General Hospital
General Hospital’s EP Frank Valentini on How the Writers and a Dream Helped Craft Bobbie’s Emotional Final Story and Exit
This week, viewers and Port Charles said goodbye to Bobbie Spencer who passed away while in Amsterdam. That also meant, that the long-running ABC daytime drama series was laying to rest the character in heart-tugging episodes that honored her portrayer, the late Jackie Zeman.
Three stand out story points delivered the gut-punch and brought the tears to many a longtime fan. First, Angela, the “Associated Press reporter” from Amsterdam, was played by the same actress who played little BJ Jones up till the character died in a school bus accident. As GH fans know, BJ’s heart was given to Maxie to save her life. Brighton Hertford returned 30 years later to the show in which she used to appear to honor her former on-screen mom, Jackie Zeman.
In the story twist, Angela turns out to be BJ who visits Bobbie’s family and friends from heaven, but who brings with her an important secret of Bobbie’s. The second stand out story point involved Carly (Laura Wright) and Felicia (Kristina Wagner) as they quickly headed to Amsterdam after learning that Bobbie was helping women escape human sex trafficking. This harkened back to the days of a young Bobbie, who was a prostitute. In the end, Bobbie was helping a young girl to safety. Carly and Felicia wanted to honor Bobbie’s last wish and find the young woman, which they did. And third, changing the name of “Kelly’s” to “Bobbie’s” as the final moment of Thursday’s episode revealed.

Photo: ABC
Speaking with PEOPLE, GH executive producer Frank Valentini clearly gave credit where much of the credit is due to his co-head writers, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor. Addressing why it took so long for GH to address Jackie Zeman’s death and what should happen to the character of Bobbie, Valentini shared it all had to do with the timing of the writers’ strike and wanting his head scribes back in the fold to craft the story.
Frank explained: “Jackie passed away while we were in the middle of the writers’ strike, and I wanted to make sure that we saved Bobbie’s memorial and everything dealing with Bobbie’s and how we were going to deal with the character parting the canvas.” He added, “There was never any question in anyone’s mind that we weren’t going to recast, Bobbie because that just would’ve been impossible and I think would not have honored the show. So we decided that Bobbie needed to have had some kind of purpose to help sort of explain her exit.”

Photo: ABC
The head scribes also came up with the idea for BJ to return in the form of Brighton Hertford. The GH showrunner said, “It’s really their brainchild.” However, the final moment where Carly hangs the new sign at Kelly’s and it now says “Bobbie’s” came to Valentini in his dream.
Frank shared, “I dreamt that we changed the name of it because, having known for several months that we needed to address this character’s departure from the canvas and being concerned and wanting to do right by not only Jackie, but by Bobbie Spencer.” He concluded, “I thought, ‘What’s something that could be lasting?’ And that was the one that seemed to make a lot of sense.”
So, what did you think about what the GH writers and the EP came up with to do right by Jackie Zeman and the character of Bobbie Spencer? Comment below.
The show has been on fire for weeks. The shows dealing with Bobbie’s/Jackie’s death were amazing. The performances of the actors will stick with me for a while. Laura Wright, Kristina Wagner, Kin Shriner, Genie Francis and Kirsten Storms were simply the best.
I remember thinking that Finola Hughes had Best Actress in the bag for her scenes regarding Charlotte’s shooting. But, now I see how rich GH is with so many great performers. The show has an embarrassment of riches with the aforementioned actors, plus Maura, Cynthia, Nancy Lee, Jane Elliott and Kate Mansi.
We’re in a new Emmy cycle (for daytime, it’s based on calendar year). Finola’s work on the Charlotte story is all for 2023.
What an incredible dream.
Kudos to Frank, the writers and the incredible cast. The two farewell episodes were incredible! It was worth the wait!
An amazing tribute to a daytime legend! I have always believed that the ABC soaps I’ve watched (OLTL, GH, and RH) truly honor the history of these soaps to longtime viewers. First of all, the fact that the actress who played little BJ reprised her role as a ghost was genius. And when she says to Lucas, “anytime champ” as the memory Lucas shared pulls at your heart string. Second, the amazing performances by the entire cast, especially Kristina Wagner, kin shriner and genie francis who not only were grieving the character of Bobby but their friend Jackie who they have known and worked with since the late 70s and early 80s. Third, the story behind how Bobby who was trying to help a young girl from human trafficking as to how she started on the show came full circle to honor the true essence of this character and renaming kellis to Bobbies allows her legacy to live on for years to come. Lastly, the part that really brought me to tears is when Felicia realizes it was BJ and goes back in to tell Maxie and touches her heart and you can hear the heart beating just like Tony heard when he put his ear next to maxies heart nearly 30 years ago. This is what made daytime soaps special. Thank you GH for honoring Jackie zeman in this way. We the audience got to grieve her loss with you. WE MISS YOU JACKIE & BOBBY but you will never be forgotten!
Brilliant!!
The outcome of what transpired on the screen this week was Beyond Great. It was so well done and totally tugged on the heartstrings. You just have to know Jackie is smiling knowing how much she is loved.
I thought it was a beautiful and very emotional tribute to Bobby. Jackie Zeman would be so incredibly proud. Great work GH
Mycomment to Frank is the tribute was nice. Sorry I don’t give Dan & Chris all the credit for this story. My reason is you guys blew the 60th anniversary show- disgusting. It appeared you threw it together in 15 minutes. Gh deserves better than this. I wish change from Disney in 2024 or else I don’t see gh making it. Bad
The fact the network gave GH a primetime special (not on a Friday or in summer) shows Disney’s commitment to the show. The ratings are significantly up in the past few weeks. GH is in relatively good shape.
I couldn’t disagree more regarding the prime time special on the 60th anniversary!! I loved it and have already watched it (via Hulu) several times. It had EVERYTHING including humor, surprise guests, fans, flashbacks, behind the scenes, blooper reels, and more. Hopefully it draws more viewers to the show & it continues for an additional 60 years. I liked the tribute to “Bobbie” of course l, but I enjoyed the anniversary special even more. But that’s what makes GH terrific. You might not like something one day, but luckily it’s aired 5x a week, so you’re bound to enjoy something else.
Just wish that something had been done regarding the Audio. The music dubbed over the actors was way too loud. Also, wished for more clips and it seems some of the guest actors had nothing to do with GH other than being fans.
The ending with the doors however made up for a lot of the quality issues. That shocker with Steve Burton – BOOM! Wow!
The guest actors DID have something to do with the show except I think her name is Sheryl Underwood. John Stamos, Max Gail and the guy that plays Brick have all been on the show.
They did nothing of the sort! The anniversary special was great! I don’t know what you expected, but a primetime special for a daytime drama us amazing in itself. Sad you couldn’t appreciate it.
Perfect “Farewell and Closure” to Bobbie and Jackie! Well done…Thank you!
EXCELLENT, GENIUS 2 DAY MEMORIAL!!
Great ending to a daytime legend and her character. The GH writers and EP obviously love the show and tied up the show with a historical twist to include the return of the original BJ as an angel. Let the tears flow. GH may have just wrapped up another Best Daytime Drama nomination and win in 2024! See you at Bobbie’s!
General Hospital writers and Frank Valentini hit this one way out of the ballpark. As a viewer who started watching in 1977, I loved the way Bobbie was memorialized. Genie Francis and Kin Shriner were amazing. It is so hard to believe that the three of them remained connected on this show for so long. Thank you for doing this for us fans.
Thank you for showing Bobbie/Jackie the person she was. Because Bobbie was a part of the show for so long, the actors didn’t need to ‘act’ – their true feelings showed how they felt about her. We’re really gonna miss you Bobbie Spencer!
They did some exceptional writing! I love that they changed Kelly’s to Bobbie’s. I think it is a wonderful way to honor Bobbie and Jackie.
What a team, they bring it every day.
Kudos, to Frank i have mixed feelings about the name change. But i understand why it was done. To Chris/ Dan congratulations on horning Jackie Zeman. And what a brilliant idea to ask Brighton Hertford to come back as Angela who turn out to be BJ angel you had everyone tears.
The writers did not miss a moment on tying all who Bobbie was and all the people and events she lived together. I have watched since day one and this touched my heart and left me in tears. A perfect storyline and great heartfelt acting.❤️❤️
Y’all did a fantastic job with this week, brought back so many me memories ❤️
This was an amazing way to pay tribute! Every scene was emotional and having Felicia realize that the reporter was BJ was jaw dropping and heart warming at the same time…General Hospital, (as BJ would say) way to go…CHAMP!!!
I have mixed feelings about Kellys being renamed. As a very long time viewer I actually remember the real Kelly. I think it will always be Kellys to me. I did see the renaming coming because of the way the story line was going. so it wasnt a surprise to me.I remember her more as a nurse, than running the diner.
It was simply epic! Quite the emotional roller coaster!
It was fantastic but they should have given Bobbie a fantastic storyline the last 15 years she was on the show basically doing nothing!! R.I.P. Bobbie Spencer
I loved it! Kudos to all!
It was very touching. To watch all of the people not just having to play their parts but it was a loss of a real character and friend had to be so hard; these were real tears. I had a few myself. After the story ended I said ” what an awesome and wonderful tribute ” to honor Jacqueline Zeman ” Well done producers, cast and all involved. Thank you all. Susan Green, N. Carolina
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!
In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.
Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.
MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP
Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!
At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.

Courtesy/ABC
BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY
Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”
LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER
In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?
So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.
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