General Hospital
GH’s Adam J. Harrington on Being a Recast John “Jagger” Cates: “There is No Way I Can Even Touch What Antonio Sabato Jr. Did With the Role in the Past … If They Are Going My Way They Were Going to Take This in a Different Direction”
General Hospital fans were recently in for a shock when a new man arrived in Port Charles who went by the name of John Cates. As it turns out John Cates used to go by the nickname of “Jagger” and had lived in the town many years ago.
That’s because actor Adam Harrington was recast in the role of FBI Cates. The part was originally made soap-famous in the 90’s by Antonio Sabato Jr. “Jagger” appeared on the ABC daytime drama series from 1992-1994 and then in its spinoff GH: Night Shift in 2008 before the character left Port Charles with his young autistic son. “Jagger” was also the older brother to the late Stone Cates (Michael Sutton).
Now in 2024, GH has brought the character back and Adam J. Harrington is on contract with the series. The actor spoke to Soap Opera Digest about the obvious difference in look and take on the role than “Jagger’s” original portrayer, Antonio Sabato Jr.
Photo: ABC
Adam expressed: “My take on it was that it’s been 30 years; they obviously wanted to take this in a new direction and see what they could do with this storyline. And I also thought, ‘There is no way I can even touch what Antonio Sabato, Jr. did with the role in the past.’ Although I know it would be jarring for fans, in some ways, I was very happy that I didn’t look like I was going to try to mimic or echo at all what they had done with that storyline.”
Chiming in on replacing an actor in a role made soap-famous by someone else, Harrington added, “Obviously, if they’re going my way, they were going to take this in a different direction with so much time having passed. TV is immortal and still very much fresh in people’s minds, but like I said, I took the recasting and looking so obviously different as them saying, ‘Okay, we’re going to take this in a different direction and we are not trying to replace or touch what was originally a beautiful story.”’
Previously, Sabato Jr. had a few things to say about not being asked back to reprise his signature role for more than 30 years by the ABC soap opera.
Photo: ABC
As to just who this new version of John Cates will be romantically linked with, fans are seeing a spark between he and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), or could he wind up with Anna (Finola Hughes), or another lady on the canvas? “I think there is an element here of him coming to town, throwing a new guy into the mix,” Harrington shares.”We’ll see who he quote-unquote bonds with and who he doesn’t.”
Photo: ABC
So what do you think of the recast John “Jagger” Cates? Do you like where the show is taking the character? Do you appreciate Adam’s candor on acknowledging what Antonio Sabato Jr. did with this role in the past? Comment below.
I really like what gh is doing have watched show since day one can’t wait for Steve burton to come back
Been watching GH for 55 years. Excited that Steve Burton is finally returning as Jason. Don’t like the “New” Jagger at all!!!! Please bring back the “Original” Jagger, period!!!!! You brought back “Lois” love, love, love that she’s back!! Please bring back the great characters from the long ago.
Antonio is a nut case and a MAGA. Pls, he can’t act. This guy can act and is charismatic. Plus, he’s sane!
I rather see the original cast and not replace a character from 30 years ago with someone new. It makes no since. I prefer Antonia to return or don’t replace with someone else ..
I agree.
I really like this guy! He has such an impressive reume so I give him a lot of credit for being willing to try daytime. He talks very respectfully of it and kudos to him for doing his research into the character.He seems very aware that his look is very different for the part and aknowledges that it may be a bit jarring for fans. A very aware actor!
I just hope he will not be a casualty of the new writers as he has great potential.
Tarzan or surfer boy ? Can decide the vibe
The only vibe I’m getting from the recast is “younger version of Cyrus the Virus”.
At least in terms of his looks, if not his occupation.
And knowing how Cyrus has been on this kick lately (despite his claims of being “redeemed” by the blood of my old friend JC and all) of wanting to be loved and respected by the people of Port Charles just like Sonny is…. wouldn’t it be an ironic twist if one of Sonny’ s best friends ever – Stone Cates – turned out to be Cyrus’s son. Because if Jagger (or John, as he now prefers to be called) is the son of Cyrus, Stone probably would be as well.
And of course, Robin Scorpio knew both Stone & Jagger as well, which Cyrus might try to use to his advanatage in dealing with the current police commissoner & district attorney, who just happen to be Robin’s parents.
I get a Tarzan or surfer boy vibe with the recast
Personally, I wish they would have just brought him on as a new character vs recast with a Keith Urban doppelganger… it’s just going to take a while to get used to seeing his face on screen and being called ‘Jagger’ because that was such an iconic role/look with Antonio.
It’s been 30 years since Jagger Cates was a regular character on GH. I know my life has changed in 30 years. There is no reason why a fictional character cannot have changed, grown, developed over the last 3 decades. Congratulations to Adam Harrington. I’m sure you will make John Cates your very own.
I don’t mind the recast at all because that’s what soap operas do. Adam J Harrington has this look about him different from anybody else on the show I love it. Blonde hair blue eyes and tan oh my God he’s a beautiful man
At first I was disappointed that it wasn’t Antonio but I know that ship has sailed so I think they did well in casting a whole different vibe. John had scenes with Sonny and they were excellent! Thats when the new actor won me over!
Absolutely NOT. This guy does NOT have the same physical attributes as Jagger’s previous portrayer. He does NOT have dark hair and dark eyes nor does he have the build of Sabato. He looks nothing like Stone.
He does not have to look like another actor to play the part. Look how many Carlys they’ve had, some dark haired and some blonde.
I remember when Blair was Asian and replaced by a blonde Caucasian.
That is so funny! Are you serious? The whole idea sounds ludicrous.
Well, no disrespect to the new Jagger…but this was a horrible recast! Now the new Jagger is a very attractive man but.. there is no comparrison to him and Antonio Sabato Jr. No comparisson.Why does GH do stupid stuff like this?!? If you gonna bring a character back bring back the original! Antonio was willing to return GH just did not ask him. WHY?!? WAS HE A PROBLEM ON SET?!? WHAT? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE! I DON’T UNDERSTAND ! JAGGER WAS ETHNIC WITH DARK HAIR AND FEATURES. THE RECAST IS WHITE WITH BLUE EYES! WHAT THE HELL?!? WOMEN AND SOME MEN LOVED ANTONIO, WHO IS STILL A HANDSOME VIBRANT MAN. WHAT THE HELL GH?!? Help us understand this completely crazy recast!
Speaking of crazy, have you seen Antonio lately? Even he doesn’t look like Jagger anymore. And he’s also gone off the deep end- there’s a reason why he’s not finding work in the industry these days. I do wish you’d calm down. The all caps aren’t a good look and suggests that you are screaming.
Missing the “Real” Jagger Cates. Not thrilled with the “Ken doll” version !!!
I am thrilled with new Jagger! very intense and great chemistry with Anna and Jordan. He conveys the character’s disdain for Sonny very well.
As The World Turns
Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
After much speculation, General Hospital’s Jon Lindstrom (Kevin) and Cady McClain (ex-Jennifer, DAYS, ex-Rosanna, ATWT, ex-Dixie, AMC et al) have officially confirmed and announced they have gone their separate ways and have ended their marriage.
For months on social media, it was clear that the two were seemingly apart, not appearing pictured in any of each others posts.
Now, on a mutually shared Instagram post, Jon and Cady made an official statement on the status of their relationship, beginning with “Cady and Jon here. We are taking this opportunity to make a short statement about our relationship status. It may be obvious to some based on our posts that we’ve taken some time apart. After serious consideration we have decided that our goals have been taking us in different directions and to end our marriage.”
Photo: JPI
As to the future, Jon and Cady explained, “We remain friends and wish each other every happiness. As people who work in the public eye, it can be difficult to have a private life. Regardless, we ask for your kind consideration in this matter.”
Jon and Cady met when they both appeared on As the World Turns, he as Craig Montgomery, and she as Rosanna Cabot. After four years together, the couple decided to get married in 2014.
Share your well-wishes for Jon and Cady’s separate futures as they ask for privacy on this matter in the months ahead via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.
In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.
Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”
Photo: ABC
Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.
Photo: ABC
The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.
So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
The love affair that once was mobster Sonny (Maurice Benard) and hit man Jason (Steve Burton), and having each others back, is now apparently over! On the Thursday April 25th episode of General Hospital, an increasingly paranoid Sonny is confronted by Jason.
Jason wants to talk to Sonny about a “family matter”, but Sonny says they aren’t family now because he’s working with the Feds. Sonny goes on to say how he cannot trust Carly (Laura Wright) or Jason and he knows about Jason buying back the Metro Court for Carly from Nina (Cynthia Watros).
When the conversation turns to Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Dex (Evan Hofer), Jason informs Sonny that Kristina (Kate Mansi) knows Sonny ordered a hit. Jason is worried about Dex’s safety. He tells Sonny that if he does something to Dex, Kristina will figure out that he is responsible.
Courtesy/ABC
Sonny goes on to say how much he loves his kids and how he will protect them. He then tears into Jason for abandoning his sons, Danny and Jake, for two years and how he has no right to stand there to tell him what to do.
Jason warns Sonny again to leave Dex alone or he’ll personally stop him. Sonny snaps at Jason, countering, “You’ll die trying!” And at that point, Jason walks out and Sonny slams the door behind him.
What do you think about this split in the longstanding relationship of Jason and Sonny? Do you like Jason and Sonny at odds? Will Kristina be the person to ultimately figure out what is happening to Sonny, or it might it be Nina, who knows Ava (Maura West) is up to no good? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first watch this clip from part of the Sonny/Jason scenes below.
Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
Y&R Stars Pay Tribute and Remember Marla Adams
(INTERVIEW) B&B’s Annika Noelle Reveals Her Lead Actress Emmy-Nominated Scenes, and the Ups and Downs of a Tough Year
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Kristian Alfonso Returns to Days of our Lives for Tribute to The Late Bill Hayes
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
-
General HospitalApril 21, 2024‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
-
NewsApril 20, 2024The Young and the Restless Preview: Ashley’s New Alter Emerges
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 19, 2024Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
-
General HospitalApril 22, 2024Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
-
Breaking NewsApril 25, 2024REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
-
Breaking NewsApril 19, 2024(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!