General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chris McKenna Debuts as Jack Brennan; What Were Your First Impressions?
On the Tuesday, February 4th episode of General Hospital, viewers got their first glimpses of Chris McKenna (ex-OLTL, Y&R and B&B) in the role of Jack Brennan. The shift was a bit jarring for many fans of the series since they were used to Charles Mesure in the part since December 1, 2023.
As previously reported, Mesure opted to not stay with the ABC daytime drama series, which prompted this sudden recast. Mesure’s last airdate was on January 30th, while McKenna took over on yesterday’s airshow.
In story, Brennan, now played by McKenna, is flying back from Germany along with Carly (Laura Wright), and the two have a conversation filled with sexual innuendos; indicating the next time they are alone, Jack hopes things go further between them.
Courtesy/ABC
Suddenly, he gets a call before they land from Colette (Mercedes Lopez Renard), who informs Jack there is a problem on the ground. He tells her he will meet her as soon as he can. Later, we see the two meet up near a cabin in the woods. While Colette wants to go inside, Jack fears if this is Cyrus Renault’s (Jeff Kober) place, he could come back at any minute.
Jack has alternate plans. He wants Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) to be the one to find Renault’s hideout and to see what she does with the information. As we know, Josslyn already had a terse conversation with Anna (Finola Hughes), about staying out of the PCPD’s investigation of Renault. However, clearly Josslyn is not getting the message, as she seems to be going rogue to get justice for the death of her beloved boyfriend, Dex Heller, who was murdered by Renault.
Courtesy/ABC
Chris McKenna’s entrance on to GH reunites him with executive producer, Frank Valentini, who for 26 years was at One Life to Live working his way up through the production ranks and eventually as that show’s EP. McKenna debuted on One Life at only 12-years old as Viki Buchanan’s (Erika Slezak) son, Joey Buchanan, and stayed in the role from 1990-1993. He was replaced in 1994 by none other than Nathan Fillion.
So, what were your first impressions of Chris McKenna as GH’s new Jack Brennan? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
My first impression is who cares gh is making this a bigger story than it is who carez
I care. I liked the other Jack. This one doesn’t even have an accent if I remember correctly. Wish Charles Mesure would have stayed.
Me too he could have at least faked the accent!
Oh please – the only fake accent viewers seem willing to accept is Lois’. Michael Knight was criticized for his “colonel sanders” accent for Martin, which thankfully he discontinued when returning to the show this past fall.
Even John York (who tried an Aussie accent back in the 90s) eventually dropped it.
Heh, Colonel Sanders! The goatee vanished with the Kentucky Fried accent and all the better for it.
I don’t feel that Lois’s accent is foisted on us, I feel that SHE is! Can’t stand that buttinsky, butting in everyone’s lives, now hiring a lawyer for her daughter, she’s totally outrageous!
Totally agree.. There was no chemistry what so ever between him & Laura (Carly).. And this Jack is not Carly’s type at all.. ♀️
I am sure he is has experience he just does not fit the part
Me too! The two of them had more chemistry than is legally allowed! If Charles decided to go they should’ve let James ((Val) off him.
Not impressed at all. He is not convincing in the role.
I was so disappointed when the role was recast. That kiss he planted in Carly was honestly the hottest event in months on GH. I did like McKenna on YR and was sad to see him go. I will def give him a chance and his hair is quite stunning. But I still prefer Mesure. Will we ever find out why he chose to leave
You said it, and we never got to see any scenes after they closed the door, what a let down!
I like the new Jack I used to watch him as Joey Buchanan when he was 12 years old Welcome to General Hospital
I agree with comments.
No chemistry between Carly and the new Jack.
Prefer the old Jack.
Not impressed!
That was a whole different role
Gorgeous hairy sexy gorgeous man Chris
Measure had much better chemistry with Laura Wright. Now I find the pair a snooze to watch.
I will give him time, but Charles Mesure was very good in the role. Hope to watch him in whatever project he is involved with next. The spark between Charles and Laura Wright certainly felt real.
Loved Charles Mesure as Jack there was indeed a spark there for Laura Wright that isn’t seen from the new guy.
Agreed!!! The twinkle was REAL!
I’ll give it a little time, but first impression was meh.
Mesure made his presence known in every scene. We’ll see if McKenna can handle the meaty stuff. Glad he didn’t attempt a fake accent.
I like him OK and he looks very familiar.I never watched him on young and the restless or one life to live, but I’ve seen him in something.Now he has an American accent.I’m going to miss the British accent
He only looks familiar to you, yet you miss his British accent, you sound ridiculous!
It was great to see Chris McKenna. I enjoyed him so much as a young teen on One Life to Live. Seeing him all grown up brought a tear to my eye. During their brief scene, I thought he and Laura Wright worked well off each other. I think there could be some fire between them.
I agree.
Doesn’t look like an agent, no chemistry between him as and Laura.
Agree 100%
What does an agent look like?
He’s handsome enough, but I don’t feel the chemistry between him and Carly like I did with Jack.
NOT A GOOD RECAST AT ALL.
BRENNAN WAS AUSSIE. CASTING A PERSON WITH NI ACCENT JUST DOESN’T FIT.
AND SORRY, NOT SORRY BUT HIS HAIR DON’T LOOKS LIKE A 2ND GRADE BOYS HAIRCUT.
The chemistry between Laura Wright and Charles Mesure was off the charts. McKenna is a dud !! Sorry, I see what is NOT there..CHEMISTRY !! He has more of a brotherly vibe .
YES! BROTHERLY VIBE!
Carly and Mesure were hot hot hot! I rather you get rid of the character than have this guy. There is No chemistry he cannot fill the shoes!!! With mesure and Carly You didn’t wanna look away and you smiled the whole entire time. Looking forward to their scenes. They had great chemistry. It made the show. I don’t look forward to watching it now.
Absolutely!!
Agreed. They had chemistry and no disrespect to Laura Wright but I get the feeling that Charles Measure is so crackling with charisma that he’d have chemistry with a Chia Pet. He even had chemistry with Valentin.
Harry, agree 100%, yum!
Charles Mesure much more handsome ! I hated the recast!
He definitely was more handsome!!
Honestly? Not half-bad. It is different? Yes. But it isn’t half-bad. Look forward to seeing what he may be able to do in the role moving forward.
Yuck! Nothing great. Doesn’t compare to the chemistry that was between Carly and the Charles Mesure, Brennan. Very disappointed.
He does not fit the position as Charles did. Maybe Chris could be placed elsewhere! I may find another way to spend my free time.
Don’t like the recast. Very disappointed.
Chris McKenna is a great actor. I remember him as Joey on OLTL. But no chemistry with Lsura Wright. Charles MESURE was perfect for Jack Brennan. Mysterious and sexy! Mesure was SO MUCH BETTER AS JACK BRENNAN! I wish Charles MESURE a speedy recovery and the best of health!
Who said anything about C.M being ill, he just quit?
Talk about toxic fandom. The guy has 4 scenes as a replacement for a very popular actor and people are ready to write him and the show off because of his first day. There’s no point in comparing him with Charles Mesure. He’s not hired to imitate Charles Mesure, and he can’t be Charles Mesure. But if given a chance, he could make the role his own. He did just fine for a first-day recast. His eyes twinkled and the little smiles with Carly on the plane. Then getting down to business with his henchwoman.
You are right on!
Well said! Give it some time. I enjoyed his scenes with Joss today, so I think he continue to get better in the role.
I’m not happy with this I’m 80 years old and looked forward to watching Charles and Laura interact.
I’m not impressed I want Charles back, did he get let go I would like to here from him
I do not like the change. The original actor has hot and had great chemistry with Carly. I do not like these two together at all. Sorry GH you ruined a great couple.
Charles quit
Ok. The guy quit yall. This dude is a hottest to me. And I don’t mind that he doesn’t have an accent. I’m fine with him.
Just another bad recast. Does the casting director ever have the potential actor/actress read with whom they will be paired with? I’m tired of these no chemistry couples
Charles said he had a good read with Laura Wright, so it sounds promising.
He did chem-test with Laura Wright.
There is a YouTube soap video, whether it is true or not.. but it claims Charles felt ” there was too much memorizing of long scripts” that he didn’t feel up too. Not certain if there is any truth to it… as with most things in today’s world…
I am will to give Chris a go, but do miss Charles.
The other Jack had an edge to him which suited him so well for the role that he was playing. Cunning, charming with an air of mystery. It was just so strange him leaving when they were getting to the intimate playful part of the relationship. Then you have this new character popping up with no chemistry as of yet speaking of very intimate conversations. Not feeling it
Bring back the other Jack.
Oh my goodness. I’m a few episodes behind and I had no idea about this. Jack Brennan/Charles Mesure was winning me over the last few months. This is unfortunate. Wow. I hope he’s happy though and I wish him well. I will miss seeing him on the show.
I liked Charles Measure as Jack. He was sexy & had really good sexual chemistry with Laura. Wright (Carly). If the other Jack can’t come back, put Carly with Jason or Sonny.
Don’t like him he doesn’t have class like jack
Thanks but No thanks! You definitely could have done a better job at picking the new Jack Brennan
While I don’t have anything against him he does not have the carisma and accent that makes Carly and Brennan have that spark
I said what hell who is this guy
I like the Australian much better, but that’s just my opinion. We’ll have to wait and see if this guy comes up with the same charisma as he had right now no.
I like him and I hope GH keeps him!!
No I definitely liked the other Jack this guy just don’t fit the part not as handsome is the other Jack I was all excited when Jack and Carly got together not much anymore plus no accent!!!
Bring back the original
This one is not believable as jack brennan
McKenna did a very good job as Jack.
Do not like he has no chemistry with Carly. And has no accent. Should have cast someone closer in looks and accent. Which the other Jack would reconsider and come back other wise this does not work.
I don’t like this one I really like the old Jack. And as a 50 year loyal fan, was really only watching it for the old Jack. Everything else is starting to fall apart.
While there are certainly problems with some storylines, as someone whose watched almost as long as you, I find it hard to believe you were pinning all your hopes on a non-core character introduced only a year ago.
New “Jack” has great hair. Old “Jack” had a quiet, forceful presence, allure, mystery, someone I couldn’t wait to peel the layers, unpack the box within a box.
I prefer Charles Mesure. !!!! Wish he would return asap. I see no chemistry therefore I don’t care to watch the new actor.
Nothing against this actor except he doesn’t look mysterious and doesn’t speak forebodingly either. Measure and Carly had a better connection, but I’ll give this guy some time.
My first impression was geez. What has GH done now. I like the old Jack much better. Loved his accent and voice. I hope Mesure Decides to return.
Why are people so upset about this? It’s not like the new actor had anything to do with Charles Mesure leaving. And Jack Brennan isn’t even a major character on the show. I like Chris McKenna. I thought he was good in the four scenes he’s been in. I’ve seen Chris McKenna in other roles, and he’s a good actor. I know a lot of fans won’t give him a chance because they love Charles Measure (who I think is great), but I’m looking forward to seeing what Chris will bring to the role. Charles Mesure was a joy to watch, but I don’t mind the change. Chris is very brave to take on a role that I didn’t realize was so popular. I’m rooting for him.
Just one little remark, he was BETTER than some of the major characters, fresh and exciting, not all dull and boring like some of the ” old timers”.
I really really really want Charles M. back. He and Carly were perfect with each other. This new Jack Brennan has all the sex appeal of a wet sponge.
No I prefer Charles Mesure.
Please bring Charles Measure back!!! He’s an Aussie and very handsome. Love his personality. Charles and Carly make a great couple. Give Charles more money so he will stay!! We want Charles Measure back on GH!!!!!!
Then I suggest you speak with Charles Mesure, because it was his choice to leave the show. I haven’t heard or read anything to indicate that money was the issue. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me to hear that he was offered more money and still decided to leave.
What does surprise me is that the only signed him to a one-year contract in the first place. Maybe that’s the new norm, but three years used to be standard
Hi Michael.
Charles only just completed 13 weeks (first cycle) of his contract. Prior to that, he was on recurring.
Don’t care for this new guy we want Charles back!!!!
Sucks no personality at all like a wet noodle.
Please get someone else
Bring old jack back. No offense to new guy but he’ll never be jack brennan.
TOTALLY TRUE. This one is awful. He is so knuckle-dragging, meat and potatoes. NOT at all slick enough for Carly. BAD recast. Not convincing… I’d rather see Jim DePaiva or Dave Cubitt
I like dePaiva too, but I think he’s about 70 now, isn’t he? So probably a little old for this role. I’m not familiar with Mr. Cubitt.
McKenna will do just fine in the role.
DePaiva was already on GH about 7 years ago as a doctor that harassed Kiki.
Not a good recast. He doesn’t have that same air of mystery/intrigue. Thumbs down!!!!!!!
so true
Nope
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.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
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
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
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