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General Hospital Celebrates 13,000 Episode Milestone! ABC7 Los Angeles Speaks With Frank Valentini and Maurice Benard!

By Michael Fairman

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12 years ago

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Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

This afternoon the cast and crew of General Hospital took a few minutes out of their work day to honor the series 13,0000 episode milestone of ABC soap opera!

Member of the press gathered as executive producer Frank Valentini presided over the cake cutting ceremony which also saw series star Maura West, Sean Blakemore,  Maurice Benard, Kathleen Gati, Thaao Penghlis, William deVry, Finola Hughes, Rebecca Herbst, Sean Kanan, Ryan Paevey, and the executive in charge of General Hospital from ABC, Vicki Dummer.

After the cake-cutting, ABC 7’s entertainment guru, George Pennacchio nabbed the busy Valentini and long running series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) outside of the soundstages to talk about their 13,000 episode milestone and what to look forward to in the months ahead during the ABC 7 late afternoon newscast!

Find out what Frank said after the jump!  And congratulations General Hospital another tremendous achievement!

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wow!! 13,0000 episode’s ..
Longevity at it’s finest ..

Maurice Benard (Sonny is a cornerstone of GH and has dedicated decades to Sonny.. why to go Maurice !!!!

Long Live GH!! till the 26,0000 episode !!!!!

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I am happy to hear they are showing GH in the rec room in between Bingo and cracker time.

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Good one, Harry!!! Sounds like someone was on a sugar high there. By the way, am I safe to assume that the snappy Sappy “cake crack” came from you, too???? Saw it in my inbox….(excellent observation….) but alas, it did not pass muster from “Mr./Ms. Moderator!” Hey….it happens to the best of us….more often than we would like to admit…. : )

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Shay, wish I could claim credit for the ‘cake crack” comment, but alas, it was not me.
I am finding that any time I use the phrase “Sparkle Pony” my comments disappear. I swear this is worse than communism.

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I’m kinda, a lil, bit, soured… on all the brouhaha…. doted on FV and RC

blech… on the writing of Scrubs…. this couple… my dream couple… coulda woulda shoulda been IN LOVE…. from the get go…. what’s the point now? I will back burner these two… and hope the writers give the fans respect and not pair….. Patrick and Sabrina….. it’s too much of an upheaval… writing is apparently all that… because… these two actors had chemistry in spades… untouchable…. what on earth happened…. shell shocked… till all the firestorm… ebbs… please give Dr. Patrick Drake a whole new direction

seriously… if GH wants to remain vital and score points with a chore audience… it is the Puerto rican… latin community that would enjoy Sabrina and Carlos… Carlos is good… he has that potential… and i’d dare say… Sabrina has had to vamp it up… amp up her acting chops… and it shows she’s not one dimensional.. and sugary sappy sweet honest to godliness…. enuf! comprende

where is AJ? I hope its not the destruction of AJ… he was doing so well at the Q manse with Traci and Monica… I wonder … if AJ and Ava coulda had a go round…. the bend… LOL…

Liz…. i’m stumped and have near given up… that this actor isn’t featured…. will the hiring of RIck Hearst be the catalyst at jump starting her resurgence?

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I know it was big disappointment for Scrub fans, but I think they knew from the get go that Robin would not be on canvas for long, so they didn’t write the reunion the way it might have gone if they knew they had her long term. No sense investing in scenes of how great this couple is if they know they will be tearing them apart in few months.

As for Sabrina the way she told the story to Patrick about Carlos, one would think they would write some scenes where Sabrina’s old love for the guy would surface. If he had been her first big love, she should be torn– but she treats him more like an annoying older brother– so I too would like to see more of what made them a couple in the past, now in present tense– that would be nice.

As for Liz I really, really hope she ends up with Patrick. Personally I think there is potential for them. Don’t want him back with Sabrina, never bought he loved her, loved her— but I can see that kind of love forming out his friendship with Liz, especially when Robin leaves once again.

As for A.J. they should wrap that story– tell us who killed Connie and if they are truly writing the character off the canvas they should have go off to rehab and start a new life somewhere new– maybe to come back another time when they can really do the character justice.

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I think that most of us are pretty nonplussed at this point, Patrick, and seeing Scorpio bidding adieu to Port Charles only compounds the disappointment and disgust! All the stops should have been pulled out to keep that marvelous man on the GH canvas…he’s a glittering gem of colossal charm, and would have been an awesome adversary to Thaao Penghlis’ returning Victor Cassadine. But hey, there are far more important efforts underway, i.e., the continued forcefeeding of “Sabzilla.” Just encountered a Frank quote on another soap website regarding the nurse’s preposterous pregnancy and he called it a “nice shot in the arm……..which keeps her viable and connected to Patrick.” (Delusional much there, Valentini?) So much for showing respect to “Scrubs” fans, not to mention that his very telling comment says it all….there has to be constant re-invention, poking and prodding to keep this character going since she has absolutely nothing to offer on her own. Talk about being tone deaf to the public’s very verbal responses. But that is just par for the course, isn’t it?….As for your suggestion to target Sobby and her Latin lover to their particular ethnic market, I’m just sick of the both of them and want to see them go, NOW! Good, gripping storylines, appealing, substantial characters and acting talent are universal….these elements matter so much more than trendy demographics when you are encountering a serial on a daily basis…and sadly these basics seem to have been sacrificed on the altar of “identity politics.” Let’s face it, there are many groups which are not currently being “represented” on GH, but it doesn’t mean that it deters those belonging to not tune in….that’s just life. In terms of AJ, it’s a true tragedy that SK’s considerable charisma and history with the show have been backburnered in favor of other really questionable plotlines….particularly letting his acquittal for murder going all but ignored whilst continuing his personal downward spiral. Really hope it is not an omen for his future with the show. Another huge disappointment is the ongoing lack of attention to Liz….would love to see her with Patrick, she was always my first choice for him, but in no uncertain terms do I wish for her to be reunited with that creep of an ex, Ric. His return is an unwelcome one for me…dude makes my skin crawl, and we already are having enough of those queasy moments with Scotty and Lucy’s nauseating lovefest….another hugely unnecessary plot machination, because, let’s face it, adultery is just so entertaining, particularly when a nice husband like “Doc” is involved! Oh well, it is what it is…just have to hold onto the few glimmering aspects like the uber-fab “Dr, O.,” Nik and Britt, the coming Cassadine tide and the legendary Shirley Jones and Donna Mills! February sweeps, here we come….

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Congratulations to everyone at GH!!! That’s a huge accomplishment with probably 1,000’s of people responsible over those 13,000 episodes! GH is the best!!! Let’s have 13,000 more!

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Hope this view reflects the future at GH?….Liz, AJ, Dr. O., Victor, Anna, Nik and well, yes more of the mob, but hey, you can’t have it all now can you???? The best part of this photo-op????? (Besides that yummy-looking cake, of course?) No Sabrina! And THAT is truly the icing on said baked good!!!!! Making a wish that it’s an eventual omen, even if not an immediate one…..At any rate, congrats GH on marking such an impressive milestone!!!!

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IA about no Sabrina being in the picture. Her character is horrid, and she should leave town like Ellie and Spinelli. Heck…where is Epiphany’s storyline-how come we don’t know anything more about her than her being the mother of Stan?

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I kind of liked Ellie.

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Excellent question, Sharonda! I love Epiphany….she always makes the most of her far too limited screentime, and is exceptionally talented. I have never understood why her character was not expanded to include relatives…so she lost a son, that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t have any other family? I repeatedly suggested that Felix should have been her nephew….that would have immediately given him credibility and they could have had a wonderful relationship around which to build a more substantial backstory for both of them. But instead we got him as an annoying, petty little busybody who is nothing more than Sappy’s lapdog…which makes him as non-persona grata to a lot of the viewers as she is!!!! P.S. Speaking of family ties, I also thought that it was a nice touch to make Brad related to those from the “Asian Quarter” storyline…it gave him some distance from Felix which he sorely needed. Between that GH historical heritage and his fling with Lucas, his character may just be redeemable after all….the only thing I would have added would have been to make his adoptive parents “Jade and Yank.” They were such a cute and cool couple from that era, and it would have been neat to hear mention made of them….maybe even have Tia Carrere and Patrick Bishop do a cameo as “Ma and Pa Cooper!” (Hey, they could have been in witness protection all these years, hence the surname!)

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13 is and has been an unlucky no. for me in anything… Hopefully, its just the opposite for the show…lol…just wish there werent any ‘Houdini’ disapearing acts with certain characters like A.J. for instance…he was shown starting to remember the night of Connies murder…then suddenly not shown…i know its a large cast and actors cant be shown everyday but A.J.s story about Connies murder should be more front and center, and should be solved during at least by Feb. sweeps…i know it looks like Ava done it but i like Mary SFs idea better that it was Alice since she is a character rarely seen and could easily written out for long period but i want Ava to stick around!!! Maybe if it was Alice she couldve done the killing for A.J. but also for the Jeromes…let Alice be a secret member of the Jerome mob crime family!!!

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The nurses ball again…great…just wish they wouldve taken my suggestion from a year ago and made it a 2 hr. live real fundraiser kinda like the Jerry Lewis telethon! Cant believe its almost been another year!!! Time flies when your having fun!!!

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Prospect studios? Any connection to Prospect Park? Just curious!!!

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At the 2015 nurses ball…on stage Patrick is tenderly holding Sabrina in his arms…and as they gaze lovingly into each others eyes, Patrick sings to a happily sobbing Sabrina, with the love he has felt for no other, ”You’re Having My Baby”…lol

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That would have been nice. Instead, they made it Disney on Ice starring Sparkle Pony.

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It’s so sad to see Sean Kanan there when rumors are flying that they are going to let him go. I bet they didn’t even let AJ has some cake just like the guy from the movie Office Space.
If they are stupid enough to let Sean go, I hope he at least gets to keep his red stapler.

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GH is on fire and always entertaining with some kick butt acting..In my opinion the best acted show in daytime..I am so happy it got “renew” by ABC..Here is to more 13,000 episodes!!! AJ and Carly have some serious chemistry and I hope the writers sense that and get a story going there and lets wrap up the Kate/Connie murder and hopefully it is not Ava, since this character is so deliciously entertaining!! Maura you rock!!

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Go, GH! I still don’t get Sonny’s popularity. Women want to save “bad boy” Sonny?? Makes no sense to me.

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Beyond the Gates

TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up

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1 hour ago

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July 14, 2026

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Now that this year’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Nominations have been announced, several of the acting nominees will share their reactions and more to learning they are going for gold when the ceremony rolls around on October 30.

However, tonight on Tuesday July 14 beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT, Michael Fairman once again host his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations special live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.

Scheduled to appear thus far are: Beyond the Gates stars, Lead Actress nominee: Karla Mosley (Dani), Supporting Actress nominee: Trisha Mann-Grant (Leslie), and Supporting Actor nominees: Mike Manning (Smitty) and Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill).

From The Young and the Restless: Lead Actress nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Lead Actor nominee Christian LeBlanc (Michael), Supporting Actress nominee Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Supporting Actor nominee Sean Dominic (Nate).

In addition look for General Hospital’s Supporting Actress nominee Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), from Days of Our Lives, Outstanding Guest Performer nominee, Christopher Sean (Paul) and from The Bold and the Beautiful Lead Actor nominee Scott Clifton (Liam) and Supporting Actor nominee Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter) plus more featured guests.

So, what did you think of this year’s Emmy nominations for Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless?

Be with us in the live chat with your questions and comments on this year’s nominations and for our special guests.

For upcoming celebrity features, livestreams, special event coverage and more, make sure to “subscribe” to the Michael Fairman Channel.

So, looking forward to tonight’s special show with the nominees? Let us know via the comment section below and if you can’t be with us live, if you have any questions you want posed to our special guests and we just might ask during the broadcast.

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Beyond the Gates

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16

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8 hours ago

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July 14, 2026

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The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.

The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.

The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.

Photo: CBS

In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”

“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”

The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.

Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!

Photo: JPI

Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful

Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates

Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital

Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View

Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri

Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra

Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court

Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre

Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime

Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program

Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”

Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program

Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273

So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’

Published

9 hours ago

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July 14, 2026

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The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).

Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.

Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.

Photo: JPI

FOR LESLIE CHARLESON

Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”

Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).

Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.

“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”

Photo: JPI

SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?

During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.

Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.

You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.

Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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