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GH’s Chris McKenna on the Potential of Sharing Scenes with Erika Slezak: “What I Wouldn’t Do to Work with Her for One Day Again”

By Michael Fairman

Published

1 year ago

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Photo: JPI

Will General Hospital’s Chris McKenna (Jack, GH and ex-Joey, OLTL) have his wish granted, and get the opportunity to work with his former TV mom, Erika Slezak (ex-Viki), now that the six-time Daytime Emmy-winning icon is headed to General Hospital this fall?

While GH and ‘One Life’ fans will have to stay tuned for that, Michael Fairman TV recently caught up with Chris on the red carpet at the Daytime at Night – A Benefit for St. Jude concert at the world famous Troubadour nightclub in Los Angeles, to get his thoughts on a wide-ranging series of subjects now that he is fully implanted as the recast Brennan.

Chris weighed-in on a chance to work with Erika Slezak again, being involved on-screen with Laura Wright’s Carly Corinthos, all the while Brennan covers up the murder of Cyrus Renault and hides that fact from Carly that her daughter Josslyn (Eden McCoy) pulled the trigger and then he “persuaded” her to secretly join the WSB and she became a spy.

Courtesy/ABC

On ‘One Life,’ McKenna played a young teenaged Joey Buchanan from 1990-1993, and had worked with now GH EP Frank Valentini during his time in Llanview. Chris noted it’s been difficult in his career to shake-off people remembering him best as a young Joey.

THE JOEY BUCHANAN/ERIKA SLEZAK CONNECTION

“I was Joey to everybody … I was Joey to Frank,” shared Chris.”I’m glad, I’m finally changing some of that perception. As far as GH, I loved it from the beginning, but I’m settling in and making the character my own. It has gotten more and more satisfying and gratifying getting to do scenes with more people from the cast.”

Photos: ABC and JPI

Speaking on how he and Erika Slezak have maintained a close relationship over the years, McKenna recalled, “From my first day (on OLTL) she pulled my mother aside, and said, ‘That kid … he’s something.” That meant a lot to me to hear that that from her. It made me emotional just saying it now. Erika has been so supportive. She would pull me aside and she gave me so much attention. She protected me on the set. Erika would say that when the directors are misleading me, ‘to trust my gut.’ She still reaches out to me and we had been in communication. As soon as I got this role on GH, she reached out to me.”

“Erika Slezak means so much to me,” McKenna continued. “She still calls me her son, but says, ‘You’re not my son anymore. You’re so grown up.” I said, ‘Not true. It’ll never be true. I’m always your son.’ What I wouldn’t do to work with her for one day again.”

BEING A RECAST

Back in February of this year, GH surprised us all when it was revealed that Charles Mesure departed the series as WSB Port Charles bureau chief, Jack Brennan, and the role was recast with Chris McKenna. “I knew the challenge it was going to be and I had a like five days to get my head around it, so I was ready for it,” recalls Chris. “Sure. It was challenging, but I was up for it. I was a recast before on The Young and the Restless.”

Photo: JPI

McKenna played detective Mark Harding from 2014-2015 on the CBS soap opera when he became what was a last minute recast for the character of Detective Chavez, and, “When Detective Chavez (Ignacio Serricchio) went away, Harding became the guy, but it was all his lines, just a different character with me playing it. So, I already had a little experience doing this. This one role at GH is bigger, and a much more precarious situation, but it was great. Laura Wright and Eden McCoy are amazing to work, so it felt like home very quickly.”

BRENNAN, GOOD, BAD OR GRAY?

Jack Brennan seems to be towing the lines these days, not giving too much away and keeping his actions and his plans close to the vest. So, are we supposed to root for the guy? “I don’t know if he’s ever going to be a clean-cut wearing a white hat kind of guy. He’s gray all the way through, but he’s got a heart in there,” explains McKenna. “So, we’ll see what it prevents him from doing, or where it leads us. Brennan is going to be conflicted for awhile.”

Photo: ABC

In a huge bombshell that has yet to explode, Brennan has Josslyn working for him and the WSB to bring down Professor Dalton (Daniel Goddard), and she owes him for cleaning up the evidence that could connect her to killing Cyrus Renault. Namely, Brennan removed any trace of the body! “The WSB can cover up many sins,” shared Chris. “I had six scenes in a row of hammering home to Josslyn that she needs to get into the WSB, and all these speeches. Eden gave me a huge hug at the end of that day, when I was exhausted after doing three episodes on my first day, and was so supportive. We have so many more things coming up and it’s going to be lot of fun for the audience, I believe.”

CARLY/BRENNAN ROMANCE – CAN IT SURVIVE?

Everyone warned Carly Spencer to stay away from Brennan, because of his shades of gray, but you can’t stop Carly once she gets her mind set on something. Chris weighs-in on working with the dynamic Laura Wright. “She is wonderful. I have known her since I was a kid, too. She was the pitcher and I was the catcher on a Make-A-Wish softball team, recounts McKenna. “Fast-forward 30 years, and I couldn’t be working with a more incredible actress. We communicate well and we have a lot of fun.”

Photo: ABC

However, what does Chris think might go down, if and when, Carly learns how he has her daughter working as a spy for the WSB and that he never told her that Josslyn killed Cyrus Renault? “When the truth comes out, I think Jack’s an awfully persuasive guy. I know, Carly’s going to have a very serious point to raise and she would be very upset, but I wouldn’t count Jack out,” says McKenna with confidence.

So, do you hope that Erika Slezak might play Brennan’s mother? That way Chris and Erika could be reunited in a unique way on General Hospital? And, do you think Carly and Brennan have a chance, if and when, his secret about Josslyn is revealed? Share your thoughts via the comment section.

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I would be over the moon for Chris McKenna and Erika Slezak to do scenes together on GH. They were so easy and natural as mother and son on One Life to Live. I hope Erika’s character enters Brennan’s orbit for a least a little while.

I am loving Chris as Brennan and the scenes of Brennan and Carly sizzle. More, more, more please. To TPTB, please put Chris on contract. He needs to be on more often and his photo definitely needs to be included in the opening titles.

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Perhaps Vickie will expose that Brennam is really Joey and have been a secret WSB agent for years.

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I really liked Chris on Y and R, but I love him as Brennan. He has done a great job making the character his own. He seems to be laying the foundation and hopefully will be able to stay around for a long time. I never watched OLTL but that picture of him with Ryan Phillippe is absolutely precious! Shall be fun to see the upcoming the Erika story arc:)

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I just love Chris McKenna and want GH to start giving Brennan more story. GH needs to realize what an asset he is to the show and keep him on for years to come.
I watched OLTL since day one and it gives me chills to think he and his mom could possibly soon have scenes together again!!

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I agree with you Shari. Chris McKenna needs a bigger story and much more air time. He is a tremendous asset to the show and should be on contract for years to come.

Like you, I watched One Life to Live from day one and watched until the end of the network run and the online run. I still miss it every single day.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: The WSB Extradites Nina After Drew Frames Her for Jack’s Disappearance

Published

13 hours ago

on

September 17, 2026

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Nina Reeves

It was not a good day on the Thursday, September 17 episode of General Hospital for Nina Reeves. However, while it was not a good day for Nina, it was a good day for GH fans because of the performance (as per usual) of Daytime Emmy winner, Cynthia Watros who is at the epicenter of this leg of the story.

In story, Nina has been dragged down to the PCPD and Agent Baines (Alimi Ballard) shows Nina, and her now lawyer, Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst), evidence of Jack (Chris McKenna) Brennan’s wallet found in Nina’s car. Baines says he has enough evidence to extradite Nina immediately.

Nina loses it and fumes and cries. Baines instructs Ric to get his client to cooperate before heading into the squad room to tell Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) that Nina would be transferred to a WSB facility. Now alone with Ric, Nina tells him she is being framed. She did nothing to Jack other than have a public argument with him. Ric asks her if she can think of anyone who would frame her for Jack’s disappearance or possible murder?

After not giving Ric any thoughts as to who could be framing her, Baines returned and informs Nina she is being extradited and taken into WSB custody immediately. Just as a frantic Nina is being carted away, Ava (Maura West) has shown up at the police station and witnessed the whole thing.

Drew

Courtesy/ABC

AVA LEARNS EXACTLY WHAT NINA AND WILLOW DID TO DREW

Earlier in the episode, Ava got a mouthful from Drew (Cameron Mathison). He informed her that Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Nina drugged him for months with a paralytic drug and he never had a stroke. He also informed her Willow shot him.

Ava was not surprised about Willow shooting him in the back. However, Drew told Ava that Nina tried to kill him when she pushed him into the water at the Quartermaine boathouse while he was locked in his wheelchair.

Drew admits to framing Nina with Brennan’s wallet, although Ava is upset because Nina is her friend. He then reminds Ava that Nina also gave her drugs, induced labor and stole her baby. Ava says Nina is a very different person now than she was then. A vengeful Drew wants Nina to suffer after all she did to him, plus he has a plan for taking down Willow next.

So, what do you think of Nina being taken into custody by the WSB? How will she get out of the new hell she is in? Do you think Ava will help her friend, or continue to help Drew because of their alliance to take down Sonny? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain

Published

20 hours ago

on

September 17, 2026

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Kelly Monaco and Billy Miller

Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall, General Hospital) has taken to her Instagram for the second time this week and now honors her late dear friend and General Hospital co-star, Billy Miller (ex-Drew Cain) on what would have been his 47th birthday on September 17.

In her post, Monaco wished Billy “a heavenly birthday” and shared a typewritten note from her beloved co-star after he exited General Hospital in the role of Drew Cain. The three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor played the part from 2014-2019.

Monaco wrote accompanying the photo of Billy’s letter: “He (Billy) sent me this a few years ago, after he left (the show) wanting me to post it… I didn’t/ But… I know he wanted anyone who’s ever supported his work and or got to know him as a friend to read this letter.”

Photo: JPI

BILLY MILLER WON THREE DAYTIME EMMYS FOR HIS WORK IN SOAPS

Billy Miller was one of the most respected actors to ever grace the daytime screens for his portrayals as Richie Novack on All My Children from 2007-2008 and Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless from 2008 until 2014 and of course, his final soap stop on General Hospital. He also appeared on primetime’s Ray Donovan and Suits.

TOUCHING GOODBYE LETTER AFTER EXITING GENERAL HOSPITAL

Here now, is what Billy shared in his letter after exiting GH: “Hello, friends… With a slight air of sadness it is time to ponder what ‘goodbye’ means. However, instead of dwelling on what is gone and sure to be missed, there is another way.”

“Maybe our goodbye is really a remembrance of love felt, an appreciation for lives shared and the lifelong reminiscences that come from embraces given and received, Maybe our goodbye is an earnest hope for the brightest path forward for us all,” expressed Miller. “Maybe our goodbye is honoring growth and lessons learned.”

The beloved star added, “Now, instead of sadness, I am filled with gratitude for all your support, encouragement and every emotion shared. I cherish the journey we have taken together, Thank you for allowing me into your homes and lives. With every ounce of myself, I thank you for being you. I would be remiss in this crazy, unpredictable world we all love so much if I did not hold out the possibility that maybe our goodbye is really… until next time.”

Sadly, Billy died by suicide three years ago on September 15, 2023, just two days shy of what would have been his 43rd birthday.  You can check out Kelly’s post below.

Now, share your remembrances today of Billy Miller and the touching letter he wrote after leaving General Hospital, that Kelly Monaco posted in tribute to her friend and co-star via the comment section below.

 

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chase Walks Out on Brooklyn, Anna and Valentin Share Poignant Moments as She Urges Him to Go to Carly

Published

1 day ago

on

September 17, 2026

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General Hospital

The Wednesday, September 16, episode of General Hospital provided the tipping points in the marriage of Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard), the case of Jack Brennan, where Agent Baines (Alimi Ballard) arrested Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), and Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin’s (James Patrick Stuart) deep love for each other on display, even though Anna didn’t want Valentin to do anything to destroy his burgeoning relationship with Carly (Laura Wright). 

Let’s take a look at what went down. First, Brook Lynn’s world is rock when Chase announced he was moving out of the Q’s. As he packed (his one duffel bag?), Brook Lynn begged him not to leave. However, no matter what solution she came up with, Chase shot her down explaining that the trust issues between them is bigger issue than her family and their love for one another.

As they talked about mistrust, Chase says that Brook Lynn lied about framing Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) despite swearing there were no more lies between them. Then, Chase reveals he had spoken to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) about a legal separation to a stunned BLQ. Chase said he had concerns if it would effect their adoption of Phoebe, which Alexis assured Chase it would not.

Courtesy/ABC

Somehow, Brook Lynn manages to convince Chase to hold off on filing the legal separation paperwork. She wants him to figure out for himself if he feels their marriage is worth saving, by taking some time with it. After he leaves, Brook Lynn breaks down and cries.

THE WSB DESTROYS MINDS

In the pick-up of Tuesday’s episode, Carly (Laura Wright) shows up at Anna’s front door and finds Valentin there when he opened the door. Carly saw Anna inside and then took off.

However, Valentin is so worried for Anna and how the WSB had broken her. It’s something he understands and relates to and hates seeing the woman he loves deeply and always will, in such a state. Initially, he said they should go away together. Anna instead told Valentin to go after Carly and explain to her that he was just visiting her to take care of a friend.

Anna phoned Felicia to come sit with her, so Valentin could salvage his relationship with Carly. Once Felicia arrives, and Valentin left, Anna shared to her best friend that no one understood her better than Valentin who had seen her though the years in some of her worst moments. However, Anna says she cannot lean on him any longer, and that she would always love him. Now, it’s time for he and Carly to be together because he deserved happiness.

Courtesy/ABC

Valentin heads back to Carly’s and sees her with a glass of red wine. Valentin wants to explain, but Carly wants to respect Anna’s privacy. She explains she had gone to see Anna after seeing Emma (Braedyn Bruner) and her daughter Josslyn (Eden McCoy) in a fight over Anna’s situation.

Carly fears Josslyn could one day end up like Anna. Valentin explains that Anna’s downfall was linked to Cesar Faison, so it would be unlikely that Josslyn would suffer the same fate.

In a very adult conversation, Valentin tells Carly he believes Anna will get back up from this, and land on her feet and he hoped that one day she can find some peace, just like he has now with Carly. Throughout all the scenes that played out featuring Anna, Valentin and Carly, James Patrick Stuart played it all to perfection.

YOU’RE UNDER ARREST

Finally, while Ava (Maura West) and Nina are at the Metro Court Gardens, Agent Baines shows up and handcuffs Nina for the disappearance, possible murder, of Jack Brennan. Nina screams that she did not to it while she is being dragged away which is also witnessed by her ex Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). 

So, what did you think of Chase walking out on Brook Lynn? Do you hope he files separation papers and eventually gets out of Brook Lynn’s life for good, since one can assume he will be headed back Willow’s way? What did you think of the Anna/Valentin scenes? Do you hope they end up together down the road, or would like to see Valentin remain with Carly? And, now that Nina is arrested for Jack’s disapperance, will the real culprit reveal themselves? Let us know in the comment section, but first check out a preview for today’s Thursday, September 17 episode via the official GH video tease below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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