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General Hospital Alum Sean Kanan Recalls How AJ Quartermaine’s Ignorance Was Difficult to Portray in Stone’s AIDS Storyline

By Michael Fairman

Published

3 years ago

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Photos: Gilles Toucas/Bell-Phillip TV and ABC

On June 22, 1995, General Hospital showcased its second ever Nurses’ Ball during the middle of the Stone HIV/AIDS storyline that has now become a classic.

It was at the ball that the character of AJ Quartermaine, played by current B&B star, Sean Kanan (Deacon) was used by the writers to have a character voice what many in the audience may not have been clear about in just how someone contracts HIV/AIDS.  During the scenes, Stone (Michael Sutton) admits to AJ, Jason (Steve Burton), Alan (Stuart Damon), Monica (Leslie Charleson), Keisha (Senait Ashenafi) and Lily (Lilly Melgar), that he has AIDS with Robin (Kimberly McCullough) by his side.

On Thursday, a fan posted a clip from that scene and tweeted, “The Storyline That Changed My Life & Led Me To Volunteer As Much As I Could For The AiDS/HIV Community!TY”‘

Photo: ABC

After seeing the clip, Kanan came on to his Twitter account to share his feelings on the challenging scene from the past. Sean shared, “This was personally a very difficult storyline for me to play. Having tons of gay friends as well as relatives I was conflicted. My character, AJ Quartermaine exuded ignorance and a lack of self-evolved understanding. Ultimately I embraced the story because it was the story that was so important rather than my character. I am still very proud of the work the show produced about a socially relevant and humanistically important subject.”

In the writing of the scene, AJ says the following lines to his family after Stone and Robin leave the table: “Who knew he was gay? I didn’t know. Well, what then, drugs? Jason, it’s almost impossible to get AIDS from a woman … sometimes, I’ll grant you that.  But it’s far more likely to get transmitted in other ways.  I mean, think about it.  Stone is practically attached to the hip of Robin for a very long time now and he certainly didn’t get it from her.”

What did you think about the sentiments shared by Sean in 2023 on the actions of his fictional character of GH’s AJ Quartermaine back in 1995?  Let us know in the comment section below.

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I think it was fine and realistic for the time it was written. Not many knew about it, many thought it was a “gay” disease, and it doesn’t seem like “AJ” was trying to be cruel; but was uninformed.

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One of the best ever daytime storylines from any soap! Relevant, timely, real… We could use more of such.

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It was a story of the times and was brilliantly told, thanks to the brilliance of Wendy Riche (executive producer) and Claire Labine (head writer). And, to think, they originally wanted AJ to be the one battling AIDS, but ABC rallied against it, because of the fact AJ was a Quartermaine.

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If a Devil remembers correctly, from something Sean Kanan said himself in a previous interview (possibly an episode of “State of Mind”) the original plan was to have AJ be the one. The problem was how he would have been infected. AJ was a hardcore alcoholic, but not an IV drug user. So the logical implication would be that he had a drunken hookup with some random person, and like most drunken hookups, didn’t practice safer sex.

Problem with that idea is the question of who he would have had this drunken hookup with. Even then they knew that transmission of the virus from women to men was statistically rare, and did they really want to “go there” with AJ being into guys, even if it was only when he was wasted?

Of course they wanted this to happen to a “legacy kid” so it would be a major story. So they chose Robin… by way of Stone. Stone was more or less a blank canvas, so they could give him any backstory they wanted, and if my fuzzy devil memory is correct, they went with the past drug use.

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The networks (ABC in particular) were very protective of legacy characters until the 2000’s. In addition to the AJ-Stone switch, ABC rejected an Audrey gets Alzheimer’s storyline and had OLTL switch the gay coming out story from Joey Buchanan to Billy Douglas.

After Frons, Phelps, et al, took over it was suddenly okay to kill multiple Quartermaines and longtime characters such as Dixie Cooney and Gabrielle Medina.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob

Published

8 hours ago

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August 3, 2026

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”

Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.

Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.

Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.

Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.

Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.

Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

Published

18 hours ago

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August 2, 2026

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General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.

Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).

In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.

Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:

Photo: HutchinsPhoroi

GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com

Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.

Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.

Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.

So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.

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General Hospital

Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80

Published

2 days ago

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August 1, 2026

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Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.

The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.

PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL

Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)

According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”

Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.

Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.

In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.

Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section 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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