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’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!
In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.
Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.
MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP
Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!
At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.
Courtesy/ABC
BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY
Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”
LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER
In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?
So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.
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‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
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