General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Josh Kelly Clarifies Going Off Contract Was His Choice
Recently, smart-minded General Hospital fans noticed that Josh Kelly’s (Cody Bell) name was removed from the closing credits of the ABC daytime drama series, which is reserved for contract players on the soap opera.
Immediately, viewers began to speculate if Josh is on his way out since it appeared he had been dropped to recurring status. Kelly has been playing Cody Bell since 2022 and currently in story, he is busy seducing Ava Jerome (Maura West) for some moolah thanks to Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi), all the while, it seems like Cody also has a thing for Kristina’s sister, Molly Lansing-Davis (Kristen Vaganos).
Now, speaking with Soap Opera Digest, Josh clarified exactly what is happening with him and his relationship with long-running soap opera, and what his future with it holds. Kelly revealed that it was his decision to go to recurring status with GH, however that does not in any way mean he plans on leaving the show, in fact, it’s just the opposite.
Photo: JPI
Josh expressed, “I want to stay on General Hospital forever!” Along with that, Kelly wants to do outside projects including two of them he has been working on with his girlfriend, Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle Benson, GH), one of which is a sequel to his film The Workout, which is coming out this summer. He added, “I just wouldn’t be able to do that if I was on contract; you don’t just get to go off and do a bunch of other projects. And I wouldn’t expect the show to work around my schedule.”
Photo: ABC
GH executive producer, Frank Valentini is the man that Kelly gives all the credit to for working schedules out so he can go off and do other projects and still be in story as Cody. “I love being here. I love everyone that I’m working with on the show. I was just looking to have a little more flexibility,” Josh explained.
As to his current messy story involving the aforementioned Ava, Molly and Kristina, Kelly added, “The story is fun and interesting and I’m really excited to continue with it.”
So, are you glad to know that it was Josh Kelly’s decision to go off contract with General Hospital? Are you looking forward to seeing how is current story plays out? Are you rooting for Cody with Molly or possibly Cody falling for Ava? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
I’m in the minority, but I think Ava brings out a more adult side of Cody. I am rooting for them as a couple. Ava deserves some happiness and Maura West deserves a juicy storyline.
I can see hints of what you describe. But I ultimately think Tracy said it best when she said Ava’s lovers usually end up tragically harmed or killed.
If only Sonny was on that list . . .
JPS never was on contract and they continually wrote Valentin in story for years and built him his own set.
When JL was doing double duty as Kevin and Ryan he was on recurring and appearing 4 days a week.
Kudos to Kelly for finding something works for him. Now, if only this storyline would work.
Josh Kelly is such a bright spot on GH and consistently impresses me with his excellent acting. He shines in scenes with Jane Elliot and Maura West, and makes Cody believable no matter what he is playing. I am torn because I think he is destined for big things but I LOVE him as Cody! And despite the overused trope of easygoing bad guy and uptight good girl, I like Cody and Molly together!
Totally seriously, this sounds like an AI comment.
Nah, it’s far too well-written and makes its points too clearly to be AI.
You’re a hag.
AI doesn’t use all caps to underscore enthusiasm. Because, well, AI is soulless.
I’m relieved it was his choice, I really like Cody pairing with Molly, its flirty and innocent but If I have to bet here, I’m betting that Cody will unexpectedly develop feeling For Ava, and if anything they will have a hot affair, and its good to know he’s gonna be around and that GH didn’t send him packing although I wish the show would have him interact more with his family, like his Dad Mac, or his cousin Emma, Auntie Felicia, and his buddy James.
All the build up to Cody being Mac’s son… and now he is caught in the no strong story revolving door.
Seems GH has all the talent it needs for long story arcs that are not being written.
How does Kristina have all that money to pay him?
She’s Sonny’s daughter. If she needs money, she asks daddy.
Then why isn’t she using Daddy’s money to pay off Ava & Ric directly instead of having her mother embezzle from the Cassadine trust fund?
Remember back in the disastrous ReRon years, there was an awful recast of Kristina who somehow ended up being married to Joe Scully’s grandson for a few minutes?
I’ve tried to push that entire episode from my unholy mind. But maybe there was some sort of financial arrangement resulting from that ill fated marriage that has kept Kristina’s bank account above water for years on end, even during her extended periods of unemployment.
I mean, yes her parents are both rich, but you never see her asking either Alexis or Sonny for financial help. She also might have recently got an insurance payoff from her bar getting torched by Sidwell, though it doesn’t seem like the PCPD put a lot of work into that investigation, even though it was very obviously arson.
How does Kristina have the money to pay him?
Not to sound like Marcia Brady, but Josh Kelly is dreamy. Keep him on my screen. With Ava. With Molly. With Tracy. In a 3way with Marco and Lucas. I don’t care.
He’s so hot
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
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