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.
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.
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