General Hospital

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

By Michael Fairman

Published

2 months ago

July 9, 2026

Michael

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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GENERAL HOSPITAL: ‘Peter August’ Tells Anna Devane She Can Finally Get Her Revenge; But Who’s The Target?

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Satan

2 months ago

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)

OG Steve

2 months ago

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.

Erin

1 month ago

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: Anna Breaks Down in Front of Jason and Britt After Shots Are Fired

Published

12 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Michael

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.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did Brook Lynn Deserve Chase Walking Out on Her?

Published

1 day ago

September 9, 2026

Michael

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.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Fall 2026 Preview: Unexpected Arrivals and Romance; Sonny and Drew at War, What Happened to Jack?

Published

2 days ago

September 8, 2026

Michael

General Hospital’s co-head writers, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte have given the ABC daytime drama’s fall preview of what to look for in the months ahead in Port Charles.

According to the scribes, as told to TV Insider, “Unexpected arrivals, unexpected romance and unexpected connections,” are the order of the season, plus, “secrets are going to be exposed that will upend lives for better and worse — and new secrets will need to be kept.”

In the relationship department, don’t expect everything to go the way you may think! Let’s take a look at some of the highlights that point to some major moments in the near future on GH.

Photo: ABC

ROMEO AND JULIET

“The conflict between Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) will continue to build with potentially fatal consequences,” shared the head writers as Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) and Rocco’s (Finn Carr) relationship gets more solid, the more it will be tried to be pulled apart, especially by Drew. This is what they are calling their “Romeo and Juliet” young love story.

BURYING JACK BRENNAN

Nina (Cynthia Watros) will be in the hot seat, thanks to evidence planted by Drew and Carly (Laura Wright) overhearing her threatening the MIA Jack. According to the GH head writers, “Nina may face a dark future — but perhaps not as dark a future as those who seek her downfall.” Meanwhile Ava (Maura West) and Drew’s unholy alliance will have “repercussions for years to come.” Let’s not forget they buried Jack’s body.

JASON AND BRITT MAY NOT LAST

Those who wanted Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) romance to come to an end, may get their wish! As the head scribes shared, “Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under (Ross) Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”

Photo: ABC

ANNA’S BREAKING POINT AND CAN VALENTIN STAY AWAY ?

As for Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), who Jason is trying to save and who has lost her way (thanks to visions of Peter August) and being gaslighted by Cullum and company, it will, “lead to her breaking point and may lead another person to an early grave.” On that note, Carly and Valentin’s (James Patrick Stuart) relationship is tested after his attempt to buy back Spoon Island. Only problem is someone else got their first, and it may be hard for Valentin to deny his feelings for Anna aren’t greater than he thinks.

Photo: ABC

BROOK LYNN’S LIFE AS SHE KNOWS IT BLOWS UP IN HER FACE

The writers added, “Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) face a turning point. Her secret may finally unravel their marriage; worse, it may leave the family vulnerable when someone comes calling with a claim on Phoebe.” Will Chase now hop between the sheets with his ex Willow? And, will Hudson (Troy Lennon Appel) stake his claim to be the father of the little Phoebe? How can Brook Lynn’s life as she knows it survive this?

TRINA’S STALKER … WHO IS IT?

Does Trina (Tabyana Ali) have a stalker … or a true number one genuine fan? Whatever the case, something ominous is going to happen to Kai (Jen Austin Astrup), when the GH writers shared, “Kai is true blue and will step up to defend Trina— but his closeness to Trina may prove detrimental to his health.” In addition, the stalker situation pairs up Emma (Braedyn Bruner) and Trina to try get to the bottom of who is behind it, but in doing so, may have put a target on Emma’s back.

Photo: ABC

‘BLOODY’ SITUATION WHERE JOSSLYN IS CONCERNED

Josslyn Eden McCoy) gets new orders from the WSB after Brennan goes missing, and things may get “bloody” report the writers. They add, “Joss has her sights set on Sonny — but she’s a target, too. JJE is a big prize, and she isn’t the only one entitled to it.” Who else could be?

Photo: ABC

PAST ROMANCE FOR ALEXIS COMES BACK AROUND

Could Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) and Ric (Rick Hearst) find themselves in each other’s arms? According to the GH head writers, “A past romance will rear its head in a surprising way,” for Alexis. Who else could it be if not Ric, who may feel jilted by Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) if she and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get any closer? Might it be the return of Jerry Jacks?

MICHAEL AND JORDAN BECOME CLOSE

Michael (Rory Gibson) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper) will develop a “special bond” while working together at Aurora and while Curtis (Donnell Turner) is away in prison. However, “a face from Jordan’s past will complicate her future. We’ll start to learn more about the woman Jordan was before she ever joined the DEA and came to Port Charles.” Is this William Baines (Alimi Ballard) or someone else yet to arrive? Stay tuned.

So, which of the story points listed above pique’s your interest the most? Are you excited about the fall on General Hospital? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.