Breaking News
Jonathan Jackson Leaving ‘General Hospital’; EP Frank Valentini Confirms Five-Time Emmy Winner’s Exit
In what has been rumored, proved to be true, following the airing of the Thursday, June 5th episode of General Hospital which saw Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) explaining to Lucky (Jonathan Jackson) why she won’t remarry him after turning down his marriage proposal.
With talk that Lucky plans to leave Port Charles again, and that it is “sudden,” Elizabeth said she knew he would never be happy long term in Port Charles, but her life is here and she likes it the way it is, while Lucky shared, that “being here, knowing that we can’t be together, it just hurts too much.”
Next, General Hospital and its executive producer confirmed that indeed, five-time Daytime Emmy winner Jonathan Jackson is on his way out and is departing the ABC soap opera shortly.
Photo: ABC
GH’s executive producer, Frank Valentini shared to TV Insider, “We were so glad Jonathan was able to reprise the role of Lucky, even if it was for a limited time. We wish him nothing but the best, and the door is always open for Jonathan to return.”
Jackson returned to the place which gave him his major break in show business, when he was cast in 1993 at 11-years-old as Luke and Laura’s son. Now fast forward, in what had everyone excited, the former star of Nashville was headed back home to Port Charles in August of 2024, in what now turned out to be only a nine month run.
Photo: ABC
Originally, it seemed that Jonathan was set to stay for quite some time as fans were hoping for major story befitting his talents. However, after being bogged down in the Sidwell/Africa diamond caper and being held hostage, then returning to Port Charles in hopes of helping his sister, Lulu as her liver donor, working at Charlie’s with Kristina (Kate Mansi) and then hoping to rekindle things with the love of his life, Elizabeth, it looks like that’s all she wrote.
Photo: ABC
When he signed on to return to GH in the summer of 2024, Jackson expressed, “When I came back in 2015, that was just for a few episodes for Tony (Geary’s) exit and this is not that. This is back in a substantial, real way, which I’m excited about.” Whether his 9 month stint was always the current plan, or whether Jonathan decided to end his stay earlier than intended is still not known.
Before Jackson ends his current run, look for Lucky to say goodbye to his family members which we hope includes: Laura, Lulu (Alexa Havins) and his son Aiden (Colin Cassidy). In fact, our favorite scene during Jonathan’s latest run was the scene where Aiden told Lucky he was gay.
So, what are your feelings knowing Jonathan Jackson is once again exiting General Hospital? Were you hoping Liz and Lucky would get back together? Did GH drop the ball in terms of Lucky’s story? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
I was really hoping to see the love story work out for Liz and Lucky this time
I saw a youtube clips “GH rumors” that he was going to Beyond The Gates, I didn’t believe it but after Thursday’s episode and now Mr. Fairman confirming his departure.. is it true?
Sad to see him go.. hope Isisah isn’t going anywhere with him. Hope those Gannon roots start to surface soon.
.
Interesting
Probably wishful thinking on my part but maybe they can rehire Roger Howarth or Michael Easton now.
Seriously? Again? Please, God, no!
I wouldn’t blame either one of them for saying no, after the way GH treated them. I saw where they’ve rehired Kelly and I’m happy with that. I knew they’d probably bring somebody back due to J.J.’s leaving, I just didn’t know who.
I am bummed to the max. It seems they didn’t know what to do with Lucky from the get-go. There were so few meaty scenes. I say shame on TPTB for not planning this out better, especially if they knew Jackson was only going to be here for nine months. I don’t think his return did anything for the ratings, but it did my heart good to see more of Laura’s children around town. Too bad we didn’t get to see them all together too often. It seems like such a waste. And poor Elizabeth! She and Lucky should have been end-game. But now that they’ve made it clear they’re too different, I want someone stable to come into her life.
What a steaming pile of dragonshit.
The idiot professor is NOT needed.
Vaughn is NOT needed.
Sidwell and his entire dysfunctional family are NOT needed.
Parasite Nina and Hallmark Drew are definitely NOT needed.
If you have to fire all of the above to keep Lucky Spencer, then DO it, with zero hesitation.
Agreed. Except for the Nina part.
And Marco. Please give him a story… I am so confused when GH gives and actor a contract but no storyline.
Yes! Watros is a brilliant actress who manages to rise above the lousy-Nina-must-lose- writing thrown at her time and time again. She can stay.
They need to draft a storyline for Nina that doesn’t involve her being Willow’s mother and her constant feud with Carly. Cynthia Watros is a very good actress. Give her a new love interest. And, please, please, please, do not place Elizabeth with Rick!
This is a bummer as Lucky is a legacy character. Did producers and writers lay out a long-term bible for Lucky? This development makes it seem they moved to get the actor before establishing story. I would have accepted a recast too. I never believe anyone is irreplaceable.
This has been the biggest waste of talent in the history of daytime. I’m not sure why Lucky was brought back, other than Laura not having any connections on the show. Now, I would love to see Nicholas, Dillon, Brenda and Spencer come back and the Sidwell/Natalia storyline needs to end. I don’t feel any connection between Lucas and Marco. The Joss/WSB/Vaughn storyline is a snooze (no offense to Eden McCoy). The fans need more Ava.
biggest flop in soap history
This is hilarious to me; Deadline Hollywood reported his return as a “long run”, and now he’s out after nine months. It’s clear he did not want to be there and there was no story there. Honestly, it was a waste of contract money; Rick Hearst (as Ric) should’ve gotten the contract (likely at half the price). This is no big loss for anyone; I feel bad for both Genie Francis and Rebecca Herbst, both of whom likely thought they’d have some solid story to tell with Jackson’s return as Lucky, and instead… it was absolute shit. Not to mention, it should have been Greg Vaughan who returned as Lucky, who re-joined the PCPD to be partnered with Dante.
I would have been fine with them just handing it over to Greg Vaughan at this point. I guess they prefer to keep the absentee father narrative set by Luke and Lucky. Sigh. I was hoping the character of Lucky would man up and stick around long term for his family.
Firmly, I don’t believe anyone at Disney ABC wants anyone else in the role of Lucky if it isn’t Jackson, which is why Vaughan has yet to return to the role. Plus, I don’t know if he’d want to return to a role he was successful in recasting but fired to bring the original actor back for two years only.
You’re probably right.
What a bust, and a waste of talent, maybe his return was meant to be short term all along , still the storyline that was constructed was poorly executed from the get go, from instead of Laura finding him, they had Jason , the shows captain America find him, or when crazy uncle Cyrus when in for the kill we were left with the horrible fill in , at the end Lucky really hasn’t grown up he’s still a man child or at least for some horrible reason that’s how the show wants him to be..
This will go down in soap history as one of the worst returns of a big-name soap star ever. I don’t know who’s responsible for botching it, but if JJ is indeed leaving ahead of schedule and it’s by his choice, I certainly cannot blame him. Someone apparently forgot to tell the writers (or Frank, or the ABC brass) that when you get a fan favorite back, you have to actually write for him.
Actually, it’s not just Lucky’s early departure (though heaven knows that’s bad enough to warrant an intervention), but what the hell is going on at GH the last couple of years? It’s as though nobody can figure out what direction the show should take; they hire and fire writers and actors, stories get dropped, characters’ personalities get shifted, and the whole thing feels adrift and rudderless, even though individual episodes or short arcs are sometimes great and you have a few performers (Jane Elliott in particular) really holding things together. It’s like the seeds of a really good show are there but they can’t get their act together enough to chart a consistent course and create a compelling product.I’m wondering–and this occurred to me back when Patrick Mulcahey came and went in a millisecond–if there are warring factions behind the scenes with radically different visions for the show and what we’re getting is a mishmash. Whatever it is that’s going on, they need to get their you-know-what together fast.
Comes as no surprise to me. I never believed that Jackson would be satisfied returning to GH long term. If TPTB want Lucky on canvas for long term, they have to recast. My preference is Greg Vaughan. Since he’s tied up with Days, I would not be unhappy to see Jacob Young return or someone new.
Now that he is gone, pair Elizabeth with Jason so #Liason can have their #LiasonReunion2025
Ugh, no. If Elizabeth didn’t want to travel the world with Lucky, she’s not going to agree with Jason’s profession. She’s got kids and a decent job. She never did agree with his lifestyle which is much more dangerous than Lucky’s travels around the world.
Yes, please no!!
I was really hoping he would stay they belong together I really wish they wasn’t leaving again this breaks my heart and I’ve been watching him since 1997.. they will never ever truly get their happy ending never and that’s what’s sad and disappointed
I wanted him to stay for the long haul to be with his family. He could work with Ana, or Spinelli doing PI work.
So, you bring back a 5-time Emmy winner, son of the show’s most famous couple and you don’t give him a compelling storyline? It’s almost like they checked to see if he was available but had no story arc. Once Lulu woke up they just had a haphazard reconnection with Elizabeth. Thank goodness they used the flashbacks at least.
The departure seems rushed as Elizabeth goes from a major leg cast to dancing without crutches the next day.
When the recurring onscreen question was will Lucky stay? It should be no surprise to anyone that he’s departing.
And, don’t get me started on the covering for Kristina plot.
I really was hoping for Lucky and Liz to finally get and stay together. Love Jonathan and always will, Lucky could never be replaced, Good Luck in all your endeavors
Disappointed. I thought that his scenes, especially with sister Lulu, were wonderful. But it seems to me that the writing let Jackson down. It would me, as a performer. It felt like Jackson wanted to come back, and the contracts were signed BEFORE the show could figure out what to do with Lucky. The show is on fire right now with episodes regarding paternity and child custody, and Lucky Spencer needs to have action-adventure storylines to keep him engaged and on-canvas. And where were all the scenes with Lucky and Laura? Both actors professed excitement at performing together again, and once Lulu woke up, it never happened.
Not happy about it I am not happy about it. I am not happy about it. I was helping him and this is to remarry and live happily ever after. Plus he needs to be there for his mom Laura because she’s going through a hard time politically and his sister Lulu just came back into the picture. I watched General Hospital since day one and have been totally invested in all of the characters right now. I do not like Drew at all. He needs to go if you’re gonna get rid of anyone, I like the new Michael.
I was hoping that they would give him a better story line. I wanted to see him in a mystery like story line getting even with his attackers from Africa. His story line was boring. In fact story lines lately with certain actors are boring. Only good ones are Carly Sonny Michael Jason
Sad to see him go…. Would have been nice if he and Liz had hooked up, they will always be sweethearts in my book. I think we were lucky to have LUCKY stay as long as he did and I feel that he will be back someday. I WISH HIM THE VERY BEST IN ALL OF HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS .
I wished that Lucky & Elizabeth got back together
I absolutely adore Jonathan Jackson but I really hate that he comes and goes. It would be awesome if he and Rebecca could be the next Luke and Laura with crazy adventures now that their “kids” on GH are basically grown.
Just one question in the 9 months he was on did he ever wash his hair? Left GH when Billy Miller left never looked back JJ was a great child actor but he unfortunately never fit the adult role. GV was excellent in the drug storyline and let’s be honest Tony Geary treated him badly.
Good news. Be gone! Jonathan looked bored, disinterested and out of place. He had no chemistry with the show. Who is to blame? Not sure. Bring Greg Vaughn next time and be done with this mistake. Greg is a better adult Lucky. It’s okay, recasts can work. Look no further than the new Michael. He is awesome!
Considering Greg seems to be on the “revolving door” plan over at Days, it’s not likely that he would commit to a long term role at GH either.
I think whats sad is Lucky is leaving in the midst of all the Gio confusion. Aiden’s dad leaves again after all the dad drama. While other kids are getting their dads back, Aiden loses his. Even Jason is promising to stay for Danny and to keep the boyd together. I get Lucky wanting to leave because its too painful for him but what about Aiden.? Liz says she has a way to present the news. I hope its really good. When you think of it they couldn’t even get Lucky cleaned up for the longest time.
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)
GH Alums Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan to Reunite for Special Fan Event
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: One Woman Lies to Another, While Two Sisters Tear Each Other Apart!
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Hesitate to Sign Divorce Papers, Elizabeth Reveals Aiden’s Leaving For Paris, Willow Flashes Back to Her Crimes
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: One Woman Lies to Another, While Two Sisters Tear Each Other Apart!
Joe Hendry Talks WWE Microdrama Collab ‘Agent of Shadows,’ New Music, and What’s Next! (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Mike Manning Talks Smitty’s Emotional Visit with His Mother (Exclusive)
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
-
Beyond the Gates4 days agoTabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
-
Breaking News3 days ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
-
Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
-
Days Of Our Lives7 days agoDays of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
-
Interviews2 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
-
Previews1 week agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
-
General Hospital1 week agoWil Traval Talks His ‘General Hospital’ Debut and Being Paired with Kelly Thiebaud
