General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Genie Francis Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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.
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!
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.
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.”
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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Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
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.
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.
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.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Everyone Turns Their Backs on Sonny; Can Anyone Get Chase to Open His Eyes About Willow’s Treachery?
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the ABC soap opera picks right back up with everyone turning their backs on Sonny (Maurice Benard), and now the one person he hoped would be by his side appears to be abandoning ship when Justine (Nazneen Contractor) doesn’t believe him about ordering the beatdown of Sidwell (Carlo Rota) in the latest spoilers video.
Sonny screams at Justine, “Someone is setting me up.” She says, “It’s over!” He proclaims, “I didn’t do it!” Little do they know that it was actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) who set Sonny up to take the fall for the Pentonville drama that left Curtis (Donnell Turner) with injuries as well.
Then, Lulu (Alexa Havins) is seen using her voice memo app on her phone to record her discussion with Sidwell while he is recovering from his injuries at the hospital. This moment is intercut with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) saying, “I wish there was someone who could get Chase (Josh Swickard) to open his eyes about who Willow truly is!”
Next, Willow is seen happily waving while at a table at a Metro Court Gardens, while Chase, Michael (Rory Gibson), Brook Lynn and Ava (Maura West) all receive text messages. Tracy (Jane Elliot) punctuates the promo stating, “That’s the real Willow,” while the words “The world knows” comes across the screen.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 5-9 below.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Sonny challenges Justine. Josslyn takes matters into her own hands. Britt and Willow discuss matters of the heart. Jason is taken to task. Serena finds herself in a bind.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Felicia has welcome news for Anna. Brook Lynn confides in Valentin. Hudson tries to talk Josslyn down. Lulu makes a daring play. Willow and Chase discuss his marriage.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Carly asks Anna for a favor. Tracy bites her tongue with Gio. Drew and Alexis go at it. Scout tries to broker peace between Danny and Rocco. Lulu pursues a lead.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Carly supports Sonny. Lulu’s latest article makes waves. Ava pitches a new target to Drew. Curtis gets a shock. Chase throws down the gauntlet.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Britt offers a lifeline. Anna offers her expertise. Sonny reassures Gio. Portia makes her loyalties clear. Dante’s investigation hits a roadblock.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo for the action this week entitled, “The World Knows” below.
Now weigh-in: With everyone disbelieving Sonny, what will be his next move? Will he hit rock bottom, or rise up and fight back and prove his innocence? Will Sonny enlist Jason to get to the bottom of this, even though Jason is out of Sonny’s business? Meanwhile, can this truly be the week that Willow is exposed for her multitude of crimes … or is this all a red herring? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
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GH’s Kayden Brenna Tokarski Addresses ‘Positivity and Negativity’ That Has Come Her Way as She Embraces Playing Scout Cain
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