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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

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: ABC

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.

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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.

Beyond the Gates

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16

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The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.

The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.

The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.

Photo: CBS

In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”

“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”

The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.

Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!

Photo: JPI

Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful

Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates

Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital

Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View

Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri

Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra

Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court

Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre

Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime

Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program

Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”

Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program

Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273

So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’

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The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).

Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.

Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.

Photo: JPI

FOR LESLIE CHARLESON

Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”

Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).

Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.

“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”

Photo: JPI

SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?

During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.

Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.

You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.

Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16

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General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer. 

Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.

As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.

Photo: ABC

A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY

Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.

Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.

Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.

Courtesy/ABC

WSB WAR SCARS

Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.

In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.

Courtesy/ABC

Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”

So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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