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 Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!
In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?
Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!
Courtesy/ABC
FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS
The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!
Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’
In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.
The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.
Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”
Photo: CDuellIG
SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.
The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.
In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, but what happens sometimes is if you’re doing the same thing, especially in a creative field for such a long time, you can get a little burnt out in a way. It can make you a little depressed, so that’s kind of what happened. On top of that, I had other things going on in my life at the time. My father passed away recently and I just needed a reset. So, I stepped away. A lot of times you have to go through some stuff to really step into that next level. I needed to kind of feel uncomfortable.”
So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Marlena Looks Back at 50 Years in Salem
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Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
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