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‘General Hospital’s’ Genie Francis Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

General Hospital fans loved to see one of its all-time icons, Genie Francis (Laura Collins), front and center in story. This past week in episodes that aired from November 17-21st, Genie got to remind everyone why she remains the MVP of the ABC daytime drama series.

Coming into the week, in highly-intense emotional scenes, Laura, knowing she is in the battle of her political career, smack dab in the middle of the crucial mayoral election of Port Charles against Ezra Boyle (Daniel Cosgrove) in her bid for reelection, she risked it all to be there for her grandson, Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) in court, who is framed by Professor Henry Dalton (Daniel Goddard). Eventually sent to juvenile detention for breaking into the professor’s university lab.

In the pick up on November 17 episode, Laura goes to cast her vote at a polling station, when none other than Dalton shows up and elicits the reaction he wanted from her, and in front of the citizens of Port Charles, who were present recording it all on their cellphones. An angry and Laura accuses Dalton of lying about his lab being trashed to pieces, and stands up for her grandson, vowing she will not allow him to be targeted.

Courtesy/ABC

Viewers once again saw the fiery Laura we recall from years past, who can lose her temper, stands up for justice, fight for her family at any cost! In the key moment and outraged, she slaps Dalton right across the face. It was electric and memorable, because we haven’t seen in this side of Laura in a very long time.

However, that was just the start of the trauma for Laura. After a face-off with Drew (Cameron Mathison), and knowing she has many enemies who want her out of office, including Ezra Boyle and Sidwell (Carlo Rota), she learns she has won the election despite it all.  Sadly, her moment to take it in and celebration is cut short, when she is on her way to a post-election gathering with her staff, when she gets a flat tire. When she goes to the trunk of her car, she sees Dalton’s dead body inside of it.

Now, is where Genie really got to shine, as we saw not only the horror, the trauma and watched Laura try to figure out desperately, who she could call to help her! She lands on Sonny (Maurice Benard)! The mobster is quick to help her out and to try to calm her down, but ultimately telling her, someone is coming after her. He gives her directions to head home, and that he and Jason (Steve Burton) will clean up the mess and make it look like this never happened.

Courtesy/ABC

Laura is completely shaken and rattled to the core, and we don’t know yet what’s to come given her traumatic past with the deaths of David Hamilton, James Duvall and Theresa Carter all a part of her fragile previous mental health issues.

All of the scenes noted above and throughout the week were just brilliantly played by Francis, which is why Michael Fairman TV names Genie as the Power Performance of the Week. And yes, let’s remember this for Emmy time 2026 and get the longtime vet a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

So, do you agree with our pick of Genie Francis deserving top acting honors for the Power Performance of the Week? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Genie was on FIRE! A few of these scenes would make for a great Emmy reel for Lead Actress. The horror, the trauma, all of it… was pure real Genie. Well done, Genie!!!

Next step, find some contrasting scenes when her children come together (hopefully, Lucky (I’ll take JJ for one-day only) and bring back Nicholas in the form of Adam Huss (1-day)…for the passing of Dr Leslie Webber. The contrast will show her sentimental love and history for her Mom and her family, including grandchildren and all. Kevin needs to return (w/John Lindstrom) for a few days. We know the actor is now linked to BTG.

I would be quite disappointed in GH, if they didn’t bring back Nicholas because he was very close to Leslie (when Tyler Christopher played Nicholas) and there was a lot of history there… or, maybe GH can lure Marcus Colombo for a few days.

Or, recast with a permanent with a new actor at a later time. But, GH and LAURA will need, Nicholas, Lucky and we have our Lulu.

BOOM! Genie for the GOLD #DaytimeEmmyAwards2026 #LeadActressGenieFrancis.

There’s no advantage in having Nikolas return for Lesley’s memorial (please note the spelling for both). With Tyler sadly gone, there’s no flashbacks. And as great as Havins has been, there’s no Lulu flashbacks either.

The next time we see Nikolas, it will likely be a recast. While Huss could be a temporary return, Coloma would never be asked back.

Nicholas needs a re-set. His character has been totally ruined. They should say the last few years was someone impersonating Nicholas because none of that time was in character for him. They could take the story back to the train ride when he ran into Eva on the train, when he fell/jumped and say he’s been in a coma, or had amnesia and a Cassadine uncle found him and brought him back to live on Cassadine island. They should re-cast for someone with a European accent that could be believable as a prince. Then Asa wouldn’t be a Cassadine and Nina could get custody. Having Laura raise this child you never see is ridiculous. Nina could get her 2nd chance at motherhood. Heck, the Cassadine uncle could also have Spencer! Then he starts having flashbacks and returns to Port Charles to piece things together. It’s the only way to save the character and could potentially reenergize the whole Cassadine saga.

Yes her performance was brilliant. It’s about time they start using her we want all Laura back Strong and confident so she could stand up to Drew, Ezra and even Stilwell. I do not want her to crack. Because right now she’s the only strong confident woman in PC Right now Anna is gone. Jordan you got her wrapped up in Curtis’s nonsense. Laura has to stay strong for her family, especially her grandson and she needs more than Lulu in her family back in her life

Finally doing right by Genie Francis giving her a storeline. Excellent performance by her. Because this is getting good.

Genie did some amazing work with some barely decent writing. Who would believe Laura shot Dalton then had the strength to put his dead weight dad bod in the trunk?

Soap fans are frequently asked to suspend belief. Port Charles is apparently a big enough city to have an international airport and a large organized crime contingent. But the mayor neither has a driver nor security personnel? And security cameras (i.e. in the city hall garage) only exist when it serves the story.

And while we fans fully appreciate Genie’s work, it’s her peers that decide the Emmys based on the reel she puts together and the category in which she submits.

YES …SHE’S BACK!!! Thank you writers for finally give Laura something good …. dont stop!!!!

She was amazing. Always a great actress, but this performance was so believable. From defending her grndson to the fear, after discovering the body…wow.

By any and every account Geanie Frannis deserves MVP this year for lead actress! Her performance couldn’t have been more real if it really happened! Cudos to her for perseverance and dedication to her career!!

Genie Francis is remarkable and this week proved it all! Amassing, scared even me! Deserves Best Actress of the Year award!!

I really love the mayor performance with Ezra and Drew. I love it great acting madame mayor. I am so glad that you are still madame mayor I love that she called Sonny. Great performance.

Michael of course Genie is deserving of the power performance for this week, month, year, anytime but Michael you should of split this one with Kelly Theibould too, mainly because they both gave in one singular episode the most scared performances I’ve ever seen two actress give, they both were so shock in their terrifying experiences, Britt seeing Dalton get killed right before her eyes, and then Laura finding Dalton dead body in her trunk, both their performances felt so real, they really looked terrified with what each experienced individually, I was scared watching, And kudos to Daniel for playing a scary dead person, what an awful way to die. I can’t wait to see this all played out and again kudos to Genie and Kelly.

Excellent job i love genie Francis so talented, i rewatched that scene where smacks dalton in the face over and over again, loved it.

Yes I love Laura aka genie Francis I’m 76 and have been watching gh since it first went on the air I love all the characters a ND the stories they all deserve and award amazing actors and actresses love the show hope it never goes off the air Inez t rydzak devoted fan of gh

Genie, was magnificent. In every scene, it was so believable. Brilliantly played.

Yes, I totally agree Genie Francis did an amazing job with the range and depth of her performance this past weeek. It was great to see her used the way she should be…as the. Reigning queen of daytime GH. I’ve love her for years,this was just another reminder of why.

Genie always will be at the top of her game. She knows how to make Laura just as she always was a fighter and a survivor. Keep up the good work Genie and get that Daytime Emmy cause you deserve it.

Absolutely agree !!!!!! We are seeing once again Genie showing her acting skills, with emotions and all!!!! And finally with a good storyline, more than one that brings back her passion and I just can’t say enough good things about her. I’ve watched her on interviews and her life story, what a positive role model.

Yes she is a wonderful brilliant actress I love watching her I don’t like missing a minute of GH it’s a big part of my day.

it’s about time the writers are using the veteran actors of GH instead of bringing back people from the dead!

Well she wasn’t part of the #1 Super Couple of ALL TIMES for no reason and that was a long, long time ago! She has definitely mastered her art and more!!! As we watched it we knew we were watching GREATNESS!
Especially the scene with Sonny…”I can’t do this, I can’t do this”.
Thank you Genie Fransis…you surely DID!!!

YES, ABSOLUTELY!!! She was the BEST!! LOVE HER!!!! ❤️‍❤️‍

Genie Francis deserves not just a nomination but the Emmy for 2025.

Great to see Genie back ! Emmy yes!!

I text my bff and told her that day that Jeanie Francis had really out did herself acting in that episode ! Now I see these a few days later.

Yes. I totally agree. She was so brilliant.

Yes! And the award goes to, oh yes again, the great Genie Francis. She’s like a good wine; she gets even better with age. Congratulations to Genie Francis. Outstanding performance!

I’ve been watching GH since it came on the air. Genie Francis deserves all awards possible. As someone commented here, she is like a fine wine, and just keeps improving! I’ve been watching old Murder She Wrote episodes in which Genie appeared and realized even as a young lady what a superb actress she has always been. She makes her characters so real! Thanx GH for keeping her again front and center. Currently I can not get GH so am looking forward to watching what I have missed, apparently the best stuff of recent years!

You bet! I’ve watched her from her beginning on the show. She is a powerful actress. I absolutely love her!

About time Laura got a bigger part.She is a dynamite actress.Go Genie

GH gave material she could sink her teeth into, and she pulled it off!

Greatness indeed!!! Go Genie!

Genie is brilliant!

General Hospital

Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker

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Troy Lennon Appel

General Hospital introduced the character of Hudson Parker back on July 30, 2026 marking the first appearance of Troy Lennon Appel in the role.

Quickly, we learned there was some connection to Ethan Lovett, after Hudson tracked him down and beat up the guy, the potential that Hudson is the biological father to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) adopted daughter, Phoebe, and that he is now Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) right hand man at JJE.

On Sunday, October 25 in a brand new episode of the That’s Awesome Podcast with Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), the Stone Cold and the Jackal duo welcomed Troy Lennon Appel to the show to delve into his background, landing the role of Hudson, and what may come next in a teaser for upcoming episodes of GH.

Jonathan Bennett

Photo: ABC

A NEW CHARACTER CREATED JUST FOR TROY WAS THE TICKET TO PORT CHARLES

As it turned out, Troy revealed that he had actually auditioned for General Hospital on six different occasions before being cast as Hudson, the last audition being for the role of Joe Fitzpatrick that went to Jonathan Bennett.

Appel explained, “Every time I showed up (to audition), I was like, ‘All right, I gotta nail this because it’s General Hospital.‘ It was my sixth one where I auditioned for Joe Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Bennett’s character. That was last November. Then, it was February of this year when I came in for an in-person callback. My wife and I were just like, ‘You gotta nail this.’  I didn’t get that character. Obviously, Jonathan got that, but then, they created Hudson Parker for me. I’m shocked I’m even on this show right now!'”

The General Hospital newcomer was even more stoked when he realized that not only did the producers and writers create a role just for him, but that he was going on contract as a series regular.

Appel recalled, “All at once, they were like, ‘We’re going to offer you a three-year contract and we’re creating a character for you.’ It was just something you never expect to hear. I was on the phone and I just fell down to the ground. I went through the range of emotions you could have. I know I cried. I hyperventilated. I’ve never hyperventilated in my life. But now, I get to essentially live the dream I have.”

Photo: ABC

HUDSON AND JOSSLYN

Eden McCoy shares many a scene with Troy, and he gave her major kudos for getting him through the beginning weeks of his run as Hudson. “We did a chemistry test, together and I give her so much credit because obviously, she’s a pro. She’s been doing it for so long. I’ll do scenes with her where I’m like, ‘I got to just try to meet her where she’s at because she’s just so talented.'”

Troy added, “Eden took me under her wing, and just helped me out so much with understanding the process of all of this and even just knowing where to go, when, when to be where I need to be. I don’t know how I would be feeling if I didn’t have her always working with her and just helping me out the entire time.”

The mystery of just who this guy is will become clear in the weeks ahead as Appel revealed, “We actually just shot what Parker’s background is. Right now, I am the Vice President of Operations for JJE. I manager the company’s financials, essentially. But, there’s more to Hudson which we will eventually find out.” Getting the chance to mix it up with the cast, Troy added of Hudson, “He’s up to some stuff.”

Check out the full conversation with Troy Lennon Appel with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson below.

Now weigh-in: what do you think about Troy having a role specifically creating for him after 6 auditions for GH? What do you think will be revealed of Hudson’s background in the weeks to come? Do you want to see a Josslyn and Hudson pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

 

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GH Alums Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan to Reunite for Special Fan Event

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Greg Vaughan and Kelly Monaco

General Hospital fan favorite Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall) will be making a rare public appearance teaming up with her longtime friend and former leading man, Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer), at a special fan event.

The announcement came from the stars on their social media accounts, but you can circle, Sunday, December 13, at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey as the spot to see Kelly and Greg at this meet and greet.

As General Hospital viewers know, Monaco spent 21 years as Sam McCall before being killed-off on the October 30, 2024 episode. Before that, she had become soap-famous for her dual roles as Livvie and Tess on the GH spinoff, Port Charles.

Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan

Photo: UncleVinnie’s

Vaughan is currently appearing on daytime’s newest soap opera in the recurring role of Dr. Kial Rollins, a role which he debuted back on December 8, 2025. Throughout his daytime career, Greg has appeared on The Young and the Restless (ex-Diego), Days of our Lives (ex-Eric) and as GH’s Lucky.

SAM AND LUCKY

It was back in 2007 that in story, Sam started pursuing Lucky (then played by Greg Vaughan) as a form of revenge against Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst). Sam was furious after learning that Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) had a child with Elizabeth while Sam and Jason were broken up. That child was Jake. Eventually, Sam and Lucky became a hit with viewers and would continue to cross each other’s paths.

Uncle Vinnie’s comedy club took to their Instagram and shared, “The fans asked and we always deliver!!” Tickets going fast! Order on our website.”

In addition, Shanna Moakler, who is in a relationship with Vaughan, took to the comment thread and exclaimed, “My two favorite people.” Moakler and Monaco had previously announced in March of 2025 the start-up of their podcast called Bad Bunnies. It was expected to cover pop culture, personal stories, and Hollywood secrets.

Then, in July 2025, it was confirmed that Kelly Monaco would no longer be participating. At the time, she stepped away due to personal family matters, focusing on maintaining a private life, and new work commitments.

So, would you love to see Kelly and Greg together again? Happy to see that Kelly is making a public appearance for her fans? Let us know via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Hesitate to Sign Divorce Papers, Elizabeth Reveals Aiden’s Leaving For Paris, Willow Flashes Back to Her Crimes

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Brook Lynn and Chase

As the week came to a conclusion on the Friday, October 23 episode of General Hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) wrestled with becoming an empty-nester, while Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Monet (Blythe Howard) conspired to keep Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Ric (Rick Hearst) at legal bay, and Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) frozen relationship thawed, but how much?

Let’s take a look! First, in a moment that was written to bring Liz and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) closer, the GH head nurse is wistful over the fact that she just learned that her talented bakery chef son, Aiden, secretly earned his GED and got into a prestigious pastry school in France and to top it off received a scholarship to attend the school.

Liz is concerned that allowing him to go wasn’t the smartest move because of his young age. Dante suggested that maybe it’s her fear of being alone that is causing her to feel hesitant for Aiden to go abroad. He shared a story about the support her received from Olivia when he moved away from home for the first time; that he understood mothers and sons are close, but she needed to let him go build his own life.

Elizabeth

Courtesy/ABC

After coming to terms with it, she revealed that Aiden is leaving in four days and had to make cupcakes for the Halloween party, Dante offered to help her do the baking. They smile. So, what this means to GH fans? All of Liz sons: Cameron, Jake, Aiden are all now officially off the canvas!

WILLOW VS. LULU

At Miller & Davis, Willow strolls in to meet Monet to go over their strategy in their meeting with Ric and Lulu. While discussing their next move, Willow flashes back to the night she shot Drew (Cameron Mathison) twice in the back, and then later, how she first stuck a needle in his neck to use the paralytic drug that kept him in a locked-in state for months.

Willow

Courtesy/ABC

When Ric and Lulu arrive, the four end up in a stalemate. Willow refused to drop the lawsuit, and Lulu refused to retract the story on her. Willow’s stance is that Lulu had been manipulated by the Quartermaines, who wanted to take her children away, so Michael can have sole custody of them. Lulu fired back that she was doing her job as an investigative reporter to expose crimes perpetrated by a congresswoman.

Now at an impasse, Ric and Lulu tell Monet and Willow they will see them in court as now a judge will hear the case. Not what Ric wanted that to happen, but now he tells Lulu, they will figure out a way to bring Willow down.

DIVORCE BLUES?

Finally, Chase and Brook Lynn head to the Dominican Republic to get a quickie divorce after how their lawyers dredged up awful things about both of them in Port Charles. While on the plane, the two discuss that they still want each other to be happy.

Once in front of the judge in the Dominican Republic, he asked if the two were mutually consenting to this divorce, but instead, the two sang each others praises.

This left the judge to ask if the two wanted to go through with ending their marriage and he left the room. Later, when he returned with the divorce documents to sign, Chase and Brook Lynn stared at each other hesitating to sign on the dotted line.

So, what do you think will happen next? Will Brook Lynn and Chase end their marriage, or decide to try to make it a go? Is it upsetting to you that all of Elizabeth’s sons are off the canvas? Should the soap recast them all, like they did with Alexis’ daughters and restart the story of these young men? Do you think now will be the time that Willow’s crimes will be publicly exposed, and she will lose her kids and her seat in a congress? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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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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