General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Lenny Dies In Episode Featuring Heart-Tugging Ensemble Performances
When the performances and a great script all come together it makes for daytime drama at its best, and on Friday’s unexpected episode of General Hospital, the long running ABC daytime drama series delivered just that.
The juxtaposition of two stories which at its epicenter is Maurice Benard as “Mike”, and as Sonny (as conjured up as sort of Carly’s conscience) in the present, and how they intersected made it all the more poignant.
In Nixon Falls, and back at the Tan-O, Lenny (Rif Hutton) and Phyllis (Joyce Guy) are on the porch just relaxing and watching the sunset. Meanwhile “Mike” and Nina (Cynthia Watros) talk about how they can create a fishing trip just like when Lenny and Phyllis met, since they want to give them some moments for them to remember before Lenny eventually dies. However, they won’t get the chance. When Phyllis come inside to freshen up their ice-tea and “Mike” and Nina tell her they will fill her in on what they were talking about, “Mike” heads outside to get Lenny. Once he gets there he sees that Lenny is unresponsive. “Mike” checks on him and realizes he is dead. He then walks into the bar emotionally overcome with tears in his eyes. Phyllis drops the ice tea pitcher and realizes from the look on “Mike’s” face, Lenny must have passed away.
Courtesy/ABC
Nina, “Mike”, and Phyllis head outside, where Phyllis, at first, calmly tells them it was quick and peaceful and she is thankful for that, but she asks for a moment alone with her husband. It is then, Phyllis lets out a wail and is just devastated in a heartbreaking moment played beautifully by Joyce Guy. Inside, a moment seems to almost jog, or starts to jog “Mike’s” memory, when he says to Nina that he can’t imagine losing a spouse like that and how it must be like a “never-ending pain”. Nina gets a fretful look on her face, knowing what her deceit must be doing to Carly (Laura Wright). “Mike” does not want Phyllis to go through this loss alone and Nina takes his hand and says the two of them will be there for her together.
Courtesy/ABC
As this is playing out, Carly is visited by the conscience of Sonny, as she tries to come to terms with marrying Jason and moving on in her life without him. The scenes between Laura Wright and Maurice Benard here, were simply stated and very moving. Carly tells Sonny, that marrying Jason (Steve Burton) will mean she’ll finally have to let go of Sonny. She wants him to know she’ll never love anyone like him, and she’ll love him forever. He says “Right back at you”. Before he vanishes, Carly tells him that their relationship was so torrid … the love, the break-ups, the heartache, the passion … but it was all worth it because she can never love anyone like him. She also tells Sonny she is worried what marrying Jason will do to her longstanding friendship with him. Sonny advises her to have this part of her conversation with Jason and not with him.
Courtesy/ABC
Jason has come to see Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) at the hospital and tells her he is there out of concern for her. Joey Novak may make her a target because of their history. She tells him no one has bothered her, and that their “history” is over. Jason then goes into how proud he was of her for finding out she had the marker for Huntington’s disease and the courage that it took to do that. He expresses that he wishes he could be there for her to help her through this. Britt is overcome with tears, saying that he can’t be with her, and tells him to take care of himself. Once again, Kelly Thiebaud was flawless in these moments.
Courtesy/ABC
At the end of the episode, Jason comes back to Carly’s and he asks if everything is okay … and with a smile on her face, she says “It is now and that she’s glad he’s home.”
Courtesy/ABC
Kudos to Maurice Benard, Cynthia Watros, Joyce Guy, Rif Hutton, Laura Wright, Steve Burton, and Kelly Thiebaud for some great work throughout the episode.
So, what did you think of Lenny’s death and this episode of GH? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
I’ll be eternally damned if I know what the whole point of Lenny’s illness & somewhat sudden death was all about. Clearly it’s a plot point vehicle of some sort. When Lenny originally had a heart condition – which for whatever reason they changed to cancer one random day – it seemed the story was leading up to where he would need some sort of specialized medical treatment, and inevitably somebody would refer him to a doctor in Port Charles to treat his condition.
Now, of course, Lenny’s condition isn’t treatable, so where’s the plot point here? Is this where Phyllis decides it’s time to sell this bar (which obviously isn’t making any money, as they haven’t had a customer in months!) and get a nursing gig in Port Charles.
So then what would Nina do? Tell “Mike” he needs to buy the bar (with what money??) and stay in Tricky Dick Nixon Falls forever? Which we all know isn’t going to work, because – memory or not – Sonny’s going to be crashing the Jason/Carly fake wedding. You can bet your soul on that!
They didn’t have to kill off Lenny though… sure the Nixon Falls mess has got to wrap up eventually, but he could have bought a bar in Port Charles. What the Hell happened to “Charlies” after Julian died? I think they showed Nick & Ava in there once, going through boxes or something. Ava presumably would be the legal owner, unless Jules left it to his kids… neither of whom he was very close with (nor do I think either Lucas or Sam have any interest in owning a bar) On the other horn, Ava would rather drink alcohol than sell it, so it seems only natural that she would want to sell off the business. And Sonny with his memories (and bank accounts) restored would have been more than happy to help Lenny out with finances. That’s how this Devil would have written it anyway.
Satan,
I think you are probably right on all counts. My take on Lenny dying is that it gives Nina reason to take Phyllis back to P.C with her. We all know by now that Sonny is returning, wether it be before, during or after the wedding.I’ve read lots of spoilers and don’t like to advertise them to others who had rather be surprised, but one thing I know is I am going to be watching when it all hits the fan, and we know it will!
Me too, Violet. I’m only into this story for the blow-up coming. Though I do think Joyce Guy is a wonderful actress, I doubt Phyllis will be on the canvas much longer. Too bad, I’d love to see her put that nosy buddinsky Aunt Stella in her place. Hey, how about Phyllis and Stella as estranged sisters? It’d be a better story than watching Cameron M. destroy the Drew character.
Soaphound,
While your sister idea is good, I did read that Phyllis may have another realative at GH, we’ll have to wait and see. I would rather see her being a nurse also than running another bar as someone else suggested. Yes, that nosy Stella can never keep her mouth shut, can she?
If they’re going to give Phyllis a PC relative, I doubt it’d be Stella. Shawn or Portia have no relatives other than their offspring.
And, how is after 7 years we still don’t know what Jordan’s maiden name is?
I am in agreement with you, it seemed pointless to kill him off ♀️
Kathy,
But was there really a point in keeping Lenny? I have a feeling Phyllis will be written out too when Sonny & Nina leave. There is no point in bringing Phyllis to PC. The cast is too bloated now!
The whole Nixon Falls storyline was just filler to keep Sonny occupied while he was “dead” and the sooner it’s over, the better.
I agree Sonny n Carly belong together enough already let Jason find some true happiness like he had with Sam before the writers ruined that one too!
And Nina can leave too.
Satan, Lenny’s cancer was found when he went in for tests of his heard condition.
Yes, but it was still very “random” to do it that way. Just the heart condition itself was a enough of a message “Don’t get used to Lenny… we ain’t keeping him around much longer”.
Isn’t great that us fans can usually see the hows and when’s of the train wrecks coming, but we are still glued to the story to see them happen. I will admit, I have liked the Nixon Falls story. Like Nina it was refreshing to get away from Port Charles for a while. My time out. Loved Phyllis and Lenny. And I have liked “Mike” and Nina together. It showed another side to Sonny and Maurice.
rose,
I read on another site how surprised M. Benard was at how many fans have not liked this Nixon Falls SL and Nina’s deception in most of it. So who else would we blame? She knew full well that she was keeping a man and his family apart and did nothing. Yes, a lot of us want to stick it to Carly but not that way, especially having poor Jason marry her, when he has feelings for Britt.
Hi Violet…As much as I don’t like Carly, I don’t like Nina continuing the deception either…as “sweet” as she and Mike are together. But it has shown a nicer part of Sonny hidden somewhere in the deep background of his mind. But we know it will hit the fan when Carly and Sonny/Mike find out. I think Jason and Britt will survive when the deception is revealed.
Lenny died so Phyllis can start her new life in Port Charles…and she’s probably Jordan or Portia’s mother. Another new character here to stay at the expense of GH vets. Instead of recasting Lucky, bringing back Dillon, AJ, more Mac, Scotty, Lucy, where’s Felicia…we get Stella and Phyllis. Sorry; the soap is fine as soaps go. But it lost its history and connection to GH long ago…
Rebecca 1…GH isn’t the only thing that has lost history and connection to the past. Real life has, too, as I see it. Everyday something and people seem to slip away. Sad.
Hey, Rose. Yes; agreed. That’s why it would be nice if SOME THINGS stayed the same! Soaps were always about continuity of legacy families; characters. They’ve let go of so many vets, dropped so many or have them on for mere minutes; think Mac, Lucy, Scotty, Scorpio. And yet we get so much airtime with newbies. I resent it. If they wanted to start a NEW soap I’d be all for it and enjoy the various characters. But this is just a different soap banking on the GH name.
Losing its history and connection to G.H. long ago to me means from day one when General Hospital began – April 1 , 1963.
Yeah it has been bugging me that place has zero customers, especially after they claimed business was booming again in Nixon Falls. All the other sets are filled with extras.
For once I agree with Satan. I can’t make this a habit!
Ok, it is time for this Mike and Nina story to blow up! What Nina has done is deplorable! And done to avenge Nell? Come on! And the recent dewey eyes between Jason and Carly is roo much! Come on GH writers, enough is enough! Set this right and give Sonny back his memory and back with his family. Jason with his newfound love, Britt and Nina and Jax, wherever they land, after the fallout.
Yes that’s right Lew S
Both Nina and Jax need to go. ASAP
Just wish they’d get Sonny back to Port Charles. Not enjoyung the Carly Jason story at all!
Me either it’s like marrying brother and sister. Nina is so disgusting for what she is doing, it is not just hurting Carly, they will destroy her when this comes out.
Hi, Paula—I can’t be sure, but weren’t Jason and Carly involved at one point? So, if that’s the case, no brotherly or sisterly love there.
Glad the writers didn’t have this go on and on. Very good acting from all it was moving.
I’m glad that Ben &CIARA are together
It was a definite hanky episode. I cried right along with Phyllis. Joyce and Rif made Phyllis and Lenny such dear characters. I was sad to see him slip away, but knew it was coming as they headed out the door to watch he sun set.
I’m so torn between rooting for Nina and Sonny/Mike to remain together because Nina knows better. What she’s doing is wrong. Of course, while I like her and “Mike” together, we all know he’ll eventually get him memory back. At that point, I fear for Nina’s life! And, I don’t see a way out of this story for Nine, which is so sad. (Oh, wait, I think I just came up with a way…read on.)
Can’t imagine Carly shrugging when she finds out Sonny has been alive all this time.
And I LOVE Jason and Britt together! Dump Carly and get those two together stat!
I think Carly and Jason should just hire a fake minister to “marry” them. “Mike” falls and hits his head, forgets about everything that’s happened in Nixon Falls and returns to claim his place in Port Charles. Only Nina and Phyllis will know the truth. Phyllis isn’t going to say anything so she can protect Nina. If Sonny ever does remember Nixon Falls, Nina and Phyllis will be able to help him remember how good he had it back there and how much he liked it. Thus, he’ll forgive Nina…even though Carly won’t. LOL!
Rodd,
While your idea is a good ending, you know we don’t always get good endings especially after all this Nixon Falls stuff, a lot of it created by Nina. I think many of us are expecting a s–t storm, and I for one hope we get it!
I used to like Nina and except for the obcession with her long lost daughter, thought she was a good person. She might have been vindicated a long time ago, but I think it’s too late now. I can not find one good excuse for withholding “Mike’s” identity from him and his family.
,
If all of these other characters are being vindicated; so , will Nina.
I was surprise what did it do, I believe the best is yet come
Debbie Downer here—
At the risk of sounding harsh, I felt nothing tugging at my heart. Did not know him long enough.
Furthermore, his death was a “conduit” —that is. Phyllis’ transportation to PC. Not interested in this storyline. Sonny–Nina–Carly–Jason–etc. ugh!! Now, it seems that Jax and Britt may “connect”—hmmm—we shall see. I really liked her and Jason together.
Another heartbreak? Oh, Lord!! Mathison is Drew?? Why, oh why!! This is true punishment. —-adding insult to injury–isn’t it enough that Miller isn’t coming back, but must I suffer through watching Mathison be my beautiful Billy ?
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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