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
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
It was just over 13 years ago on General Hospital when Ava Jerome (Maura West) shot and killed Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri (Kelly Sullivan) in an effort to keep her quiet from revealing that Derek Wells was actually Ava’s back-from-the-dead brother, Julian Jerome (William deVry). It’s a crime that somehow Ava never has quite paid for either.
The episode back aired on August 13, 2013 and viewers had to say goodbye to Kelly Sullivan who played Kate and her alter, Connie. In the story, just before she died, Kate/Connie scrawled the letters AJ in her own blood, initially making the PCPD and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) think that it was AJ Quatermaine (Sean Kanan) who did the deed.
Now, Sullivan recalled sharing scenes with the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning West, during a live conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Kelly was the special guest talking about her recent return to the soaps in her new role as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Darcy Dylan.
Photo: JPI
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MAURA WEST
Speaking of her final GH scenes and working with Maura West, Sullivan gave her then GH co-star major props. “If you’re going to be shot by somebody (on the soaps), you want to be shot by Maura West, c’mon!”
Maura West debuted back in May 2013 as Ava, and Sullivan remembered when the As the World Turns favorite began on GH. “I remember when Maura West first arrived at GH. She walked in with this cute little bob (hairdo) and she’s just delicious,” shared Sullivan.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Kelly revealed more about Maura, adding “I think she’s amazing! I remember right before I left the show, someone suggested, and I would still love to do this with her, if she ever want to, but someone suggested that they wanted to direct the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire with Maura and I, where I would play Stella and she would play Blanche! Wouldn’t that be great?”
Speaking of the Ava/Connie showdown scenes, Sullivan expressed, “On television and on General Hospital specifically, Maura West is able to play a character who does the most horrendous things and you still care about her and that’s the mark of a really great actor. In other words, you’re able to be liked in the midst of the most horrendous things, and as a performer not shying away from that, and to just have the courage to do what’s on the page (in the script).”
Photo: JPI
KELLY SULLIVAN PARTING THOUGHTS AS SHE LEFT GENERAL HOSPITAL
Kelly also shared her sentiments when she walked off the set of General Hospital after her run back in August of 2013. “I really was honored. Every day I would go to work and I would say a little prayer, which is I want to do justice for my character, explained Kelly. “It’s between me and my character. I get to walk this path with her and to leave the show on that note, which is, I left every out there. I just gave it my all and again what an honor it was to play Kate/Connie.”
You can catch the full conversation with Kelly where she talks about her time on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless where she played Sage Warner and now The Bold and the Beautiful below.
So, do you remember the Ava and Connie scenes where Ava shot and killed her? What did you think of Kelly Sullivan’s sentiments about Maura West? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, watch the reveal where Ava recalls murdering Connie below!
The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.
TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.
That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.
Photo: ABC
STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES
GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.
Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.
GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS
Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.
Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.
So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
On the Friday, September 11 episode of General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship becomes strained to potentially the point of no return.
Things take a turn when an unglued Britt having been traumatized by almost being killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Jason to back her up with the PCPD when she reports Anna for attempted murder.
However, Jason told Britt, he can’t. Jason shares that he does not believe Anna would have gone through with shooting her. Therefore, Britt was not in any real imminent danger. Britt is flabbergasted and hurt that Jason is refusing to tell the police what he actually witnessed for himself on Mount Emerson.
Courtesy/ABC
BRITT WANTS BACK UP FROM JASON
Jason counters that he can’t believe that Britt would want Anna punished. or sent to prison, or a mental facility after the trauma she endured while being locked up and mentally tortured while at Wyndemere.
He asks Britt, “How could you even say that you want her locked up or prosecuted for what she did when you knew she was being held prisoner and you did nothing to save her?” Britt is stunned by Jason’s response.
Coming up, official General Hospital spoilers share that on the upcoming Monday, September 14 episode, Jason confides in Carly (Laura Wright), while Britt is stung. In the video preview that aired at the end of the Friday, September 11 episode for this coming Monday, Britt says to Jason, “You don’t believe me. Do you?”
General Hospital head scribes, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte previously teased in their fall preview of the soap, “Britt and Jason have come a long way and fought a lot of enemies to be together. But the most stubborn obstacle to their happiness isn’t without, it’s within. Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”
So, what do you think will happen? Will Jason and Britt break-up over Britt’s lies and Jason’s unwillingness to report Anna’s crime against her? Do you want Jason and Britt to go their separate ways? If they do, will Britt become romantically involved with Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) ? If so, who do you pair Jason with? Anyone? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
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‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
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