Breaking News
GH Casting Shocker: Chris McKenna IN, Charles Mesure OUT, in the Role of Jack Brennan
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.
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
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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This week starts with heartbreaking news. Patrick Muldoon, best known for his roles as the original Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives and later as Richard Hart on Melrose Place, died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 57. Reports indicate his death was sudden following a heart attack.
Muldoon’s sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, told TMZ on Monday more details on her brother’s death, “Patrick went to take a shower Sunday morning after drinking coffee with his girlfriend in their Beverly Hills home. His girlfriend decided to check on him after he was taking too long and found him unconscious on the bathroom floor?” Shana added that paramedics rushed over and tried to revive Patrick, but there was nothing anyone could do.
Soap fans first saw Muldoon as Kate’s (Lauren Koslow) son on DAYS back in 1992, where he quickly became a fan favorite during the on-screen love story between Austin and Carrie Brady (Christie Clarke). Patrick left the series in 1995. He later made comeback for appearances in 2011 and 2012.
Photo: JPI
On Melrose Place, he played bad buy Richard Hart from 1995-1996. Patrick launched his acting career while in college landing the role of Matt in the 1990 sitcom Who’s The Boss? alongside the likes of Judith Light (ex-Karen, OLTL) and Tony Danza. Following his graduation, Patrick nabbed a recurring role as Jeffrey Hunter in Saved By The Bell by 1991.
Throughout his decades long career, Muldoon also starred in several motion and TV series including his leading roile in Starship Troopers (1997). He also had parts in Deadlock (2021), Vanquish (2021), Dakota (2022), Marlowe (2022), and Murder At Hollow Creek (2023).
Photo: JPI
Not only was Patrick an actors, but a producer and a musician and singer. He often made appearances and put out music with his band, The Sleeping Masses. Muldoon was the band’s lead singer and guitar player. Patrick was also a producer of TV and film projects.
At the time of his death, Patrick was also an executive producer on a the movie “Kockroach,” which is currently in production.
Taking to his Instagram, just a few days before his death, Muldoon expressed,“So excited to be a part of this amazing project KOCKROACH directed by Matt Ross starring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Edgerton, Zazzie Beetz And Alec Baldwin. Filming now in Australia,” he captioned his post.
Sadly, on April 24, Muldoon can be seen in his 2025 film Dirty Hands also festuring Denise Richards (ex-B&B, RHOBH), which will be released on digital streaming platforms on VOD.
Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart; parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Shana and Ahmet Zappa; and their children, Muldoon’s beloved niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.
Share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Patrick Muldoon via the comment section, which is followed below by the trailer Dirty Hands due out later this week on digital platforms.
All My Children and Hallmark alum, Jonathan Bennett has been cast in the newly-created role on General Hospital as Joe Fitzpatrick.
Look for Bennett to make his debut on the ABC soap opera next month in May. Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans for his work as JR Chandler on All My Children from 2000-2001. Later, he landed the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout role.
Jonathan would go on to star in seven Hallmark Channel movies and then hosting and producing the network’s reality competition show Finding Mr. Christmas, Bennett has also appeared as a contestant on Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars, plus Celebrity Big Brother in 2019, and he starred on Broadway in Spamalot.
Courtesy/ABC
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital shared to Deadline who first reported the casting news, “We’re so excited to have Jonathan joining our cast. He’s a tremendous talent and will be a fantastic addition to ‘GH.’
After the news broke, Bennett took to his Instagram and shared, “There’s a new guy in town…” Meanwhile, the official General Hospital account shared a pic and expressed, “He’s already tired of us telling him his hair looks sexy pushed back. Welcome to the family, Jonathan Bennett.
Bennett is married to Jaymes Vaughan. Back in 2022, they became the first gay couple to appear on the cover of the wedding magazine, The Knot.
So, what do you think of the casting of Jonathan as Joe Fitzpatrick? Is he the new man for Lucas? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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