General Hospital
GH’s Brighton Hertford Opens Up on Reprising B.J. for Bobbie Spencer’s Memorial, The Gift Jackie Zeman Left Her, and Meeting Kirsten Storms
It was two and half weeks ago that General Hospital fans received a beautiful surprise twist during Bobbie Spencer’s memorial episodes when Angela, the reporter from the Associated Press in Amsterdam turned out to be a grown-up B.J. Jones visiting Port Charles from Heaven.
In real-life, GH brought back Brighton Hertford who was last on the show back in 1994, when her character, a very young B.J. Jones was killed-off in school bus accident, and B.J.’s heart when to Maxie to save her life. That storyline is one of the most iconic in soap opera history and certainly in the stories 60-year history of General Hospital.
Brighton’s on-screen mother was played by the late Jackie Zeman mwho passed away at 70 following a short bout with cancer in May of 2023. When GH finally was able to move forward with how to finish Bobbie’s storyline and pay proper tribute to Zeman, the show called Hertford to come back and reprise the role. Brighton lives in Utah and has a whole other career in the tech industry at this juncture of her life making this all the more special.
Photo: ABC
Last week, speaking with the Michael Fairman Channel for an exclusive livestream interview, an emotional Hertford shared her journey of coming back to the set of the ABC daytime drama series some 29 years later to help send-off Bobbie and to honor Jackie.
During her visit, Hertford met the grown-up Maxie Jones for the first time in GH fan favorite Kirsten Storms, and expressed, “I can’t say enough about Kirsten, and how wonderful she was. I had never met her, right? I was so jazzed because I loved Zenon Girl of the 21st Century. She was just so welcoming, and offered to run lines with me in the Green Room because it is very fast paced and high octane and wanted to make sure that I felt comfortable. We exchanged phone numbers. She was like, ‘Let’s go out for lunch next time you’re in Los Angeles.” Kirsten is just a wonderful, wonderful.”
Photo: ABC
When Brighton was only 8 and killed-off the show, on her last day she received a special gift from Jackie Zeman that she has to this day. Hertford elaborated, “Jackie gave me a butterfly ring that has an opal in it. We had this really special moment where she gave it to me and she talked to me about the significance of butterflies in her life. She told me that in order to make sure that the opals never crack, that I’m supposed to take my pinky and rub it on the inside of my nose, where your natural body oils collect and and rub it on the opal. It’s always been a very, very special keepsake of mine. And to this day, none of those opal have cracked. Anytime, I see people who have opal jewelry, I’m like, ‘Oh, you have to remember to keep like this.‘ Jackie gave it to me as a way of saying goodbye.”
Coming back to ABC Prospect Studios where GH is taped, Brighton was astonished at how no one had aged! “They must sleep in Tupperware, because everyone looked exactly the same,” she expressed. “I saw Lynn (Herring) and I touched her on the shoulder and I said, “Hey, Lynn. I don’t know if this is going to be spooky, but it’s Brighton. It’s B.J. Her face just lit up. She was like, ‘Oh, my gosh. Of course it’s you!’ Kristina Wagner (Felicia) was there, and Maurice Benard (Sonny) was there too, and we had a wild trip down memory lane.”
Photo: JPI
Part of Bobbie’s final story paid homage to the fact that a younger Bobbie was prostitute, and in the end was helping other women who were the victims of human trafficking. Brighton shared while she didn’t understand Bobbie’s past as an 8-year-old, she did late on. “I will say, in my direct experience, my lived experience, I think GH has always done a good job of things like that,” she elaborated. “I’ll call back really quickly to when I was in the coma, and the show promoting the importance of being an organ donor, because that’s what that whole storyline was about. B.J. was lifeless, aside from being kept alive by machines, and because she was able to donate her heart Maxie lived on, and this too can happen for other people. The message was, ‘So please become an organ donor now.”‘
As to how GH connected the dots of the difficult life Bobbie led in her death, Brighton said, “I thought that what GH did was really beautiful by doing a great job of encapsulating Bobby … the character as a whole person with a journey. I think there’s so much beauty in telling the whole of the story and not just saying, ‘Oh yeah, they were perfect,’ and then move on. Because they have past, because they have histories, it makes who they are all the more beautiful, not in spite of it.”
You can watch the full livestream conversation with Brighton below.
Were you touched by seeing Brighton back on GH to honor Jackie Zeman and the character of Bobbie. What do you think of the sentiments she shared about Kirsten Storms, returning to the set as a woman after being a child actor on the show, and the beautiful gift Jackie gave to her when she was killed-off the show? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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.
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.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
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.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
-
General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
-
General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
-
News5 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
-
News5 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!
