General Hospital
The Faces of GH’s Lucky Spencer: Jonathan Jackson Weighs-in on If He Would Return and If the Role was Recast
In what has to be chalked up to a disappointing conclusion to the return of one of the greatest to ever do it on the soaps, five-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Jonathan Jackson, the actor previously spoke out on why their was an abrupt ending to his recent return to his old stomping grounds at General Hospital.
Jackson returned last August for what was anticipated to be lengthier run, but after nine months, Jonathan and GH executive producer, Frank Valentini, put on the brakes for more story for Lucky, when Jackson revealed that he was finding it difficult to balance his home life and being there for his three children and his wife, where they reside in Tennessee and taping all new-episodes on a consistent basis in Los Angeles, California.
Hence, this week, Lucky is making the rounds and making a quick exit in Port Charles, and on today’s Wednesday, June 11th episode, look for Lucky to have one final goodbye with his mother, Laura (Genie Francis). In story, Lucky shared that he would be traveling with his son Aiden (Colin Cassidy) during the summer. So, what does the future hold? Has Jonathan closed the door on any future return to the show that launched his career as a young boy?
Photo: JPI
Speaking with TV Insider, Jackson shared that hearing Valentini and GH’s decision to leave the door open for him to reprise Lucky in the future meant a lot, adding, “I hope that’s the case. The bittersweet reality of it for me is all the positives that were happening on the show. Working with Frank and the writers was just an extremely positive experience, and I was really happy with where the character was and where the story was going. But if they’re saying the door is still open, then that’s amazing. The door is always open from my perspective, too, so we’ll have to see how it goes logistically and see if there’s a way to adjust and pivot certain realities, but I would hope that that would be able to happen.”
Photo: JPI
However, GH fans have seen that when Chad Duell parted ways with General Hospital in the role of Michael Corinthos at the end of last year, that both the show and Duell seemed to indicate that they left the door open for his return. Fast-forward to last month, and actor Rory Gibson stepped into the role of Michael. So, could the same thing happen to Jackson?
Two other actors have played the role of Lucky. Daytime Emmy-winner Jacob Young, who played the role from 2000-2003 and picked up the gold statuette for his performances, and Greg Vaughan from 2003-2009, who is also a Daytime Emmy-winner for his portrayal of Eric Brady on Days of our Lives.
Photo JPI
Jonathan shared his perspective on a potential Lucky recast, “I don’t really see that happening. I mean, I could be wrong, but on a personal level, I would say, ‘Well, that’s too bad.’ As an actor, there are so many things in life that are just out of your hands. That’s their decision, but obviously, I would prefer that it’s just left open so that I could hopefully come back and do more work there. I have a huge amount of respect for what they do and what they’re juggling, and I hold all that in high regard. I understand that if I’m able to be a benefit for the show, then that’s great, and if they need to move on from that, then I respect that.”
Now, it’s in GH’s corner if they find a story that they want or need Lucky for and what their next move might be. In conclusion, Jackson thanked the fans and offered up, “I apologize for not being able to stay longer. I hope they can understand the life dynamic, but I’m super grateful for the fans and the loyalty and love.”
So, what do you think General Hospital should do with the role of Lucky Spencer in the future? Construct an emotional heart-tugging story in which to entice Jonathan back to the role and hope the timing works out? Recast the part and bring back either Jacob Young, Greg Vaughan, or someone else to take on the role of the son of TV icons Luke and Laura? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
Very sad but more to this then meets the eye ! Sorry Becky is getting drawn into this they are nuts over there literally destroyed the character of Drew Sam just sad!
Nine years is long time between appearances. The writers needed a stronger reintroduction story for Lucky as well as a long term outline for the character.
Yes, Lucky is a core character, but the show has shown it can continue without him. They gave Lulu a four year rest, but brought her back with a strong actress and heavily embedded in a (albeit somewhat controversial) storyline.
Chad left the role of Michael with a storyline still to be played out. Michael’s connection to three core families (now having a child with a fourth) makes that character pivotal to story going forward.
As much as I like Jonathan, I would be ok if they had to recast Lucky.
No that would never work No 1 can play lucky but Johnathan I quit watching the show the last time Lucky left and wouldn’t watch any of the episodes with a fake Lucky.
Me too… JJ is the only lucky I’ll accept
Would love to see Lucky back in the form of Greg Vaughn.
Not a fan of Jacob Young since Bold and Beautiful days.
Don’t do a recast nobody can be Lucky Spencer l. Except Johnathan Jackson. Buy or rent him a home so his family can be next 2 him when they r busy taping and when not taping the family can be in Nashville and we get 2 keep Lucky.
The best Lucky is Jacob Young, he has more personality than Jonathan Jackson. I’m sorry Jackson, he was boring and didn’t have any desires to be on GH.
Jacob Young tends to scream and shout his lines whether the scene or direction calls for it or not. I hate his acting choices.
There hasn’t really been a proper recast of Lucky yet. Jacob Young was awful. Greg Vaughn was good for what he did, but his version ended up looking like an entirely different character who didn’t have much resemblance to the son of Luke & Laura.
Guy Wilson ( who did the two day stint around the time that Cyrus the Virus did his final lunatic binge)?? Not a chance in Hell! That guy made me cheer for a supposed legacy character to be taken out by a serial killer, when he absolutely destroyed the character of Will Horton on Days. He doesn’t get the chance to do that to another legacy character. And thank all that’s unholy that Chandler could come back to Days and restore the “real Will”. Although he – like Jonathan – doesn’t seem to want to stick around for long.
Jonathan Jackson will always be THE definitive Lucky. I’m not 666% opposed to a recast, but I’m not sure they can find somebody worthy. Look at the difficulty they had getting a decent replacement for Laura’s other son Nikolas, for example.
I guess it all really depends if they wanted Lucky & Elizabeth (long term and story wise) together or not. If so, they should recast. If they wanted to go in another direction they could do that to. Unfortunately, it hold Rebecca Herbst hostage in the Lucky vortex. I do think it’s funny that Jackson feels confident enough that they won’t replace him. Wasn’t he just there for the Chad Duell debacle? LOL!!!!
It’s funny but I had forgotten all about Jacob Young playing Lucky. I was so focused on Greg Vaughn coming back. Time will tell. I’m just not sure what Jackson was thinking when he resigned. He had to have known what the schedule was. Even with the breaks they have especially during the summer he couldn’t make it work. I’ve guess Elizabeth will be courted by Ric or Isaiah or a newbie.
Honestly, it should have been Greg Vaughan this entire time; he should have never been fired for Jonathan Jackson’s return, because I am sure he’d still be in the role today had he not been fired.
I agree(and I had forgotten about those circumstances you mentioned). Greg Vaughan pulled in emotionally compelling and realistic performances playing a guy battling an addiction to pain killers. He even held his own with Tony Geary, and was believable playing Luke’s” Cowboy.” I think his performance as Lucky was vastly underrated because for some fans, he couldn’t replace JJ’s Lucky.
Wasn’t a key part of the narrative when JJ returned was that Geary never really clicked with GV? They had Luke & Lucky interact less during GV’s final years. When JJ returned, the father and son were seen together more often.
I’ll also chime in that GV is probably never going to return.
That’s true, and while I think Geary is an acting genius, I also think he could be a bit of an ass to his costars. So I give even more props to GV ( and to TG ) for rising above those tensions and making it work. I vaguely recall a scene in a hospital room with Lucky recovering from an overdose and Luke giving a heart wrenching monologue that left both characters in tears. There was no way GV and TG could replicate the very real father- son chemistry that TG and JJ had, but I believe they gave it their best effort and that counts for something.
I have to agree with you Scott (ATWT fan). Greg Vaughan played Lucky as a complex adult. It was so great watching the character grow. Jonathan Jackson as the tween, Jacob Young as the older teen and the Greg as the adult. Daytime recasts actors all the time. Fans get hysterical when their favorite gets replaced. But, actors move on and shows have to continue. I would love to see Greg Vaughan back as Lucky. However, I would certainly understand his hesitancy to trust TPTB again after they abruptly fired him for Jackson in the past.
Greg has been a much better fit as Eric Brady on Days of Our Lives. He was a recast there too, but he stepped into that role (on this Devil’s recommendation… it’s one of the few times Ken Corday actually listened to me) and it was a seamless transition.
He doesn’t seem to want to stick around there full time either, but he seems to be there when he’s really needed. Like this week when he’s in town for his stepfather John’s funeral (despite giving up his priest collar a while back) .
Greg was believable as a cop and a badass, JJ is cute but he is just a little thing
I’m not enthusiastic about a recast, mostly because I didn’t care for the previous Lucky recasts.
Since the character is a wanderer, I’m ok with him coming & going. Ultimately, Liz & Lucky should either end up together even if it’s primarily a long distance relationship. There hasn’t been another partner for Liz that rivals her relationship with Jonathan Jackson’s Lucky. I like her the best when she is with him.
I blame the writing not the actor, had a total dislike for the returned character. He’s an over 40 year old man who never grew up, every scene he was in he wined, wined, wined..
Wined and dined? Maybe Lucky would like some cheese with his whine.
Evan Hofer, formerly Dex, would be a perfect Lucky!
Heather’s old space in Ferncliff is reserved for you. Please go find another website to go troll.
Will Dex be there?
Dex will be in Hell, cleaning Cerberus’s kennel
No, he’s gone to the land of forgotten D-named characters along with Dev, Dustin, Dawn, Dara, Dolores, and numerous Davids.
Hopefully Mr. Fairman steps in soon. This guy is just trying to annoy “true real fans”
It’s kind of amusing and the responses are hilarious.
True.. I guess the joke would be on us if GH did offer Evan Hofer a new role…
Lucky is in his early 40s! Dude, there’s no way Evan Hofer could pull that off.
I would be OK with the recast for sure.
A recap would be OK with me. The only thing that’s gonna keep me from watching the show is if they continue DREW and Willow storyline it’s disgusting! I do like the new Michael.
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
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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
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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