General Hospital
General Hospital's 50th Anniversary Opening Sequence! – Which Was Your Favorite Of All-Time?
Courtesy/ABC
This coming Monday, April 1st and Tuesday, April 2nd to honor General Hospital’s 50th anniversary over these two special episodes, ABC will air a very special version of the opening credits with a composite of the show opens from the 50 years history of this iconic show!
ET Online had the first look preview yesterday, and now everyone is checking out one of the surprises that GH has in store for long time fans!
For many watching these sequences, it brings us back to a time and a place in our lives and in the historic history of General Hospital! Whether it be the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000, and on, GH has survived more than its fare share of cancellation threats to bring you over the course of 5 decades, characters you love, and unforgettable stories!
Stroll down memory lane when watching the clip after the jump, and then let us know, which is your favorite General Hospital opening of all-time?
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.
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Very cool!!! I like it!
2 and 3 rd combined, like the Michael Easton/Kelly Monaco in the last one too!!
Yes…I like it too!
My favorite GH moment of all time will always be when Tracy withholds Edward’s heart medicine.
that was an Awesome episode!!
The ambulance is my fav!
me too! It actually gives me chills when I hear it watching these old eppies.
The ambulance is GH, that is always what I think of no matter how they change it.
I love-love-love it …the ambulance – the old background of GH – Dr. Hardy and the theme song!!! Really what were they thinking of changing the theme – it’s like changing the music (ALS) when the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. The original theme song is something fans all over the world know and share regardless of language. I’m 62 and I have watched GH since day 1. Love what the new folks in charge are doing but go back to the orig. theme. The shorter opening does nothing but allow for more advertising.
I totally agree Liz, would love it if from here on out they used the original theme. Wouldn’t that be awesome?? Then they wouldn’t have to change all the pictures of actors that are gone all the time. That original theme sends chills down my spine because it takes me back to 78′ when I started watching the show!
I appreciate how DAYS kept their original hourglass and only enhanced it. GH Should do the same from here on out.
The ambulance is my favorite also!
Couldnt get video to work…but i always liked the part were it shows the ambulance rushing up to the hospital…always thought it made the show feel more dramatic!
The current opening is my second favorite
I agree with you jim.
The first one is always the best but once they added the faces with Dave Koz music.. I thought they nailed it with that..
I agree with you. #1, 2,3 & 5 are great. 4 is my least favorite. Still miss the Dave Koz music, though.
Faces of the heart
I like the last two!
Don’t like how they have it now. Would rather have any of the ones before !!!!!
agreed
TSecound and Third one..The new one…Not so much 🙁
I love them all!
The original is what I remember as a kid…the current opening is the best
I liked the one with the Dave Koz music. Both the music and the pictures etc. It put me into the perfect mood to enjoy the show. I never liked any other music they put with the GH opening. The futuristic opening they have now is too cold. I like the combo opening, but I think they should go back to the Dave koz opening and show people from different times of GH (like Steve and Jessie, and Lila and Edward, etc.) for the rest of the year. Keep the dave koz music always.
Faces of the Heart, no contest. I wish they would bring that one back.
There were 1 or 2 earlier openings, I seem to recall when I was a kid.
The new one would be better if it was longer.
Wow- they should keep if for the year. Can’t get over how good GH is. Two years ago it was barely watchable. It’s amazing what two guys- Frank & Ron- can do, simply because they love the soap opera medium. Think of the ratings that ABC could have garnered over the yeas if they had done something like this years ago. btw- Kristina Wagner looks amazing. While all my favorite vets look a little bit worse for the wear (but I stil love ’em), Wagner looks like time stood still. Awesome.
I like the second one the most, Dave Koz’s Faces of the Heart with the orange hue. I don’t like the Faces of the Heart in blue hue version, during the Sonny&Jason era. The last one is my second favorite,,, just wish they would introduce the characters one by one instead of grouping them
I thought Michael Easton was not allowed to appear on GH. This says it all, hehehehhe
Yep noticed that too with ME and KM luv it!!
Rick Springfield got me into gh and Luke.Laura so happy
well, i like it better than the new one its nice. Just should have added the ambulance sirens from the 70’s.
Why did they change from the Dave Koz music? Was it a cost cutting measure?
I always love looking at the old openings and hearing the old themes. It shows what a rich depth of history the soaps have that no other tv show has. Viva GH!
I can’t believe that the new one has grown on me. I remember hating it so much when it came out, but I like it now.
Um, no! There is no tribute to GH’s early years. It DID, believe it or not, have not only an opening in the 1960s, but FANS, as well. Hate that the first decade of the series has been SO TOTALLY ignored. This montage should have segued from the first black and white opening through to the others. If GH had not prospered during its first pivotal decade, we would NOT be celebrating it now!!!
All that being said, the ambulance opening is the most iconic, to me. But, come on, people. Don’t say you are celebrating 50 years of history when, in fact, it is ONLY the last 35-40 years that are getting ANY play or remembrance. Travesty!!!
I couldnt agree more…they shouldve at least got Roy Thinnes(the original Phil Brewer) back for a cameo as a nod to the shows first decade. After the nurses ball he couldve played a janitor at the Metro Court who is seen cleaning up the ballrooms mess after everyone leaves. He finds an old photo of Jessie Brewer(the late Emily Mcloughlin) laying on the floor that Audrey accidentally dropped. And with a wink and a smile to the viewing audience, he puts the picture in his pocket, and without a word he walks off the set with GHs 1960s theme playing in the background. Id love that!
I love the one with Kelly Monaco/Michael Easton
My favorites: Sonny & Brenda holding hands, Sonny & Carly side by side in the credits, as well as Michael Easton & Kelly Monaco still together in the credits. 🙂
Seeing Dr. Hardy & Audry ! Blast from the past!
I also like the second one!
i love autumn breeze which was the first one and of course faces of the heart!!! I wish they would have the ambulance siren and faces of the heart combined for the new shows coming up the theme they have now is not long enough and its not a theme its background music
The ambulance takes me back to being in the 6th grade, poised at my homeroom desk with books and purse in hand, waiting for the dismissal bell then running all the way home not to miss a single minute of GH! Like all of the openings. It’s all good!
The classic 1975-93 version. Much as I like “Faces of the Heart”, the classic entrance of the ambulance to the hospital gates is iconic, like DAYS’ hourglass, AMC’s album, and ATWT’s globe. BRING BACK the “Autumn Breeze” theme and classic intro- the current theme stinks by comparison and is a OLTL ripoff!
#1 — The Ambulance opener. That IS the classic GH opener.
I have to give GH creative team kudos. I loved the opening credits. Good job GH!!!!!!
It’s a shame they don’t keep in from now on. I like that Jack Urbant theme from the early days. Hey, it only runs 33 secs. Surely it wouldn’t kill ABC to run that.
I was so excited to see the new theme – how sad to hear it’s only for two days (albeit two glorious days!)
I would prefer this new theme to be the theme ongoing as it honors the past and present. My problem with the new theme was always that it felt too rushed, and, that the groupings were odd. Suddenly we have the hospital, families, action, passion, adventure, and characters…all fitting within the opening. What’s not to love!