General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Giovanni Mazza Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
There are moments on a soap opera that are captured that just connect with us all, and since the airing of the Friday, December 26 episode of General Hospital, legions of fans (and we can show you the link here to our Michael Fairman TV Facebook page as one example) have been incredibly moved and touched by the outstanding work of Giovanni Mazza in the scenes where Gio is gifted a new violin for the holidays by his grandfathers Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ned (Wally Kurth).
However, the gift did not come off as intended after Leo (Easton Rocket Sweda) got his hands on the violin before he was supposed to as Sonny and Ned wanted to give it to Gio at the right time and when they thought he was ready to play again.
As viewers recall, Gio stopped playing the violin back in May of this year when at the Nurses’ Ball he learned backstage when overhearing Lulu (Alexa Havins Bruening) say that his biological parents are Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) and Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna), something that was hid from him his entire life.
Courtesy/ABC
After taking to the Nurses Ball stage for his planned performance, Gio instead let out his rage and fury for all the years of lies, and smashed his beloved violin to pieces. Since then, it has been a slow burn as Gio has slowly come around to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and even slower to Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), who has been particularly hard on him.
Now at the Quartermaine family gathering and holiday party, everything comes full circle for Gio. After Leo brings in the new violin case, an emotional Gio walks over to it after hearing Wiley (Viron Weaver) says that Tracy (Jane Elliot) has been been so sad since Monica died, that she would love to hear him play. Gio says he loved Monica, too. He puts the violin case down on the table and takes out the violin and then the bow. As Gio looks at it, he is overcome, as are we the audience, as he clutches the instrument and heads out into the foyer and weeps.
Brook Lynn follows him and out and remembered what led up to today. She reaches out to her son and puts her hand on his shoulders, telling him it’s going to be OK, and he returns to the Quartermaine living room and performs with so much emotion in his face and in his hands, “Oh, Holy Night.” After he finishes, Tracy walks over to him and hugs him and thanks him for how beautiful that was. At that point, if you weren’t reaching for the hankies before, you were now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHAT WE SAY
It’s a rare occurrence to find such a talent such as Giovanni Mazza, who not only plays the violin so masterfully and so movingly, but can also act and brings us to tears. Even though, this was just a handful of scenes and moments, there is no question that Mazza’s work is what we will remember as we close out 2025.
Kudos also to the GH writing and directing team for giving Gio back his passion before the clock strikes twelve to 2026, which sets him on a course of embracing what he loves, and his new family in the New Year. For all of these reasons mentioned above, Giovanni Mazza is Michael Fairman TV’s pick for the Power Performance of the Week.
WHAT THE VIEWERS SAY
Fan comments also noted, “I thought he was going to cry looking in the case.at the violin. The way he plays its a part of him not an instrument! So beautiful. A very talented young man,” to “This is one of the most talented young men to ever come to GH. The musicality is unbelievable & the acting is golden. I believe he will do great things,” to “Gio is a fantastic musician, but he is also turning out to be a sensational actor. Yesterday’s episode was a heart tugger.when he left the family room with his guitar and got very emotional… you could almost feel his pain. Well done, sir,” to “It was touching. I was teary eyed for sure. I’ve been in that struggle playing music and something bad happens and I stopped playing piano/organ and it was a moment like this when you play again and the emotions from within and you end up blessing others with your gift. Art imitates life.”
Now below, let us know if you were moved by the scenes where Gio is gifted the violin, and works through his sadness, anger, denial and love for the instrument and gives Tracy and the Quartermaines a true holiday present via the comment section below.
It was so magical. I think this young is so talented. General hospital did a GREAT job bringing him to the show/family.
He plays so beautifully. I really enjoy when he does play and look forward to his playing more often
Unbelievable, I cried, so beautiful
From the first time He played the violin…I was so impressed with Him..I went on Utube and have watched every performance when I am having a bad day..
Listening to Gio play makes me feel so much better.. He is an amazing musician
Kudos to General Hospital..I have been a GH fan since day one in 1963 and with the addition of such a talented musician..the show is Golden..
I totally cried.
I cried
I just hope when he leaves the show and makes it big in Hollywood that he won’t undergo such a personality change as we have seen with Nicholas Chavez.I think Chavez was a really nice guy when he was on GH but turned into a completely different person once he hit Hollywood success.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
-
General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
-
General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
-
News5 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
-
News5 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!
