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.
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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