General Hospital
GH’s Maurice Benard and Chris McKenna Talk Charles Mesure’s Exit and the Recasting of Jack Brennan
Chris McKenna (Jack Brennan) revealed for the first time publicly that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder on a memorable episode of his castmate, Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health You Tube series, State of Mind that dropped on Sunday, December 21st.
During their sit-down conversation and as previously reported, McKenna shared that he had his first major depression as a teenager. However, when COVID hit, he had a major psychotic episode which required hospitalization, and that’s when Chris explained he was properly diagnosed, which in turn got him on the medication lithium, where he added, “That’s where I am today.”
In addition, Maurice discussed with Chris the behind the scenes story of how McKenna landed the role of Jack Brennan, after the first Brennan, Charles Mesure, made the decision to exit the series. Mesure’s last airdate as Brennan was on January 30 of this year. McKenna stepped in beginning on the February 4 episode of the ABC daytime drama series.
Photo: ABC
Previously, a GH rep told Soap Opera Digest, on the casting switch: “Charles Mesure opted to exit the role of Brennan. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. General Hospital looks forward to continuing Brennan’s exciting storyline with Chris McKenna in the role.” Daytime fans knew of McKenna’s work best from his roles as a teenaged Joey Buchanan on One Life to Live (1990-1993) and later as Mark Harding on The Young and the Restless (2014-2015).
HOW CHRIS BECAME JACK BRENNAN
Now, Maurice shared his vantage point on what went down: “Let me first say, there was another actor in the role (referring to Mesure) that Chris came in for, and I’ll just say this, he was good, but if you don’t want to be there, get out, and that’s kind of the whole situation. He got out, and I am not saying this is with him, but sometimes when you get out, somebody comes in and the audience loves them and then you’re really in trouble, because a lot of times, the audience hates the next person.” Chris added, “Especially the way I came in which was just after the first kiss (between Carly and Brennan).” Benard explained, “And he was liked, but you came in and now they automatically love you.” Next, Benard asked McKenna, how he landed the part of Brennan.
“I did Y&R 10 years ago. I was on there for a year and a half recurring. So, that was the other time I had been on daytime. It was One Life to Live and then The Young and the Restless And now, 10 years later, this came along,” recounts McKenna. “I had told this story once before, but I had gotten calls from GH over the years, over the past decade, each time asking me, ‘Would you be interested in returning to daytime? And if so, would you like to read with Laura Wright?’ Each time I said, ‘I’d love to, and I’d love to read with Laura Wright.’ They said, ‘OK. Hold on. Hang tight, we’ll call you back.’ No call. Okay, fine. Couple years go by it’s, ‘Hey, GH just called. They want to know would you be interested in returning to daytime, and would you want to read with Laura Wright?’ I said, ‘Yes, sure.’ Then, that doesn’t happen.
So, I thought Frank Valentini (executive producer, GH) who I knew from One Life to Live back in the day just doesn’t want to see me. I’m thinking, ‘He probably thinks I’m still 14 and can’t picture it.’ Then, they called me again. This is just a year ago, and said, ‘Would you like to come back to daytime and read with Laura Wright?’ So, I said, ‘Yes, I would,’ but I said, ‘this isn’t going to happen’ to my manager. I said, ‘Why do they keep calling me? They’re not going to do it or they would have already.’
FINALLY AUDITIONING WITH LAURA WRIGHT
“Now, it’s January of this year, and me and wife just had a baby (their son, Spencer), and I’m nesting, I’ve gained weight. I’m not ready to go because I’m in baby-mode. I get a call and the city isn’t opened up yet after New Year’s. And they go, ‘Do you want to come in to GH and read with Laura Wright?’ I tell my manager, ‘Why do they bother me? They’re not going let me come read.’ He’s like, ‘I know you’re right. I won’t even bother you with it.’ The next time they call, he calls me back like two hours later and goes, “Something must have happened. They really want you there on Tuesday to read with Laura Wright in front of Frank and a bunch of people!”
Chris continues, “So after doubting it would happen, they really send me a script and I thought, ‘Well I know what to do with this.’ Then, when it was time for the audition there was a room full of guys who look like me, middle-aged and some good actors. Laura was at the end of the hallway, She saw me and gave me a hug in front of everyone one else which I am sure did not sit well with them, But I knew Laura from when she was on Loving. I hadn’t seen her in 32 years. We used to play in the same Make-A-Wish softball game where she was the pitcher and I was the catcher. She made me so nervous back then.”
Photo: ABC
“If you had told me when I was 14, that later in my life I would be doing love scenes with Laura Wright, I would’ve been like that’s all I have to do in life, “expressed McKenna. “Then, I went in to read and some of the writers knew me from One Life to Live, which I didn’t know were going to be there. I said, ‘Don’t think of me as this gangly 14-year-old kid now.”‘ I did the scene and it went very well. Laura turned to MK Weir (producer, GH) and Frank, and by the time I got home, there was talk about whether or not I was going do an accent or not, but they decided just, ‘you be you.'”
Being cast as WSB Port Charles bureau chief, Jack Brennan has meant the world to Chris. “I’m so happy on this set and so much happier now than I ever would’ve been at any other time. I turned down a contract on Y&R, and this couldn’t have been more perfect. It’s exactly what I want. Exactly the role I want and the people I’m working with, and it’s just been incredible.”
You can watch Chris in his very personal talk on mental illness and more with Maurice Benard below.
So, what do you think of the twisty road Chris had to landing an audition to read opposite Laura Wright on General Hospital? Glad that Chris has taken on the role of Brennan after Charles Mesure made the decision to step away from the part earlier in the year? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
As had been teased since Jason Morgan’s (Steve Burton) captivity by the WSB and his release on General Hospital, he is clearly having issues speaking about what happened to him, after he was dragged away from Port Charles when he took the fall for Rocco (Finn Carr) who shot WSB director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Now. as Jason tries to reacclimate to life back in Port Charles, he has already displayed that he wants to do better for his son, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) and the people he loves and to show up for them.
In addition, things took a turn on the Friday, July 31 episode where after Sonny (Maurice Benard) questioned Jason if he was having an issue with Ric (Rick Hearst) working side by side with his half-brother, Jason had something to say.
Courtesy/ABC
An emotional Jason tells Sonny, “I can’t work for you anymore.” The moment left Sonny dumbfounded, and viewers won’t know the pick-up of the conversation till Monday’s August 3 episode of GH.
Could it be that this time Jason will cut ties with Sonny and the mob for good? If so, it would be the end of an era for Jason and Sonny, sort of the Batman and Robin of GH with a twist.
Previous teases from the GH co-head writing team of Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte, and Burton himself on his podcast That’s Awesome ,seem to indicate there is a change coming for Jason that sends him off in a different path in his life.
However, we should learn Jason’s reasons shortly, and if Sonny can talk him back into the mob, or can just wish Jason the best and let him go. But now the question becomes, if Jason exits life as Sonny’s right hand man and henchman, what do you see him doing with his life? We do know that Jason is aware that Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) has tied to the WSB, since he escorted him to Port Charles via Jakarta on the plane which may be a clue.
Weigh-in below: Do you want Jason to go work for the Quartermaines and truly join the family in full? Do you see him doing something to help those in need, or do you see him going undercover with the WSB to expose some of the treacherous things they perpetrated on him and others, or do you see Jason doing something completely different with his life? If so, what? Let us know your hopes and thoughts for Jason in the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
That was quick! Christian Howard, who now looks to have literally stepped in for Nathan Dean to wrap up a few episodes for the character of Ethan Lovett made a quick exit on Friday’s July 31 episode of General Hospital.
GH viewers were stunned earlier this week on the Monday, July 27 episode when a voiceover announcer shared that Christian Howard was now playing Ethan Lovett. Next, Ethan hits the sheets with Ava Jerome, played by three-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Maura West. All seemed to be moving forward when suddenly at the end of the Thursday, July 30 episode, Ethan spots newcomer Hudson (Troy Lennon Appel) at the Metro Court Pool, and makes a quick getaway.
Then, it’s revealed after packing his bags at Lulu’s (Alexa Havins) house, that out of nowhere, Ethan received a lead on an incredible opportunity so he has to say goodbye to Lulu and run out of town and was leaving Port Charles.
Courtesy/ABC
RUNNING OUT OF TOWN
In fact, Ethan was in such a hurry, he forgot to say goodbye to Ava who had been waiting for him at the Metro Court pool. There is clearly a connection to Hudson and baby Phoebe after Ethan spotted the guy, because Ethan also glanced over to the baby and Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) at the Metro Court pool, before he ran to Lulu’s to pack his things. All of this points to Howard being an emergency recast for Dean.
It’s definitely been a week of change on-screen on the ABC soap with the news of Maxie, Spinelli, James, Georgie and Bailey all suddenly leaving Port Charles for Australia, after Spinelli got an offer he could not turn down.
That exit was written because Kirsten Storms is at this time,, and the very foreseeable future, not returning to General Hospital and is living in Tennessee. As she had documented via her Instagram stories and posts, she has been going through several personal ordeals. In addition to Storms, Ryan Paevey also exited the series earlier this month when he ended his run as Cassius Faison, while leaving the door open for his return down the line.
So, will newcomers Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin), Dean Geyer (Tristan Roberts) and Troy Lennon Appel fill the void of the multitude of exits? What are your theories on Christian Howard’s departure as Ethan Lovett on GH? Let us know via the comment section below.
Donna Mills, who at 85-years-old is still turning heads, booking film and TV roles and co-hosting the We’re Knot Done Yet podcast with her Knots Landing pals, Michele Lee (ex-Karen) and Joan Van Ark (ex-Valene), is now joining the world of Only Fans.
The news came Mills herself in a statement, where she shared to Variety, “I’ve always appreciated the incredible support and encouragement I’ve received from my fans over the years. Social media has been a wonderful way to stay connected, but I’m excited to join OnlyFans because it offers the opportunity for a more personal and direct connection.”
While OnlyFans is primarily known for its steamy content, Mills is taking a different approach, explaining that she will be “sharing moments from my daily life, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and engaging with fans in a more meaningful way. It’s simply another platform to spend quality time with the people who’ve supported me throughout my career while staying true to who I am.”
Photo: JPI
WHY DID DONNA MILLS JOIN OTHER CELEBRITIES ON ONLYFANS?
Andy Bachman, CEO Creators INC who presides over OnlyFans also shared in a statement, “This is not about changing who she is. It is about giving her longtime fans more access to the personality, style and behind-the-scenes moments they already love. Donna has always been fearless and ahead of her time. She told me, ‘YOLO — let’s do it,’ and that perfectly captures her attitude. She is approaching OnlyFans on her own terms and creating a space that feels authentic, personal and completely true to her.”
Mill’s move to OnlyFans comes on the heels of others in Hollywood who are pivoting to the platform not only for its revenur, but to control their own narrative of what they want put out into the world about themselves. One example is Shannon Elizabeth of American Pie and Scary Movie fame, who told Variety that since April she has earned more than $1.2 million in seven days via her OnlyFans account.
Photo: JPI
FROM THE CUL DE SAC AT SEAVIEW CIRCLE TO PORT CHARLES
While Donna Mills is best- known for her role as Abby Cunningham Ewing on Knots Landing from 1980-1989, 1993, she also won a Daytime Emmy for her role of Madeline Reeves on General Hospital. Mills played the evil mother to Nina Reeves (then Michelle Stafford) and sister to Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) from 2014-2015 and again in 2018.
The veteran actress also had a leading role in the soap opera, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, where she and GH’s late, great sister, Leslie Charleson (ex-Monica Quartermaine, GH) played sisters Laura and Iris Donnelly from 1967-1970. Mills began her soap career on The Secret Storm back in 1966.
So, what do you think of Donna Mills joining OnlyFans? Do you think the once exclusive provocative content platform, which is going more Hollywood, will ultimately be where big named celebrity post their own content? Share your thoughts via the comment section below, and in case you missed it, you can check out the Michael Fairman Channel’s most recent chat with Donna Mills from earlier this year and our livestream with Donna, Michele and Joan from 2025 below.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: If Jason Leaves the Mob, What Will He Do Next?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
‘Knots Landing’ Favorite Donna Mills Joins ‘OnlyFans’
Y&R Alum Brenda Dickson Breaks Silence On Her Arrest, ‘Everyone in the LAPD Knows Who Jill Abbott Is’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Troy Lennon Appel Makes His Debut as ‘Hudson’: Is He a New Love Interest for Josslyn? Baby Phoebe’s Bio-Dad?
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
‘General Hospital’ Writes Maxie Jones and Her Family Off The Show
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘Knots Landing’ Favorite Donna Mills Joins ‘OnlyFans’
Y&R Alum Brenda Dickson Breaks Silence On Her Arrest, ‘Everyone in the LAPD Knows Who Jill Abbott Is’
‘The Young and the Restless’ Eric Braeden Talks Daytime Emmy Nomination, State of Nikki and Victor’s Marriage, and His Co-Stars (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Drew and Willow Have Their Long-Awaited Showdown; Only She Gains the Upperhand and the End of Their Marriage
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