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Jonathan Jackson Reveals the Reason Behind His Exit from ‘General Hospital’: “We Gave It Our Best Shot”
If you think the quick exit by Jonathan Jackson following the five-time Daytime Emmy-winner’s return to General Hospital was planned way in advance, you can scrap that notion after Jonathan opened up about his decision to exit the ABC daytime drama series as Lucky Spencer sooner than he had hoped.
According to Jackson in a discussion with TV Insider, he revealed that the distance between his home in Tennessee and taping GH in Los Angeles, and being away from his family played a large part in his early departure.
As Jonathan explained it was never his intention to exit his iconic GH role as Luke and Laura’s son only nine months after his heralded and heavily-publicized return in August of 2024. He shared, “It was more of a real, sincere attempt from myself and from General Hospital to make it work for a longer period of time. The hope was to be able to stay on longer.”
Photo: ABC
However, he seemed to allude to that it was always on the table as an ‘bit of an experiment” when he came back to the soap opera. Jackson said, “There was always that possibility because it was a bit of an experiment on my part to see if I could make it work with the family dynamic.” Jonathan has three young children and is married to former GH star, Lisa Vultaggio (ex-Hannah).
He continued, “There were moments where I thought, ‘I think I can find this balance with the family and time back and forth,’ and then you just have to pray about it and try to do what you feel is right. We gave it our best shot, but we weren’t able to keep it going.”
As viewers are seeing an abrupt exit on the airshows, when after Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) turned down Lucky’s marriage proposal, he decides its time to leave Port Charles. Jackson admitted it was sort of sudden when he made his final decision.
Photo: ABC
“I was trying to stay in the moment as much as possible,” explained the actor/singer/writer. That’s really where my mindset was, taking it one day at a time, but also one month at a time, and just seeing how it was feeling. I have to say that none of this would have happened at all if Frank Valentini (EP, GH) wasn’t so open and helpful to even get it this far. So that’s definitely something I’ve been extremely blessed by.”
Photo: JJacksonIG
Now gone from GH (as viewers will see Lucky’s latest exit on the canvas this week), Jonathan said he plans to concentrate on his music where he will be releasing a solo album later this year, the release of a new book of poems, called Anthology of Longing, while leaving the door open for other outside projects. Jackson also plans on touring in 2026 in the UK, and throughout Europe and in the U.S. and performing in the Nashville concert series as well. Jonathan starred as Avery Barkley in the canceled ABC music city drama series.
So, what do you think about the reason behind Jonathan Jackson’s exit? On top of the travel issues, do you think GH missed a huge opportunity to capitalize on his acting prowess, by not having him land in a storyline that might be more enticing for him to rethink his decision? Comment below.
I accept him for his words and feelings… but if the traveling back and forth is the reason.. wasn’t the travel understood before agreeing?
I wish him well nonetheless.
Maybe he should’ve been recurring. Rick Hearst commutes from NJ and John York from Tennessee. They likely have a bit more control on their schedules than a contract performer who has to be available every weekday for shooting.
Right? Yet he’s going to tour with his music, so…. you’re still away from the family. I feel life has a non-committal as his character
Don’t get me wrong, I love Jonathan Jackson, and his portrayal of Lucky is great. But it’s become too unreliable and inconsistent to keep him in the role. Lucky should be front-and-center, driving story regularly. He’s Luke and Laura’s son, has tons of connections to the canvas, and should be a leading man. GH should really consider finding a suitable recast (which they’ve been excellent at recently) and keep Lucky on long-term.
I agree with you Jimmy. They definitely should recast Lucky.
Greg Vaughn
Greg Vaughn can’t even commit to doing Days of Our Lives full time, so it’s not likely he would do that for GH either.
Nothing against Greg’s version of Lucky – though he did seem like a different character entirely. It would be really weird to see that version come back after the real Lucky was around for a while.
One thing I do know…. the temp hire who unfortunately filled in on the day Cyrus the Virus shot “Lucky” with digitalis. That would be a huge NO. Still can’t forgive that guy for what he did to the character of Will Horton on Days. I’ll even give Ben Weston a pass for taking him out with a necktie.
While I agree that it’s highly unlikely that GV would ever return to GH, isn’t it DAYS tight budget that can’t afford him on contract?
We survived 10 years without Lucky. It’ll be a while before we see him again. Not this year, but if Laura has a son return, it’s probably gonna be Nikolas (a recast).
Hey, family comes first.
But yet the article says he’ll be touring for his music in Europe in 2026. Can’t get much further from home and family than that, now can you. GH should recast him.
Making a living to support that family is right up there, too!
I think even though he’s too polite to say, its the terrible storyline he was given upon his return just terrible.No screen time.I don’t blame him a bit.I hope the Hallmark Channel or Great.American Family channel will use him to do some movies. Some GAC shows film in TN.
That would be amazing to her him on Hallmark or GAC
I agree that the writing afforded to him was lackluster and disappointing but those adjectives also perfectly describe JJ’s acting this time around. Just like Lucky didn’t want to stay put in Port Charles, JJ clearly didn’t want to be on the set of GH— he just wanted a paycheck. The picture of him above says it all; he looks bored and passive. It didn’t help that they had his big story centering around covering up for that feckless, insipid, awful Kristina.
Jonathan’s return was a bust from the word go. They had no story for him once we got past the Sidwell stuff in Africa. It was a woefully terrible job by Frank and the writers. Why bother bringing a legacy character like Lucky Spencer back if you’re not gonna write a story for him? This has to go down as one of the worst, most botched big name returns in soap history.
From Johnathan’s end, in my personal opinion, it never seemed like his heart was in it. I’ve seen his career on GH from the start, and he’s not a 5-time Emmy winner for no reason. I know what it looks like when he’s putting his heart and soul into a story, and when someone is phoning it in, and unfortunately, phoning it in is the vibe I got from him during this entire return, aside from a couple moments here and there, such as when he worked with Genie Francis, and she could act opposite a potted plant and make it compelling, and the scenes with Aiden coming out to Lucky. I think they had exactly two scenes together after that, which is another indictment of the writing on this show.
Such a wasted opportunity, Very unfortunate that it came to this. But if the show isn’t gonna write for the character, and if his heart isn’t in it, then it’s best to call it a day, and move on.
This was my first intro to the Lucky character and I haven’t been impressed. I thought the facial fuzz was because of the mess that he had been in, but he never cleaned up. He looks weak and unkempt, like a boy not a man. There’s no chemistry with Elizabeth, she vibes him in the friend zone. So … bye boy
Yes they could have done alot with him. He was an open canvas.
It sounds like it wouldn’t have mattered if they scripted a bigger storyline for him. I do think the writers had bigger plans for a Liz and Lucky reunion but had to change course when it became too difficult for JJ to continue. It sounds like they worked around his schedule as best they could, which may have also added to why it didn’t seem like he had much of a story. Still, I wish he could have made it work. I was excited and looking forward to see what the writers had planned for Liz and Lucky’s love story I tuned in daily. So I was extremely disappointed when Liz turn down Lucky’s proposal and Lucky decided to leave.
As much as I love JJ as Lucky, and the chemistry and relationship he has with Becky Herbst, I wish GH would have made the decision to recast the role of Lucky. I would even welcome Greg Vaughan back as Lucky. I know Frank is leaving the door open for JJ to return, but today’s goodbye seemed so final.
I think Lucky Spencer is an important GH legacy character so he should remain on the canvas even as a recast. Is it really too much to ask that they chemistry test prospective candidates with Becky and Genie to find the right fit? I wish they would.
Sly, I watched GH when Greg Vaughan played Lucky and I loved his portrayal of Lucky the adult. I’d love to have Greg back. That’s unlikely because of his commitment to DOOL. Also, Greg might be hesitant to trust TPTB at GH again. After all, they dumped him to bring back Jonathan Jackson all those years ago. Jackson only managed to stay a brief period then too.
I’m with you. It’s time for permanent Lucky recast.
Funny, I thought Steve Burton lived in Tennessee. Somehow he manages to stay in canvas while traveling back and forth. Just saying. Anyway, good luck to Jonathan in his career and his family. May he have nothing but success, happiness and peace.
To TPTB: Lucky is a very important character to the history of GH and should be a regular, ongoing part of the show. It is time to recast the role.
Steve Burton used to live in Tenessee.
Wish nothing but the best for Jonathan. But GH owed it to the fans to keep Lucky Spencer up front and center. They could of done a recast. Wouldn’t be the first time. I’m very disappointed. I’ve been watching GH 62yrs.
The show clearly dropped the ball from the start when he returned to the show, but that’s a whole different long discussion that I don’t have the patience to get into, I will say, I at least like the fact that even though things are ending for him and Liz, it feels like at least they ended things as friends and He is going away with Aiden and spend quality time with his son, and since he’s not coming back anytime soon, I hope the show still keeps their relationship as co parent and that he won’t be a deadbeat dad with his son. And it is possible to be good friends with an ex, so hopefully we hear liz visits him even if it offscreen . Now the only thing I hope the show does is not ignore Elisabeth and now that Britt is coming back not take advantage of mixing it up with Jason .
I don’t understand why they didn’t just replace a lucky with somebody else so that there’s something good in the show that could happen instead of always terribly bad things. And I all I also believe that Willow should not get custody. It’s about time that she sees what Drew has done this has been carried out so long. So I’m praying that this will happen within the next couple of weeks or next this week would be great.
Well, now the budget has room to bring back Evan Hofer’s DEX! Wooh Hooh!
Maybe you should start a Go Fund Me for your cause.
Dex is dead.
Did you search for Mr. Fairman’s interview that I recommended? Just hit the search icon above and type in ” Evan Hofer opens up on Dex’s deathbed scene”. Again, Evan himself understood Dex’s death was storyline driven.
And mostly, he doesn’t have a magical Aunt Lesil to reanimate him like Britt does.
Family first❣️
I hate it!!! I was so happy to see Lucky return! Please bring him back!!!!
I absolutely loved having him back! But, I’m also a huge fan of his music. He has to do what is best for him and his family. I love that he is taking being a father as a priority! I had a horrible father. So I believe this is a priority for all men and women as mothers. I am proud of him! So long as they do not kill him off he can always come back from time to time.
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
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Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
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