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Adrian Anchondo Opens Up On Marco’s Heartbreaking ‘General Hospital’ Exit, His Co-Stars, Shutting Down Online Rumors (Exclusive)

By Michael Fairman

Published

3 months ago

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Courtesy/ABC

Need to Know

  • Adrian Anchondo ended his one-year run as Marco Rios, when last week on the March 25 episode of General Hospital after being fatally stabbed by WSB director Ross Cullum, he died in the OR.
  • Marco’s boyfriend, Dr. Lucas Jones performed surgery on the man who killed his beau, Cullum, while Marco died in another OR.
  • Anchondo shares he found out he was being killed-off the soap opera when the show came back from its holiday break and filmed his last episode on January 30 as detailed in this exclusive interview.

This past week, General Hospital fans were feted with an incredibly dramatic, harrowing and emotional series of episodes where at its epicenter saw Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) murdered by WSB director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), and later the guy attempts to end the life of Jason Morgan (Steve Burton).

Now as a new week begin in Port Charles, Jason was carted away by the WSB and Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) must face life without the love of his life, Marco, who’s life was taken from him much too young.

In an exclusive sit-down virtual interview on the Michael Fairman Channel, Adrian Anchondo opened up about the ups and downs of his one-year journey on General Hospital, where as his run came to an end found viewers of the show rooting for the character. All this, after Marco agreed to help Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) and Lucas get the vials of medication stashed away at Wyndemere so she could reverse engineer the drug and get out from under Cullum and Marco’s father, Jenz Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) thumb. Only, it all went horribly wrong.

Courtesy/ABC

Anchondo, who made his Port Charles debut last March, shared that late last summer he had an inkling his character might be written off the canvas, he just didn’t know the mechanism of how. Suffice to say, instead of just having Marco leave down for Miami, where he previously worked and resided, GH set off a huge umbrella story, where the character will be remembered for some time to come.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the exclusive chat with Androndo on his time with General Hospital.

BEING WRITTEN-OFF

“I found out when we came back from the end of the year break. It was something that I kind of felt was going to happen. It was heading that direction. I was feeling that since August of last year. It was more a question of when it would happen and how, than if. Of course, I would’ve loved to be on this show for many, many years. I’ve been keeping this secret for a long time, so it’s such a relief to finally let it go. We filmed this all on January 30th, because that was the end of my contract before if it were to be renewed. So, there were a lot of things that had to be squeezed in the last week. They actually gave me a four-week warning (that it was coming), which was great.”

VAN HANSIS AS LUCAS GRIEVES OVER MARCO’S BODY

Photo: ABC

“Even though I had no lines and I was just laying there, it allowed me to be like, ‘OK, it’s their turn. It’s their turn to shine. It’s makeup’s turn to shine. It’s Van’s turn to shine.’ The hardest thing for me in that part as you might’ve seen, I’m kind of breathing a little bit, but it’s hard to play dead, especially when you’re moving so fast, trying to get the next shot and the adrenaline’s running. My heart’s beating for Van to make sure that he’s doing his best, and that’s he’s getting to do his best work. He killed that monologue. And you can’t tell, but I am bawling my eyes.”

Adrian added, “I had tears running down my eyes. They had cover me up because there was this finality to it all. I was saying goodbye, but in this most beautiful, sad way. I felt like once I’m done with this, I’m never going to see them again. But that’s not true. I’m going to continue my relationship with everyone at the show. So, I was feeling so many mixed things. I was just so grateful (for the experience).”

CARLO ROTA AS SIDWELL’S HEARTBREAK TURNS TO ANGER 

Courtesy/ABC

“The taping was different than the way he performed it in the rehearsal. It was very sad in the performance in the rehearsal. Something clicked in him where he is just a brilliant actor where he has to instill fear in the audience. His job is to tell a story beyond what’s happening right there and set up for what is about to happen. He was just great. Carlo did a great job. He scared me.”

NANCY LEE GRAHN AS ALEXIS FINDS MARCO ON THE FLOOR OF HER LAW OFFICE

Photo: ABC

“Oh, God. Technically there was was so much blood and she’s putting her hands on me, and if there’s something (in protocol to stop bleeding) that’s messed up, you have to do it over again. We have to have a spare blanket in case we have to shoot it again. There is also that adrenaline when you’re literally watching someone bleed out and they’re panting and you’re trying to make a phone call and and she’s trying to stop the bleeding. All this stuff is happening and you’re thinking about your lines and the camera angles. Nancy is such a pro. There was one moment where I wanted to reach up to her to look her in the eyes, like, ‘please save me,’ or tell, tell ‘Lucas I love him.’ I think she felt it. Afterwards when they yelled ‘cut,” Nancy was really emotional. We had grown to have a good relationship on the set.”

STEVE BURTON AND RORY GIBSON

Photo: ABC

“I had a great talk with Steve because he was leaving the show (for his hiatus) at the same time as me, that I’m grateful that he was willing to share that before this happened, because it would’ve been two major shockers (for the audience). Around this time he was talking that he wants to go live his life and he wants to go be with his partner (Michelle Lundstrom) and it’s never goodbye with Steve. I also got to talk to Rory Gibson (Michael) a lot as well. He’s someone that I really wanted to work with more. He came in to the show two months after me. His one-year anniversary is coming up. I’m just like so amazed what he’s done on the show and how people love him. I want to celebrate everyone that’s on there.”

KELLY THIEBAUD

Photo: ABC

“There was a scene that we had together where I’m giving Britt her medication and she’s trying to reach me. She’s trying to reach me on a human level. She’s saying I have to work for my father too. You can make a different choice. You don’t have to do this. I think that was the real shift in Marco even before Lucas confronts him about everything that he’s found out. Kelly is a rock star!”

MARCO AND GAY LOVE STORIES ON THE SOAPS

Photo: ABC

“The amount of love that I have received from the this ending has been insane. I think it’s because a lot of people were just starting to like Marco, even though I knew his heart, he was doing questionable things. So now, I’m seeing all the love that that I wish I had maybe seen earlier for the character. I think when it comes to gay stories, I want Lucas to have a happy ending. Just because our relationship ends, doesn’t mean that he won’t find love again. I could be a stepping stone for Lucas’ true love in the future.”

ADRIAN’S CONFIDENCE AND ONLINE CHATTER

Photo: ABC

“There was a lot of speculation online and questions about me not being included in certain things that made me just feel less confident. Sometimes, I think on set, when I came in, there was some anxiety and fear that I couldn’t like, let go and really play. I didn’t feel like the ease that I saw some of the other actors having. I had some great conversations with Cynthia Watros (Nina) and with Nancy Lee Grahn and other people who have been on the show who said to give in and let go of control of things. They also shared they have seen some amazing actors come in and out of here, and it has nothing to do about the performance. So, that helped me a lot and I was able to halfway through my run let go a little bit more.”

Speaking on the slippery slope that is social media, while representing both the LGBTQ and Latino communities on a soap opera, Anchondo shared, “I saw some things online that also just made me sad; homophobic and racist things. Here I am on the show while in the world there’s so much going on outside that is scary. I wanted to present myself in my real life and be true to myself during that time. So yeah, it was tricky trying to balance everything. I said to myself, ‘I’m going to give it my all, and hopefully, even if people don’t like the character, my heart will shine through in what I’m doing.”‘

You can check out the full conversation with Adrian Anchondo below, which features at the end a special guest appearance by Adrian’s boyfriend, Colton Little (Andrew Donovan, Days of our Lives).

Now let us know, what did you think about the comments Adrian shared on his feelings during all the emotional scenes surrounding Marco’s death? Are you sad to see him go? What do you think will happen next, when Lucas realizes it was the man he saved in the OR. Cullum, who killed his boyfriend? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

 

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They always have to kill of the minorities no matter how popular they are, what shame. A young good actor. You kill him and what you lose your audience. Way to go GH

Reply

Kill them off: Natalia, now Marco… who else?

Write them off permanently/temporarily: Blaze, Terry, Brad, Deanna, Felix… who else?

GH needs a hispanic family like the Hernandez family on DAYS. The cast remains dominated by white performers. I give them credit for black representation with Curtis, Jordan, Portia, Isiah, Trina, Kai, Aunt Stella and Marshall & Brick.

For the development of what could have been the making of a new hispanic family… a missed opportunity with Natalia, Blaze and now Marco. They screwed up with the development of Natalia, Blaze was alright, though, I would have had the role recasted… and, Marco had great potential until he shifted into Sidwell 2.0. Now, GH is lacking hispanic representation, so they must rebuild.

I remember when we had Sabrina, Carlos, and was just all most currently – 10 years ago or so.

Let’s write-off: Nathan, Joselyn, Christina, Chase, Ezra Boyle,

& Cody — most of them are dull and banal characters… as for Cody, he’s a dud, always has been… always has been, the only interesting move was to make him Mac’s son, but I understand why the storyline between Mac & Cody is hard to explore with John (Max) working minimally which is understandable. Cody has nothing going on except Molly but I don’t see them as endgame. Molly needs a new story involving her father Ric. I think GH should recast TJ. Molly & TJ were a couple when they were much younger and it was so healthy to watch them grow into their adult lives. Or, if not, pair Molly up with a new fellow.

Where is Terry?!?!?! …. She must be at the same ongoing conferences Monica was attending!

Reply

I welcome these suggestions.

Reply

Adrian is so classy. He will be sorely missed. Who knows, maybe he’s a twin too, and may come back…you never know!

Reply

While the sudden appearance of a “twin” is one of the most over-used cliches in the soap genre, this is one case where it could actually work.

Because when Blaze and her mama used to argue about her brother, he was always a studio musician named Eli. Not a lawyer named Marco.

So Eli could still be out there somewhere, I guess?

Reply

Love you Adrian, Thanks for the GH Memories.

Reply

Adrian represented a handsome young gay professional very well. He will be missed.

Reply

So interesting. I never thought about how difficult it must be for an actor to play dead while their grieving loved one said goodbye to their lifeless body. How sad! It gives me a whole new appreciation for the incredibly sad goodbye scene that transpired between Lucas and Marcos. As I said from the start, these two had intense chemistry from the start. They really are classic, star crossed lovers.

Reply

Loved Marco, big mistake killing him off

Reply

I really enjoyed Marco’s acting even much more when he showed the softer side of himself.
such an amazing actor and I feel that only bigger and better
opportunities are ahead.
When Marco was lying there supposedly he had passed I saw his eyes blink a little, I thought to myself no he’s not really dead but he’s going to come back into the show but I guess he is really passed .
thank you enjoyed your acting and your personality wishing you only the very best for you Adrian.
“Your hard work and professionalism meant more than you’ll know.
wishing you the best in your next chapter” God Bless you Adrian.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter

Published

2 hours ago

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June 26, 2026

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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

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’

Published

5 hours ago

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June 26, 2026

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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.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: What Did You Think of the Return of Anna Devane, and What’s In the Letter?

Published

1 day ago

on

June 25, 2026

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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.

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

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