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Rory Gibson Marks First Month Since Debut on ‘General Hospital’ as One of Soap’s Most Successful Recasts, Sharing, “Honored to be Here”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: RGibsonIG

Time flies! It has been over a month since Michael Corinthos returned to Port Charles in the form of Rory Gibson, who swooped into the GH Nurses’ Ball and took his son, Wiley with him. The triumphant return of the character of Michael, now in the hands of Gibson, has been one of the most noteworthy recasts in soap history, because usually it takes soap fans a fair amount of time to adjust to a new actor or actress taking over the part so identified with someone else.

In the case of Gibson, he replaced Daytime Emmy-winner, Chad Duell, who decided to exit the role after fifteen years on the ABC soap opera. And while it appeared the door was left open for Duell to return down the line, the GH powers-that-be made the decision to recast the role when the character was written off the canvas for a few months recovering from the burns sustained in the fire and explosion at Sonny’s penthouse.

Taking to his Instagram this week, Gibson shared a photo of the outside of the studio at General Hospital, and accompanying it, simply stated, “One month since my first episode (with an hourglass emoji),” along with “Honored to be here!”

Photo: ABC

Several of Rory’s new GH co-stars quickly posted their comments in the thread, including, Michael’s on-screen nemesis, Cameron Mathison (Drew), who used the applause emoji, Josh Kelly (Cody) who stated, “ROARy!!” Then, Giovanni Mazza (Gio) added, “Killer, dude!”

Photo JPI

Recently, the soap genre has seen several key recasts go down. Billy Flynn, the former Chad DiMera jumped shipped at Days of our Lives and landed at The Young and the Restless, where he is now taking on the role of Cane Ashby, formerly played by GH’s Daniel Goddard (now Professor Henry Dalton). Then, Conner Floyd (Rory’s old castmate at Y&R) was cast in Billy’s role at DAYS as the new Chad DiMera! Floyd also jumped into Rory’s Instagram thread and posted the bicep flex emoji.

It also should be noted how one soap opera’s inability to utilize an actor for various reasons including story; can sometimes be another soap’s gains. In the case of Gibson, viewers first saw him as Noah Newman on The Young and the Restless, a part he played on and off from 2021-2023, before getting a chance to shine a few years later as GH’s Michael

So, are you enjoying Rory Gibson’s performances as Michael Corinthos? Is he one of the best soap recasts in recent history? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

 

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Seems Y&R in recent years lands some solid and strong talent, but cannot provide story to keep them forefront and in story. Their losses are others’ gains. How wonderful for Mr. Gibson to have opportunity with GH. Same with Connor Floyd’s good fortune with DOOL.

Too bad the shows can t swap writers. Young Restless will take anything it seems these days. We re desperate. Hoping Carlivatti would come over but Gates took him. Too bad.

So many online and social commenters like to bash Frank when things don’t go quite right. And yes, sometimes he deserves it.

Let’s give credit where credit is due. Frank saw something in Rory when he tried out for the Vaughn role and it has paid off wonderfully. Michael is now the leading character he always (by soap lineage) was always intended to be.

Kudos to Rory for bringing it all. While he’s younger than Duell, it doesn’t really show with most of his costars (exception of one). He holds his own with cast members who’ve been on for decades.

The writers also deserve some credit for leaning into Michael’s ancestral ruthlessness- great grandfather Edward would be proud.

Right on, Steve. I think it’s important we acknowledge when things go right just like we do when things go wrong. In my experience as a teacher, I have found that students are likely to replicate their accomplishments when they are told they did a good job and WHY they did a good job. I just think that’s just basic human nature. Plus, right now with what id going on in our country, I think it’s important for the sake of our sanity that we take a break from negativity by observing something positive. That said, loving the Tracy and Martin scenes. Those two are comedy gold together, and it’s clear Michael Knight is enjoying the hell out of his scenes with Jane. And as much as I detest Drew, I’m even enjoying his scenes with Martin because those two actors go way back ( AMC) and you can tell they’re trying not to crack up in their scenes together. I think humor is key to getting us through our dark days of our current reality as well as our escapism from that reality(soaps).

Again Harry, you read like a warm hug. This time to your country.

What a nice thing to say, GH, Fan, and nice use of a simile. As I said, positive reinforcement is a good habit to have.

I’m not as wild as a lot of people about Rory’s portrayal. It feels a little “flat” to me, not enough variance in the different emotions. I’m more concerned about Josh Kelly’s status with the show. It’s strange that no one official has reported on it.

I totally agree. H’es handsome and has chemistry with the cast but his acting, like you stated, is flat.

According to the credits, Josh Kelly is now on recurring. ABC doesn’t comment on contracts, so unless Josh himself comments, we won’t get official word on whose decision (Josh or network) that was. The character of Cody had so much potential but has so far lacked direction.

I will be very disappointed if Josh Kelly is let go as Cody… unless of course ABC is planning an OLTL return with him playing Cutter Wentworth again

GH fan: It’s not likely, but, we can hope. I thought he was much better as Cutter.

Josh is definitely falling into that GH fate… not being written for !

If Rory’s portrayal is flat, what was Chad’s?!?!

YES! THIS!

Good question! What some call “flat,” I see as strength. I see Rory conveying stoicism in the face of adversity and trying emotional times. I don’t feel he’s flat at all.

Neither do I. He is doing an Awesome job as Michael so far I was impressed

☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝

The Josh Kelly status news is surprising since he was a lot of fun with Kelly Thiebold who’s returning when he first arrived in Port Charles. I do love our new Michael/Rory, and am bummed to lose Conner as Chance from YandR to DOOL

Kelly is almost certainly going to be featured with Steve Burton. The short-term fling with Jason and Britt had tons of chemistry – his best pairing in years.

Yes, Kelly/Britt is definitely headed Steve’s way, and I’m bummed that Sasha and Cody ended, though am hopeful for Sasha and Michael to connect and raise Daisy together, leaving Cody floating around PC. I just hope we do not lose Cody/Josh – thought he was headed into Molly’s orbit…

I totally agree with you. Lifeless performance. Even the way he walks and stands is lifeless. Chad was much more animated; expressive. This actor is monotone. And as cute as he is, he looks like a kid to me. Chad appeared older, more imposing.

Chad is 8 years older.

Probably the most obvious error so far was Mikey shirtless at the Metro Court pool. Dude had third degree burns over most of his body a few months ago, but not a scar on him.

Apparently that clinic in Germany really does good work after all.

Other than that, he’s doing a great job so far. GH doesn’t always get recasts right (see Molly 2&3, NuJagger, the thankfully forgotten third Carly, or pretty much any Nikolas that wasn’t Tyler Christopher) but it looks like they got lucky with Rory.

Yes, some duds in the past, but they’ve been pretty much on a roll – with Alexa Havins, Van Hansis, and Kristen Vaganos.

I am really liking Alexa as Lulu. She reminds me of Julie Berman.loved Alexa as Babe. She has made the character of lulu her own. She is Awesone in the role

An excellent recast. Now I can’t imagine the role being played by anyone else.

Agree 100%

It was brilliant casting
Love him in the role.

Rory is good looking but does not show much life. Chad was the better Michael, he showed much more emotion.

When?

Chad was emotional the way Elmer Fudd was emotional when Bugs Bunny outsmarted him. I don’t understand folks calling Rory’s acting,” flat.” He’s intense and is able to emote without being over the top. When the scene calls for it, he’s dark and serious. However, when his kids enter the scene or when he first laid eyes on Daisy, his face lit right up. Today, in his scene with Willow, he had tears in his eyes when discussing visitation. The guy can’t act- his approach is just different from Chad’s.

I have not yet mastered the edit button here. When I try and edit my comment, mere seconds after posting, I receive a message that says my message is no longer available for editing. Anyway, I meant to say that yes, Rory CAN act. Moreover, he has that leading man star quality that I felt Chad never had.

He’s great looking, but a TERRIBLE actor. He barely moves his face when he talks.

He is FAR from terrible. The tears on Tuesday’s episode (in a scene where it wasn’t required) was inspired choice.

From the moment it was rumored he was going to be NuMichael–I was excited. He impressed me today. He rage cried So glad they locked him into a 3 year contract.

Yes, yes and yes!

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Josh Swickard Recalls Emotional Moment After His Final Scenes with Michael Easton, and Favorite ‘Chase’ Storyline

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Josh Swickard

Josh Swickard (Harrison Chase, General Hospital) is the special guest on this week’s all-new episode of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart. The GH fan favorite and leading men opened up about his life pre and post GH, his marriage to actress and producer, Lauren Swickard, and some of his toughest and most memorable moments during his eight-plus years as officer Chase of the PCPD.

One of the most heartbreaking moments came when Josh had to say farewell to his on-screen brother Finn played by soap veteran, Michael Easton. It was back on the Thursday, June 27, 2024 episode of General Hospital.

In it, Chase drives Finn to a rehab facility and the two brothers share a heartfelt talk in the car. Finn thanks Chase for allowing him to say goodbye to his daughter, Violet (Jophielle Love). Chase promises to take good care of her. However, Chase warns Finn to not to take any shortcuts on his way to sobriety and to always think of Violet’s wellbeing. It is apparent, the brothers don’t want to say goodbye, but on the count of three, Finn leaves Chase’s car and walks through the door of the rehab facility, while Chase in tears beats the steering wheel before drives away.

Photo: ABC

MISSING HIS TV BROTHER

Josh spoke to the “Soapy” podcast hosts about it and recalled, “In our last scenes together, and it was like his last day. Michael was like, ‘It’s okay.’ And I was like, ‘No, it’s not.’ I was supposed to be crying in the scene, I think. I was like a little glassy-eyed, a little glazed over. And then they were like, “And cut.”  I was like, “Great.” I just like went behind the car and wept.”

Speaking of his professional and personal relationship with Easton, Josh expressed, “Michael is an awesome guy. He’s such a sweetheart. We’ve done fan events together in New York and he would show me things, like, ‘This where I used to live  …’ He’s like an older brother to me.”

Not only did Josh lose his on-screen brother, but he also lost his on-screen father, Gregory, played by Gregory Harrison, when he was killed-off the show after the character battled ALS. “I think I was more just mourning friends that play family on a show, but a show that goes year after year, year round, and so they become family,” explained Swickard. “So, that part’s been hard for me of just losing friends that while, yes, you get to see each other, you get to call each other, it’s different (when they leave).”

Photo: JPI

CHASE IN A COMA IS FAVORITE OF JOSH’S

When asked, what has been his favorite storyline during his run on GH thus far, Josh took it back to when Chase became became critically ill after being poisoned by a toxic from Peter August (Wes Ramsey) meant for Finn. Eventually, Finn had to rescue his brother with the antidote for the toxin. That story played out from April to June 2021.

Josh explained, “Where I was in a coma and I was seizing and coughing and I had no blocking for like four months! It was great! It was a storyline where I was about to die and I had to say goodbye to a lot of lovely people and it was so exhausting. You get in the car and you feel like you got hit by a train every day because your body doesn’t fully know what acting is, apparently. I remember multiple days being like, ‘Oh, this is why I signed up for this.'”

Swickard also answered if there were moments in the storyline if he felt Chase was not going to survive. The GH star answered, “There were moments that I wondered.  However, I think they were pretty upfront with me. They were like, ‘This isn’t what’s going to happen.'”

Check out the full conversation with Josh on the ‘Soapy’ podcast via the comment section below.

Now let us know, what has been your favorite scenes of Josh as Chase on General Hospital during his run? Do you miss the relationship between Chase and his brother, Finn? Let us know via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Is This the End for Brennan?

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General Hospital

This week, all-new episodes of General Hospital tease a long-held secret revealed, a surprise cellmate and a life on the line. On Monday August 24, ABC released their weekly promo entitled “Keep Brennan Busy,” raising eyebrows that this could the beginning of the exit of the character, after it was reported that Chris McKenna (Brennan) is leaving the soap come this fall.

In the spoilers video: First, Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) is telling Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) that she has known the truth all along that she shot Drew (Cameron Mathison), even though she was her legal counsel and defender her during Willow’s trial of shooting the former congressman.

Willow is shocked, and her face shrinks up. What will she say in return? Will she just say, “yes” I did it and then blackmail Alexis to also keep her quiet, like she has been able to do to so many others?

Courtesy/ABC

DREW’S BACK TO HIS OLD SELF WITH A VENGEANCE

Next, Drew is suddenly on this renewed warpath to take down Sonny (Maurice Benard), but before he deals with that, he want to get the WSB Port Charles Bureau Chief out of the way. He informs his partner in crime Ava Jerome (Maura West) over drinks at the Metro Court his plan for Brennan. While Drew tells Ava his agenda, we cut to: a woman’s hands pouring a packet full of powder into a drink at the Metro Court pool area.

Drew gives Ava her assignment, “I need you to keep Brennan busy while I search his hotel room.” The question becomes, who is the woman who is drugging Brennan? Is this the first attempt at taking out the guy foreshadowing the future, or could this be the demise of Brennan?

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU MIGHT SEE IN THE SLAMMER

At the end of the video, Curtis (Donnell Turner) is seen in his cell at Pentonville. He gets what appears to be his new cellmate, and utters, “You?” Is this when Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) has manipulated someone from the inside to visit Curtis and begin a plan to get what he wants from Jordan (Tanisha Harper) and use her lover to do his dirty work? Stay tuned.

Take a look at the rest of the official spoilers for the week of August 24-28 below.

MONDAY, AUGUST 24
Valentin makes a pitch to Jason. Brennan confronts Willow. Josslyn has news for Hudson. Laura briefs Anna. Tracy issues a warning.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
Jason encourages Carly. Obrecht wants answers. Anna is tempted. Ric jumps to conclusions. Lulu offers relationship advice.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Nina is enraged. Jordan makes her loyalties clear. Michael seeks Sonny’s advice. Tristan opens up about his past. Felicia stonewalls Brennan.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Gio and Emma overhear an argument. Drew vows revenge. Ava feels slighted. Justine gets a shock. Alexis makes threat.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
Sonny makes a promise to Laura. Carly and Valentin make a decision. Anna offers support. Ava sets a trap. Drew is waylaid.

Check out the the latest GH promo, “Keep Brennan Busy” below.

Now let us know, do you think Drew’ plot against Brennan will be the untimely end of the WSB Port Charles Bureau Chief? How will Willow keep Alexis from opening her mouth about the fact that she shot Drew? Share your predictions and theories via the comment section below.

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‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Shares He Was ‘Happy to Hear’ of The Triangle Storyline Developing Between Dante/Elizabeth/Ric

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Dominic Zamprogna

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) opened up about the burgeoning love triangle forming between his Port Charles alter-go, Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) after recently aired scenes, plus his hopes for the future of a Dante and Liz pairing, during his appearance on the Sunday, April 23 edition of the That’s Awesome podcast with Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli).

On last week’s episodes of GH, Ric has made the decision that he wanted to propose to his ex-wife, only when he showed up at Elizabeth’s front door, he misread the scenario he walked in with Liz tending to Dante’s injured leg from the softball game. From there, the legal eagle’s jealous streak is reemerging which may cause him to act out and do something unforgivable, or will he take the high road? Stay tuned.

Speaking with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson about where Elizabeth stands in the annals of the long-running soap, Zamprogna said, “She’s up there with Steve and Maurice (Maurice Benard) as one of the most legacy-filled people on the show.”

Courtesy/ABC

HOW DANTE AND ELIZABETH CAME ABOUT

Dominic jokes it’s a far cry for where Dante and Elizabeth previously, recalling, “We had some scenes together years ago and we were both laughing. Becky’s like, ‘Well, I guess we’re not going be paired up anytime soon.’ I remember we laughed immediately after they yelled ‘cut,”‘and said to each other, ‘Well, so much for that!'”

Fast-forward to early 2025 and as Zamprogna remembered it, “Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) came up to me at the General Hospital Christmas party, and I think it was a year and a half ago and she said, ‘We’re going to have you in scenes with Elizabeth,’ My internal monologue is going, ‘I’m not with Lulu (Alexa Havins) anymore and Sam’s (Kelly Monaco) gone, so maybe they want to see if this works.’ I didn’t want to get scenes with Becky and try to find the chemistry. I just wanted to play whatever honestly was written and came across for both of us and hope it was what people liked, and I don’t know if it is … or not.”

Knowing how beloved Elizabeth is to the GH faithfuls, Zamprogna added, “She got a big fan base with Ric … and a big fan base with with Jason … and you know, you’re going to piss somebody off. But, didn’t Ric drug Elizabeth and put Carly in a panic room?”

Dom and Liz

Photo: ABC

DANTE AND ELIZABETH PAIRING COULD STIR UP STORY FOR OTHERS IN PORT CHARLES

In closing, Dominic felt that the wide-reaching tentacles of a Dante and Elizabeth relationship is something he is 100% down for. “The triangle thing; I was happy to hear it was with Ric and her, because I felt it’s important to have her the top of it as opposed to Dante, Lulu and Elizabeth.”

Zamprogna added, “When you get into relationships on a soap, things seem to fizzle out a little bit, The buildup is what’s the fun part, and the getting to know each other, and the people who are affected by this coming together. When with this case it’s going to affect: Ric, Sonny, Lulu. There’s so much more story here. To me, it’s going to be a fun story to play.”

You can check out Dominic’s visit to That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford below.

Now weigh-in: Are you rooting for Dante and Liz, or Dante and Ric at this juncture of the story, or neither guy  for Elizabeth? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section.

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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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