General Hospital
General Hospital Celebrates 13,000 Episode Milestone! ABC7 Los Angeles Speaks With Frank Valentini and Maurice Benard!
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!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!
In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?
Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!
Courtesy/ABC
FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS
The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!
Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’
In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.
The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.
Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”
Photo: CDuellIG
SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.
The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.
In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, but what happens sometimes is if you’re doing the same thing, especially in a creative field for such a long time, you can get a little burnt out in a way. It can make you a little depressed, so that’s kind of what happened. On top of that, I had other things going on in my life at the time. My father passed away recently and I just needed a reset. So, I stepped away. A lot of times you have to go through some stuff to really step into that next level. I needed to kind of feel uncomfortable.”
So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Marlena Looks Back at 50 Years in Salem
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
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‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
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General Hospital2 days agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
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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 !!!!!
I am happy to hear they are showing GH in the rec room in between Bingo and cracker time.
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…. : )
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.
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?
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.
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….
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!
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!!!!
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?
I kind of liked Ellie.
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!)
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!!!
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!!!
Prospect studios? Any connection to Prospect Park? Just curious!!!
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
That would have been nice. Instead, they made it Disney on Ice starring Sparkle Pony.
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.
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!!
Go, GH! I still don’t get Sonny’s popularity. Women want to save “bad boy” Sonny?? Makes no sense to me.