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‘General Hospital’s’ Genie Francis Talks Bringing Real-Life Trauma Into Laura/Sonny Story and Being Shunned for a Lead Actress Emmy Nomination in Upcoming ‘State of Mind’ with Maurice Benard

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: ABC

In an upcoming two-part episode of Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health podcast, State of Mind, the three-time Daytime Emmy winner welcomes for the first time, General Hospital icon and long-running series star, Genie Francis (Laura Collins). The first episode drops this Sunday, November 16, with the second installment premiere the following Sunday on November 23.

Francis, who has played Laura on and off since 1977 and Benard who arrived in 1993, will talk about their current and upcoming storyline, which in a preview with the New York Post, appears to be one of Genie’s all-time favorites. “I love this story that they have given us,” shared Francis. “They asked me one day, ABC asked me what I wanted, and I said I want a story with Maurice Benard. And from that, they put together a brilliant story that I’m loving so much.”

Speaking on the on-screen relationship of Sonny and Laura, Genie added, “There are all kinds of love stories – they’re not all romantic. But you have really close relationships with people, and there’s a chemistry there with us, so I wanted them to write that.”

Photo: ABC

In a scene with Benard, Francis shared how she got to the emotional epicenter of it, which called upon her to recall a certain trauma from her past. “I realized that my way into that scene was about trauma,” she told Maurice. “I’ve had trauma in my life. I’ve relived trauma in my life, and I know what happens. I tried to tell you in that scene about my trauma, and you heard me.”

As for Benard, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 22 and started his own You Tube series back in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Maurice has remained a staunch mental health advocate by informing people on different mental illnesses, how they manifest, and how to survive through it which he has done, but been very open about his struggles in an effort to help others.

The subject of the Emmys will come up on State of Mind and according to the NY Post, Benard tells Francis, “Usually when I predict things, a lot of times they do come true. And I’d love to see you win an Emmy from what I’ve seen in two weeks.”

Photo: ABC

Having been the face of GH for a longtime, sadly, Genie has never won a Lead Actress Daytime Emmy, clarifying, “I have never been nominated for Best Actress, never once. I won once as Best Supporting Actress for a short six-week visit, but as far as Best Actress, it’s been a close-out for 49 years.”

Genie also recalled, “When I was a kid, how do you compare an 18-year-old girl to a 40-year-old woman who are in the same category?” That was a very hard thing for me when Tony (Geary) was nominated when I was a kid and I was not. I was embarrassed.”

So, are you looking forward to seeing Genie and Maurice working more together in the coming weeks on-screen? Do you agree that Genie should have, by now, at least been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series, if not have won at least once already? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, check out this teaser featuring Maurice and Genie below.

 

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First of all – I adore Genie and love whenever Laura is on my screen.

That she wasn’t nominated for Lead Actress the year Lucky was presumed dead in the fire is astonishing.

While she’s justified in pointing out that Geary got nominated early on, she’s wrong to imply he was a kid. His first nomination was in 1981 when he was already 34. He won the following year.

Because she is on so infrequently and is not often driving story, right now, she might best belong in the supporting category. Does she have the presence of a Lead Actress – absolutely- but the story (at least so far this year) isn’t there.

Why don’t we see the struggles of a mature woman raising her toddler grandson? Give her something to do other than being the mayor.

Something was bugging me. Genie must have a poor memory. A simple IMDb check verified she was nominated twice in the Lead category. Once in 1997 and the other in 2021 – just 4 years ago.

Yeah, it was puzzling that she would forget those nominations. The one in 2021, she was nominated for the scenes when Lulu went into the coma. GH had three Best Actress nominees that year, with Finola and Nancy joining Genie. And the one in 1997 I remember, because she was 8 or 9 months pregnant, and couldn’t travel to New York for the ceremony, so she appeared via satellite.

But overall, I think it’s fair to say that she’s been short changed when it comes to the Lead Actress category.over the years. There were a number of other years I thought she easily could have been nominated and wasn’t. But you can say the same thing for a lot of actors and actresses on every show.

There were a few years in the 90s when Genie arguably should’ve been nominated (in addition to 97).

As for the early 80s, there was powerhouse competition from well established industry vets. When Geary hit his first nomination in 1981, the five women up for best Lead Actress were:
Julia Barr, Susan Lucci, Robin Strasser, Helen Gallagher, and Judith Light.

Light, of course, won for her iconic courtroom breakdown.

Had there been a younger actress category in those years, Francis would’ve been a shoe-in.

Maybe she doesn’t give a shit.

Genie Francis is GH legacy and I would love to see her win a Lead Actress trophy. But GH needs to put her front and center and weave her into stories that may not be her primary plotline. I miss seeing favorite characters in and out of homes, hospital, and town hot spots just casually. It nuilds community and continuity. There have been lame Lead Actress winners in many years at the Daytime Emmy Awards. If this GH story is as promised, then let’s give Miss Francis the spotlight and let her talents shine and speak for themselves. She need not turn on tears or histrionics to make us engage in the stories or feel the emotions.

She is quoted in several articles online as saying she hasn’t been nominated for lead actress when she was nominated in that category in 1997 and 2021. I saw some clips of her upcoming interview on State of Mind, but I didn’t see her say the quote about not ever receiving a lead actress nomination. Maybe it was misquoted.

I”ve always been puzzled how GH has literally been shut out of the lead actress category for decades, yes their actress have been nominated and only four have won in that category Finola Hughes, Laura Wright, Maura West and now Nancy Grahn, I find it astonishing especially when you consider the other shows that have had actress win multiple times, and have left me scratching my head. We know who they are, all they do is submit scenes of themselves crying year after year. GH has been shown more respect in the supporting actress category which is just as important, Genie will hopefully be given just plain and simple a steady storyline, yes she’s the heart of GH but she’s treated like a supporting character on the show.

Watching what aired on Sunday’s Part 1…
Not sure if it was an edit or a misinterpretation, but Genie never says she wasn’t nominated in Lead, just she didn’t win in 49 years.

Also, it appears she said “Tony was nominated when I was a kid” (not when Tony was a kid).

I watched it today also and I agree with you 100%. Looking forward to part 2 next week.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Mistakes and Cover-Ups Impact the Lives of Drew, Nina, Dante and Brennan

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, several residents of Port Charles are reeling from their actions in the just released GH video spoilers for the week of May 11-15!

First, Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) confesses to Portia (Brook Kerr) that he is a suspect as the other driver who was involved in Jordan’s (Tanisha Harper) car accident that disfigured her face. But as viewers know, Curtis (Donnell Turner) is the one after a talk with Portia that pointed Justine (Nazeen Contractor) towards Isaiah. But is the culprit really Isaiah, or is it Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton), or is Jordan solely at fault for taking her eyes off the road to kiss Curtis?

Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) armed with the information that Rocco (Finn Carr) shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), confronts his ex-wife Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins) at her home. An angry Dante says, “You know it was Rocco who shot Cullum. Why wouldn’t you tell me?” Lulu admits it was Rocco, but how is she going to explain why she kept Rocco’s father out of the loop?

Courtesy/ABC

Then, in the exciting pick-up from Friday’s cliffhanger, Nina (Cynthia Watros) is in a continued panic as now Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) finds himself at the hospital looking unconscious and hooked up to machines. In addition, back at Drew’s house, now that Drew (Cameron Mathison) did not receive his dose of medication to keep him in a locked-in state (since Nina jabbed Jack with it), he is starting to show signs of life and is moving his fingers to try to dial the phone for help.

Later, a series of images are set agains the statement by Sidwell (Carlo Rota), who says, “We have a mess on our hands.” Sidwell is the one supplying Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) with the drug to keep Drew paralyzed and unable to speak. Now that Jack got a dose, how can they control what happens next, and what will Willow do when she finds out that Nina gave Jack the medication meant for Drew? Stay tuned.

Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of May 11-15.

MONDAY, MAY 11
Nina warns Willow. Lulu is in the hot seat. Elizabeth puts the pieces together. Ethan and Ava clash. Ric defends himself.

TUESDAY, MAY 12
Lulu seeks out Britt. Dante has words with “Nathan.” Curtis takes on a mission. Rocco clashes with Danny and Charlotte. Isaiah is in the hot seat.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Ethan issues an invitation to Kristina. Michael lets Jacinda in on his plan. Willow meets with Sidwell. Curtis worries about Jordan.

THURSDAY, MAY 14
Britt weighs her options. Tracy is outraged. Laura explains her actions. Carly has questions for Nina. Dante has a tough conversation.

FRIDAY, MAY 1
Carly stonewalls Cullum. Valentin strategizes. “Nathan” confides in a surprising someone. Elizabeth opens up to Dante. Ric and Alexis come together for Molly.

Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, Mistakes Leaves Traces below.

Weigh-in: What do you think Nina and Willow will do to cover their tracks with Jack getting jabbed with Drew’s medication? Will they continue to somehow keep him in a locked-in state? Will Drew pretend he is still unable to move as he starts coming around to dupe Willow and Nina and eventually get away? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and let us know what story point you are most looking forward to this week on GH.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Asher Antonyzyn Teases When Danny Finds Out Rocco Shot Cullum and Jason Took the Blame, Relationship Status with Charlotte

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On General Hospital, Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn) cannot just sit idly by why his father, Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) was dragged away by the WSB for shooting WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes). As Danny one day will find out, it was Rocco (Finn Carr), his brother, who did the deed, and Jason covered for Rocco to protect him. Thus, Danny feels all alone in this world without his dad.

In addition and in recent scenes, GH viewers saw that Danny is considering and wanting to get into the mafia like his dad. He had gone to see Sonny (Maurice Benard) about it and wound up in a conversation with Ric (Rick Hearst) and Sonny. Afterwards, he overheard the men talking about Sidwell (Carlo Rota). So, Danny knows that Sidwell had something to do with Jason disappearing too.

On Sunday, Asher Antonyzyn joined his TV dad, Steve Burton and Burton’s That’s Awesome Podcast partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) for an all-new episode, where the young actor was able to articulate his feelings and thoughts on Danny’s current emotional state and situation in Port Charles while his dad has been taken away to who knows where.

Photo: ABC

MY BROTHER, MY FATHER

When asked how Danny will feel when he learns Rocco was the person who shot Cullum, and who is dad took the fall for, Antonyzyn shared, “Danny still doesn’t know that it was Rocco who shot Cullum and and all that. He still thinks, ‘Why would my dad do this (and shoot Cullum)?” Then, they take him away. When he does find out, I think he’s going to be pretty upset that his dad is being wrongfully accused, and that this entire time Rocco has just been watching Danny struggle through it all and he hasn’t said anything. I’m super glad Danny and Rocco are eventually going to go at it. They’ve been like brothers and they are so close to each other. I’m excited that they will get a little conflict with each other.”

Asher also also shared Danny’s impulsive nature is a big part of the story. “Right now, I think it’s about the anger that his dad was the only person he kind of had left. In the stuff that will be coming out soon, it seems that his dad’s the only person he can trust. So, he’s just missing that relationship and seeing Rocco with his family, and Charlotte with her family, and just all of that. He is just really upset that his dad was wrongfully taken from him.”

JOINING THE MOB

The young actor also explained, because of Danny’s upset, it’s what drove him to wanting in on the mob. “Danny went to Sonny and Rick not knowing where to start, as he was just so angry. He just wanted ammunition, ans he just wanted to do something”. Asher added, “Danny just couldn’t just stand there anymore. So, I think him hearing the name “Sidwell” gives him like a target to try and do something to get his dad back, just so he feels like he’s doing something.”

Photo: ABC

One of the hot topics on social media a few months back occurred when Charlotte and Danny (Bluesy Burke) shared a kiss. Fans were screaming how they were related. Well, it seems from Asher’s comments, that entire potential romance had been sidelined.

CHARLOTTE AND DANNY BESTIES FOR NOW?

“There was for a hot second (something between them). Danny and Charlotte had those scenes together,” Asher stated. “They (Charlotte and Danny) really didn’t really know how to go about it. I mean, Danny talked to his grandma and his dad about if they were related and they said “distant cousins” like great grandfathers, great-great grandfathers, but at the end of the day, still related a little bit.”

Antonyzyn clarified where Charlotte and Danny are with each other, as of now. “So after that, they had one scene together and they’ve kind of realized that it’a like a Jason and Carly (Laura Wright) relationship where they have so much love for each other that they don’t feel like it’s right to go into something like that again.”

You can catch the full conversation with Asher, Steve and Bradford below.

Now let us know, what do you think Danny will do with the intel when he finds out that Rocco shot Cullum and his dad took the fall for it? Are you glad it seems that Charlotte and Danny seem to be no longer a romantic young teen romance? Do you think Danny will go after Sidwell, and get entrenched at Wyndemere? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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General Hospital

GH’s Dominic Zamprogna On How Dante Plans to Deal with Lulu and Rocco’s Cover-Up After Learning His Son Shot Cullum

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By the end of the Friday May 8 episode of General Hospital, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) with the help of Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) put two and two and realized, that his son, Rocco (Finn Carr) is the person who shot WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) in the back, and was the person who Jason (Steve Burton) was protecting.

This revelation hits the police commissioner like a ton of bricks, especially when he realizes his ex-wife Lulu has been in on the secret and not telling him about it. So, where does Dante go from here? In a new conversation with Soap Opera Digest, multi-Daytime Emmy nominee, Dominic Zamprogna shared what viewers can expect.

Zamprogna expressed on Lulu and Rocco not coming to him for help, “He gets that the reason they probably didn’t want to tell him is because they’re worried that he’s too by the book, but this is his son! He has a lot of anger over them not telling him.”

Courtesy/ABC

KEPT IN THE DARK – COMING INTO THE LIGHT

Armed with the truth, Dante’s caught between a rock and a hard place, “This puts him in a situation where he’s potentially going to do things that he wouldn’t normally do, and that’s a big deal for him. Dante having to confront these people for lying to him is going to be good drama and conflict. There is huge emotional fallout from all of this. It has a big effect on his relationships.”

Next week, look for Lulu (Alexa Havins) to be the first-person Dante confronts, “Alexa is so good in those scenes. She is such a powerful actress. But as far as Dante and Lulu go, I could see it taking them a very long time to heal from this, because of her lack of transparency.”

A THANK YOU TO JASON

As far as what Jason did for his son, and how Sonny’s enforcer was grabbed by the WSB and sent away, Zamprogna knows Dante will have a lot of thanking to do, if and when they connect on-screen when Steve Burton returns from his hiatus this summer.”

“Like we needed another reason to love Jason,” Zamprogna scoff, but acknowledging how Dante “definitely (is) going to be owing Jason big-time when he gets back to town!”

So, the once happy family of Dante, Rocco and Lulu is about to fall apart, but can they all work together to keep Rocco safe? Just wait till Dante finds out that his buddy “Nathan” is really Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) ! Something tells me in the end he is going to save Lulu from the guy.

Now, let us know are you looking forward to Dante confronting Lulu and Rocco? How can he protect his son in his position as police commissioner? Will he just look the other way? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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