General Hospital
General Hospital To Air LIVE Episodes For Two Days In May!
Courtesy/ABC
How do you follow up the 52nd anniversary episode of General Hospital? By going live, of course! In exciting news, the ABC episode is going old school when it airs two live episodes on May 15th and May 18th. This harkens back not only to the days when soaps were live, but when One Life to Live had their live week several years ago, when anything can happen!
Executive producer Frank Valentini revealed to PEOPLE: “Taking such an iconic show as General Hospital live for two days is both exhilarating and risky. I am enormously proud of our cast, crew and staff for all their tireless dedication and hard work that will be leading up to this daytime television event. It’s live television and absolutely anything can happen, but that is what’s fun about this and we’re absolutely up to the challenge.”
Soaps in the old days were all live, until 1975 when every daytime drama began to tape the episodes and bank them ahead. During the live GH episodes fan will be encouraged to join in on the GH live conversation by using #GHlive on Twitter.
What do you think about the news of GH Live? Who do you hope is in the episodes?
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Very exciting stuff here. Good for GH and ABC. Very good for us in the audience.
Im hoping Monica, Felicia, Mac, and a few other invisibles but i wont hold by breath——look forward to the two ‘live’ episodes after viewing so many ‘dead’ ones…lol
Jeez, what ever happened to Monica Q? She’s been absent since Xmas and the Krampus episode. I just don’t get it.
Exactly!
sounds exciting!
Two words – SOAP DISH!
One word–Tootsie!
Very exciting to see this happening! Should definitely be a lot of fun, especially if there are going to be unintended bloopers that happen!
Nice to see GH’s efforts to show respect for the history of the show and soap industry. They obviously love their audience and viewers. Too bad the other shows seem to have contempt for their viewers.
I wonder who will be in the live episodes. Probably Roger since he did it before on OLTL and he’s able to remember his lines and improvise. Laura always puts in a great performance and knows her lines. I don’t know if Ian will still be around then but he has a lot of theater experience.
The majority of GH actors came from the stage. Jane Elliott & Zeman may have done GH live. I want to see Maura West, Michael Easton, Spinelli, & Billy Miller. I’m afraid for Ryan Paevey & Kelly Monaco.
What about Michael and Sappy? My word, today’s scene with the two of them was absolutely excruciating! Watching paint dry would have been more entertaining! Whoever thought that putting these two clueless halfwits in a storyline together has mush for brains! Neither one is worth the time of day separately, but tolerating the both of them at once is beyond endurance…..all they did was trade perplexed looks whilst straining to spit out (remember?) their lines. Neither has the chops for live TV. (The Sapster doesn’t even have them for taped segments….) Ditto for that insufferable nuKiki and her moronic sidekick… Read more »
I sincerely hope that Laura returns, Luke needs her and their love story is not over. Please!!!!
I think it would be GROSSLY unfair to the story of Tracy and Luke to pair Luke and Laura back again. They (Luke and Laura) have gone down in soap history..nothing can take away “their time.” But I think it’s been proven over and over again how very much Tracy and Luke love each other, how much of a stepmom Tracy’s been to Lulu and the bond they’ve formed…and the unbelievable lengths Tracy went to save her husband first from his polonium poisoning and currently from himself during this Fluke crisis. There would be no sense whatsoever for Luke to… Read more »
So true Rebecca.
I think it would be grossly unfair to the story of Tracy and Luke to pair Luke and Laura back again. They (Luke and Laura) have gone down in soap history..nothing can take away “their time.” But I think it’s been proven over and over again how very much Tracy and Luke love each other, how much of a stepmom Tracy’s been to Lulu and the bond they’ve formed…and the unbelievable lengths Tracy went to save her husband first from his polonium poisoning and currently from himself during this Fluke crisis. Tracy’s love for Luke…and I believe Luke’s for Tracy,… Read more »
Im the older generation and i did like Luke and Laura back in the day but ive moved on and rather see Luke and Tracy together…
Rebecca, especially after this story arc, I agree with you, but at the same time, I do think Laura should be on the show, and somehow in Luke’s orbit and living a life in Port Charles. There are just some characters who only make sense to live “at home”, and it’s just glaring to me and doesn’t make sense for her character to live so far away from two of her three children, and to miss all the goings-on in their lives… for what? More treatment for a catatonia that she’s been free of for something like 6 or 7… Read more »
I agree with you, too, davidevsnsmith. I think it would be great if she came back, but as we said, not to Luke. I’m not sure, though, where I see her fitting in at this point. I love the relationship between Tracy and Lulu, as well as Olivia and Lulu. I don’t see how they could explain her long absence…especially through so many crises. I would have liked her to have stayed with Scotty; he’s always loved her. That would have kept her in town, tie in to their history…and lol…put her in Franco’s orb, too. Who knows? Her maternal… Read more »
I too loved L&L. But, their love story is done. Thursday’s episode finally made a great case of why Tracy is good for Luke at this stage in his life. L&L will always have Beecher’s Corners, the Ice Princess island, & their two kids. But, other than their wedding, Port Charles was not a happy place for them. They were always better on the road.
I don’t want a Luke and Laura reunion but since this whole Luke reveal is predicated on figuring out exactly who Luke Spencer is and what motivates him, I think Laura should come back because she is an integral part of who he is now. You cannot escape the past as it is enmeshed in the present. Laura is a very important part of his past. That said, I don’t want them dusting off Laura just to be Luke’s prop only to put her back on the shelf again. Genie Frances has been treated shabbily and while she is too… Read more »
I would love to see Lucy running around (maybe in her underwear), on the live shows – would love to see the gang, too. Kevin, Scotty, Bobbie, Mac, Felicia. Some actors on the show like Lynn can definitely deliver a live presentation.
Live From Los Angeles its General Hospital, with your guest….. Genie Francis,Jonathan Jackson, Stehen Nichols, Vanesa Marcill…….hey is this during the nurses ball? because then, musical guess should be..Rick Springfileld, Jack Wagner, Ricky Martin, and John Stamos……
Sounds great!
aria, if only you were at the helm!
I agree…
Oh boy, if Maurice Benard is going to try to act live I will have to watch this!
Me too, since Maurice is one of the best actors in daytime. So it will be a pleasure to watch him, Tony Geary, and all the other excellent actors on GH do their work in a live setting.
I’m not sure but I think jon boy was being sarcastic…
jonboy, I get you… And, of course, they’ll use their “marquee actor” for this experiment. In the minds of the GH powers that be, Benard is the franchise. Sadly, it’s been that way for close to 20 years. Surely, they know what a polarizing character Sonny is. And yet they stubbornly refuse to change course.
Not sarcastic, Rebecca, realistic. Don’t be surprised if Benard passes on embarrassing himself on live TV.
James…don’t get me wrong (or whatever), Brother…I absolutely agree with what you’re saying here. But, to me, it disturbingly goes deeper than that. My point: I think that Maurice Benard’s character of Sonny Corinthos is a FOUL AND EVEN MORE FRIGHTENING FRANCHISE!!!!! To me, THAT’S N-O-T ENTERTAINMENT!!!!! Nope. James…I (for one) look forward to the day when TPTB of GH FINALLY come to their senses and RETIRES ‘The Sonny Corinthos Franchise’…FOR GOOD!!!!!!!!!!
James…as always, PEACE to you, Brother!!!!!
Jaybird369, thanks for the backup! I just hope to see it in my lifetime…
James…you’re welcome, bro!!!!! Something else: Dude…I will N-E-V-E-R get/understand the so-called appeal (or whatever) of GH’S Sonny…who is nothing but an arrogant, lying, selfish, smug and two-faced DIRTBAG/SCUMBAG!!!!! Bottom Line Here: I don’t find (and I will never find) Sonny’s so-called appeal to be romantic!!!!! Nope. To me, Sonny will ALWAYS BE BEYOND REPULSIVE!!!!!!! Beyond sad.
James…take care, Brother. Peace.
Jay, you’re so right. I mentioned that Sonny is a polarizing character, but why this character has fans at all is a huge mystery to me. Your description of his character is completely accurate. Since day 1, I have disliked the character, and I have resented his constant frontburner status, to the detriment of other beloved vets/characters.
The actor would probably not do well in a live setting.
James…dude…the character of Sonny Corinthos L-I-V-E????? HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! James…forgive me, bro…but I just had to laugh. And, Uh-Oh…here I go again…HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Anyway, the last thing that I wanna watch is SONNY LIVE!!!!! No Thank You. Don’t care. Next…
James…take care, Brother. Peace.
James…I forgot to tell you this earlier: Dude…your ‘marquee actor’ comment made me TOTALLY LMAO!!!!! A-n-d…I think that the description (or whatever) is totally accurate. Yep.
See ya’!!!!!
Maurice live would be rather like Seinfeld’s Kramer.
“These….um…..(mumble, mumble, mumble) pretzels……uh, uh, uh, (mumble, mumble, mumble) are making me….ahhhhhhh! (grabbing head) THIRSTY!”
People you do know that Maurice is bi-polar in real life the fact he has had a career in acting is wonderful you might just want to cut the guy just a little bit of slack! Plus you will look far and wide to find a nicer individual in Daytime!
I may not be a fan of his character but he is probably one of the most sincere individuals you will ever meet. Be Kind ok!!!
LOL to you all! hahhaha…;)
Great, Harry! But you left off the ear touch.
I get that he’s bipolar. Does that give him a free pass on acting? No. Half the times he struggles he even remember the names of the characters and then looks like he’s frustrated and pissed off at himself. He might be a great person; he’s not a great actor.
@jonboy Never said he was a great actor but they are in short supply over there as far as I am concerned they have a lot of overacting. I figure he has a lot of company! I miss Stuart Damon/Alan and Monica what I would give to see a good old souse fight between those two!
Hopefully Luke, Tracy, Bobby, Scotty, Anna, Sonny, Carly, And Lucy at the very least.
Love all of them!
Will the episodes be live for everyone,or just the markets that show GH at 3pm ET?
The Eastern time zone some affiliates air it at 2pm and others at 3pm so I would imagine the live broadcast will be the ones air it at 2pm EST.
Ryan Paevey is in BIG trouble!
He’s in trouble when he acts in taped episodes so it shouldnt be much different…lol
He’ll write his lines on his biceps!
Hunted him up on google . Agreed big resemblance.
Took more time to find John on youtube. Saw a short interview with him where he expressed wanting to be considered a good actor beyond his looks. Seemed a nice guy. But what a cautionary tale about how his life ended.
I guess I’m one of the few who doesn’t mind Ryan. His style is suited to the low-key, hard working, loyal cop he plays. And he’s not too bad to look at either. Can’t all be method-type actors.
I kid about him a lot but he is probably a good guy. The role was too big for him being green and all. He’ll be okay.
Oh, I agree, Rose! Love Ryan…think his natural delivery and his expressive (stunning) face, whether intentional or not, emanates sincerity.
He reminds me of the late John Erik Hexum…slight resembalance, similiar voice and same acting style…i dont know if you recall that actor but he stared in Voyagers in the early 80s and on the short lived Cover Up with Jennifer O’neil—he accidentally killed himself with a stage prop gun i believe…google him and take a look at his pictures—i think he and Ryan do resemble each other!!!
One of the ew? Oh, LOL, Rose….every female fan LOVES Ryan. What’s there not to love?……my Zorro!
hey jimh! I never heard of John Erik Hexum…looked him up. Gorgeous guy…such a tragic accident…waste of a life. Shame… His mannerisms sort of remind me of Ryan, but I actually think he resembles a young John York. Mac was stunning in his “yute.” 😉
I think there are worse actors/actresses than Ryan Peavey. I think he’s grown into his role; but, I understand where you are coming from.. I would have said the same about Kristen Alderson-ugh.
Actually Kristen was just a young child 13 years ago when OLTL did their live shows and she was flawless in them. It is a shame that so many viewers can not separate bad writing and acting. Kiki was never a well thought out or planned character…but Kristen did her very best to give her some sort of a throughline. I am glad she left…and I am sure so is she. She is much better than the writing on GH allowed her to prove.
cant wait- hope soemthing fun happens like in Tootsie!
One of my favorite movies!
que sera sera
I dont think Doris Day is appearing…lol
I think this will be very interesting and fun to watch! Quite the challenge and undertaking!
Cartinni needs to stop doing the same stuff they did at OLTL and making it seem GH is so cutting edge. Multiple personalities Viki’s were way more entertaining than this and the history of Victor Lord and Dorian went on for centuries.
Well lets just hope Obama doesn’t hold a press conference those two days and preempt the whole damn thing–LOL
The bastard was at it again! Save the damn bull for the evening news! We waited to damn long for Fluke to come to fruition!
YEAH …AGREE TOTALLY… We wait months for the “truth” to finally be revealed and Obama ruins it all ! And the other networks (CBS, NBC, FOX and others DO NOT COVER Obama’s crap ! ) Air it on the evening news . And if one really wants to see Obama’s crap then turn to a CNN network. They cover that crap (Obama’s press conferences) !! Obama repeats everything he has said & tne “sums it all up” all over again about 3 more times. Then commentators like George Stephanopoulis rehashes Obama’s crap with 2 or 3 other commentators afterwards.
Well, to be fair, it’s not the president’s fault that the networks choose to air all of his press conferences. We could hire Dr Evil to interrupt one of the president’s press conferences to announce one of his dastardly plans in order to get even.
That would definitely be worth preempting GH…but only if Mini-me is there, too.
Karen, I’m guessing you’re a FOX NEWS viewer…
I really like that GH is giving us different and exciting things, it keeps GH from gathering dust..
It will be fun to watch GH live!!
((ooowww I hope there will be bloopers lol)
LIGHTS CAMERAS ACTION !!!
Great….even cheaper looking gunplay.
They better bolt down all the sets and scenery from the “chewers” ;).
This is ok but just wish they would let people know if Genie Francis is coming back or not and then I’ll
Will know to start watching it again or not.
It will be the start of sweeps so look for a “Live” story arc. Maybe Tony Geary’s goodbye? I will say this though, they have to showcase their strong players in these live episodes so it will be Sonny, Jake, Carly, Hayden, Luke, Tracy, Ned, Franco, Nina, Sam, Ric, Anna and maybe this will be Duke’s death?
YEAH, I will look forward to that VERY MUCH !! IF ONLY, we can keep President Obama from making his speeches. HE ALWAYS seems to interrupt G.H. (at 2 PM) to make all of his decisions, meetings and so forth !. He did that yesterday (Thursday) and it was at the high points of the show…like when Luke was talking about accidentally killing his mother & then killing his father and then Obama interrupts & just at the very end we see his sister, Patricia die! Her “daughter” Valerie discovers she’s not breathing Every time Obama has a news conference… Read more »
Enjoyed your comments, really U had me cracking up. Because it’s all so TRUE!!!
Karen, it’s a little known fact that our president is a OLTL fan. He is doing this on purpose!
Oh. so that is his nasty little secret. (HA-HA) !! They took OLTL off so now he usurps G.H. at every single opportunity !! He used to speak while The View was on but The View, these days, needs to be interrupted…The View is not what it used to be !
Exciting and New, what FUN can’t wait.
I hope if actors make mistakes, producers will let them improvise. I think it will be a success, the actors will practice their lines and scene untill the big day so it won’t be a problem and back in the days the shows were not recorded, they were presented live and some show were taped in front of the audience.
I don’t know…it’s interesting but it kinda breaks the fourth wall for me…
How can a Devil say this politely………
For live shows to work, the story line had better be centered around GH vets who were there before February 2012. Because a lot of the folks hired since then really don’t measure up in terms of pure acting ability.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
Friday’s episode of General Hospital brought the highly-anticipated story around the apparent death of Port Charles iconic, Luke Spencer (Tony Geary), although many fans, and even some of the cast of the show, are not sold that Luke is “dead” dead.
During the show, characters spoke of some of the history of Luke in Port Charles, most especially Luke’s sister, Bobbie played by Jackie Zeman. Throughout the years, Zeman is at her best when she is given material through the writing of the show to connect to the history of Luke and Bobbie. She did so when Bobbie was remembering how Luke came to Port Charles to help her break up Scotty and Laura, in a discussion with her daughter, Carly (Laura Wright).
Photo: ABC
As everyone is gathering at the Haunted Star to pay their respects to Luke, Curtis (Donnell Turner) arrives to support Laura (Genie Francis), Felicia (Kristina Wagner) and Anna (Finola Hughes) arrive together, Nikolas (Marcus Coloma) and Ava (Maura West), as well as Spencer (Nicholas Alexander Chavez also show up. It is through Nikolas’ conversation with Laura that we learn why Luke’s sons, Ethan and Lucky, can’t make the funeral and, of course, we know why Luke’s daughter Lulu can’t make it because she is in a coma!
Victor (Charles Shaughnessy) shows up and snipes at everyone and then leaves. Tracy (Jane Elliot), who has arranged the memorial, is with an urn supposedly filled with Luke’s ashes and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) finds her on the deck of the Haunted Star and talks her into giving her planned eulogy.
Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) finds his dad, Sonny (Maurice Benard) drinking at Charlie’s, and later Scott (Kin Shriner) and Robert (Tristan Rogers) stop in and heated words are exchanged between Sonny and Scott. Victor shows up and instead of Scott and Sonny pummeling each other, they get into a fight against Victor.
Courtesy/ABC
As Scott and Robert are about to be on their way to the Haunted Star, Scott stays behind because of his past with Luke. Then, Sonny tried to patch things up with Carly before they head to the memorial.
Back on the yacht, Anna and Felicia find a note and a flash drive, after hearing a commotion on the yacht. When the note says “play me”, none other than Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers) addresses Luke’s friends and family from apparently the great beyond. As Helena spews her venom against Luke, Laura has enough and pulls the plug on Helena’s video speech. Tracy looks concerned, like she may want to hear whatever else Helena had to say.
Photo: ABC
Next, Tracy does her best in short order to eulogize Luke. That is juxtaposed with Scott trashing Luke. Later, by herself on the deck, Tracy spreads Luke’s ashes over the waters of Port Charles. Back on the pier, Scott relishes Luke being gone, and that he is still standing saying, “You lose you son of a bitch!” Just then Luke’s ashes blow in into his face. When Bobbie arrives, and see Scott full of ashes, she asks what happened. Scott says, “I caught the bouquet,” an obvious nod to the Luke and Laura wedding of the past, where Scott returned at their wedding and caught the wedding bouquet.
Courtesy/ABC
Back on the Haunted Star, Tracy then has a gift in hand for Laura, but she tells Tracy if that’s the Ice Princess she does not want anything to do with it, and tells Tracy to keep it. Spencer sees this go down and his interest on the diamond is instantly piqued.
Back at Charlie’s bar, Victor has an ominous toast to Luke saying, “The good people of your fair city are in for a big surprise!”
At the Haunted Star, dressed in black with black veil, Jennifer Smith reveals herself to a shocked Laura.
So, what did you think of Luke’s memorial episode? Favorite parts of it? Least favorite? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, check out Helena’s videotaped speech and Tracy’s eulogy to Luke below.
General Hospital
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
General Hospital
FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Reels When Hope Says Douglas Saw Grandma Kissing ‘Santa Claus’
FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Lisa Brown to be Honored In Virtual Interview With ’42nd Street’ Co-Star Lee Roy Reams
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
TONIGHT: All My Children’s Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams Together Again on All-New Episode of ‘Our Kind of People’
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
GH’s Kristina Wagner On Felicia’s Concern Over Maxie’s Emotional State
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Reels When Hope Says Douglas Saw Grandma Kissing ‘Santa Claus’
Remembering One Life to Live on the 10th Anniversary of its Final Episode on ABC
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Michael at a Crossroads; What Did You Think of Christian LeBlanc’s 30th Anniversary Episode?
‘Soapdish’ Series Adaptation in the Works for Paramount +; Whoopi Goldberg to Reprise Her Role
Y&R’s Christian LeBlanc and Michelle Stafford Talk On Their Enduring Friendship, Sharing Scenes & Preview Special Episode
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: A Shocked Brooke Exclaims: “Oh, My God! I Was Drinking Last Night!”
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General HospitalJanuary 19, 2022FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 24, 2022Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
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All My ChildrenJanuary 18, 2022TONIGHT: All My Children’s Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams Together Again on All-New Episode of ‘Our Kind of People’
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General HospitalJanuary 21, 2022(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 19, 2022DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
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General HospitalJanuary 18, 2022ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 22, 2022All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
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General HospitalJanuary 17, 2022GH’s Kristina Wagner On Felicia’s Concern Over Maxie’s Emotional State