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‘General Hospital’s’ Andrew Hawkes Shares Cullum’s Secret Backstory He Never Told Anyone (Exclusive)

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/ABC

WSB Director Ross Cullum’s (Andrew Hawkes) reign of terror came to an end last week on the July 2 episode of ABC’s General Hospital, after WSB agent Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) shot him dead. That ended the run of Andrew Hawkes who will go down for his portrayal of one of the ruthless, bad guys in the soaps in a very long time.

Just look at a partial laundry list of his crimes: stabbing Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) brutally to his death, gaslighting Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) to where he was held captive and then was sent to mental institution in France, attempting to kill WSB Bureau Chief, Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna), by tying him to his hospital bed at Turning Woods, putting a gas mask on it and making him breathe a full tank of carbon monoxide.

How about being the person responsible for the penthouse fire targeting Sonny (Maurice Benard) that instead got Michael (then Chad Duell, now Rory Gibson) burned so badly he had to be sent away to a clinic in Germany, and then there is the matter of lying to Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) for years, that she never had Huntington’s disease, instead she was injecting herself with saline, until near the end of his life, he had put poison in the vials of her medication, and let’s not forget taking a weaponized baton and attempting to beat the life out of Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) and kill him, till Cullum was stopped by shots to his back fired by Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr).

Photo: ABC

 

 

HOW CULLUM TURNED INTO A RUTHLESS MASTERMIND AND KILLER REVEALED

This week, Andrew Hawkes participated in a livestream chat on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he touched on many subjects of his six-month run as Cullum. One of the more intriguing moments came when Hawkes explained in-depth for the first time what drove Cullum to become a double agent, and to become this heinous of a man.  While it was never given to him by the soap opera, as an actor it is always helpful to fill in the blanks for yourself to help with your performance and the “why” a character is behaving the way they are.

Andrew explained, “This has nothing to do with the writers, or anything that anybody ever said, because we don’t get that backstory on Cullum, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. The reason why Cullum is so single-minded and ruthless is because he was on a job, did his job, which was taking out a high ranking government official in a foreign country. Then, he was turned out by the WSB, locked out of getting back to the United States, and therefore missed holding his daughter who died of leukemia because they froze everything.”

Photo: ABC

“Cullum had no health insurance, Cullum had no money, Cullum had no anything”, continued Hawkes. “What I’ve done with Cullum is he’s coming back to rip everything to shreds from the inside out. So, that was my secret. It’s much more detailed than that. Being a parent is so personal, and  Cullum could not get to his child in her time of greatest need, and he couldn’t do anything because the WSB turned on him. They wouldn’t bring him from out of the cold.”

HEROES AND VILLAINS

Hawkes added, “I played it as I played it, and I am not trying to make it about these mitigating circumstances. It’s just an example of why this guy is so full of rage and violence and that was what I was trying to do as that character is as I said, destroy everything from the inside out.”

On TV, in the movies or on the stage there are usually heroes and villains to every story.  Hawkes explains more on what caused Cullum’s vendetta with the world, “It’s a gasket being blown in your brain plus trauma. I heard somebody talking about what’s the difference between a hero and a villain. A hero says, ‘the world hurt me, and I don’t want to hurt anybody else.’ A villain says, ‘the world hurts me and I’m going to hurt the world.’ So, it’s a very fine distinction.”

Photo: ABC

MEETING JOHN OLIVER AND HIS PERFORMANCE AS Z

In addition, Andrew spoke on his last day of shooting and getting to meet guest star, John Oliver and how impressed he was with his performances, even though he, personally, didn’t get to share any spoken screen-time with the late night Emmy-nominated talk show host.

“I did meet him and talk to him, and when I was down on the ground (after Cullum was shot) I was going, ‘Wow, I’m done.’ I don’t have to sweat anything more today. But he came through, and I’ve been a fan of his for a long time and he was so cool and so prepared. I think he’s amazing. I was like, if you never knew this actor and watched him on GH, he’s just fascination to watch. He’s just so committed. I get the biggest kick out of it, and I hope they keep bringing him back.”

Photo ABC

FINDING OUT CASSIUS HAD LIVED

Hawkes admitted, “I thought Z was only in for one episode/day, but then I found out all the other stuff from watching the show that he had scenes with Carly (Laura Wright) and and then Cassius (Ryan Paevey). I didn’t even know that Cassius wasn’t dead. Of course, Ryan and I had talked a lot and it was the end of his contract and he was leaving the show, but I didn’t know that Cassius had lived through it.”

“As for John Oliver, it’s not easy walking in there with all these incredible professionals being like, “we’ve done it for a long time.” I mean, luckily he has his own show and it’s him talking for 30 minutes. He put in the work. The first behavior, you really see of him is him walking. And then, the way he just pulls out his gun and casually caps the guy on the ground who’s going try to shoot him was just the coolest. I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with him, but he was gracious and kind and cool, and you couldn’t ask for a better scene partner.

In case you missed our conversation with Andrew Hawkes on the Michael Fairman Channel, you can check it out below.

Now, let us know, what did you think of the incredible backstory that Andrew creating for himself to rationalize and play all the scenes and nefarious activities of WSB Director, Ross Cullum? What did you think of his final moments on GH in the shootout with Josslyn and Cassius shortly before Z arrived? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Andrew first made this reference to Cullum’s “back story’ when he was on “State of Mind” with Maurice Benard several months ago. He said that Cullum was motivated by something that happened “as a father”, so at the time it sounded like this was a story they were actually going to tell and make it an explanation for Cullum being the twisted evil guy that he was.

None of this ever played out on screen, of course. All we ever knew about the guy was that he was somehow running the WSB and the Legion of Dumb at the same time, and apparently was doing so for years, if he was in on the hoax of convincing Britt that she had inherited Huntington’s Disease from her (now dead and literally brainless) father, and using that fake medical condition as a way to blackmail her into… whatever this fusion thing was all about (they still need to explain that one, and how an OBGYN would know how to finish such a thing)

On a long running show with legendary villains, some played by screen legends, Hawkes made a lasting impression. The way he did it (kind of subtly) is what makes him stand out.

Cullum came into Sidwell’s story and showed what a real villain can accomplish.

As for backstory, I appreciate Hawkes attempt, but I’d rather think he was Sean Donell’s last protege (after Robert & Anna) that held a grudge against Frisco for advancing on the bureau while he languished behind a desk. Make Cullum (not Sidwell) responsible for Maxie’s coma. It would explain his recruiting Cassius to impersonate Nathan. Okay, enough fan fiction for now.

Andrew deserves an Emmy for this performance ! I have been a GH fan since I was in the third grade and it was only 30 minutes long and B&W, this is the first time I have ever had to look up someone to make sure he was a good guy in real life! LOL He reminded me of the cyborg actor in Terminator 2. combined with the unemotional blank evil stare of Anthony Hopkins in Silence of The Lambs, Callum gave me chills and that takes a lot!! Phenomenal job Andrew Hawes !!

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Casts Alya Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos

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Ayla Bullington

Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.

In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.

She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’” 

Josslyn

Photo: ABC

THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH

Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’

The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.” 

The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.

As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”

So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.

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‘General Hospital’ Favorite Amanda Setton Talks Brook Lynn and Chase’s Divorce, Jude Jacks, Baby Phoebe, and What’s Next (Exclusive)

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Amanda Setton

On General Hospital, Brook Lynn Quartermaine’s (Amanda Setton) life as she knows it has turned upside down. First, she and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed divorce papers while in  the Dominican Republic. As much as they loved each other, they just couldn’t get past all the trust issues between them.

Then, right after that, Jude Jax (Wil Traval) shows up at the Q mansion and demands to see his daughter, baby Phoebe! Brook Lynn is thrown for a complete loop. Is this guy claiming to be the biological father of Delilah Wilson’s daughter, which had been adopted by Brook Lynn and Chase, telling the truth? Brook Lynn is on her way to getting to the bottom of his claims.

Meanwhile, Brook Lynn’s portrayer, Amanda Setton just celebrated her first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination, and in the very competitive Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category. While Amanda ultimately did not take home the gold statuette, that honor went to The Young and the Restless’ longtime veteran, Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott), she was in great spirits when Michael Fairman TV caught up with her on the red carpet.

Photo: ABC

THE END OF THE LINE FOR BROOK LYNN AND CHASE

When asked how she felt about Brook Lynn being the first (between her and Chase) to put pen to paper on their divorce papers, Settton recalled, “She did. But I’m like, ‘Did she or did he kind of?’ They did it (both of them).”

Getting a new co-star and cast member can go one of two ways, great or not so great, but Amanda had nothing but high praise for Wil Traval’s entrance and performance as Jude Jacks!

THE ARRIVAL OF JUDE JAX

“Wil Traval is fabulous to work with. His debut was so amazing the other day, wasn’t it? He was just such a force and everybody’s faces and reactions when he says that he’s, ‘Jude Jacks, Jerry’s son.’ It was so good and well-played! Wil’s awesome. I’m excited for what’s to come. We’re going to have a lot of stuff together.”

Photo: ABC

According to Amanda, Brook Lynn will have her hands full in the months to come: “There’s a lot of stuff coming down the pike with Baby Phoebe. Will Chase and Brooklyn work together? Will they not? Is it really Jude’s daughter? Lots of questions!”

GRATITUDE TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY HER PEERS

For Setton, being an Emmy nominee meant the world to her, and to finally be acknowledged by her peers in a television career that spanned daytime and primetime including her performances as Kimberly Andrews on One Life to Live. But most importantly for her work in 2025 in the emotional rollercoaster of a story where Brook Lynn learns Gio (Giovanni Mazza) is her biological son.

“It means so much to me,” expressed Amanda. “It really does. I keep using this line, but I really mean it. It feels like a big hug. You know, not everybody who votes for these categories works with you. It’s really a very humbling feeling to know that your work actually touched someone and moved someone enough for them to vote for you. And getting to play the storyline that I got to play was such a privilege. It really was, with the actors I got to play it with. To be a little rewarded for it feels so nice.”

You can check out our chat with Amanda Setton on the red carpet at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards below. Then make sure to check out all the Michael Fairman Channel red carpet interviews from daytime’s biggest night here.

So, do you think Brook Lynn and Chase will unite to keep baby Phoebe away from Jude Jacks? What do you think of Wil Traval’s performances thus far as Jude? How do you see this story for the custody of baby Phoebe playing out? Were you rooting for Amanda to take home the Supporting Actress gold? Let us know via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Heather Webber Has Everyone on Edge, Walls Close in on Ava and Drew, Sonny Has a Problem Named ‘Josslyn’

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General Hospital Preview

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, Heather Webber (Alley Mills) infiltrates herself back into Port Charles upsetting many a citizen, while Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is making it be known she will not rest till she takes Sonny (Maurice Benard) down, and Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) are now in the hot seat for the murder of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).

In the just released, ABC video spoilers for the action November 9-13, first we see a stare down between Heather and Ava when they finally come to face-to-face.

Next, Felicia (Kristina Wagner) warns Emma (Braedyn Bruner), “You cannot allow Heather Webber to see herself as a victim!” This is juxtaposed with Heather walking into the PCPD interrogation room. Is she going to incriminate Ava and Drew further on the murder of Jack Brennan … or is she there for something else?

Ava and Drew

Courtesy/ABC

Then, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) tells Joe (Jonathan Bennett), ADA Turner (Nazneen Contractor) and Molly (Kristen Vaganos) that the PCPD has to switch their investigation and put the focus on Ava and Drew.

In the video teaser’s final moments, Josslyn (Eden McCoy) shows up at Sonny’s front door, shouting, “You just keep getting away with everything.” That leads to Sonny to tell Carly (Laura Wright) to get her daughter to back of off him.

Check out the official General Hospital spoilers the week below.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER, 9
Carly makes her loyalty to Valentin clear. Tristan makes a shocking revelation. Chase comes face to face with Jude. Jason and Alexis strategize. Josslyn flies off the handle.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Jason and Brook Lynn compare notes. Emma confronts Heather. Gio and Trina get a new opportunity. Joe and Molly hit pay dirt. Ava meets Serena.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Sonny issues a warning to Carly. Josslyn opens up to Hudson. Jude stands his ground. Drew tries to reassure Ava. Molly confides in Alexis.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Carly fears Sonny’s wrath. Sonny and Ric form a plan. Alexis makes a bold move. Drew gets a reality check. Lucas reassures Josslyn.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Drew pitches a drastic plan. Liz bends the rules for Dante. Josslyn confronts Jude. Brook Lynn opens up to Gio. Britt issues an invitation.

Now below, check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Getting Away with Everything.”

Then let us know, what do you think Heather Webber is up to? Will Ava and Drew actually take the fall for the death of Jack Brennan? Will Sonny stop Josslyn from taking him down at all costs? Share your thoughts and theories in the comment section.

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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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