General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What Did You Think of Lulu’s Reunion with Dante and Rocco?
On Monday’s, December 2nd episode of General Hospital, Lulu’s (Alexa Havins) emotional reunions with both her ex Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and their son, Rocco (Finn Carr) took centerstage. Throughout the scenes, Alexa Havins reminded everyone, who saw her work as All My Children’s Babe, that she is still a powerhouse of an actress, capable of bringing the tears and emotional range.
Switching gears with beloved characters (when a different actor or actress takes over the part) has happened many times before on daytime dramas for a multitude of reasons. In the case of the role of Lulu Spencer, GH decided to eventually recast the part after they had laid to rest the character in a coma for four long years.
Now back in action, Havins is showing Lulu’s spunk early on as well as her emotional heart. In yesterday’s first scene, after coming to the Quartermaines, Lulu sees her son,Rocco. The two are both in tear and hug. Lulu can’t believe how much Rocco has changed. She finally asks how long she has been gone and Rocco tells her that she’s been in a coma for four years. Shocked and confused, Lulu promises her son they will make up for lost time.
Photo: ABC
At that moment, Dante walks in the front door of the Q’s and is stunned to see Lulu! At first, he is measured and not that emotional wondering when she woke up and how did she get here. Lulu goes into the explanation of waking up and then hearing from her bed at Turning Woods, Cyrus Renault’s (Jeff Kober) voice. She recounts how Cyrus was telling the doctors that he is making decisions for Lulu’s care.
Dante informs Lulu that Cyrus is actually her uncle, and that Cyrus and Laura share the same father. Lulu says she went to their old house and was surprised to see Maxie’s lives there, and then learned that the little boy she saw was Maxie’s son, James.
Photo: ABC
In talking with Dante, Lulu explains what she remembers the night of the explosion four-years ago. She remembers Dustin proposing before he died. Dante says he is so sorry they didn’t realize she’d hit her head after the explosion which landed her in the coma.
Lulu says she is just thrilled to be back with her boys, as Danny Asher (Asher Antonyzyn) is in tears listening to the reunion behind the entre living room. Then, Lulu inquires about the scar she has on the side of her body. Rocco tells her that she had a liver transplant. She is confused as to why. Dante says there is a lot she’s missed and they will eventually discuss, as he becomes emotional knowing that at some point he will have to tell Lulu about Sam being her liver donor, Sam’s death and their relationship, and more.
Photo: ABC
Still to come: Lulu’s reunion with Laura (Genie Francis) and Lucky (Jonathan Jackson).
So, what did you think of the reunion scenes between Lulu and Rocco and Lulu and Dante? Were you reaching for the hankies? Did you wish something else would have happened? What have you thoughts of the performances of Alexa Havins as Lulu thus far? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Take away the instant mobility for a 4-year coma patient with a recent liver transplant, the writing has been very good. And, kudos to Valentini and Teschner for casting Havins who is perfect as Lulu.
Having Danny eavesdrop was an unexpected, yet moving, surprise.
Look forward to Lulu’s reunions with Laura, Tracy and Maxie.
Other names up for the role: Stephanie Gatschet (ex-Tammy, Guiding Light; ex-Madison, All My Children), Jen Landon (ex-Gwen, As the World Turns) & Marci Miller (ex-Abigail, Days of Our Lives). It’s very clear a “name” with award-pull was wanted for Lulu.
As amusing as it would be to have both versions of Abigail Deveraux walking around Port Charles at the same time, I’m just not picturing Marci Miller as Lulu.
Jen Landon is currently on Yellowstone, and it’s up in the air as to whether there will be a 6th season of that show or not (they’re probably basing that decision on whether that show’s ratings hold up in the long delayed season 5b, now that Kevin Costner has left the show) so she might not be interested in a daytime role.
Not familiar with Stephanie Gatschet’s work, but I did see that she had somewhat of a resemblance to Julie Berman, so I could see her being considered. But so far, I would say Alexa Havins is doing one HELL of a job, miracle recovery of her 4 year atrophied leg muscles all aside.
Oh see, I could have seen Marci Miller easily as Lulu. Not to mention, bringing her into the role would undo the continued SORASing the role received with the casting of Emme Rylan. And I do imagine she’d have palpable chemistry with Dominic Zamprogna, and seems to have a good rapport with the General Hospital cast. I’m fairly sure, however, her desires to not be in California are what kept her from the role, ultimately. The fact she was considered makes me excited at the [potential] return to daytime in the future.
Considering Jen Landon was up for the role suggests her contract with Yellowstone is/was up-in-the-air and was entertaining the job at some point. It wouldn’t surprise me.
Stephanie Gatschet did fine work at both Guiding Light and All My Children. But, I wouldn’t have seen her as Lulu.
Lulu’s return just keeps getting better and better every day.
It feels rush, but then again it took a while from the announcement that she was coming back to her debuting for this moment, underwhelming for me, the actress though is doing good job she resembles the original Lulu and Genie Francis, so that’s a plus. She’s gonna hear how much she miss from dad dying, sam donating her liver, then dying, Aunt bobbie gone to as is nephew Spencer, Then there’s that crazy uncle Cyrus. Still think GH 2024 worst year for the show.
It actually was never formally announced by Disney/ABC that Alexa Havins Bruening had been cast, and it also did not take that long from the “confirmation” of her arrival to debut. The fact the recasting process was announced is what caused it to feel longer.
August 5, 2024, is when the “Lauren” casting call was reported (via TV Insider), which resembled the description of Lulu; the following day, Emme Rylan (ex-Lulu) announced they were recasting the role and she wouldn’t be returning. Then, Daytime Confidential published their own report, claiming Havins Bruening had been cast in the role on September 10. And then, she made her episodic debut at the conclusion of the November 19 episode.
So, realistically, two-months and some days had passed from the September 10 report to the November 19 debut. It’s about the same amount of time from the announcement of Jonathan Jackson’s return as Lucky (June 11), to his return to set (August 5), to his episodic return (August 23).
Nope. As dysfunctional as the current writing is, the toilet spiral that existed from November 2021 up until March of 2024 was FAR worse.And before that… well pretty much 90% of what ReRon wrote from 2012-2015.
It’s not just because Jason was missing. It was because they tried to fill the void with Parasite Nina, and made her the most detestable character in Port Charles recent history in the process.
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)
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’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
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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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
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