General Hospital
Rick Hearst Shares ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Guiding Light’ Most Felt Like Daytime Home; and The Road to Ric Lansing
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing, General Hospital) is this week’s special guest on Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart.
Hearst. who also previously has played: Scott Banning on Days of our Lives, Alan-Michael Spaulding on Guiding Light, Matt Clark on The Young and the Restless, and Whip “Whipple” Jones on The Bold and the Beautiful, was asked by Budig, of all of the soaps he has appeared on which felt most like home?
Rick shared: “I’ve been fortunate that I would say that there were two shows, I think that I can say felt most ‘familial’ as in like a family. One, I would say would be Guiding Light, because it was such a unique growth period in my life as a human being, as a father, all of that. I really felt like I cut my teeth as an actor in daytime on Guiding Light.” Hearst played Alan-Michael #2 from 1990-1996.

Photo: JPI
His second pick was his current home at GH. Hearst then revealed how he actually landed the role of Ric and how the character didn’t even have a name at his beginnings of the show, dating back to his initial run in 2002. Since that time, Rick has returned fo three times runs: 2002–09; 2014–16, and 2024 till the present.
“When I came to General Hospital, it really was a character that I got a chance to make my own,” recalled Rick. “The funny thing is when I went in and met Bob Guza and Chuck Pratt who were writing the show (at that time, I didn’t have to audition. I didn’t have a screen test. I went in and I met them, and this may sound funny, but in auditions, I tend not to be chatty. I just sort of lay back, let them do all the talking, and then respond in kind, and kind of feel them out at the same time.”
Following the meeting, Rick explained, “Mark Teschner (casting director, GH) called my agent. So, I said, ‘So, what’s the deal? He said, ‘They want to know if you want to screen test for it.’ I said, “‘Wait. I thought this was an offer?'” So, Rick eventually decided, “No” and he shared, “That’s the first time I ever said that and I was panicked.”

Photo: ABC
Hearst elaborated: ‘I said to my agent, ‘Send my reel over to them so they can at least see a body of work.’ And when I did that, they still screen tested other guys. But, then I got a call from my agent on a Friday night. It’s 10 30 pm. They want me to start early Monday. I said, ‘I have no script. I don’t even know the name of the character, and they didn’t either. They sent over a stack of scripts. So, I show up on the day, and looked to see the character’s name and at first. nobody could speak the character’s name. It was Peter, and then it was Daniel, and then they’d settled on Rick, but RIC. I became Ric Lansing but that didn’t happen until two weeks into the role.”
You can learn more about Rick’s entrée into GH, and his very first scenes, where he had to speak Spanish and he didn’t know how and muchmore by checking out the full episode of Soapy below.
So, have your favorite soap roles of Rick’s through the years been that of Alan-Michael Spaulding on Guiding Light and Ric Lansing on General Hospital? Let us know via the comment section below.
I agree: his roles on General Hospital and Guiding Light felt the best for him in my eyes. And hopefully, one day, he will pop up on Beyond the Gates, where I know he would excel, too.
I first saw his work and loved his portrayal as Alan Michael on GL
Love him on GH.
I have a big soft spot for Carl T Evans the first Alan-Michael but Rick was wonderful in the part too and deserved his Emmy for it (or Emmys can’t remember).
When he was on bold and beautiful as Whip I used to cringe when Brooke would pronounce it as “Wheee-up” lmao
Definitely my favorite role of his was Alan-Michael
All I know is that when he appears on the screen, I’m watching- riveted actually. This is a rarity for me.
Interesting tidbit on how the character of Ric Lansing got his name. JFP and Guza generally ignored the “don’t reuse character first names” rule as you never know if/when they’ll need to bring back the original.
Case in point, Ric Lansing was driving story when the writers chose to bring back Rick Webber for the dreaded retcon that sent Laura to catatonic land.
Olivia Falconeri had been on for a number of years when Ron had Olivia Jerome return from the dead.
General rule is you don’t even use names that sound alike. Kiki was used instead of Lauren to avoid having someone talk about Lauren in one scene then Laura in the next.
Love Alan Michael and miss GL forever! And having Rick show up on our screens is always a gift. His comedic timing is pitch-on. Hopefully we will get to see more of him in the upcoming year.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: The WSB Extradites Nina After Drew Frames Her for Jack’s Disappearance

It was not a good day on the Thursday, September 17 episode of General Hospital for Nina Reeves. However, while it was not a good day for Nina, it was a good day for GH fans because of the performance (as per usual) of Daytime Emmy winner, Cynthia Watros who is at the epicenter of this leg of the story.
In story, Nina has been dragged down to the PCPD and Agent Baines (Alimi Ballard) shows Nina, and her now lawyer, Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst), evidence of Jack (Chris McKenna) Brennan’s wallet found in Nina’s car. Baines says he has enough evidence to extradite Nina immediately.
Nina loses it and fumes and cries. Baines instructs Ric to get his client to cooperate before heading into the squad room to tell Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) that Nina would be transferred to a WSB facility. Now alone with Ric, Nina tells him she is being framed. She did nothing to Jack other than have a public argument with him. Ric asks her if she can think of anyone who would frame her for Jack’s disappearance or possible murder?
After not giving Ric any thoughts as to who could be framing her, Baines returned and informs Nina she is being extradited and taken into WSB custody immediately. Just as a frantic Nina is being carted away, Ava (Maura West) has shown up at the police station and witnessed the whole thing.

Courtesy/ABC
AVA LEARNS EXACTLY WHAT NINA AND WILLOW DID TO DREW
Earlier in the episode, Ava got a mouthful from Drew (Cameron Mathison). He informed her that Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Nina drugged him for months with a paralytic drug and he never had a stroke. He also informed her Willow shot him.
Ava was not surprised about Willow shooting him in the back. However, Drew told Ava that Nina tried to kill him when she pushed him into the water at the Quartermaine boathouse while he was locked in his wheelchair.
Drew admits to framing Nina with Brennan’s wallet, although Ava is upset because Nina is her friend. He then reminds Ava that Nina also gave her drugs, induced labor and stole her baby. Ava says Nina is a very different person now than she was then. A vengeful Drew wants Nina to suffer after all she did to him, plus he has a plan for taking down Willow next.
So, what do you think of Nina being taken into custody by the WSB? How will she get out of the new hell she is in? Do you think Ava will help her friend, or continue to help Drew because of their alliance to take down Sonny? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain

Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall, General Hospital) has taken to her Instagram for the second time this week and now honors her late dear friend and General Hospital co-star, Billy Miller (ex-Drew Cain) on what would have been his 47th birthday on September 17.
In her post, Monaco wished Billy “a heavenly birthday” and shared a typewritten note from her beloved co-star after he exited General Hospital in the role of Drew Cain. The three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor played the part from 2014-2019.
Monaco wrote accompanying the photo of Billy’s letter: “He (Billy) sent me this a few years ago, after he left (the show) wanting me to post it… I didn’t/ But… I know he wanted anyone who’s ever supported his work and or got to know him as a friend to read this letter.”

Photo: JPI
BILLY MILLER WON THREE DAYTIME EMMYS FOR HIS WORK IN SOAPS
Billy Miller was one of the most respected actors to ever grace the daytime screens for his portrayals as Richie Novack on All My Children from 2007-2008 and Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless from 2008 until 2014 and of course, his final soap stop on General Hospital. He also appeared on primetime’s Ray Donovan and Suits.
TOUCHING GOODBYE LETTER AFTER EXITING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Here now, is what Billy shared in his letter after exiting GH: “Hello, friends… With a slight air of sadness it is time to ponder what ‘goodbye’ means. However, instead of dwelling on what is gone and sure to be missed, there is another way.”
“Maybe our goodbye is really a remembrance of love felt, an appreciation for lives shared and the lifelong reminiscences that come from embraces given and received, Maybe our goodbye is an earnest hope for the brightest path forward for us all,” expressed Miller. “Maybe our goodbye is honoring growth and lessons learned.”
The beloved star added, “Now, instead of sadness, I am filled with gratitude for all your support, encouragement and every emotion shared. I cherish the journey we have taken together, Thank you for allowing me into your homes and lives. With every ounce of myself, I thank you for being you. I would be remiss in this crazy, unpredictable world we all love so much if I did not hold out the possibility that maybe our goodbye is really… until next time.”
Sadly, Billy died by suicide three years ago on September 15, 2023, just two days shy of what would have been his 43rd birthday. You can check out Kelly’s post below.
Now, share your remembrances today of Billy Miller and the touching letter he wrote after leaving General Hospital, that Kelly Monaco posted in tribute to her friend and co-star via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chase Walks Out on Brooklyn, Anna and Valentin Share Poignant Moments as She Urges Him to Go to Carly

The Wednesday, September 16, episode of General Hospital provided the tipping points in the marriage of Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard), the case of Jack Brennan, where Agent Baines (Alimi Ballard) arrested Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), and Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin’s (James Patrick Stuart) deep love for each other on display, even though Anna didn’t want Valentin to do anything to destroy his burgeoning relationship with Carly (Laura Wright).
Let’s take a look at what went down. First, Brook Lynn’s world is rock when Chase announced he was moving out of the Q’s. As he packed (his one duffel bag?), Brook Lynn begged him not to leave. However, no matter what solution she came up with, Chase shot her down explaining that the trust issues between them is bigger issue than her family and their love for one another.
As they talked about mistrust, Chase says that Brook Lynn lied about framing Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) despite swearing there were no more lies between them. Then, Chase reveals he had spoken to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) about a legal separation to a stunned BLQ. Chase said he had concerns if it would effect their adoption of Phoebe, which Alexis assured Chase it would not.

Courtesy/ABC
Somehow, Brook Lynn manages to convince Chase to hold off on filing the legal separation paperwork. She wants him to figure out for himself if he feels their marriage is worth saving, by taking some time with it. After he leaves, Brook Lynn breaks down and cries.
THE WSB DESTROYS MINDS
In the pick-up of Tuesday’s episode, Carly (Laura Wright) shows up at Anna’s front door and finds Valentin there when he opened the door. Carly saw Anna inside and then took off.
However, Valentin is so worried for Anna and how the WSB had broken her. It’s something he understands and relates to and hates seeing the woman he loves deeply and always will, in such a state. Initially, he said they should go away together. Anna instead told Valentin to go after Carly and explain to her that he was just visiting her to take care of a friend.
Anna phoned Felicia to come sit with her, so Valentin could salvage his relationship with Carly. Once Felicia arrives, and Valentin left, Anna shared to her best friend that no one understood her better than Valentin who had seen her though the years in some of her worst moments. However, Anna says she cannot lean on him any longer, and that she would always love him. Now, it’s time for he and Carly to be together because he deserved happiness.

Courtesy/ABC
Valentin heads back to Carly’s and sees her with a glass of red wine. Valentin wants to explain, but Carly wants to respect Anna’s privacy. She explains she had gone to see Anna after seeing Emma (Braedyn Bruner) and her daughter Josslyn (Eden McCoy) in a fight over Anna’s situation.
Carly fears Josslyn could one day end up like Anna. Valentin explains that Anna’s downfall was linked to Cesar Faison, so it would be unlikely that Josslyn would suffer the same fate.
In a very adult conversation, Valentin tells Carly he believes Anna will get back up from this, and land on her feet and he hoped that one day she can find some peace, just like he has now with Carly. Throughout all the scenes that played out featuring Anna, Valentin and Carly, James Patrick Stuart played it all to perfection.
YOU’RE UNDER ARREST
Finally, while Ava (Maura West) and Nina are at the Metro Court Gardens, Agent Baines shows up and handcuffs Nina for the disappearance, possible murder, of Jack Brennan. Nina screams that she did not to it while she is being dragged away which is also witnessed by her ex Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard).
So, what did you think of Chase walking out on Brook Lynn? Do you hope he files separation papers and eventually gets out of Brook Lynn’s life for good, since one can assume he will be headed back Willow’s way? What did you think of the Anna/Valentin scenes? Do you hope they end up together down the road, or would like to see Valentin remain with Carly? And, now that Nina is arrested for Jack’s disapperance, will the real culprit reveal themselves? Let us know in the comment section, but first check out a preview for today’s Thursday, September 17 episode via the official GH video tease below.
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