General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sean Donely’s Funeral Brings Unexpected & Emotional Moments for His Friends and Loved Ones

By Michael Fairman

Published

5 years ago

May 22, 2021

Michael

Photo: ABC

If you caught Friday’s emotional episode of General Hospital, it was the airing of the highly-anticipated tribute episode to the late John Reilly with an homage to his beloved character, Sean Donely.

What made this such a well-conceived hour of television was it truly harkened back to the 80’s hey day of GH, had a built-in story that brought Reilly’s real-life daughter, Caitlin Reilly, into the fold, found ways to integrate classic clips of Sean and his spy friends and colleagues, and viewers even got to hear the voice of the one and only Sharon Wyatt as Tiffany Hill Donely.

Photo: ABC

The episode starts in Ireland where Sean’s gravesite service has concluded and things are icy between Anna (Finola Hughes) and Felicia (Kristina Wagner). As Anna tries to reach out to Felicia she is not having it, but Mac (John J. York) hopes the two longtime best friends will find a way to work this out.

Meanwhile, Annie (Caitlin Reilly) points Sean’s friends (who have traveled all the way from Port Charles to Ireland to be there for the funeral) to the Inn where they will be staying. Robert talks to Annie about applying to the bureau. She says she went through the training program, took the oath, but was never called for the final test. She just assumed she didn’t make the cut. Robert also explains they need access to some of Sean’s old files on another matter of dire consequences, but Annie won’t give up the code.

Photo: ABC

As Laura (Genie Francis) goes outside to call Tiffany, we hear the voice of Sharon Wyatt talk to her dear friend, the Mayor of Port Charles, and Laura tells Tiffany how much she misses her old friend, as Tiffany recall her life with Sean and viewers see a montage of Sean and Tiffany scenes through the years. Next, Laura is grabbed and a clue is left behind in her room – a Mexican flag and a toy gun as a remembrance of when Sean ran illegal arms and was on the wrong side of the law. Next, Monica (Leslie Charleson) is seemingly grabbed, and a clue is left behind, a trinket from Mount Rushmore.

Courtesy/ABC

Later, Felicia rips into Anna for allowing Peter into their lives and not protecting Maxie. Anna promises Felicia she’s trying to put Peter behind bars for good and to find justice for Maxie. As Felicia and Anna flashback through moments in their lives with Sean, Felicia tells Anna that he would not have wanted them to be at odds and so she forgives Anna, and the two women hug as Mac looks on.

Photo: ABC

Mac is the next friend of Sean’s to apparently get kidnapped. That is followed by Robert (Tristan Rogers) getting conked over the head. Annie finds Robert’s phone, and she finds a magnet in Anna’s purse which wiped out the computer earlier that Anna and Robin (Kimberly McCullough) were trying to access to check the security footage at the Inn.

Annie now believes Anna and Robert are in on what’s happening. Anna again says she wants access to Sean’s file, but Annie refuses to grant access to her. She says she’s loyal to the WSB. It is then Anna tells Annie that this was her final test for the WSB and she passed it! As all of Sean’s friends who ‘disappeared’ return to watch, Robert gives Annie her dad’s WSB badge number and they congratulate her in a very hankie-inducing moment.

Later, everyone gathers to toast Sean, as they raise their glass it is Tristan Rogers, who broke our hearts when he says there will never be another one like Sean. In real life, Tristan was close to John Reilly and publicly had admitted how devastated he was by his former castmates passing.

Photo: ABC

In Port Charles, it was nice to see Bobbie (Jackie Zeman) and Maxie (Kirsten Storms) part of the tribute episode to, and in a touching scene BJ’s heart that beats inside Maxie was brought up reminding everyone of that emotional story as well.

Photo:A BC

The episode was filled with several hankie moments and how wonderful was Caitlin Reilly as Annie! Her dad would be so proud. And as for Finola Hughes, Kristina Wagner, Tristan Rogers, Kimberly McCullough, Leslie Charleson, Genie Francis, Sharon Wyatt by audio, how touching it was for longtime viewers to see all of these GH veterans together to remind us all of what brought us into GH in the first place.

Kudos to head writers, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor and their team for a clever way to honor Sean Donely with the passage of his daughter into the WSB.

Photo: ABC

So, what did you think of the John Reilly tribute episode, the performances, and the story? Comment below. But first, watch some moments from the beginning of the episode where Laura calls Tiffany.

WATCH: Sean’s family and friends are about to get much more than they bargained for when they left Port Charles. #GH pic.twitter.com/JA2zCSogx6

— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) May 22, 2021

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11 Comments

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Jeremy

5 years ago

John Reilly was fantastic as Sean and I remember him a bit with Tiffany and I’m sorry to hear of his passing. And, I’m sorry but I was heavily disappointed in this tribute, the only thing I truly enjoyed the most was the various flashbacks especially at the end with Sean & Tiffany’s wedding! That was a hoot and a holler.

The story where most of GH’s veterans hop-skip and jump to County Kerry, Ireland from New York in less than a day… really? (well, it is a 7+hour flight)… But, wouldn’t it have made more sense for the memorial to take place in Port Charles where stories with Sean, Anna, Felicia, Frisco, etc, etc. took place? The daughter Annie, could’ve flown out to lay Sean’s ashes somewhere important in Port Charles. Don’t get me started on the foolish writing just to test Annie – who became a WSB agent in the “test” of vanishing characters. Silliness! I expected more from GH.

However, I will say, that all I could think about besides the passing of John Reilly… was… why didn’t GH casting cast Caitlin Reilly (Annie), as the new-LULU! I kept watching her and thought she’d be perfect for a LULU recast. In my opinion, I think GH missed it big-time with the tribute. And, there were scenes with Peter (in Port Charles with Maxie – so gross). I look forward to read what others felt about this so-called “tribute”.

Phil

5 years ago

I’m sure the reality of losing a beloved friend was the biggest reason for the captivating and convincing scenes that played out onscreen. That being said, the writing and the acting are superb on GH right now also. I’m an avid DAYS fan, but have to say GH is by far the best soap on the air right now.

Bostonnc

5 years ago

I absolutely loved it — hearing Sharon‘s voice again was so moving, knowing all that she has gone through over the past decade. Hats off to the writers and the actors…a fitting tribute to a beloved cast member. Well done!

Jamesj75

5 years ago

The piece de resistance was Sharon Wyatt as Tiffany Hill Donely! Everything else was icing on the cake!

Steve

5 years ago

Overall, we’ll done. The right cast members were there (knowing Jack Wagner wouldn’t return, which would’ve been awkward anyway). This had to take place in “Ireland” to explain why other characters (not necessarily key to story) couldn’t be there. Each of the characters featured had meaning interaction with Sean and/or Tiffany back in the day.

Always a treat when Robin makes an appearance. And the year-plus absence of Felicia on screen was handled well by giving Kristina Wagner some meaty material. Hopefully, she’s back on a semi-regular basis.

I even understand why Peter was in the episode. For lapsed viewers returning for this “very special episode” something needed to be shown as to why Felicia was so mad at Anna. Luckily, his appearance was short and Bobbie showed him who’s still in charge after 40+ years.

Would I have liked more clips, sure, however I know it’s difficult finding scenes that were airable. Any scenes featuring Sean that had a character not on Friday’s episode (i.e. Frisco) would’ve meant paying the actor for a flashback. Was the Anna & Felicia talking pizza scene riveting? No, but it was still fun to remind us of their 30+ year bond. Best flashback was the fight on the gondola.

Kudos to the writers and producers for giving longtime viewers (and John Reilly) a darn good episode.

aria

5 years ago

I think it was a hit and miss for me, as viewers we always want more more more, but overall I liked the episode, I was confuse in the beginning with Laura and Monica first disappearing and everything that was taking place but then In the end when it was explained it made more sense and the episode enjoyable, I wish they would bring in the Annie character into the fold w/ her now being a WSB agent it would be great if some international plot would take place in port Charles. She is after all the daughter of two legacy characters and goddaughter of Anna.

Kian

5 years ago

Still waiting for Jessie Brewer’s tribute episode … 30 years later.

Jamesj75

Reply to Kian

5 years ago

Absolutely fantastic point, Kian! Emily McLaughlin’s Jessie Brewer was an iconic character and should have been given a tribute. I meant to reply to you sooner…

Jamesj75

Reply to Jamesj75

5 years ago

Plus, if memory serves, I think Bobbie and/or Steve Hardy made a comment, years after the fact, that Jessie had passed away.

Rodd

5 years ago

I didn’t watch GH back in those days but was well aware of Mr. Reilly’s work there. I thought the hour was well written and gave the vets I love to watch, some really good material. I mean, how great was Ms. Wagner’s Felicia ripping into Ms. Hughes’ Anna? Miss that lady on GH. And Caitlin Reilly was wonderful as Annie. She really held her own against such power performers. It was also nice to see Mr. York back in action as Mac, Ms. Charleson back as Monica, Ms. Zeman back as Bobbie and Ms. McCullough as Robin again. I don’t know why Ms. Wyatt couldn’t be on but it was so wonderful to hear her voice.

Like I said, I didn’t watch GH back when these actors were at the forefront, but I really appreciate any soap that pays homage to their vets.

Great job to all!

Kevin McCarthy

5 years ago

Enjoyed the episode so much! A throwback to the 80s GH adventure/mystery storylines, tied up neatly in an hour, lol; a worthy tribute to the Sean Donnelly character. The actor’s daughter did a phenomenal job jumping into the storyline and holding her own, I thought. Glad that Tiffany had a part to play – it wouldn’t have been as satifying if she had been absent from the show, and I’m glad the writers found a way to include her which was acceptable to the actress!

Hooray for the vets and showcasing their loyalty and talents! Bring back Felicia and Mac more regularly; what a waste of characters that should be enriching the storylines and character interactions across the canvas!

Thank you writers and all who gifted longtime fans (and actors) with this fun hour. Kudos to all!

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob

Published

10 hours ago

August 3, 2026

Michael

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”

Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.

Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.

Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.

Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.

Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.

Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

Published

20 hours ago

August 2, 2026

Michael

General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.

Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).

In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.

Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:

Photo: HutchinsPhoroi

GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com

Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.

Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.

Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.

So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.

General Hospital

Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80

Published

2 days ago

August 1, 2026

Michael

Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.

The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.

PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL

Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)

According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”

Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.

Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.

In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.

Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.