General Hospital
General Hospital Celebrates its 58th Anniversary Today
When you think of the legacy juggernaut that is ABC’s General Hospital, take a moment to reflect on all the wonderful characters and stories through the years, and the doctors, nurses, mobsters, and residents past and present of Port Charles, that you followed along the way day in and day out.
April 1st, 1963 marks the 58th anniversary of the daytime drama series; while another very famous soap series also premiered that day, The Doctors.

Photo: ABC
From the Hardys and the Brewers, to the Quartermaines and the Cassasdines, to the Spencers, Webbers and Corinthos clan, the series has had something for everybody during its now close to six decade run.
GH was created by the husband and wife team of Frank and Doris Hursley and has has 9 executive producers over its history, with its current EP being Frank Valentini who took over the show back in 2012.
On social media today, Valentini tweeted: “Happy Anniversary GH! 58 years young! Thank you ABC and all of the fans over the years -much love and appreciation.”
Throughout its history, the show has delivered heartbreaking social issues and medical dramas, unforgettable performances, romance, intrigue, high -adventure, and more.
The official GH twitter account shared on this milestone: “Not a joke, just a fact – #GH turns 58 today and we wouldn’t be here with you. On behalf of the entire cast and crew of #GeneralHospital, thank you for your support. Happy Anniversary!”
Check out the first episode of GH below.
Now, share your congratulations and well-wishes to the GH cast – past and present, the crew, and creatives for 58 years of storytelling and performances via the comment section.
My, oh my. That takes me back. I was watching when that first episode originally aired and was instantly hooked on General Hospital. I fell in love with Dr. Hardy and with Nurse Jessie and was terribly worried about poor Angie. Of course, I was only 11 at the time. Emily McLaughlin and John Beradino has a tremendous impact on my life.
Very Happy 58th anniversary General Hospital. Long may you reign!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy 58th Anniversary, General Hospital!
Haven’t heard whether or not there were plans for a “special anniversary episode” this year, but given the number of preempted episodes so far in 2021, if there is one, we probably won’t see it until the middle of the month at the earliest.
I know they’re behind because of pre-emptions, but I hope there’s a special episode coming up for the anniversary
Yeah, and they’ll probably preempt that one too. Just like the idiotic preemption today. Yeah, one guy went crazy and crashed his car into a fence. Sad for him, sadder for the cop he killed in the process, but certainly nothing that couldn’t have waited another 15 minutes for ABC to report on it.
If they can’t do that (even though they have a literal 24 hour live news channel now, so why interrupt at all) then they should open up streaming access to the episodes at 8 PM Eastern time, the same day, and NOT require you to be a financial hostage of the cable industry to watch. NBC manages to do this with Days, and they’re literally owned by the greediest cable company on your side of the Earth’s crust.
Satan – what happened in Washington is real life. Here and now in reality. A man lost his life! Children lost their father! A darn sight more important than the fictional world of GH. Laura, Sonny, Carly and the rest will still be seen most days.
They still have years to go to tie and beat Guiding Light!
Light years in fact! 🙂
General Hospital already has a longer TV run than Guiding Light.
Never thought I’d see the day when I would come to this site and find a picture of Emily McLaughlin and John Beradino! What a pleasant surprise! Just a suggestion: for the next story on a GH anniversary, why not include a picture of Rachel Ames, the longest running actress (or actor) in the show’s history…
I will just tactfully add that my favorite time period of GH was the late 60s/early 70s. I really miss THOSE characters and will always remember them!
@Jamesj75…That was always my favourite period of the programme as well. Me gran and I used to watch together. To this day, I can still see Audrey pulling a gun from the back of her toilet which had been used to murder her son’s (Stevie at the time) baby sitter! I was fascinated by that! Also, poor Jessie with a geode in her hand sprawled out on the floor in shock after finding Phil Brewer murdered by Augusta McLeod! Her young niece and nephew staying with her as well. The nephew being portrayed by a very young Luke Skywalker! Those, indeed, were the days…X
Hello Eden! Thanks so much for your response! So glad I noticed it… I had forgotten about how Audrey initially called her son Stevie and then, later, Tommy. I almost forgot about that “very young Luke Skywalker” character!
The murder of Phil Brewer was a great mystery with a variety of suspects, including my all-time favorite, Diana Taylor (as played by Valerie Starrett), and her husband Dr. Peter Taylor (Craig Huebing). I thoroughly enjoyed their love story more than any other storyline. Other characters from that period I enjoyed were Steve Hardy, Jessie Brewer, Audrey Hobart/Hardy, Jane and Howie Dawson, Jim Hobart, Lucille March, Sharon and Henry Pinkham, Augusta McLeod, Lee Baldwin, among others. Like you, I can vividly remember certain scenes (many involving Diana). I even remember the sexy music they would often play when Augusta entered a scene…
Isn’t that a kick!?!? Best to you, Eden!
Oops. I forgot Lesley and Cameron…
General Hospital
Kate Mansi Wraps On-Screen Run as ‘General Hospital’s’ Kristina Corinthos-Davis
The Friday, June 12 episode of General Hospital marked the last for Daytime Emmy winner, Kate Mansi as Kristina Corinthos-Davis. As previously reported, the character was accepted to medical school at UCLA in California, making the end of the run for Mansi who played Kristina for three years.
The decision to depart GH was all Mansi’s decision and as also previously reported, GH executive producer Frank Valentini had left the door open for a return down the line and is currently not planning on recasting the part.
In story, in her final episode, having already said goodbye on Thursday’s show to her parents, Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), Kristina meets up with her siblings, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) and Michael (Rory Gibson). The three have a chat at the Metro Court Gardens.

Courtesy/ABC
SIBLING ADVICE
Before she leaves Port Charles, Kristina tells her brother and sister, she wants them to be there for each other, while each is managing their personal relationships: Molly with Cody (Josh Kelly) and Michael with Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Kristina thanked them for taking her to the airport and urged them to lean on each other while she was gone.
In her last scene, Kristina tells Molly and Michael right before they head for her flight, “I want each of you to be the person the other can call. OK? To show up for each other, no questions asked. Because that’s what you’ve been for me.”
KATE’S NEXT MOVE
Speaking with TV Insider, Mansi shared what she is up to next which has included accompanying her husband, Matt McInnis to Europe. Kate explained she had made the decision a few months back to exit GH. “I knew my contract was up in April and I wanted to give them the proper notice so that they could plan their future storytelling.” Kate added, “Given that my husband is working in Europe predominantly and I’ll be traveling so much, that’s what this next chapter of my life will be.”
Kate expressed that the news of her exit was hard to share with people, because she would feel sad when talking about it. Ultimately, the first to know were Nancy Lee Grahn, Kristen Vaganos, and Rory Gibson. She chose not to tell Maurice Benard, because she was so close to him in real-life, until they filmed their last episode together which aired yesterday.
There’s more! Kate gave a final tease that she has project in the works sharing, “I’m excited to have booked a short-term project in the fall that works within my schedule.” As to a future return to GH, Mansi doesn’t rule it out, “It’s Port Charles. Anything is possible.”
So, what did you think of Kate’s final scenes as Kristina with Sonny, Alexis, Molly and Michael? Do you hope Kate come back in a few years time? Weigh-in via the comment section. In case you missed it, you can catch the scenes where Kristina tells her parents she is leaving Port Charles below.
General Hospital
Troy Lennon Appel Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ in Contract Role of the Mysterious ‘Hudson’
There are even more newbies coming to General Hospital with the news today that Troy Lennon Appel is joining the cast of the ABC daytime drama series in the contract role of “Hudson.” Look for Appel to make his debut on the July 30th episode.
What we do know is that Hudson is a business executive with mysterious ties. As first reported by TV Insider, Troy has already been enjoying his time on the legacy soap opera. He enthused, “Working on GH has been nothing short of an incredible, fast-paced experience, Everyone is very professional; they’re on top of every intricate part of this very established, well-oiled machine, and I’m just trying to keep up and not halt the process in any way.”
In a statement, General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini expressed: “Troy is a terrific guy, and we are excited to have him join our cast. And fans will be intrigued to see how his character fits into the story.“
FOUR NEWCOMERS IN SHORT ORDER
Appel’s casting comes on the heels of three other major additions coming to Port Charles, and all should be landing on-air next month in July. As previously reported, Dean Geyer has joined the cast as Tristan Robert and is set to debut on the July 13 episode. Daytime vet, Kelly Kruger (ex-B&B and Y&R) has signed on to play the new Serena Baldwin and Kayden Brenna Tokarski is the new Scout Cain, the daughter of Drew (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam (Kelly Monaco).
Apple added on his GH experience thus far, “So many of the cast and crew have gone out of their way to welcome me, and I am immensely grateful for how simple and easy this transition has been. I owe it all to them. They know what they’re doing, and I hope to learn as much as I can and add to the show, to the best of my ability.”
Troy’s previous credits have included: Revenge Best Served Chilled, Blackmail, Lies and Murder, and Lethally Blonde. Finding Master Right and Menflix, and he appeared with The Goldbergs star Hayley Orrantia’s music video for her single, “Find Yourself Somebody.”
So, what do you think about the casting of Troy Lennon Appel to General Hospital? Who will Hudson actually have ties to, since it is a contract role? Will you be intrigued to see all the new arrivals next month in Port Charles? Let us know via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Avery Pohl Joins Cast of Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Series
Previously on General Hospital, Esme Prince caused so much trouble for Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) until the character went overboard and was presumed dead back in January of 2024.
Esme’s portrayer, Avery Pohl was heralded by GH fans as one of the great young baddies in recent memory. And now, Pohl is taking her talents to the new Netflix series, and joining the Scooby-Doo universe in an undisclosed role in the upcoming show, Scooby-Doo Orgins!
News of Pohl’s casting came via Deadline when they revealed 12 actors joining the upcoming live-action series which also includes notables: Sara Gilbert (ex-The Talk and The Connors), and Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks), plus previously announced, MacKenna Grace (ex-Faith, The Young and the Restless) who plays the central role of Daphne Blake. Tanner Hagen takes on Shaggy Rogers, Abby Ryder Fortson plays Velma Dinkley, Maxwell Jenkins is Fred Jones, and even Paul Walter Hauser also appears in a secret role, and not to be left out, Scooby-Doo himself.

Courtesy/ABC
ZOINKS, RUH-RO AND JEEPERS!
Avery Pohl took to her Instagram upon the reveal of her new project and said, “Dog’s outta the bag. So grateful to work with so many talented and kind individuals.” Immediately many of her former GH castmates congratulated the actress including: Tabyana Ali and her predecessor in the role of Trina, Sydney Mikalya and Eden McCoy (Josslyn).
According to the official loglines for Scooby-Doo Origins, its a, “Modern reimagining of the iconic mystery-solving group of teens and their very special dog. During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder. Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”
The series, which introduced supernatural mystery-solving teens Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, and Shaggy Rogers and their talking Great Dane Scooby-Doo, originally aired on CBS from 1969-76. It then moved to ABC, where various versions of the show aired until 1986. The Scooby-Doo franchise has also released three movies more than adozen animated series, and over 40 animated home entertainment movies.
WILL ESME PRINCE RETURN TO GH?
Pohl received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2025, in the Outstanding Guest Performer category and initially debuted on GH back in 2021.
In case you missed it, Avery participated in a livestream chat last year along with GH’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow) and their acting coach and soap alum Holly Gagnier (ex-Days, GH, and OLTL) on the Michael Fairman Channel. You can check it out below.
Now, share your congrats for Avery on landing her upcoming role in ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Let us know, if you hope GH brings back Esme one day and Spencer Cassadine via the comment section.
View this post on Instagram
-
Breaking News4 days ago‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
-
Beyond the Gates1 week ago2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
-
General Hospital1 week agoMarc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’
-
General Hospital7 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Cullum Kidnaps Obrecht as Britt’s Replacement to Finish Faison’s Final Project
-
General Hospital5 days agoKirsten Storms Addresses ‘General Hospital’ Status, Restraining Order Filed by Brandon Barash, and Clarification on Alleged Break-In
-
General Hospital5 days agoY&R Alum Kelly Kruger Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ as Serena Baldwin
-
News1 week agoShemar Moore Makes Another Return to ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Malcolm Winters
-
Breaking News1 week ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July