General Hospital
General Hospital’s Steve Burton on Kelly Monaco’s Exit, “It’s Sad … It’s Sad Anyway You Slice It”
Fans of General Hospital have been deeply saddened at the storyline where Sam McCall died after a sudden heart attack following liver transplant surgery, where she donated her liver to save the life of Lulu Spencer.
As the episodes played out after her passing, it afforded the soap opera to showcase its stars with one heartbreaking moment after the other as Sam’s family, friends and loved ones found out she was gone.
One of the more outstanding and gut-wrenching performances has come from two-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Steve Burton (Jason). In story, Jason came to Sam’s hospital bedside to say goodbye, and thus officially ending the love story of the once couple known as “JaSam.”
Courtesy/ABC
On the latest episode of his Daily Drama podcast with co-host and GH castmate, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), the two spoke on the loss of Kelly Monaco to the show and the impact playing out Sam’s death had on them.
On Kelly’s exit, Burton shared, “It’s sad … it’s sad anyone you slice it.” As viewers know, GH made the decision to write-off Sam in what was said to be a “storyline-dictated” move ending Kelly’s 21-year run on the show. It was not Monaco’s decision to leave.
Steve expres the podcast, “It was very sad because obviously Kelly was leaving and then the emotion of the characters and all these things. I thought everybody just really did a wonderful job.”
One of the more difficult scenes for Steve to tape was that of Jason saying goodbye to Sam, “From the acting standpoint, I had the monologues, but I didn’t know what was going to happen. I was really at a loss in the sense that I wasn’t sure how to play this. Obviously, we have a huge history. Obviously, we’ve worked together for a long time. So, there’s all these things going on, but I didn’t have a clear vision of how the scene should go and going into a room where there is essentially a dead body to say goodbye.”
Photo: ABC
Burton enlisted his longtime mentor, Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) for advice, before he shot the emotional moments. “I did go to Maurice and I said, ‘I’m not sure as an actor where I’m supposed to be in this,’ and he said, “You’re fine. It’s going to be fine. Whatever happens is supposed to happen.'” Steve added, “It was a very interesting process. It was heartbreaking. And then I (Jason) ended up having to be the one to tell multiple people, which is never great. And to tell the kids, too (Danny and Scout), that was heartbreaking.
Courtesy/ABC
Bradford and Steve also talked about the moments where Jason came to tell Spinelli and Maxie (Kirsten Storms) that Sam passed, “It’s been awhile since you and I and Kirsten have been able to play anything that deep,” Steve recalled to Bradford. He added, “I think it felt good also because we were together. There was trust there. We’ve worked together for years all of us. So, there was the freedom there to feel what I was feeling, obviously not make it self-indulgent…but also let you guys do what you do.”
What did you think of Steve’s comments on trying to figure out the best approach for Jason to say goodbye to Sam in those heartbreaking scenes? Comment below.
Class ACT!!!!!
Will be listening to this episode ASAP!!!!!
JaSam FOREVER!!!!!!
Steve has done beautiful work in these episodes.
A little confused by his comment that as an actor he wasn’t sure how he was supposed to play the scene. Isn’t the director’s job to tell him how to play the scene? I can appreciate getting advice from Maurice as they have worked together a long time, but shouldn’t Steve have just asked the director “what is your vision for this scene?” Or why would he have to ask? Shouldn’t the director have said, “this is what we’re going for here…” That’s what a director does, and that’s how it would work in most cases, maybe soaps run differently?
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the Valentini regime has been so overtly hostile to the “JaSam” pairing since the moment they took over the show in February 2012?
You might have noticed in that flashback reel of Jason’s memories shown while he was at Sam’s bedside, the only one from the last decade was when Jason saved the drowning & drugged Sam from Faison’s thugs when he first returned in 2017.
So here you have an outpouring of emotion from Jason, towards somebody he hasn’t been allowed to feel anything about for 12 years. That might confuse anybody.
Sure it was hard for Jason to say goodbye to Sam. When Jason acts he.put his heart and soul in acting his part. I am sure Jason had pure heartfelt feelings for Sam and he will miss her alot. I wish Sam all the happiness in her new adventure in acting. I know whatever he said and felt for Sam was real
Wonder how many times we will see Kelly in flashbacks… doesn’t she get paid for those screens airing?
She actually dies get paid a full day’s salary for any episodes featuring flashbacks. They can show her still picture for free.
It’s not meant that a director tells his actors what to do all the time.There has to be the emotion of the actors to make it real, and they have to find where & how to approach that. You want the emotions in the portrayal to be genuine, not solely dictated. Directors can’t be that tight-fisted in guidance – they trust their actors. It’s a collaboration. These scenes happen to be difficult, especially given the time Steve and Kelly have been together. That’s deep set emotion & you want it true, not maudlin, insincere, campy. Steve did what an actor does… find the place inside to express his character’s feelings. Also, don’t forget he’s Jason… tough guy, “stone-cold.” It’s a tough situation for an actor and it’s right to seek other’s thoughts, whether his director or fellow performers. Whatever Steve did to get himself into the frame of mind – it worked.
I was so happy to see Alexis & Sonny together on Thursday. I just wish Sonny had mentioned his baby girl that he & Sam lost before Alexis & Sam knew they were mother & daughter. And the fact that that baby girl’s stem cells saved baby Christina. At that time Alexis was pretending that Ned was Christina’s father. Point being Sam let her little baby who was dying save Christina who Sam had no clue was her 1/2 sister! Does anyone else remember this?
Yes, but because Sam was in a long term relationship and engaged to Dante, the writers don’t necessarily want newer viewers to be confused by that.
I remember the story but considering how the current writers seem so clueless about GH history I wouldn’t be so shocked to find out they didn’t know at all about the circumstances of how Sam found out Alexis was her mama.
I’m so sad about Sam’s firing on gh I’m not watching show no more whoever did this to her needs fired to they even deftly don’t know a good actress when they see one an rating r declined wonder why think about it bring her back as real not ghost she’s important to the show
Bring Sam back to Gh I have been watching GH since 1968 with. My moma which she is 98 yrs old
It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2023 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.
Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.
When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.
Photo: ABC
LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES
Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.
In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.
“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS
Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.
Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”
The three-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”
So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route, Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.
Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.
Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.
Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Everyone Turns Their Backs on Sonny; Can Anyone Get Chase to Open His Eyes About Willow’s Treachery?
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the ABC soap opera picks right back up with everyone turning their backs on Sonny (Maurice Benard), and now the one person he hoped would be by his side appears to be abandoning ship when Justine (Nazneen Contractor) doesn’t believe him about ordering the beatdown of Sidwell (Carlo Rota) in the latest spoilers video.
Sonny screams at Justine, “Someone is setting me up.” She says, “It’s over!” He proclaims, “I didn’t do it!” Little do they know that it was actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) who set Sonny up to take the fall for the Pentonville drama that left Curtis (Donnell Turner) with injuries as well.
Then, Lulu (Alexa Havins) is seen using her voice memo app on her phone to record her discussion with Sidwell while he is recovering from his injuries at the hospital. This moment is intercut with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) saying, “I wish there was someone who could get Chase (Josh Swickard) to open his eyes about who Willow truly is!”
Next, Willow is seen happily waving while at a table at a Metro Court Gardens, while Chase, Michael (Rory Gibson), Brook Lynn and Ava (Maura West) all receive text messages. Tracy (Jane Elliot) punctuates the promo stating, “That’s the real Willow,” while the words “The world knows” comes across the screen.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 5-9 below.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Sonny challenges Justine. Josslyn takes matters into her own hands. Britt and Willow discuss matters of the heart. Jason is taken to task. Serena finds herself in a bind.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Felicia has welcome news for Anna. Brook Lynn confides in Valentin. Hudson tries to talk Josslyn down. Lulu makes a daring play. Willow and Chase discuss his marriage.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Carly asks Anna for a favor. Tracy bites her tongue with Gio. Drew and Alexis go at it. Scout tries to broker peace between Danny and Rocco. Lulu pursues a lead.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Carly supports Sonny. Lulu’s latest article makes waves. Ava pitches a new target to Drew. Curtis gets a shock. Chase throws down the gauntlet.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Britt offers a lifeline. Anna offers her expertise. Sonny reassures Gio. Portia makes her loyalties clear. Dante’s investigation hits a roadblock.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo for the action this week entitled, “The World Knows” below.
Now weigh-in: With everyone disbelieving Sonny, what will be his next move? Will he hit rock bottom, or rise up and fight back and prove his innocence? Will Sonny enlist Jason to get to the bottom of this, even though Jason is out of Sonny’s business? Meanwhile, can this truly be the week that Willow is exposed for her multitude of crimes … or is this all a red herring? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
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