvement by protecting someone else in the family is shocked to learn it’s Brook Lynn who actually was the driver. Brook Lynn explains she never saw any evidence of a crash when she ran into Jordan’s car, so she didn’t stop to check on anyone. Trina and Jordan are outraged as is Chase.
Courtesy/ABC
CHASE PUTS BROOK LYNN ON BLAST
Soon, it comes out that Tracy (Jane Elliot) was involved in the cover-up, and tries to point out that Brook Lynn wasn’t responsible for causing the accident or Curtis punching Isaiah, but Trina says that Brook Lynn tore her family apart, and her father is in prison without the ability to see his newborn son. Trina storms out with Kai (Jen Austin Astrup).
Next, Chase goes on blast on Brook Lynn in front of her entire family. Chase starts to walk out the front door as Brook Lynn tries to stop him. At this point, Chase is all about being lied to, and he goes in on his wife, that they promised there would be no more secrets between them.
Brook Lynn digs a deeper hole for herself when she explained that she’d had a glass of wine before getting in the car to see Gio (Giovanni Mazza) and Trina perform at Charlie’s. She admits to being terrified that she’d lose any chance of adopting baby Phoebe, if she called the police.
TO THE GATEHOUSE HE GOES
Chase is furious that Brook Lynn framed Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) for what she caused and did. With that, Chase leaves Brook Lynn in the dust and heads straight to the gatehouse door to see Willow!
Cut to: Brook Lynn devastated on the staircase of the Q mansion and her dad, Ned Ashton (Wally Kurth) sitting with his daughter to try to comfort her when she decrees her marriage is over.
Now in the pick-up, take a look at the General Hospital teaser video for today’s Wednesday, September 9, episode below.
So, what did you think of how Brook Lynn’s life just blew up in front of her? Does she deserve to have Chase walk out on her for what she did? Do you want Brook Lynn and Chase to work things out, or are you betting by the end of this week Chase and Willow will have hit the sheets? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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