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GH Casting Shocker: Chris McKenna IN, Charles Mesure OUT, in the Role of Jack Brennan

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: IMDb

In a surprise move that no one saw coming, General Hospital has replaced Charles Mesure in the role of Jack Brennan with soap opera veteran, Chris McKenna. Mesure, who was quickly becoming a fan favorite since his debut in 2023, apparently decided to vacate the role.

According to Soap Opera Digest, who first reported the switcheroo and received a statement from a GH rep, shared, “Charles Mesure opted to exit the role of Brennan. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

And there’s more! Mesure’s last airdate as Brennan had already aired with the January 30th episode, McKenna will take over the role beginning with tomorrow’s February 4th episode of the ABC daytime drama series.

Photo: ABC

In another statement on the switch, the GH rep shared, “General Hospital looks forward to continuing Brennan’s exciting storyline with Chris McKenna in the role.” Mesure from all account and interviews had been happy being a part of the GH family and was looking forward to furthering the romantic storyline between Jack and Carly (Laura Wright).

As for McKenna, he has great soap opera pedigree. He started his daytime career playing Joey Buchanan on One Life to Live at the age of 12 and remained in the role from 1990-1993. Later in 2014, Chris was cast as Mark Harding on The Young and the Restless, before eventually being killed off for his murderous antics in 2015. The following year, he made a brief appearance on The Bold and the Beautiful as a therapist who helped Katie Logan as played by Heather Tom in some key scenes.

 

The actor’s previous TV credits also include: Criminal Minds, Chicago Fire, NCIS (and its various franchise shows), plus the reboot of Beverly Hills 90210, to name but a few.

So, what are your thoughts on GH recasting Jack Brennan with Chris McKenna and the exit of Charles Mesure? Comment below.

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NOOOOOOOOOOOO! That is just mean and WRONG. We have been waiting for Brennan and Carly to get together for a YEAR, they finally kiss, it’s FANTASTIC, and then boom replacement? UGH. I’m so disappointed.

Me too!

I loved Measure in role. Wonder why he left? Good look to McKenna

Whoa – this is a major shocker.

Something else must be going on. Would Frank actually have given Mesure a contract that gave the actor options to leave? Definitely not the industry standard.

It was Mesure’s undeniable chemistry with Laura Wright from the get go that had the team broaden the character and sign him to a contract. He was unlike most soap actors – something that made him intriguing to watch.

McKenna remains sexy as he has aged but there’s not feasible that he can portray a character that was supposed to be in WSB training the same time as Anna.

The timing of the switch indicates that something went down during the three week Christmas break from filming. This week’s scenes would’ve been filmed after the shown returned from the hiatus (and pause from the wildfires).

Will see on Friday if they start McKenna on recurring or if he’s immediately on contract.

He was a good match with Carly, and honestly, I don’t think she has enjoyed any chemistry with anyone with the possible exception of he-who-shall-not-be-named (rhymes with Bingo). Too bad. I was finally watching Carly in scenes that didn’t want me to scream into my pillow. Now I’ll be back to screaming into my pillow.

Spot on with the chemistry analysis, Harry. I’d say LW briefly had chemistry with Howarth’ as Todd, but once he was forced to switch to Franco, that chemistry was gone.

I’m not sure what you mean that it’s not feasible he’d be in training the same time as Anna. Both he and Valentin are younger than Anna; they’re in their 50 and she’s in her sixties (regarding the actors in real life). They don’t talk about the ages of these adult characters, so I’m not sure what you find not feasible…

There’s no option here to edit (that works) or delete. So I’m hoping my comment to you doesn’t get through (are listening Michael Fairman? 😉 ) because I read it wrong (just woke up and still half asleep). I thought you said it wasn’t feasible for Charles Mesure to have gone through training at the same time. But, still, McKenna is 48; not much younger than the Mesure (54) and James Patrick Stuart (56). So…

I appreciate Chris McKenna but I’m afraid it’s going to be jarring to see him as Jack. I’ll have to wait and see.

However, I am gutted that Charles Mesure won’t be playing Jack anymore. He’s really grown on me. His chemistry with Laura Wright’s Carly is smoking hot! Hope it was his choice. That’s gonna be a tough transition.

I wish everyone the best of luck.

What kind of recast is this, they are nothing alike

This is a true shocker, but it does sound as if Charles Mesure opted to leave, so I do wish him well on his next ventures. Chris McKenna is one I’ve wanted back in daytime since his role of Mark Harding on The Young and the Restless. It will be a change, but it’s one I am hoping works out.

True. Chris McKenna is good. I’ll give him a chance.

Agree with you about McKenna; he was my favorite Joey on OLTL (yes, I know, I know; I am the only one in the world who didn’t think the sun rose and set on Nathan Fillion) and it was nice to see him again as an adult on Y&R. I look forward to seeing what he can do in the role.

But the timing of Mr. Mesure’s departure is quite shocking. I do hope he’s moving on to something really good, because he’s really made a difference on GH.

This is a sad loss for GH. McKenna looks like he could be Brennan’s son. Or Anna’s. Or Valentin’s. This seems a horrible recast (not a comment on the incoming actor or his abilities). Brennan and Carly were the best couple on GH; now it will seem as if Carly’s robbing the cradle.

There’s only seven years difference from Charles Mesure and Chris McKenna; besides, ages don’t exist in soaps.

I think ages do exist in soaps. Still, if they don’t, my comment was how he *looked,* not his chronological age.

While soaps sometime play loose with ages – they do matter. If they didn’t exist, Jill Phelps wouldn’t have dismissed most actresses over 40. And fans would’ve accepted Jed Allan as Edward.

McKenna is 5 months older than Kimberly McCullough.

Hope he has chemistry with LW.

On the other horn, there should be at least 5 years difference (probably more) between Dante & BrookLynn, but now were supposed to believe they hooked up in summer camp and made a baby who grew up to be a fiddle player.

And Brook Lynn was in Port Charles for her high school years.

Thank God, he’s aged considerably since photo above. He looks fine with Carly

Interesting recast.
Sorry to learn of Charles’ departure:(
I did like McKenna on YandR and was upset when he was killed – he actually kind of reminds me of Wes Ramsey, so maybe this will be a positive pairing with Laura/Carly.
But sad that Charles has chosen to leave the role.

Very sad to read this news. From his first appearance on GH, Mesure was electrifying.

Wow.. more ups and downs at GH ! Just how much can us fans take ??

I was so looking forward to Carly and Brennan.. like Charles Mesure’s Brennan.

GH is make me more sad than happy the last few months.

This is going to take getting used to because I loved watching Mesure in the role of Jack Brennan.

I’m sorry to read this. Charles Mesure aka Jack Brennan had such good chemistry with Laura Wright. Pretty sure there’s more behind this story but we will never know. Hopefully, this new to GH actor will be able to recreate the chemistry.

Just write the character off already.

Mesure as Brennan was a good addition to the cast. It was similar to Luke Spencer, Duke Lavery, and Sonny Corinthos, in the sense that they brought a 13 week disposable villain on to the show, and he was so good that they had to drastically change the character to keep him on board and make him a long term character, and in the case of Luke & Sonny, eventually become the show’s “anchor”.

I’m not saying Mesure’s Brennan was ever going to carry the show, but he definintely had potential as one of the main characters going forward. But as a recast? Don’t bother. Let Val the Bastard finish up with the strangling we saw last week.

Though very disappointed, this is a new love interest for Carly and the show needs a few new leading men. IF this actor can fill Charle’s Mesure’s shoes, then it’s good that they recast the role. I think the majority of viewers fell in love with Mesure’s Brennan, and we’re all shocked & disappointed that in the midst of this budding romance he just up and exited, but now we’ll have to see if this guy can carry the role forward in a way that keeps us just as “interested.”

I am extremely disappointed! I loved Charles in the role and he and Laura had incredible chemistry! As long as it was his choice to leave, not much can be said, so we’ll just have to wait to see what happens with the Carly/Jack S/L. Will Laura have chemistry with Chris?

I don’t agree. We just get use to one guy and they change him. I think there is great chemistry between him and Laura Wright.

They didn’t “change him.” The actor, Charles Mesure, decided to exit the show. His decision…

BOING! CHRIS IS GORGEOUS

I loved Chris McKenna as Joey Buchanan on One Life to Live. He was so perfect for the role. I wish TPTB had let Joey age naturally and kept Chris on. No disrespect to Nathan Fillion or the other actors who played Joey. I saw Chris while he was on Y&R. Has not lost his talent and the years have been very kind to him. He is a very handsome man.

I may have to tune into GH to see Chris because I really enjoy him.

Nope! Charles is Jack!

Well, he opted to leave, so he isn’t anymore.

I loved Charles Measure with Carly and maybe someday the real reason he left will be explained, OR, maybe Carly just had too much garlic on her breath. Just fooling, but I think I’d prefer ” new guy” with Sasha. Funny I can’t remember his role on Y&R.

This all sounds fishy, but if Charles mesure opted to leave that’s disappointing but I can’t blame the guy, GH (which I love, I swear) was horrible last year to a lot of its actors so I really can’t blame him for not showing any loyalty and sticking around as for the replacement, my only beef is what make Mesure so charismatic was his Ausie accent, yes blame me for being one of those fans that fancy the ausie/or brit accent and he did have chemistry with Laura Wright and Finola Hughes.

Loved his accent too, it did make him more sexy.

Sorry, I like Charles in the role of Jack. Why is he really leaving? They seem to be losing great talented actors way too often.

Mc Kenna is a great actor but gives off a hot suburban dad vibe like his OLTL vibe as a grown up Joey

Mesure gives off a James Bond international silver Fox Zaddy vibe Very sexy man of mystery

Sucks. Charles Mesure brought back the charisma that we love and miss. Frank your day is coming

We have no idea if/what Frank was involved in the switch. If Frank goes, the show likely goes with him.

Disappointing news, I was really enjoying Charles Mesure as Brennan. That seems to be the overwhelming consensus from most of the comments I’ve read in various places tonight, which is a testament to how good Charles was doing. You usually can’t get the majority of people to agree on the fact that water is wet these days.

I thought he had developed a good chemistry with Laura Wight, and was interested to see where they took the story with Brennan and Carly. And I liked the “man of mystery” aspect he brought to the character. This casting news is really unfortunate.

I’m not familiar with Chris McKenna, but I wish him well. Brennan is one of the more interesting new characters they’ve brought on in a while, hopefully that will continue.

No,no,no !! No recast for Brenan !!!! This is ridiculous. As soon as GH gets a winning couple, they blow it up. With killing off Sam, firing Finn and this Willow / Drew garbage, This show is not worth watching.

You did not even read the article; Charles Mesure left, on his own accord, so the show recast to continue the role.

NOOOOOOOO… OMG…. Brennan and Carly had SUCH CHEMISTRY!!!! I am so heartbroken!!!!

I could lose my mind over this! I have been waiting for them to get together forever! When he grabbed Carly & kissed her . . . Nothing against the new guy who I do remember from OLTL but my God. I was really invested in Jack (Mesure’s) & Carly. Will new guy have the accent? And devilish expression?

I hate it!!! It is not fair! I loved our ORIGINAL Brennen! And this guy looks too much like Sonny! Please get us back our REAL Brennen! Or we’ll stop watching!

SunnyDey, that’s sounds a little drastic. The previous actor playing the part chose to leave. Its completely fair because it was his choice.

GH should have spent more time finding a more suitable recast

This portrayal of Jack Brennen fails when comparing with the original Ausie character portraying him. He’s too American to be a WSB agent.

Breaking News

‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Breaking News

ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know 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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