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
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
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