General Hospital
GH’s Giovanni Mazza Talks on Taping The Moment That Changed Everything: Gio Smashes His Violin at the Nurses’ Ball
In the turning point in the story of General Hospital’s Gio Palmieri and the actor and violinist who portrays him, Giovanni Mazza, viewers will never forget this gut-wrenching moment. After overhearing Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Lois (Rena Sofer) arguing, and learning he is the son of Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), Gio took to the Nurses’ Ball stage to accompany Anna (Finola Hughes) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) tango.
Only as he stood there with violin in hand and began to play, he stops as all of the betrayal, hurt and anger reaches a boiling point when he smashes his beloved violin and storms out of the ball. Getting the moment right was of utmost importance to the show and for Mazza, as this would be the defining moment that would set the tone for his first major storyline on the iconic ABC soap opera.
Speaking with Soap Opera Digest, Mazza shared that he actually did the moment in a few takes, and replie believed he had it in him to reach that boiling point on-screen. “I think I’ve been working very hard with this moment in mind. I didn’t know that I had it in me, but I’ve never experienced something like this before. I used the mix of my imagination and my own personal life and (thinking about), ‘If I was in a very specific, similar situation, what would I go through?’ And I sort of connected to that feeling of vulnerability, of the rug being pulled out from under me, and I built up all the momentum and then I just let it go, and whatever happened happened.”
Photo: ABC
However, Giovanni noted, “I pretty much built up all the momentum to go into it and then when I did it, I just completely let it go. This was one of the rare times that we got more than one take. So I talked to Frank (Valentini, executive producer) and he gave me some great adjustments on set and I sort of just took it, I built the momentum up again, and let it go again.”
Explaining how Valentini’s ‘adjustments’ informed the take that viewers saw that made it to air, Mazza added, “The first take, it was pretty much all just rage. I interpreted (Gio’s motivation) as, ‘I am going to make you feel my pain. I want everyone here to feel the pain that I’m feeling.’ And I just let it out in a very rageful, angry state, and after I smashed my violin — this is something that you didn’t see (on-air) — I let out this yell, like a (primal) scream. Frank and I talked about it, and he told me to come from more of a place of vulnerability, of the feeling that I wasn’t wanted: ‘They didn’t want me. They gave me away.’ I think the way I was playing it, it would have just been a moment. But the way that Frank guided me, with coming from that place of vulnerability and the feeling of not being wanted, that generates the story to come.”
Photo: ABC
On the day the episode aired, Mazza took to his Instagram and shared a clip from GH and stated, “Just moments after I found out who my real parents are… being lied to my whole life, missing out from my real family, the pain of my character’s past…. There’s a lot to look forward to on General Hospital. Of all days, this special episode aired on my birthday (yesterday)! My birthday wish is that everyone watches the Nurses’ Ball episodes on Hulu this weekend! Throw a watch party! Everyone in the cast&crew put so much time and energy and effort into this event! Enjoy!”
So, what did you think of the moment when Gio smashed the violin and the performance of Giovanni Mazza? Has the changed your perspective on the young actor and are you now excited to see where Gio’s story goes from here? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first, in case you need a refresher, here’s the moment below.
What bothered me the most… we never saw Anna dance the tango. Fiona Hughes is trained in classical ballet and her dance was what I was looking forward to the most during the Nurse’s ball.
Well, that might have actually been a “blessing” in disguise. (and a Devil doesn’t use that word often). Because there’s no way in the fires of Hell that Anna dancing a tango with Chase could have measured up to the classic tango with Duke Lavery back in the day.
I do agree with that 100%. And, I appreciate your use of “forbidden” words.
After a few weeks, I still think about this episode as a time where we can say “A Star Is Born.” Giovanni’s performance is one GH fans will not soon forget. I also think Gio and Emma are GH’s next supercouple. I don;t think this performance will be available to submit to Emmy voters this year, but it was something we are still talking about. Also, BLQ is knocking it out of the park. Amanda Sutton is a great actress.
Well it’s officially summer now in Port Charles so Gio’s back at the pool, as expected. But at least he’s making good use of his time there, knocking that smug piece of dragonshit Ezra into the water.
Laura’s comment to Sonny: “I like this new grandson of yours” . Yeah, he’s starting to grow on me, i’ll admit it.
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)
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’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
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
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