General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Mike’s Family Says Their Goodbyes in Emotional Episode Filled With Touching Performances
For anyone who has been watching the emotional Alzheimer’s storyline play out on General Hospital, Wednesday’s episode was a key moment in the storytelling and for the Corinthos family. To say that the cast delivered in this episode is an understatement; everyone had their moments, and of course, chief among them, Maurice Benard (Sonny).
Mike’s (Max Gail) life is coming to an end as his body is shutting down from the disease. Stella (Vernee Watson) comes to Mike’s room at Turning Woods and tells Sonny that Mike is waiting for permission to let go. She explains to Sonny that Mike is torn between this world and the afterlife. Stella helps Sonny prepare for the final moments of Mike’s life, dimming the lights, giving Sonny ice chips to put on his father’s lips, and for Sonny to put on some of Mike’s favorite music – jazz. She also gets Mike a blanket because he is getting cold. Then in a touching moment played to perfection by Vernee Watson, Stella says her own goodbye to Mike and hugs Sonny and tells him how grateful she was to know Mike.
Carly (Laura Wright) had been by Sonny’s side every step of the way in the final days of Mike’s life. At one point in Mike’s room with Sonny, she has a dream where Mike tells her she is his daughter. It was another heartbreaking moment – this time played beautifully by Laura Wright. Earlier, Michael (Chad Duell) said goodbye to his grandfather and Josslyn (Eden McCoy) had also come to Turning Woods, as has Brando (Johnny Wactor) to be there for the end of Mike’s life and to support Sonny
Sonny tells Mike, (who can hear, but cannot truly respond as the disease continues to shut down his body), that he has made peace with what went down between them when he was a child. He tells Mike, “I just want you to go in peace and go with love.” Later, Sonny had a recollection seeing his father pray in the back of the church when he was a child, which sparked an idea for him. Jason (Steve Burton) and Sonny know that Mike wants to be forgiven for his sins.
Then in the tearjerker, Father Ramos arrives to bless Mike and cleanse him from all of his sins, as Sonny, Carly, Michael and Josslyn witness it.
Afterwards, Jason realizes that Mike probably does not want to die in front of Sonny and tells Sonny to take a break, but Sonny does not want to – so Jason whispers to Mike that he should not worry that he will take care of Sonny. The two hope Mike will meet up with Morgan in heaven.
At the end of the episode, alone with his father, Sonny tells Mike not to be afraid, or to worry about him, and then remembers the night Mike walked out on him and his mother when he was a kid. He says he knows his father always loved him … maybe too much. We fade to black. Maurice Benard’s work was again outstanding throughout these moments, making Sonny’s life-long pain, and love for this father, palpable.
As someone who went through this horrible disease with his mother, I can say, that GH played the beats of the story to perfection, honoring those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and the family members they leave behind.
So, what did you think of this emotional episode of GH and the performances by the cast? Comment below.
Well done GH. Sorry to hear of your mother as well Michael.
It’s time for Mike to pass and the family to mourn quickly. They’ve done a good job with the disease, but there’s been so much changed history in order to just create this storyline with MG as Mike. Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s episodes were too much. All these “dreams”. No one had a relationship close to this with Mike. Had they not killed off most of the Quartermaines this would have been a great Alan Q story. But they created this story for a man who was not a good father and was an absent grandfather. And I’m not a Sonny hater, but they can spread the storyline love. He didn’t need this story. He has plenty of story.
Buzz was that GH was planning to do an Alzheimer’s story with Audrey in the late 90s. This was after BJ’s death and Monica’s breast cancer. Either the producers or network thought their were too many consecutive sad stories and pulled the brakes.
When you have a recast, as in the case of Max Gail, they couldn’t use real flashbacks. That led to the peculiar flash forwards.
Really odd that no one even mentioned Kristina. Will she become the new Chuck Cunningham or Judy Winslow?
It’s a shame that GH passed on the Alzheimer’s storyline with Audrey, as Rachel Ames was an outstanding actress in that iconic role, and she was given so little to do after the 1980s.
Mr. Fairman, first, my empathy for what you went through with your mother. I had the same thing happen with my favorite uncle who was like a father to me.
I totally agree that GH has done a wonderful job playing the beats in this story from start to finish. I shed so many tears along the way and it has been cathartic.
My hat’s off to the cast, crew, writers; everyone at GH for this emotionally charged and beautifully executed story. It will be one for the books.
Of course it was Courtney who came to escort Mike upstairs. Because Morgan ain’t up there… and he’s not down here either.
And they pretty much confirmed that…. just like they confirmed Jason wasn’t dead when all the Quartermaine ghosts assembled to usher AJ out of his mortal coil a few years back.
AJ didn’t go the same direction Mike did, but that’s a discussion for another time.
This story was well done all the way through, even if it was painful to watch, and that’s coming from an immortal cranky old bastard like the Devil himself.
Great work by all the actors, but is anyone else finding it hard to empathize with Sonny having this profound pain about his elderly father dying when we have seen him pull out a gun and shoot someone across the table for looking at him the wrong way? I think it would be a great plot point to acknowledge Sonny’s hypocrisy, since he doesn’t think twice about the suffering families of the people he’s killed, including his own son Michael’s real father, AJ’s. I’m finding the focus on Sonny’s pain (without any insight about the irony) to be a hard sell.
That’s it in a nutshell, Francine. Everyone should find it hard to empathize with Sonny, given his abundant history of crime, abuse, and murder. The powers that be have tried so hard over many years to humanize this murderer, to get the viewer to like him, to cheer for him, to feel his pain. And it’s a hard sell, given the reasons you’ve outlined.
The GH braintrust have repeatedly pushed other great characters (actors) aside, rewritten history, and thrown away any moral compass to focus on the despicable character of Sonny. The Alzheimer’s disease storyline was fabricated solely for the purpose of glorifying Sonny and netting Emmy gold for his portrayer.
Francine…you and James make really good points. Many are probably the reason I muted most of Sonny and Carly during the Mike saga.
Thank you, Rose. I concur with your moments of mutings!
From beginning to end, this has been the best storyline GH has done in many years. As someone that has lost several close family members to Alzheimer’s Disease, they told it as raw and real as it gets. The acting, the writing, everything has been top notch. Mike’s death today, having Courtney be the one to come get him, was the perfect ending. Much like when they had Lila come to get Edward when he passed.
Just give Max Gail another Emmy. His portrayal of Mike over the past couple of years, playing the realty of Alzheimer’s Disease, has been one of the finest performances I’ve ever seen, not just in soaps but in television period. I wish he could stay on the show forever. But unfortunately, this was the way the story was always going to end from the day they started it, because there are no happy, miracle soap endings when it comes to Alzheimer’s.
Max will have more gold to put on his mantle above the fireplace, for sure! And my friend CC, I hope you can tip your hat to the wonderful job Maurice has down!
My father died from this,,,
The biggest flaw in how this story was presented in the final stretches was the absence of most of Mike’s grandchildren. Yeah, Michael & Josslyn were there. Ironically neither of whom are bio-related to Mike.
Morgan is still presumed dead. We all know he isn’t, but it’s a valid excuse since he’s probably got amnesia or whatever.
Dante’s out of the country, but somebody could have told him what was going on with Mike a little earlier than they did. Why didn’t Olivia mention this in her emotional plea to him through the locked door, for example? Maybe he’ll make it home for the funeral, since he was last seen asking about that “new assignment” the WSB wanted for him back in Port Charles.
Avery?? Yeah, she might be too young yet to really understand what’s going on, but I think she should have had a chance to say goodbye to Grandpa. And of course, baby Donna… who they seem to have forgotten about entirely. At least she’s excused, probably not having any memories of Mike at all.
But where in Hell’s name were Kristina & Spencer? Krissy seems to have dropped off the planet entirely since the COVID hiatus. Spencer’s mom can pop in as a ghost to lead Mike “upstairs” but he can’t bother to show up himself??
Overall, a very well written story. But those are some big holes in how it was presented.
The cast was absolutely amazing!
Max Gail : Mike Corbin’ February, 2018 – September, 2020.
had it not been for – you –
you are a stand alone act.. you could be any one’ : dad, grandpa, uncle, friend,
I stress : ANY ONE
thereby: you made the Corinthos’
all of the Corinthos’ family benefited… you were milked for their advantage
You are a riveting Man
struck by your presence
STANDING OVATION
Jason: dumb
Patrick…It wasn’t always an easy story to watch, especially since you knew what the final outcome would be. So I agree Standing Ovation to Max for making it feel real, personal and even healing to viewers. And as I write this sadness for Ruth Bader Ginsberg who also died today and will be missed as an example of an incredible life well lived despite many health problems through out her life.
The acting was awesome.
The writing stunk.
It was an overkill of a slow death.
Mikes death was a soapy campy tear-jerker=a 7.
Max/Mike– 0ooh lordy he is a treasure..
Too sad he was brought into GH to die.
He would have been a loved character for years.
Perhaps we’ll be seeing him again in ghost form.
Max=gold– I will miss him 🙁
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.
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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)
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