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 ?
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.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
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