General Hospital
GH’s Rick Hearst Weighs-in on the Women in Ric Lansing’s Life and Where Things Could Go From Here with Ava, Elizabeth and Alexis
Since returning to General Hospital in August of 2024, Rick Hearst has found his character of attorney Ric Lansing still using some underhanded tactics if it will benefit him, but perhaps learning from a few of the errors of his ways, since being away from the ABC daytime drama for eight years.
Since returning to Port Charles, Ric has been present for his daughter Molly (Kristen Vaganos) in her time of need, who at this point still has no idea that it was her sister, Kristina (Kate Mansi) who got the brakes to Ric’s car with Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) in the passenger seat; when she had intent on hurting Ava (Maura West). Since that time, Ava and Ric have been blackmailing Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) for Cassadine moolah in order not to turn evidence into the police of how Kristina almost killed them.
Now in 2025, Ric’s relationships with the women in his life, Ava, Elizabeth and Alexis are all put to the test in different ways. During Hearst’s visit to the Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream conversation on his enduring career which has spanned not only GH, but roles on Guiding Light, Days of our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor weighed-in on each of the three women, and where things could or could not go from here.
Photo: ABC
AVA and RIC
First, Rick shared on working alongside another three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Maura West: “What an absolute doll. She’s just an extraordinary actress. I admired her from afar from years ago when she was on As the World Turns (ex-Carly), and I was on Guiding Light (ex-Alan-Michael). It’s very interesting. We were doing an appearance together, and so many people were bringing up the past of Ric Lansing. She was like, ‘Wait a minute, you did what?’ I’m like, “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just ‘la la la. .. just put your fingers in your ears. You didn’t hear that.’ We’ve moved on from that period. So, it’s nice I guess, not to revisit that in a way that causes characters to dismiss and spit on him to where there’s no relevance to the character anymore.”
As to the Ava and Ric connection, Hearst explained, “They are two baddies and two pariahs that get a chance to at least kind of wink and nod at one another and go, ‘I know you.’ However, at the same time, they can walk down the same path with each other and be aware enough of each other and still enjoy one another at the same time. You know, they make strange bedfellows as it were.”
During the livestream, a fan asked if Rick sees Ava and Ric eventually moving in together, Hearst responded, “That’s not in the cards right now, but I think it would be great comedy, because to see the two of them have to do the ‘Were you done in the bathroom?’ Stuff like that would be really, really fun to play. We started to kind of do that when Ava was broke, which I thought was kind of funny. I think they have real feelings for each other, though.”
ELIZABETH AND RIC
Hearst confirms that, “Yes, Elizabeth, that’s who has always been the deep true love of Ric’s life. When I say ‘love of his life,’ it’s the first time he ever allowed himself to be somebody he had always maybe wanted to be. As they’ve grown older they understood all these different things that he’s done, you know, locking Carly in the panic room, drugging her and drugging Elizabeth, and on and on. As horrible as they are, every character at some point, if they’ve been around each other for as long as these characters have been around one another 20 years, collectively, you got to be able to look in the mirror and go, “Yeah, well, I’m not that squeaky clean, either.'”
Photo: ABC
When seeing Liz with another man, Rick shares, “It’s a great torture for Ric to always see her with somebody else. I have to remember it, because they have me leaning into always finding opportunities to be her friend. Ric is her friend, but they have that other kind of relationship with one another. She keeps the door open in that way. Ric always hopes for more. The interesting thing is she says, ‘I’m not ready to have a relationship with anybody.’ But, Lucky Spencer (Jonathan Jackson) comes back into town all of a sudden, she’s seeing Lucky. So, Ric is like, ‘Was it anybody … or was it just me?”‘
ALEXIS AND RIC
Perhaps, there is nothing better than the comedic scenes between Rick Hearst and Nancy Lee Grahn as bitter exes, Ric and Alexis. Hearst says, “Do I ever see Alexis and Rick getting back together? For half a hot second, I thought that they would at least like lean into one another, but unfortunately, clearly that hasn’t happened. The apology scenes for both of us, that’s one that I really loved. Ric said, ‘I apologize.’ She goes, ‘Well, I accept your apology.’ And Ric says, ‘And… I accept yours.’ Then, Alexis says, ‘I didn’t apologize.’ And Ric’s like, ‘There’s still time!’ It’s stuff like that. I heard some fans saying, ‘It would be great if they just had hate-sex for a minute.’ Anything is possible.”
Photo: ABC
THE FUTURE
In summation, Rick is extremely happy with his GH return, expressing, “I’m having a brilliant time with all the ladies there. They have such definitive characters in their own right, obviously, that I can slide in with each of them in scenes. I feel like the getting back at Alexis for everything is from that part of Ric wanting to just be so angry with his own mother. The part where he just wants to be loved unconditionally is very much with Liz, and the part where he’s figured out his survival instincts and his ability to do so, would be to be with somebody like an Ava.”
Photo: ABC
As for a preview of what lies ahead, Hearst teased, “Where the relationships all kind of go is in Ric’s future. Whether he’ll continue forward with Ava and that turns into something even more, or something pushes him in her direction more, whether he continues to hope for Liz or, you know, has a power outage with Alexis and it’s time to get busy! (Laughs).”
Photo: ABC
Now weigh-in: who do you think is the woman best suited for Ric Lansing? Ava, Alexis or Elizabeth? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, in case you missed it, check out our livestream conversation with Rick Hearst below.
I hope Ric stays in PC for a long time. He’s the fun bad guy. Not dangerous like Jenz. Not a pariah like Drew. Just a fun guy, who has good chemistry with those he acts with. I like having him as the male veteran lawyer – better than Scotty.
Scotty who? It feels like Scotty and Lesiel left town and didn’t tell a soul. Not that us, the viewers saw them leave either… just another one of those thing that make you go hmmm while watching.
Something must’ve happened behind the scenes with Kin Shriner. If he’s not back when they eventually do Monica’s funeral, it may be some time before see Scott again.
As for Liesl, the time is ideal for her return. Nina desperately needs her dastardly aunt in bringing down Drew. A surprise appearance at next week’s Nurses Ball, would be a great way say welkomen to Frau Obrecht.
Rick can actually act unlike Kin Shriner.
I agree. I like having him around—-What bugs me is why Kristina is allowed to get away with attempted murder . Two people could have died. And, if Ava were in the car that would make it three. Plus, Lucky is also a criminal by keeping his silence. He is “aiding and abetting “ , as it were, no?
Now you have Lucky going out of his way to protect Kristina. Alexis is a huge enabler. She should have taken Diane’s advice and had that hateful nut committed. Instead, she stupidly allowed herself to be blackmailed by Ava.
I love Rick. Miss him as Alan Michael on Guiding Light, but very much enjoy him on GH. Hoping he and Ava get a bit more time together:)
I think Ric’s perfect match is Ava. They are both equally despicable together and would make a good thorn in Sonny’s side. But it might be fun to see a Ric, Ava and Alexis triangle.
But I’m rooting for Lucky and Elizabeth to survive this dreadful storyline the writers dragged them into. I hope Lucky tells Liz the truth about what Kristina did and they discover Ric is blackmailing Alexis.
Although bigger splashes were implied with Steve Burton and Jonathan Jackson’s returns, it was Rick Hearst who made the biggest impact – despite seldomly sharing the screen with his character’s half brother.
What was originally touted as a short term return has blossomed into Ric being a vital part of the current canvas.
I was looking forward to Ric’s return and yet, he still exceeded all of my expectations. I don’t normally use this word but he exhibits such class with his perfectly paced delivery. I was also looking forward to Lucky’s return but it’s clear he reentered with a whimper and not a bang. It doesn’t help that his front burner storyline involves covering up Kristina’s crime. Kristina, a dimwitted, mediocre, reckless, selfish loser who still manages to get a swirl of devotees to circle the wagons to protect her from herself. She ain’t worth it.
Rick Hearst’s return as Ric Lansing has been a highlight; it’s the return I think people expected Jonathan Jackson’s Lucky to be. And his chemistry with Maura West (Ava) is undeniable. They are THE couple to beat!!!
I like Ricks summation, great chemistry with all three ladies, in different ways, its perfect, and I hope they keep it going, I know people like to pair up couples, so obviously he’s with Ava romantically, but its a rare thing to have chemistry with three different characters for different reasons and as a fan its great seeing and enjoying it on screen.
Great points, Aria.
Great actor Can have chemistry with anyone Like him with Ava but wouldn’t mind him having a crazy relationship with Alexis to remind her who is the boss
Rick Hearst has chemistry with all of his ladies from over the years. He’d have chemistry with a potted plant. But he and Maura West have a special thing going. They’ve struck gold with Ric and Ava. You always need a couple that schemes and blackmails together, that can mix it up with anyone on the canvas. They can do drama, romance, comedy, whatever a particular storyline or scene calls for.
I’ve very much enjoyed Rick’s return, hope he sticks around for a while. I agree with those that say that his return has been better and more impactful to the show than either Steve Burton or Jonathan Jackson.
Anyone who has seen Maura West’s Carly with Hunt Block’s Craig would agree with your assessment of the facets of an unholy duo lololol! The parking garage scene in particular was as hilarious as it was shocking, especially given the time period.
“Maura West’s Carly with Hunt Block’s Craig” ? What show are you referring too?
They’re referring to As The World Turns
Oh ok, thanks Dan.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
On the Friday, September 11 episode of General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship becomes strained to potentially the point of no return.
Things take a turn when an unglued Britt having been traumatized by almost being killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Jason to back her up with the PCPD when she reports Anna for attempted murder.
However, Jason told Britt, he can’t. Jason shares that he does not believe Anna would have gone through with shooting her. Therefore, Britt was not in any real imminent danger. Britt is flabbergasted and hurt that Jason is refusing to tell the police what he actually witnessed for himself on Mount Emerson.
Courtesy/ABC
BRITT WANTS BACK UP FROM JASON
Jason counters that he can’t believe that Britt would want Anna punished. or sent to prison, or a mental facility after the trauma she endured while being locked up and mentally tortured while at Wyndemere.
He asks Britt, “How could you even say that you want her locked up or prosecuted for what she did when you knew she was being held prisoner and you did nothing to save her?” Britt is stunned by Jason’s response.
Coming up, official General Hospital spoilers share that on the upcoming Monday, September 14 episode, Jason confides in Carly (Laura Wright), while Britt is stung. In the video preview that aired at the end of the Friday, September 11 episode for this coming Monday, Britt says to Jason, “You don’t believe me. Do you?”
General Hospital head scribes, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte previously teased in their fall preview of the soap, “Britt and Jason have come a long way and fought a lot of enemies to be together. But the most stubborn obstacle to their happiness isn’t without, it’s within. Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”
So, what do you think will happen? Will Jason and Britt break-up over Britt’s lies and Jason’s unwillingness to report Anna’s crime against her? Do you want Jason and Britt to go their separate ways? If they do, will Britt become romantically involved with Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) ? If so, who do you pair Jason with? Anyone? Weigh-in via the comment section.
If Anna Devane’s (Finola Hughes) new therapist on General Hospital looks familiar to you, it’s because actress Kearran Giovanni, who plays Dr. Nichols, previously played a doctor on One Life to Live!.
Viewers tuning-in to the Thursday, September 10 episode of GH got their first look at Dr. Nichols who has been brought in to help Anna recover from her PTSD and trauma following the reveal that she has been suffering from a break in reality since before being put in mental health facility in France, after being gaslighted by Cullum and company earlier in the year.
One Life to Live fans will recall that Kearran Giovanni played Dr. Vivian Wright in 2009, and it was then she first worked with current General Hospital EP, Frank Valentini, who at the time was at the helm in Llanview.
Photo: JPI
WHERE ELSE HAVE YOU SEEN KEARRAN GIOVANNI?
Giovanni appeared on OLTL in the recurring role through 2012 and in the final ABC episode of the beloved series was the the ob/gyn who delivered Destiny Evans (Shenell Edmonds) and Matthew Buchanan’s (Eddie Alderson) baby into the world, whom they named Drew Buchanan II after Bo Buchanan’s (Robert S, Woods) late son. In addition, Vivian has been dating Shaun Evans (Sean Ringgold).
In addition to One Life to Love, Giovanni has very impressive credits having appeared in numerous TV series and motion pictures including starring in the TNT drama Major Crimes from 2012-18, ABC’s Designated Survivor 2017-19, the CW’s Black Lightning from 2019-20. Most recently, Giovanni appeared on the Fox series, The Resident and has a recurring role on the CW’s crime series, Walker from 202-2024.
HEALING ANNA
On today’s General Hospital, after Anna’s harrowing meltdown where she almost shot and killed Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) after seeing visions of “Peter August” (Wes Ramsey), Jason (Steve Burton) saved the day and talked Anna down from committing murder. Now, Dr. Nichols was introduced as a valuable staff member at the hospital. Although, this marked the first time in the history of the show we have heard of her character.
So, do you remember seeing Kearran Giovanni on One Life to Live? Happy to see that Anna may have a qualified therapist in charge of her healing, unless the doctor turns out to be not on the up and up? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Anna Breaks Down in Front of Jason and Britt After Shots Are Fired
The Wednesday, September 9 episode of General Hospital featured top-notch performances by Finola Hughes and Steve Burton, as Anna holds Jason and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) at gunpoint on Mount Emerson.
Anna is not in her right mind as hallucinations of Peter (Wes Ramsey) overtake her, egging her on to shoot and kill Britt. Jason begs Anna to put down the gun, but it’s clear Anna is speaking to someone who is not there, but in a direction that is just past Britt.
Suddenly, Anna screams at Britt, “You’re just like your father!” Anna also tells Britt that she knew Britt was aware that she was locked up on Spoon Island and did nothing to save her. Britt turns to Jason and tells him she had no idea Anna was on the Island, “until Cullum showed up in Port Charles.” That declaration gave Jason pause.
Courtesy/ABC
“PETER” TAKES A BULLET
Next, Anna is overcome with angst, filled with tears and screams out, “I won’t let you beat me!” She fires the gun where the imaginary Peter was standing, as Britt screams and Jason dove to cover her. Now completely shaken, Jason took the weapon from Anna and ordered Britt to leave the scene as Anna collapsed in Jason’s arms.
Jason was so concerned for Anna. She reveals she’s been seeing visions of Peter August since France. Jason shared his theory with Anna that she was manifesting her worst fears about Faison. However he knows deep down Anna would never have shot Britt. Jason promises to come back and clean up the area, but would take Anna home first.
Courtesy/ABC
ANNA ADMITS TO EMMA SHE TRIED TO KILL BRITT
At Anna’s, Jason brings her in the front door as Emma is there. Jason tells Emma (Braedyn Bruner) he would like to return and spend the night. A confused and worried Emma get the full story from her grandmother.
Anna explains she tried to kill Britt and she is not as well as she was pretending to be in France. Cut to: Jason cleaning up the site of Anna’s plot against Britt on Mount Emerson. He moves over and finds bullet casings on the ground and examines one of them.
The story climax also signaled the end of the run for Wes Ramsey, who has been showing up on episodes over the last several months as Anna’s dark side conscience. Now that Anna was able to break the psychological hold visions of “Peter” had on her, it ends this latest return of Ramsey’s.
So, what did you think about the scenes between Anna and Jason? Do you think Jason and Britt’s relationship will come to an end now that seemingly Britt revealed she knew Anna was held captive after Cullum came to town? Glad to know Anna won’t be haunted by visions of Peter August anymore? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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