General Hospital
General Hospital Celebrates Its 52nd Anniversary Today!
Courtesy/ABC
ABC’s General Hospital is celebrating its 52nd anniversary! The show which debuted on April 1, 1963 just received 28 Daytime Emmy nominations yesterday leading the pack of any other series on daytime television.
The doctors, nurses, mobsters, and characters that have inhabited Port Charles over the decades have kept many long time fans coming back for more drama each day, while garnering new fans along the way.
To mark the anniversary today, the long running series has a very special episode on tap where we turn back the clock to 1963 and watch the original GH character of Dr. Steve Hardy, Nurse Jessie Brewer, and Intern Phil Brewer as played by today’s current cast members of Daytime Emmy nominee Jason Thompson (Patrick), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth) and Ryan Carnes (Lucas). Their scenes will be seen in black and white. And today is the day fans have been promised the reveal of what caused Luke’s (Anthony Geary) mind to splinter so badly, and the harrowing secret that somewhere resides in the Spencer’s old home.
Share your congrats to GH today in the comments section below for their 52-year run continuing to make it the longest running soap on television in the comment section below!
I would have preferred to see clips of the original cast members (if available) rather than current actors.
I agree Carol. I’ve been watching since the late 60s and remember Jessie and Steve and Audrey so well being the heart and soul of General Hospital.
With that said – bravo for the bow to these great characters.
GHs best episode in a long time, and su i didnt even turn off my tv set and read a book…lol…guess the bomb just blew up the basement—rest of the house looks ok—Tims skeleton shouldve craweled up the basement stairs and terrorized them all and then shouts at the audience ‘April Fool’…young Luke and young Patricia were a lot better acting then the regular cast members—young Patricia shouldve played Kiki…lol…Luke accidentally killed mommy like someone predicted—i did say Tims body was buried in the basement but i thought Aunt Ruby was goin to be the one to do—maybe theyll keep the house and open up a bed and breakfast inn—kidding—it is April Fools Day which is celebrated everyday on GH…lol
I liked the flashbacks…wish they could have stayed in the past being it was GHs best written episode in a long time—RH looked a lot like Jessie Brewers—i miss nurses in white—many looked hot in those uniforms—today i couldnt tell a nurse from an avon lady—lol—all the actors were at their best—this is the episode they should summit for an emmy next year!!!
jimh, you’re absolutely correct. I am often critical of GH for a variety of reasons. But I read about this special anniversary episode and was blown away! You and so many other posters here have echoed these same sentiments. This, indeed, was a great day in GH history.
Well written James. So much of GH has become HO-hum. Not there two episodes! A gift to us fans!
Thanks, Patricio! You’re so right. Take care.
Just finish watching the show– thought the way they chose to reveal everything, the tie in with the first show and the use of black and white, was all well done. One of the better anniversary shows I’ve seen on soaps. Now all they have to do tie up all the loose ends on the Fluke story and I’ll be happy.
The writing and acting was superb. They deserve Emmy’s for their work. Heck, an Oscar wouldn’t hurt either.
Happy 52nd GH, my all time favorite Soap Opera 🙂 again, Congrats to all Cast and Crew.
Congrats to GH on 52 years, and hopefully many more to come! It’s truly an amazing run. And to think that a few years ago, many people (rightfully so) had doubts that it would survive. It’s fun to take a look back at what else aired on TV in 1963, both in daytime and primetime, in the days long before cable. Times sure have changed, but GH has always been a constant in being there to keep up with the times.
The episode was excellent!!! Paid tribute to the past and the founding cast. Hopefully it will wrap up the Luke sl finally.
Not sure who the girl was playing young Patricia, but they should have her come back and play Kiki. She is way better than the girl playing her now.
Amen. I agree 100%!
I agree, for these flashback scenes they really found some talented actors.
Today’s GH was AWESOME! Congratulations Gh for 52 wonderful years. Congratulations to Frank and Ron for telling us Spencer story in such a intense, moving way. Congratulations to the entire ensemble for making us feel we are part of the story lines. The only negative remark goes to ABC7NY for interrupting the last minute today for non-breaking news. That showed nothing but disrespect for GH, it’s 52nd anniversary and the devoted fans.
Congratulations on being on for generations, to enjoy a show that means so much to so many for decades. SPOILER ALERT DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE EPISODE. I am curious that Laura Wright played her own character’s grandmother. Are they saying Carlyle looked like Lena, if that is the case why haven’t it been mentioned before. I know ifSommer a relative who is a dead ringer(no pun intended) I would mention it to that relative. In my family , my maternal grandmother and her younger sister looked so much a like, even as a kid I use to do double takes, when they were in the same room.
THAT was amazing. I was so over the Luke story, but it had me transfixed. Loved the way they paid homage to original GH in an organic way that made sense. And I was so moved by it all–by the amazing performances–especially of the young actors who played Patricia and Luke–by Laura Wright inhabiting a role that is the polar opposite of Carly–I cried at the end.
Well done all around.
Right on Lucy! This show has so much potential!
For me, on a whole…I wasn’t all that impressed with this special episode.
And, it would be cool if GH borrowed Guy Wilson (from DAYS) to portray young-Luke once again.
Phenomenal show today. I know this this was centered around Luke and Geary did a awesome job, but my god, Laura Wright’s portrayal of Lena Spencer was outstanding. There was no traces of Carly anywhere. She was the best thing about this episode to me. Now, the actors who played young Luke and Patricia, I want them on contract right now. Summer is coming up. I say we soras all the babies, (Joss, Cameron, Spencer, Emma)
As for the big reveal, I knew where the writers were going. It was predictable, but I didn’t care. What a fabulous episode. Adding Bill into the mix was perfect. If only GH was like this every week. I’d take stuff like this over the usual crap any day.
I’m with you guy! I too was hoping Laura would not be overlooked. These family storylines go so deep . I can’t take these gangster stories. They are ALL. Dead ends.
Complete unravelment as Luke faces his past sins with his sisters by his side.
Did not see that ONE coming!!! And then to have him take on the personality of Bill
the man who long ago protected him,only to reveal the truth to him as he lay dying.
Telling him to forgive himself for what happened to his mother, NO wonder Luke lost
it.
This is why I watch GH. This reminds me of the good old days. Frank and Ron have done a fabulous job since taking over from Jill years ago. The campy stuff is fine from time to time, but it’s wonderful to see actual dramatic storylines from time to time. I can’t say enough of how well Jane, Jackie, Dee, Emme, Dominic, the younger versions of Luke, Bobbie and Pat, Laura and especially Tony have done. An A++++ episode!
Very well done episode today ! Kudos !
Just watched it on my dvr and it was a really great episode. Very well done. Great tribute to the past. The acting was very good by all. And the young Spencer actors did a great job. Really enjoyed it! And I actually cared about Luke again!
Bravo! A wonderful episode.
Wow. Today was powerful. Brought back some not so great personal memories / feelings. Emmys for TG, LW and whoever played young Luke.
If they got 28 nominations this year they should get 128 for next year for this RETRO GH! EVERYONE involved should be applauded. My God, where to start? The casting of the Spencer kids were phenomenal! They mixed history, black and white and the current story masterfully. Tony Geary as Tim Spencer was off the charts. To see Luke watching [Remembering] what had happened as this talented cast plays out the Spencer history is unlike anything I have EVER seen on TV, day or night. Watching Tony as Tim really makes you wonder why the hell hasnt this guy done any other acting besides GH in such a long time. I won’t spoil the ending for Wednesdays show but watching Luke at the end as the puzzle pieces finally fit, well, its a Daytime Lifetime Achievement Award Performance. Thank you Mr. Geay!
This was a very good episode! It was well acted, well written, and FINALLY revealed the truth about what caused Luke’s split. We finally got the answer, and it’s a lot more grim than I initially thought. My theory was that Tim was sexually abusing Patricia and Bobbie and Luke killed him to protect his sisters. But I feel like the way things actually happened has a much larger affect on Luke, having killed both his parents in one night. I’m happy we finally got some closure with this story. One thing though, for anyone who watched GH back when Bill Eckert was on, did he actually say those words to Luke when he died about forgiving himself for what he did to his mother? That’s the one area I was a bit unsure about.
Also kudos to the two actors who played young Patricia and Luke, they were great, especially the actress. And that showdown between Tony Geary as Tim and young Luke was SO good! I also really enjoyed seeing Patrick, Elizabeth and Lucas playing Steve, Jessie and Phil. Great nod to history and a great episode for the show’s 52nd!
Happy 52nd GH! Nice acting by Jason, Rebecca and Ryan in playing the roles of some of the original GH cornerstones. Good reenactment of what happened with Luke and family when he was a child. But, with as long as this was drawn out, I was expecting a more complex situation behind it all. Not to understate the impact killing both of one’s parents can have on someone, but somehow the multiple personality we’ve been seeing with Fluke as one who is so violent, just doesn’t seem to fit well with what really happened.
It was a good show except the writers screwed up so bad. Did anyone remember that the house was blown up a few weeks ago with Dante and Det. West barely making it out. Apparently the writers didn’t because there was the whole clan there and the furniture was even unaffected by the explosion Hmm real dumb. Should have been standing by the charred remains of the house.
In a word – it was simply A M A Z I N G !!!
Loving GH, happy anniversary! Looking forward to many more years.
1st thing I noticed was Elizabeth Korte wrote the episode solo! Squeal! She’s usually the breakdown writer, but I so loved her scripts from 90’s & 2000’s! She’s done it all. I was instantly felt my 90’s GH feels-noticed the depth immediately! I was dropping tears at 10 mins in. To see this episode was going to exceed my greatest expectations was overwhelming paired w/GH’s 28 Emmy noms. This is when I realized how much the GH hate & bashing it receives does wear me out.
I’m no poet like the other posters. Just loved how they tied the mom’s trip to GH to the premiere date! Young Bobbie Spencer screaming April Fool’s. Luke’s expressions as the story unfolded. Young Luke and especially Young Pat-sign them on as new young characters immediately-tie them in w/vets. Lila Rae? Mary Tyler Moore comment. Loved that Spencer girl Carly being weaved in as Luke’s mom-stellar job! The last minute twist-Luke accidentally hit his mom w/bat: wow! Patricia was so much more than I expected. She’s warm & soft, not harsh & campy like I feared. She bounced beautifully off of all the Spencer clan, esp Luke. More Dee Wallace please.
Jason Thompson nailing Dr. Steve Hardy’s rigid, absolute, compassionate spirit. This man studies his craft. Becky & Ryan C’s were both perfection. Loved the black & white. The old GH opening: ambulance & shot of GH! Miss that.
Congrats to the cast and crew for the hard work, love & care they handled this show with. I can’t recall in any of my 45 yrs ever seeing the stunning & staggering compliments all over social media. This is bigger, stronger than Hallowedding Sweeps, any GH sweeps thus far-it’s not even sweeps. GH/ABC advertised this in primetime many times. What’s going on here? GH is no longer the red-headed stepchild. Even the diehard, hardcore social media whiners are conceding the show rocks. Only a straggler here & there whining they didn’t like. If 1 can’t grasp what this was today, soaps are NOT for you! This was dark but soapy as HELL.
All that was missing was Lucky and Laura-I refuse to give up-we still have tomorrow.
Let’s use this as a template writers and reach for this each day! Now that I know you can Cartini, I expect you to!
EXCELLENT…
Congratulations to everyone on and off screen.
You all did an excellent job.
I sincerely enjoyed it.
It was a fantastic and powerful show. I really enjoyed the black and white stuff. Great job by all involved.
I watched GH’s debut on April 1, 1963 and was a regular viewer until 2005. I decided to watch this episode because of the salute to the past. Jason Thompson nailed Dr. Hardy. And, Elizabeth Herbst nailed the beloved Jessie Brewer. Both performances brought tears to my eye. How I loved those wonderful characters. Hats off to Laura Wright. She gave a very moving performance as the abused wife. As always, superb work by Anthony Geary.
That show was fantastic – except that my Comcast had a blank screen for the first 28 minutes. So I missed alot – please show it again – as a flashback, or something so we can experience the whole show.
Loved this episode and how they used a statement from 20 years that Bill made to Luke and brought it back almost like it was a set up for this, way back then. I wish when the writers touch on something from past they would run with it, think out of the box, like last year and Aztec Treasure I think they blew what could have been an exciting story line by having pieces of the treasure resurface, I loved those can’t wait to get home to see what happens stories. Happy 52nd GH!
I was blown away!!!
I have never seen anything as GH’s 52nd show on any other soap..
GH is indeed phenomenal..
The writers, actors crew do bring us their best..
I LOVED IT !!!
……….. watched it twice !! .. it deserved a second viewing..
Hand over next years EMMYs now.
What a joy to see drama and strohrytelling in a way ONLY long term soaps can do.
GH would return to its heyday ibis they could drop the mob and focus on family. They added years to OLTL VALENT-tini and their team can do it!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
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Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
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