General Hospital
EXCLUSIVE: General Hospital’s Van Hansis Talks on the Casting of Adrian Anchondo as Marco and Hopes for a “Soap Opera Romance”
This week on General Hospital, the character of Marco (Adrian Anchondo) came to Port Charles after we first met him in Miami when Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) got drunk, kissed the guy and threw up all over him. Viewers learned in story that Marco is actually the son of Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Natalia Rogers-Ramirez (Eva LaRue), and as previously has been teased, will be the new man in Lucas’ life as their romance will being to take flight.
Five time Daytime Emmy-nominee Van Hansis chatted live on The Michael Fairman Channel previewing what may go down once Lucas and Marco actually have a date, and the casting process that led actor Adrian Anchondo to land the contract role on the ABC daytime drama series playing opposite Hansis and much more.
As the backstory goes, Van and Adrian actually first met over 20 years ago when they were both appearing at the Williamstown Theater Festival and crossed paths a few times through the years. When recalling the screen-tests for the character back in January of this year, Van shared, “I will say that out of the guys who tested for Marco, I think about a half of them were gay and half were straight, and they were all great and they all did great stuff with the material. But, I think there’s an ease as a gay actor myself, working with another gay actor that I don’t have to feel like, ‘Oh, you’re kissing a guy, blah, blah, blah, blah.’
Photo: JPI
However, there is also the example of Jake Silbermann who played Noah on As the World Turns, (when Van played Luke Snyder), and he’s remained one of my closest friends. He has never had an issue with a kiss and we played boyfriends for years and years. There was never a moment of him being like, ‘Oh, this is tough. Oh, now I gotta kiss a guy,’ because you’re a professional actor.”
So did Van have a say in who actually got chosen as his new leading man? According to Hansis, sort of. “They asked me, but I don’t think they’re like being like, ‘What does Van want?’ I believe there were four guys who screen-tested for Marco. So, it was all the different Marcos testing and it was with me and Laura Wright (Carly),” recalled Van. “We just did the scene once with each of them. We’d have a rehearsal up in Frank Valentini’s (executive producer, GH) office and then come down to set, do the scene once, and that was that. All four of them did such a fantastic job. Frank did ask me, ‘Who did you respond to?’ Obviously, I said Adrian and not just because I knew him previously, but I do think that for what they were looking for, he is the best for the job.”
Courtesy/ABC
Speaking on how Lucas and Marco first met after Lucas’ fallout with his ex-husband Brad (Parry Shen) happened whlmedical convention in Miami, Hansis revealed, “I just loved the fact that when he meets Marco, the first thing he does is vomit all over him. That was really fun stuff to play because also it was a side of Lucas that we haven’t seen. Lucas seems to me to be this very kind of straight-laced, strong moral code, guy. So for him just to get wasted and sloppy, and kind of embarrassing was a cool flip side to play.”
Prior to Hansis portraying Lucas, the role was played on and off by Ryan Carnes. In this new incarnation of the character, viewers are seeing Lucas having some self-effacing humor and dialog. “I think it’s something that naturally I just kind of brought to it that they then (the writers) saw, and then started sort of building that for me,” shared Van. “I love that Lucas gets to have a sense of humor. I think that coming in and sort of making the character your own, I think that’s part of it. A lot of times, I’ll get scenes that are sort of recapping what’s going on. I think in order to keep spark in that, a lot of times humor can help, and then also the fact that these characters live in this insane world … the stuff that happens to these people is absolutely insane. In order to get through that, I think you got to have a sense of humor about things. I think that Lucas is very much in a place of sort of PTSD coming back to town after everything that happened with Brad and Wiley and all of that stuff. Part of his coping mechanism is to smile through it all.”
Lucas knows very little about Marco and we already know that Marco comes from some shady biological parents, especially his father. So what are Van’s hopes for the two moving forward? “I hope it will a soap opera romance. There has to be some positive good things, but you can’t keep that forever in daytime. So, there’s got to be be some stuff that comes up,” expressed Hansis.
Photo: ABC
Van concluded, “There’s got to be be some conflict in there. I haven’t played Lucas in any sort of romantic situation, really and Lucas is so guarded. There was so much history with the betrayal of Brad and lying about his child. That’s not something that you get over, plus realizing that your child actually died and you’ve been raising another child? That being said, I would like to see Lucas in a ‘romantic-ish’ situation.”
Check out our full video interview and livestream conversation with Van below.
Now, are you feeling the on-screen chemistry between Marco and Lucas thus far? Do you hope they have a messy soapy love story? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
I’m completely underwhelmed by Marco. Brad might be devious but at least he’s FUN and puts a spark back into Lucas. So far Lucas and Marco are curing my insomnia.
I love Marco and Lucas.
Finally, some romance !! So sick of disgusting Drew and the WSB !!!!
It’s refreshing to have two out gay actors playing a potential couple. Van & Adrian have chemistry and I look forward to the slow burn (but hopefully not too slow) start of their relationship.
A couple I can fully invest in. Looking forward to their adventures.
I think Marco and Lucas are great together.Brad is a lying manipulator who thus far has never changed. He is bad for Lucas in every way.He claims he loves him then blackmails his boss Portia, who just tried to protect her daughter from Crazy.. yes crazy Heather Webber!Then sells that same info to his crazy Aunt the mob boss who gives it to creepy Drew Cain. So he can blackmail Portia! It’s sick.Marco is hot hope this romance moves quickly.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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 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
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.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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