Connect with us

General Hospital

GH’s Maurice Benard and Chris McKenna Talk Charles Mesure’s Exit and the Recasting of Jack Brennan

By Michael Fairman

Published

10 months ago

on

Photos: ABC

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.

Related Topics:
Click to comment

0 Comments
oldest
newest

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

Published

23 hours ago

on

October 22, 2026

By

Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

Published

1 day ago

on

October 21, 2026

By

Josh and Kristen

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.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

Published

3 days ago

on

October 20, 2026

By

Kin and kelly

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.

Serena and Jason

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.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x