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GH’s Emma Samms Talks on Her Connection with Jonathan Jackson, and the Similarities in their Work Thanks to Tony Geary

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

Today, on the Wednesday, September 4th episode of General Hospital, Emma Samms reprises her role as Holly Sutton, when she arrives on the scene in Africa where Lucky Spencer (Jonathan Jackson) is being held.

This will give longtime viewers a chance to see Samms and Jackson in story together, something that has never happened before. Emma first joined GH in 1982, while Jackson was cast in 1993, and while they have both come and gone from the show, they never crossed paths … till now.

Speaking with Variety on her return and getting the opportunity to work with five-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Jonathan Jackson, Emma expressed, “It’s such a gift that Frank (Valentini, EP, GH) has given me, working with Jonathan, who is, obviously, a very, very good actor.”

Photo: ABC

Emma also noted, “That’s undisputed – but he’s also really nice. And we have a very similar way of approaching the work, and we realized that that is because we were both trained by Tony Geary (ex-Luke Spencer).”

Viewers will remember that Samms was originally brought in as a love interest for Luke when Laura went missing and Genie Francis exited the show. At that time, Jackson was only 11-years-old. Emma recalled the difficulties the series had in finding another love interest for Luke that would stick.

Photo: JPI

“I didn’t realize when I started that I was the third attempt to find somebody for a new romantic relationship for Luke,” shared Samms. “They had tried really amazing people, like Janine Turner and Demi Moore. So I was sort of the last-ditch attempt in that regard. But I had no clue, which is probably extremely valuable and helped me a lot. I just came in sort of innocent, and ‘I’ll do the best I can’ sort of thing. And I just somehow got away with it. I was very fortunate.”

The actress, who struggles with symptoms from Long-COVID, also revealed that this time back on-screen she’s working with a “brilliant, strong, powerful, interesting villain now,” and there’s “going to be some interesting twists with Holly coming back to town.”

So, are you looking forward to Holly’s return on GH and her scenes/story with Jonathan Jackson? Comment below.

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I get that JJ is beloved by many sentimental Luke and Laura fans, which makes sense, but I don‘t understand why people keep saying he’s a great actor. Squeezing one’s forehead, loudly dragging one’s shoes across the set, constantly pushing one’s hair to the side, lip-licking, eye rolling and saying Mmkay? for emphasis is literally NOT acting. Yes, I resent that they are writing off so many interesting characters to bring back old stars who probably cost a lot, but if they at least brought back good actors, it wouldn’t be quite so disappointing.

He’s won 5 Emmys. doofus.

Wow, He’s a five-time emmy-winning actor, who plays his role superbly, we’ve seen all of about 2 minutes on screen thus far… Which is really not enough time to tell what an actor can put out!

I’ve seen you write the same exact thing criticizing Jonathan’s acting multiple times. Like you somehow feel the need to keep repeating yourself to try and sell people on your opinion. Particularly the line about the “lip licking, eye rolling, hair pushing, saying Mmmkay”, like he’s a Valley girl from the 1980s or something.

Everyone is obviously entitled to think what they want. But I mean, go back and watch the 2011 storyline when Luke got drunk and allegedly killed Jake with his car, the scenes with Tony Geary and Jonathan Jackson, which both won an Emmy for, and if you still want to say that JJ is a bad actor, then I’d say that you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Case in point, I am very glad to see the talented Emma Samms back. She brings something playful, mischievous and interesting to her performances as Holly. Would love to see her interact with characters beyond Robert. Her brief scenes last time with the spectacular and dynamic Carolyn Hennessy were fun to watch.

What happened is he was good as a kid then he left that’s fine but he never took off in movies like they all thought. He just never grew up as a grown up if that makes sense. This dirty scruffy look I see he has going on does not help. It will not encourage me as a former viewer run back to the show anymore then Steve Burton did been there done that.

Totally agree Adele. Jackson was great as a child. He left and Jacob Young did a great job playing Lucky the teen. Then it was time for Lucky to be an adult and they brought in Greg Vaughan who was wonderful as Lucky the adult. He became a police officer, married man and father. He even tried to get his father to recognize his excessive alcohol use disorder and get help. Didn’t work. Lucky faced and overcame his own substance abuse disorder. Vaughan was an adult and did a great job with everything they threw him. Jackson suddenly decided he wanted to come back and they dumped Vaughan. Jackson stayed what two or three months and left again. What was the point? How long can he spare you viewers this time?

Jackson stayed 2 years after he replaced Vaughan. At that point, the character needed a break (remember the horrible pairing with Siobhan).

Of course this was in 2011, when “temporary” head writer Garin Wolf had some kind of bizzare agenda to destroy the entire Spencer family. Luke was a hopeless drunk who allegedly ran over his own grandson & burned down the family home. Lulu was doing her own acts of arson. Lucky became a pill popping crybaby who abandoned his wife & kids on Xmas eve. And yes, the Siobahn story was pathetic. And Laura at this point was still a blonde wig attached to a rocking chair at the Shadybrook funny farm.

Luke & Lulu were at least able to redeem themselves somewhat (though the Fluke story would ruin Luke all over again). Lucky never really had that chance, because until recently, we only saw him for one week in 2015, and that was of course focused on Luke’s “exit story” so he didn’t have any time to redeem himself. Though he did manage to bring Jake back from Cassadine island as part of that story.

You can bet your soul that Jonathan Jackson would not have agreed to a long term return as Lucky unless it included the chance to finally redeem the character from the horrible corner he was written into back in 2011

Also Rick Hearst. I didn’t think I’d want to see Ric Lansing again but Hearst’s performance is so immediately and intensely creepy and controlling/ manipulative but also with flashes vulnerability. That guy is acting. Can’t wait to see him to cross paths with Sonny.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did the ABC Soap Opera Just Tee Up a Jason and Serena Pairing?

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Jason and Serena

The Tuesday, October 6 episode of General Hospital kicked-off with Serena Baldwin (Kelly Kruger) literally turned upside down and stuck on the Quartermaine roof in front of Jason (Steve Burton), who came to her rescue.

This marked the first time that Kelly Kruger and Steve Burton shared any substantial screen time together since Kruger debuted on the ABC soap opera back in July.

In story, Serena was trying to save the peregrine falcons’ nest that Tracy (Jane Elliot) wanted exterminated. Jason agreed to help Serena relocate the nest to the nature preserve. Said relocation would be put in the preserve adjacent to the property, think where Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) buried Brennan (Chris McKenna)!

Later, when they returned to the Quartermaine mansion, the two have more banter where Serena told Jason they should both check themselves for ticks. Serena has done a full body check in the bathroom, but then asks Jason to go through her hair and look for any signs of ticks. Clearly, one or both may have ticks prompting suspicion if they wind up at GH with Dr. Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson) as their doctor who previously treated Ava for the tick stuck in her hair!

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

ROMANCE SWITCH-UPS

While initially General Hospital fans suspected that the character of Serena was being brought back to the canvas in the form of Kruger as a love interest for Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson), in recent weeks and in admission by Tanisha Harper, it appears that GH is teasing a Michael and Jordan romance. The two have been spending more time together at Aurora, and Michael helped her get accepted into the burn clinic in Germany to treat her facial scars from the car accident.

Meanwhile, after Steve Burton returned to GH after his extended hiatus this June, it was clear that the writers were heading in the direction of a Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) and Jason break-up.

Eventually, a few weeks ago, the duo called it quits after Anna (Finola Hughes) tried to kill Britt, and Jason would not help Britt press charges against his friend, who was suffering from delusions after being mentally gaslighted by Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) and Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and company.

So, what did you think of the scenes between Jason and Serena on today’s GH? Do you think Kelly and Steve have on-screen chemistry that you would be open to be seeing how it plays out? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

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Van Hansis

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2024 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.

Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.

When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Van Hansis

Photo: ABC

LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES

Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.

“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Van Hansis

Photo: ABC

GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS

Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.

Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”

The five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”

So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

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Robert Kelker-Kelly

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.

According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.

Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Robert Kelker-Kelly

Photo: NBC

Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.

As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.

Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Robert Kelker-Kelly, GH

Photo: ABC

Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.

Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.

Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”

The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”

Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.

Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.

Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.

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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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