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
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’
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