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: Carly Fears Escalating Tensions Between Sonny and Josslyn: ‘I’ve Already Lost One Kid Because of That Man. I Won’t Lose Another’
On the Thursday, November 12 episode of General Hospital, as battles line are drawn by Carly’s (Laura Wright) ex-husband, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and her daughter, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy), she realizes things are about to get a whole lot worse, and she expressed her fears to Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart).
After Sonny came to see Carly to get her daughter to back off of him; especially when Josslyn lit into him in front of nuAvery (Ayla Bullington), Carly is terrified that Sonny could retaliate against Josslyn. Realizing, Josslyn is in danger, Carly won’t sit by and let anything happen to her. She tells Valentin, “I’ve already lost one kid because of that man. I won’t lose another.”
Viewers won’t soon forget the devastation Carly felt when Morgan (Bryan Craig) died in a car bomb explosion back in 2016 because of Sonny’s dealings in the mob in a complex story involving Julian (William deVry) and Olivia Jerome (Tonja Walker).
Courtesy/ABC
SONNY IS READY FOR WAR
Meanwhile in the aftermath of his visit with Carly, Sonny told his brother Ric what went down when Josslyn disrespected him in front of his own daughter and hurt Avery. Since Josslyn already make it known that she no longer considers herself part of Sonny’s family, he’s decided to treat her accordingly.
Sonnys first step in payback is to take away her support system at JJE by approaching Hudson Parker (Troy Lennon Appel) again, but this time in a much less-friendly way.
Ric points out that this would go against every move Sonny made as a legitimate businessman in Port Charles and would mean he’s back in the mob? Sonny doubles down, saying Josslyn changed the game when she involved Avery. While he showed concern of how bad Carly would feel over all this year, he said he is ready to finish what Josslyn started.
At the Metro Court, Ava (Maura West) is listening to Avery explain what happened between Sonny and Josslyn and how much she hates Josslyn right now, which Ava seems to be OK with.
WILL JOSSLYN’S WORLD BLOW UP ON HER?
Speaking of Josslyn, she is on the pier still after her talk with Hudson and still crying over her confrontation with Sonny and Avery overhearing it, and what she told her sister. Lucas comes across her at the pier while out for his run.
Explaining how badly she feels for what she said about Sonny to Avery, Lucas says that eventually Avery will discover the truth about Sonny. He explains to Josslyn that even though Avery hates her now, she will come to realize that what she said about her father was the truth, and that Josslyn was not lying to her at all.
So, what do you think about Sonny ready to play dirty to take down Josslyn? How will Carly ensure her daughter does not wind up dead? Who do you think is in the right here? Is Josslyn’s vendetta against Sonny justified, at the cost of the relationships with her family? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”
Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘The Bachelor’ Names NFL Quarterback Sam Hartman as Lead for Season 30
‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ Actress Bree Williamson Mourns the Loss of Husband Michael John Roberts
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Carly Fears Escalating Tensions Between Sonny and Josslyn: ‘I’ve Already Lost One Kid Because of That Man. I Won’t Lose Another’
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
-
News4 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
-
Previews5 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
-
General Hospital4 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
-
News1 week agoB&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor to Guest Star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
-
Interviews2 days agoB&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
