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Genie Francis To Continue On General Hospital After Luke's Exit Storyline!

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/TimesColumnist

Courtesy/TimesColumnist

From the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, it looks like icon Genie Francis (Laura Spencer) will be staying put at General Hospital past the exit storyline of Anthony Geary! (Luke Spencer).

Many long time fans of Genie’s have been hoping that her appearance this summer to conclude Geary’s 37-year-run would be longer … and it looks like they are getting their wish! Francis admitted to SOD when discussing her return that reunites Luke and Laura one last time for one last adventure together, “I’ll be there for that, but I’ll also be there for the fall.”

As for exploring more of what’s been going on with Laura … the talented actress related: “I would love that, because I’ve spent most of the last decade off-camera, and for awhile, Laura was just a wig (Laughs).”

So, are you glad to hear there will be more Genie on GH? What story would you like to see the powers-that-be explore with the character sans Luke? Share your thoughts below!

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Good news, I was afraid they were going to have her leave with Luke. Smart move GH.

Michael and Blake, yes great news love Genie…..She is the best news for awhile on GH so fans please give her a great response so she willl stay on for good.

I’m so glad but I do want Lyke and Laura to romance each other again. I’d love Tristan to come back for her next romance. Sounds like TG is pretty much done taping and the end is rushed. He doesn’t seem to connecting much with anyone right now. Tracy seems to be doing it instead!

In 1981, Luke and Laura went through a phase where Luke didn’t want Laura but he didn’t want anyone else having Laura either. Laura showed her independence and Luke found a new appreciation for her…especially when Robert Scorpio came around and took Laura out to lunches and dinners, etc. I loved that jealous Luke. Early 1981 “sticky door era” was my favorite story line. I would love for us to learn Laura is and has been dating a dashing older gentleman for a few years and Luke becomes jealous again. What a fantastic twist it would be if the dashing gentleman was Robert Scorpio. What a cool way to bring things full circle too….especially since Holly made a habit of bed hopping between Luke and Robert. I will always hold the vintage Luke and Laura magic in my heart dearly. But knowing how TG resents that time period, I think the writers should have Laura “tearing Luke a new one” just like Tracy did.

I am so looking forward to Laura being in Port Charles! Now the writers need to find her a good man!

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! … although I want Luke and Laura to finally be one again and walk happily into the sunset (preferably not in an induced coma or frozen or under cover of feigned death).

I hope she stays a lot longer to set nick back on the right track and to reopen her crisis center of teens at gh.

Lol for teens not of teens

Will she be Laura or a fake Flaura…lol…no, not that Laura, Scott, Bobbi triangle from the late 70s…todays version would have Bobbi drugging Scotts geritol and having a forklift to get him off the floor and onto her bed…lol

More lost mayoral ballots as she becomes the new now you see her now you don’t character.. With Luke gone pit her against Tracy for a new man’s attention.. Mature love rivals makes for a compelling story in the afternoon in the right hands.. as we all know… make them the new Rick Lesley Alan Monica.. YEARS OF STORY.. AND BRING BACK BRITT…

Yes…bring back Britt!!!

YES, Bring Back THE BRITCH!!!

I agree about bringing back Britt- and a cool guy in Tracy’s age group to sweep her off her feet (because cougar stories re getting old) Can we drag Bob Woods (ex-Bo, One Live To Live) out of retirement? He can’t BE Bo, because Bo is still with Nora (and there’s that whole Prospect Park legal mess) but some kind of Bo-ish cool guy to match wits with the talented Jane Elliot….wouldn’t THAT be cool! And one more thing- I LOVED Tracy and Sabrina commiserating today.

Touche’, davlestev1!!!! Britt’s departure has left a still-gaping hole in the GH canvas….the young females that remain are so lame and uninteresting….who is there to provide allure and attract attention? No contemporary of KT’s character can even come close to making the impact that she did! The “Britch” was ferocious, compelling and wickedly funny! Instead of her striking presence were are left with the underwhelming likes of nuKiki, Sappy, Val-Chops and Grossalie. Slim pickings, indeed!!!!!

I can think of another medication Scotty might need to maintain any sort of triangle! 🙂

Me could use it too…lol

Naughty, James….LOL.

Jimh and CeeCee: I couldn’t resist… 🙂 Maybe the Jacks on Y&R can lend him some…

Jim you are hilarious and awesome!!

Thank you!!!…ive read many of your comments and i think you are pretty awesome too!!!

HA! Jim!
How bout Flora (for a play on words involving flowers)?
In any case, good news.
I just wish the writing was there. Sadly, it is not and they use Laura’s return to foist Nina’s people and stories on us the same week of Laura’s return.

Yes…Nina The Story Killer really hurt Laura’s return…Nina’s scenes put me in a coma…lol

Hallelujah to that thought, Harry!!! Whilst I was delighted to see the magnificent Donna Mills return to kith and kin—and I don’t mean Shriner—- in her always amusing encounters with your personal fave, Swiss Sis, Liesl, I have to note that other than that giddily delightful little slice of soap opera heaven, I found this week to be a nauseating potpourri of far too much ado about many nobodies and nothings. Despite being led to expect an explosive return of the historically better-half of the legendary Luke, what we received instead was an afterthought of a tidbit regarding Laura’s mysterious–and apparently mostly unwelcome—re-emergence. It was insulting to both her character and fans who have long awaited this moment. And for what? More of the overstepping, insipid Sappy being tasked with the most contrived actions just to give her continued access to the upper-crust of PC? First she goes all Mary Poppins, then Nancy Drew and now what, Eliza Doolittle to Tracy’s Henri(etta) Higgins? The notion that the formidable Ms. Quartermaine is so hard up for friends that she has been reduced to being besties with this barmy babysitter beggars belief! (Oh yes, once again, “St. Sappy” to the rescue!) Especially when all we ever get to witness these days is that tedious twit flitting about ChezQ in too-tight jeans as if it were her God-given, natural milieu when we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the real “Lady of the Manor,” Monica, who’s been suspiciously MIA from her own home for the past six months! It’s utterly ridiculous! Then there’s the ongoing saga of futility with the nervy Nina, still in search of a cohesive storyline and reason to exist on the GH canvas after more than one absolutely insufferable year….so “brilliantly” thrown together with another deplorable, waste of space town pariah, Ric Lansing….yeah, there’s a great idea!!!! To add to this hideous mess, we get the salivating, gawkward (that would be gawky and awkward….) “Val-Chops” constantly lurking around Dante, alternately giving him the guilts, then slyly comforting him, for just doing his job in a most out-of-place Spike Lee-inspired social-type commentary inserted into what should’ve been a fun, light-hearted, escapist summertime soap season. So much for a warm and fuzzy nostalgia trip back to “Love in the Afternoon!” Finally, we were treated to the catty little dust-up between Sappy and Grossalie. Though I’ve never taken to either of these down-market dingbats, I was sincerely rooting for Grossie to prevail in that nasty match…I kept thinking if only she’d had a Cassadine-patented death-ray taser stashed in her trusty desk drawer, then she could have zapped the “Sapster” and permanently put her (and us…) out of our misery….once and for all! Alas, twas not to be! On the plus side, we were treated to about five blissful minutes of the always lovely Liz, that All-American charmer Jake, the beauteous aforementioned Magda, an emotional “DenAva-ry” mother-daughter mini-bonding session, capped with the briefest of teasers about the upcoming Luke and Laura roadshow. All in all, just another pretty typical week in Port Charles, eh?

Your not that off remember she was comotose for years . GH miss the ball on the fluke storyline if they would’ve brought Laura back sooner it could’ve a better storyline considering Laura liked her step dad! She had more in common with Luke then anyone else.

“Killed her step dad”

I sooooo agree with you Aria…Laura shouldv’e returned months ago…..it wouldv’e made the Fluke story far more interesting!!!

LOL jimh! She could also rip off her face and actually be Britt (who learned the art of mask-making from her dear old dad) OR she could lose her memories of the past 35 years and flash back to L&L’s return from Beecher’s Corners…..”Of COURSE I’m still Mrs. Scott Baldwin! Where IS Scotty?” OR she could open up a combination NutriSystem franchise and gym with Richard Simmons! the possibilities are endless….

lol Shrona…i vote for all of them!!!

Beechers Corners and Fascination should be on the menu. Would love Rise to be played too.

I am so happy to hear Laura is staying on the canvas for awhile. I would like to see Laura have a meaningful career (Private Eye maybe) and interact with her relatives and the citizens of PC in general. Love Laura and Genie Francis!

I just hope they do a better job than they do with other vets like Monica, Mac and Felicia just to name a few…maybe Lucy can remind her of that business venture they were planning during her last visit?

I forgot about the spa/cosmetic venture with Lucy. I would love to see that.

sounds like at least a 6 month gig

Totally, john. my thoughts exactly, too! I’ll TAKE it. Of course, I will be greedy, I want more of Genie/Laura, but it does sound like she striked a 6-month deal. This is still good news, I’m grateful. Genie is such a gem. Laura has so much more story to be told.

Ive never been a big Laura fan mostly because the writing has always had her sick. Maybe if she were to help Nicholas see the error of his ways ???

Watch the episodes on YouTube. You won’t believe how good GH used to be. Laura was great.

And she would be great for Spencer, too. He can get a little out of control.

Laura will finally come into her own given the right storyline… Very pleased
she’s given the opportunity to stick around.. Hope to see Laura & Tracy put
their “Luke” differences behind them. No SCOTTY, in her future‼️please.
Perfect timing for Stephen Nichols to come back on board. Let’s make
this go around interesting QUARTERMAINS VS. CASSADINES

Yes,it’s time to bring Stefan back into the picture. Stephen Nichols could play both roles on Days and GH if he continues on Days. Laura needs the real Stefan back not the bad doppleganger Helena I believe created. Have Laura rescue him after being held captive by Helena all these years and together they help Nikolas. I love the teen center idea,they could be a powerhouse to reckon with and he truly loved her and encouraged her to live her dream. Stephen & Genie have tremendous chemistry and they should finally have the romance they were cheated of from years ago. Let it be found out that Helena lied as well and Nikolas is truly Stefan’s son not Stavros!

With Richard / Paul now in the picture… And of course bringing back
little Jake, it probably won’t go our way. As long as Genie gets her fair
share I’ll be satisfied.

Last straw for me 🙁 The track to lead back to general hospital roots is slamming the door on the scraps that were left for OLTL fans . Adios GH . Thanks for doing what you could with what you had Ron and Frank 🙂

No disrespect but if the last straw for you is bringing back a character who made and saved GH, as well as changed the game for all soaps, then you shouldn’t be watching anyway. I was an OLTL fan, too. But this is General. Hospital.

Huh???

I do not think, Marc, that Genie was brought back to either revive or save GH. The soap is doing fine, from my perspective. As me3 states, I was an avid OLTL fan, also……I still mourn that show……so, “watcha talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”. For those of us who do not “know” Laura, do not think in terms of salvaging anything but Luke’s situation. She was obviously a main ingredient within GH’s cast. But, so were many others, who left their mark on the show.
Furthermore, I don’t know if I am reading you correctly. I had to read your comment a few times to get the gist of it. Did I? You sound disgruntled/miffed. Perhaps, I misconstrued your intent. I’m not sure!! If I did, then I am the one with an apology.

I think Genie is back, for a few months, to tie up loose strings/ends and bring some credence to Luke’s departure…..such as, saving his son/s somehow. Also, she will be the catalyst to either help Nik take control of ELQ or dissuade him from his wayward ways.
Besides, I enjoy watching her in action. The woman has charisma.

me3? You do not sound one bit offensive. Actually, I found what Marc said offensive….as a diehard fan of OLTL. I don’t ken why so many rally against OLTL??????

GREAT NEEEEWWWWWSSSS!!!!!!

Glad Genie Francis will be sticking around at GH after TG’s exit! Last time she was on GH they gave her absolutely Nothing to do. The woman has acting chops, let her use them! One way to do that would be to let her slap some sense into her newly transformed meanie son Nicholas!

I’m so glad Laura is back. I hate to see Luke leave the show.

I hope they style her a lot better than when she was on Y&R.

She looks great and I am happy she is staying around as long as she has a story and not just there to dress up Kellys or babysit. And PLEASE have her find someone new to love. She may be middle age but she is not DEAD! Luke is gone and they were history awhile back. Scotty, I love Scotty but he is a buffoon and Laura could and should do better than that! I would LOVE to see her and Franco together. Those two actors would be dynamite and how pissed would Scotty be that his son is dating his first and really ONLY true love!

She will be involved with Nic’s story to take over ELQ! She only agreed to come back if their was other story besides TG’s exit not everybody loves everybody they work with no love lost between Geary and Fracis and that is ok with me I sure as heck have not been crazy with everybody I have worked with and vice versa I am sure!

Ur correct but the massive Luke and Laura fanfollowing dont get that AG and GF really dont care much about each other. They just go on and on about reuniting them. Not happening, people.

Lol! Do you know how many screen couples don’t get along behind the scenes? Majority of them. This has nothing to do with their characters. Tony and Genie are paid to act and this is the last hoorah. They better put them together or all we’ve known about soap opera couples for the last 40 years is a lie.

Love it!!!! Great news!!! Laura needs a real story and a real leading man besides Luke and Scotty. Heck, she could even make Sonny likeable.

Laura was the reason I started watching GH when I was young. But, the problem is she is not trained to do anything. I can’t even remember the last time she was portrayed as having a full-time job. GH is littered with trained professionals and mobsters. The older women on the show when Laura was running off with Luke were portrayed as doctors and hospital administrators, which was progressive in the 70’s. If Laura is going to stay, she can’t just be a busybody mother. She has to be shown making a living & not just living at Windermere.

This the reason that Kiki and Morgan drive me nuts. Those 2 dropped out of college and have been mooching off their relatives ever since. At least Valerie got a paying job. We also heard that she went to college.

Add Maxi to Kiki and Morgan for me. I’d like to see her approach Julian to become the fashion editor of Connie’s magazine that he took over. Crimson? Right up her line, and she already started out there so she has experience. Just wouldn’t want her to be as diva as Connie. Well, maybe a little.

And I agree about Laura. But just seeing her attitude and change in wardrobe style when she made her entrance to the engagement party, I don’t think her immediate future is as a “busybody mother” or Grammy.

As Julian moves away from the mob (one hopes), there may be renewed focus on Crimson. If not, my wish is that Rosalie is caught in the crossfire between Nik & the Q’s, and that Maxie can become Michael’s assistant. ELQ needs some levity. I really don’t know why Rosalie is on GH, and no secret she reveals will ever match up to how important they’ve been making it.

As nurturing as she is, she could easily be a counselor. She did go to school for social work in the 90’s. Laura also has an extensive history with GH, her mom and step dad worked there, so she could be a hospital administrator too. I think she needs to be connected to the hospital and the hospital show be more central to the show.

Hi, KansasGuest…..
Rearing children is a full-time job…LOL. From what I understand, the Spencer family moved around a lot. I don’t know if I would have had the stamina Laura had, to do that. Is it a wonder she had a mental breakdown? The character went to hell and back over and over again.
Oh, yes, Kansas….we are certainly of one mind when talking about Kiki and Morgan. I do not understand these two….what is their function, except to ‘stick it’ to Michael or having a romp in bed? Gross! He slept with her mother!!!!! And she slept with his brother!!!!!! Only on soaps? Nah, it does happen. My brain cannot grasp that. They do nothing but loaf around….who pays their bills?
As far as I am concerned, anything can be forgiven if there were any redeeming qualities in view. The only thing at the back of my mind, to keep my interest, is for the bubble to burst, and voila’, Kiki is Nina’s. So, the prospect of watching these asinine, infantile, semi-adults every day, just hanging-out, is not very appetizing. This Kiki has not one iota of personality. Neither does Morgan, in fact. He has that perpetual puzzled look frozen on his face…..and she that wide-eyed-rounded-look of surprise.
LOL. I can’t get the image of the M&M candy that Timmm put in my head. HaHa!!

Anyway, Kansas…..you are having really bad weather today? Right?!?! My husband is in Leawood for a medical consult today….that’s why I checked the weather. I worry a lot!!!!! Later.

Hey, CeeCee! Just had to comment that I found your description of Morgan’s expression to be most interesting….over a year ago, I termed Mikey’s constantly perplexed look as one of “frozen stupidity!” He pretty much still has it, too, so I would have to surmise that it’s a congenital family condition which emanates from mom Carly’s defective genes….thank goodness this affliction has seemed to skip over “Little Miss Smarty Pants” Joss! She appears to have more going on upstairs than both of her brothers combined! LOL!

PS. What you said about Rosalie? My sentiments exactly. ….could not have said it better if I tried, Kansas. What is the big secret? That she is Sabrina’s twin and Sonny’s daughter? It is the only artillery that the writers have, in my opinion. But, said writers are deluding themselves if they think that this ‘secret’ keeps the viewer in suspense. I had completely forgotten the reason Rosalie had this stupid secret. She is not so important for anyone to care!!!!!
Nonetheless, I suppose, the character is needed to aid Nik in facilitating the outstripping of ELQ.

@Shay…..
Lol….you know what they say, Girl; great minds…..
Morgan and Kiki have ceased to exist for me. I cannot be bothered with these two. Is it just I? I really wish I could get ‘into’ them. They irritate me. By the same token, I really am starting to like Michael. I suppose it is because he is in such a vulnerable position within ELQ. He is so young, and trying his best. I was not too fond of Michael a few months ago; so, I hope my feelings for Morgan and Kiki will also change.
I must also say that I completely understand your antipathy for Rosalie….the character never bothered me before, but now, I see her under a different light…..very dim and murky. There is a really negative aura surrounding her.

True that, CeeCee!!!! It’s something I noticed long ago with Mikey…and his ever-confused expression remains to this day. With Morgan, it comes and goes….sometimes he simply has that wounded “puppy dog eyes” gaze….more endearing, much less annoying, but his stint with Kiki is shoving him into waster territory, for sure. I’m thinking it shan’t be long before he is back in Den-Ava’s arms…their chemistry is too strong and undeniable to be ignored, Silas as a suitable sexual “substitute.” not withstanding. Once that happens, I hope the relationship between Mikey and Kiki is reset….it’s about time. He’s had his “le grande snit-fit,” exercised his retribution and now he needs to let it go, and reunite with his true intended….that should also tone-down nuKiki’s more obnoxious tendencies. Also, I’d really prefer this junior executive—emphasis on “junior!”—lose power at ELQ, return to being more age-appropriate, and of course, be stripped of his custodial rights to Avery. The latter especially must happen and SOON! I loved the way Ava absolutely saw red when she discovered that snotty mental menace of a so-called nanny was handling HER child…..and what was with Sappy playing all high and mighty with Ms. Jerome not being allowed to see Avery….SO condescending!!!! Ava get your baby back….NOW! That precious little dumpling needs her mama! Lastly, even though I am by no means any Grossie fan, I have to say that I’d prefer her continued presence on the GH canvas to that of the Sapster. At least Grossalie’s portrayer has a modicum of talent, and I do feel that her real reason for being in Port Charles has yet to be revealed. I’m still leaning toward her being an illegitimate Cassadine, which would more than explain her innate darkness and evil nature. As far as your notion that she and Sappy could be twins, oh good God, no! It would be like the classic Goofus and Gallant comic strip….and I’ve already had more than my fill of that wisterian wench and her superior, sugary sweet simp of a character being hailed as all that is great and pure (?) in the world. There is far too much emphasis on her….particularly this past week when all eyes should have been on the premier storyline of the summer….the re-teaming of Luke and Laura! Not only did they not receive their deserved pride of place, but their tale almost seemed like an afterthought that was merely employed to propel other roles to the forefront….like the useless Sappy and her ongoing (losing) campaign for relevance, Nina’s monotonous efforts for attention and purpose, Val-Chops’ disgusting pursuit of Dante, TJ’s foreshadowed entre’ into the mob-life ala his hero Shawn and other snooze-worthy plot developments. As far as I’m concerned, the Spencers’ saga, Jake’s continued identity woes, Ava’s maternal struggles to regain her daughter and of course, the Ladies Westbourne! are all that really matters!!!!!

@Shay.
Hi, again…
Hmmmm, I don’t know, Shay. I think the opposite. If I had to pick between the two ( Sabrina and Rosalie) , I pick Sabrina. She is a genuinely good person. Her little slip out of reality happened due to her pain from losing her baby. We must also remember that she was told Ava was responsible for Gabriel’s death. She just snapped. I cannot blame her, nor the way the brain works under stress.
So, my dear, Shay, I would rather have someone I trust rather than rat-fink, deep throat, Conspiralie.
However…yes, there’s always an ‘however’ with me…you know that , Shay…LOL.
Okay; we are on common ground with this sudden “Oh, let’s be friends and confidentes” sort of comaraderie between Tracy and Sabrina. That certainly came out of left field!!!!! I suppose it is necessary for Tracy to have someone with whom to bounce her thoughts. But, really? The nanny? I mean that in the best way….who discusses private matters…familial or business with a domestic and, basically, a stranger? I understand she’s Michael’s girlfriend, but even he is stupid, at this point. At least, Sabrina can be trusted, but Rosalie? Michael is not acting in the best interest of the company by confiding in his assistant.
Again, I hope my words are not misconstrued. I certainly do not want to give the impression of being supercilious. I have a very trusting and friendly relationship with my own nanny. But she was my little sister’s nanny before she was my children’s. We have known her for years. I must keep in mind that this is a soap…LOL….not real. I must slap myself upside the head a few times , to remember .
Also, I noticed that Jake divulged Michael’s age; 29. Is he supposed to be that age on the soap? In the end, it will be, ironically, a Jake who will save ELQ from the invader’s clutches. Yeahyyyyy!!!!

Out of context, Shay….but, I wanted to hug and kiss Maxie, a million times over today, when she got in Valerie’s face. …Sitting there, prim and proper, and oh, so innocent. I don’t want to jump the gun, here. I think the writers may just be teasing us; pulling our leg, as it were. I wonder if she is really developing, and harboring feelings for Dante. Is she coveting her cousin’s hubby? Later.

@CeeCee….Yes, Maxie does have her moments! Not enough of them, but she make the most of each when the opportunity arises. And yes, I do totally believe that Val-Chops wants Dante for herself….just that gushing appraisal of Sonny and how she knows where Detective Falconeri got his good looks was the proof of the pudding for me! She wants Lulu’s hubby baaaad!!!! LOL. As for Sappy vs. Grossie, well, I’d be over the moon if both were gone tomorrow (and took Nina along with them…..) but I still must stick with the Sapster as my primary irritant on the current GH canvas. She is just soooooo banal and ordinary….nothing at all special! And I find the dogged machinations to wedge her into the lives of other Port Charles residents just plain bizarre. She’s been hanging around town (and on to dear life….) for two LONG years now, and still has yet to make her mark…why the obsession with retaining this peeving presence? The latest effort to ingratiate her into the midst of the Quartermaines is particularly vexing. It’s completely nonsensical for her to be the one watching Avery, and to even further this idiocy by latching her onto Mikey and now, Tracy, of ALL people(!) is simply unacceptable, inappropriate and highly unrealistic. As you have stated, there is a line that is drawn between employer and employee and no matter how fond the relationship, there is a certain distance that must be maintained….it is particularly strange in this case when it has been a mere matter of months, and not years, that this interloper should be acting so familiar and over-reaching in what should be a very limited capacity and access to personal family and business concerns. I mean, hiring an outside investigator on one’s own? How presumptuous is THAT?????

Happy for all watching way back then to have Laura back
but-
to me near a million new viewers she is just another new character not needed in Port Charles.
I did not like Laura, she embarrassed and hurt Tracy.
She will need a lot of changing before I like her or even care to have her with GH.
It will be interesting watching this story play out, looking forward to it..

(and she had better not mess with my bad boy Nichols!! (Tyler is the best/exciting he has been since I’ve been watching him I love bad boy Nik)

Nope, they are ruining Nicolas. All his life he has hated the Cassindines for their wickedness and now hes doing the same thing? NO, NO AND NO again.

I can see Laura’s definitely made a very bad first impression for you. But for me at least, the way she walked into the engagement party in her take-no-prisoner clothes and attitude, at least for old Laura, signalled something is seriously afoot. And I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have liked a lot about how Laura was portrayed before.

So as you like to remind us in your comments about other stories, be patient. RC hopefully has something up his sleeve.

Are you kidding? Laura and Nik have always had great scenes together so they will be fun to watch. Laura has always been needed on this show so to compare her to the newbies is insulting. And finally, Laura didn’t hurt Tracy… Luke did. Over and over again.

Su000, once again, I plead with you to go to youtube and please watch GH from 1976-1982. GH revolved around the character of Laura. I’m not sure how you just simply disregard that character. We get it, she’s new to you. You’ve made that point on EVERY article about Genie Francis. Geez.

And, what new viewers are you referring to? I don’t see a million new viewers when I look at the ratings. The show is in a ratings decline.

I am a new viewer, Justin….I have watched most past episodes….contrary to Su’s opinion, I LOVE Laura/Genie.

“I would love that, because I’ve spent most of the last decade off-camera, and for awhile, Laura was just a wig (Laughs).” What did she mean by the Wig comment?

In any case, glad she’s back. Let’s hope there’s more of Lesley Webber, too (and also Monica Q).

There were scenes with Laura in the mental hospital just showing the back of her head. It obviously wasn’t Genie, hence the wig comment.

@Charday….When Laura was referenced/seen during her long catatonia-induced incarceration in Shadybrook, there were numerous occasions when she was shown only from the back, sitting motionless in a chair. It clearly was not GF, but some anonymous person playing her most-beloved character whilst wearing an unbecoming, golden “Laura” wig….I always wondered if that instance when “Luke” was pictured in his padded cell donning a similar one was meant to be an inside joke harking back to that shoddy portrayal of his “Angel.”

for a long time when laura was in the mental facility all we ever saw of her was the back of her head which really did look like nothing but a blonde wig propped up on a chair……………..

Hi Everyone, thanks for the responses about the wig. I didn’t watch GH during that era.

Scenes from the back of a rocking chair where all u could see was her hair, a wig.

You are very welcome, Charday!

I LOVE THAT GENIE FRANCIS IS STAYING ON GH. SHE IS A GREAT ACTRESS.

Great news! Genie is the only reason many of us are returning to GH!

Just till the fall.

Thanks Eileen! I wish it were longer…

OH, SO DO I!! We should all be so lucky!

I am happy about Laura staying. I won’t miss Luke any but I did miss Laura.

Laura/Nik vs Tracy/Dillon/Michael for ELQ!

That’s what I believe.

This!!!! Exactly what I was thinking. That will likely be the story she gets into this fall.

This is great news! I’m one of the rare fans that has loved Genie on other shows but not so much GH when she’s under Tony Geary’s shadow. His exit is good opportunity to let her shine a bit on her own. Would love to see Lucy and Laura finally open their spa together.

YES YES YES THNKS FV/RC!

With GH completely tanking in the demos they need something. What they’ve done for most of 2015 has NOT worked with a lot of fans.

I’m glad Genie’s back! Now write well for her ! Not as what was done on Young and Restless (reckless)

As long as she is not kidnapped by a Cassidine I will be fine with it. That has been sooo done and there is really NO ONE to rescue her any more. She has always been a great character and I would like her to play a STONG mother role for LuLu and teach her grandson SPENCER some humility and manners.

Hope Genie is going to stay longer than the fall. With real story lines, and not irregular appearances after a few weeks like Monica, Lucy, etc. She could bring some long needed wisdom and class to Port Charles. Plus they need a strong momma/grandma lioness around…crime never sleeps in PC, and then there’s always the Cassidine’s…she knows her way around both. Love to see a little romance for her…definitely not Scotty…but who?

Rose..
I lookes like Laura doesn’t stay as a regular, like Tracy, Sonny, Luke, Carly etc..
Perhaps this time around she will stay..

In 1982, Francis quit the show and the character was written out having disappeared. Francis returned to the series for brief stints in 1983 to reunite Luke and Laura, and then again in 1984 when Laura was revealed to be pregnant.
In 2002, Francis left the series when Laura suffered a psychotic having killed her adoptive father Rick Webber (Chris Robinson). Francis claimed she was not being treated equally to her male costar.
Francis returned in October 2006 to help the show celebrate Luke and Laura’s 25th wedding anniversary. The return stint, which lasted only one month.
Francis again reprised to role, which featured a re-visit to the iconic Ice Princess story and Laura’s failed remarriage to Scott. Francis left the series in August 2013.
/// She was not even a regular.. she was in and out..

As for her bring back in 2013 she must have bored me because I had to think back and for a recall.. then I remembered her hanging with Scotty, no big deal of mention story wise/short stay.. I had forgotten lol
Anyways.. without a doubt Laura is a new character I know nothing about..
And that would probably be same with the near one million new viewers who came in after Laura ..

And thank goodness for the near one million newbies like you who came in after Laura’s escapades with Luke. Need to always be attracting new viewers. Even I don’t go back as far as the wedding. When I did like Laura with Luke is when the were on the run from Frank Smith. It was fun and an adventure how they kept ahead of the gang. And even some of the Cassidine’s stuff was fun…don’t know what we would do without them. I agree her last appearance with Scotty was boring. Hope this time around they’ll put some of the more formidable Laura back into her character.

By the way I assume you know who she’s been married to for many years…Jonathan Frakes of Star Trek New Generations.

Great news! We love Laura and to finally see her without Luke will be great. Whatever happened to Deception? Can we go back to Laura Webber now? Oh and btw Ron if u r reading this,mood time to fix the Rick Webber mess. Denise, kin, and Genie all there. Laura didn’t kill Rick and Rick was not a serial cheater. Thank you.

Amen. There was no reason to hurt Rick Webber and Laura didn’t do it.

Excellent ideas, Jensen! That storyline of Laura killing Rick was a mess that came out of left field, clearly altered history, and performed a disservice to both characters.

I’m really happy to hear this. Hope she gets a good storyline. And if she’s in Tracey’s orbit there’s sure to be fireworks well past July 4.

yes for sure love

That was then, a long then, this is now. She needs story that has NOTHING to do with Luke or Scotty.

Ms. Genie Francis : welcome back!

her last visit to GH was a bust!

believe it or not: I really only know her work, from Y&R… and I “loved” her

I truly want to see a woman… be it Laura or Traci… just rise from the ashes… from the commitment they put in to Luke… and move yourself

I”ll take any thing… with Leslie Webber… her son Nikolas… and even, w/Scotty

yeah, I know… Scotty may need that pill…. however… I was laughing out loud… rolling in fact… with his last scene at the floating rib… as he was pulling out all the stops… at Sonny

wouldn’t it be nice… and enough… to see Genie Francis… put a little dent and inroads… for “HER” character… as opposed to all the years Luke had… and we at last see Laura… LIVE

I truly don’t want to see her being all matronly… and matriarch
(thank you @su, keep Niklas, where he’s at)

wouldn’t it be a blast to see Stephen Nichols.. back as thee Cassadine… Nikolas’ father… to squire “HER” off in to the sunset….

I’d tear and cry this out

it would be so easy to do

her mom… Lesley Webber… Laura.. Nikolas… and Spence, in walks Stefan Cassadine

some things one cannot change… Tyler Christopher … right now… and has been… out of the Fluke and nuJake… spotlighted… and IS “carrying” Port Charles…

there’s a lot of emotional upheaval twists and turns going on right now that “stratosphere”

Ava : she drives so many on the cast… Kiki, Avery, Silas, Morgan, Michael, Sonny, Julian… the list is endless… I can’t believe how much I love Ava and Morgan w/Avery

Franco and Nina… having Ric Lansing… involved.. is tour de force… no doubt… I just don’t like that once again… Nina and Franco are waylaid… STOP ! inasmuch as I love what Ric and Madeleine are doing… to keep the audience from enjoying the romance that should be… Nina and Franco… give them some power.. and they’ll mow Port Charles over

Traci Quartermaine: (tip my hat to you @Harry) along with your stuff about Jesse… formerly of AMC…. just endearing stuff… thank you

when will Traci live ??? what will Traci move??? what’s in store for

who in gods green earth… has chutzpah like?

“Liz” romance… yes.. I mean… Liz… w/Jake… to see how easy this pair.. meld… and mold each other… is love and romance… despite the “charade” hidden lie

to see how easy it is for these two actors to REEL …. loving Rebecca Herbst

Laura does need some one to dance with… in the interim…

do right by the audience… this may be the prime motivator… for Nikolas to step up and identify himself… complete

I just don’t want Nikolas to change… I want Laura to be their…

will the ELQ power play… be for naught… just because mom Laura is back?

all good stuff…

My, your minds been busy. There’s lots of good stuff in your list of good stuff. Even though I’m not a big Liz fan…not her fault they keep writing her into corners…must admit she’s nice with Jake. But I like Sam and her history with Jason, too. But then, this isn’t really the old Jason is it. Billy has given him new life that I like.

Want Rebecca back.

I think there’s more to Nik’s apparent is he/or isn’t he turn to the dark side. And with Laura back in the picture can really be fun.

She deserves the same star of the show status that Tony/Luke have enjoyed for decades. She has a solo history pre during and post Luke Spencer to dive into

Actually, she does not deserve anything more than than the others..
She deserves less.. she has been gone for decades while the others stayed with GH and gave their all to it while she did whatever else she was doing not with GH..
Tony is the great one and had decades without Laura and he alone became a gawd of soaps..
The Laura character was in and out in and out and never even a regular after she left in the 80’s..
she is also a newbie to all who started to watch GH after the 80/90’s..
Her only claim to soap recognition is from being with Tony in the 80’s and the wedding..
She is not ‘now’ a star of GH .. sorry but true 🙂
however she is loved by many of the ol’ time watchers of the 80’s and they are happy reminiscing of the good ol’ days and happy to have her back.

However; it will be interesting to watch and see what will be done with the Laura character (the 80’s are long gone..
they have to write a new 2015 beginning for her in Port Charles..
in some ways recreate her to fit into this GH ..

You are sadly mistaken if you think Genie Francis is not a great and deserving star of thIs show. General Hospital has been on the air for 50 years so its Ithaca doesn’t begin whenever you start watching it. Thats not how it goes in soaps.

Actually, Tony’s only claim to fame is Luke and Laura and GH. Genie Francis has starred in Perry Mason shows, North and South, Bare Essence, The Note movies and has made countless other tv appearances. Her character was on before Luke ever came to town. People were tuning into GH in pretty high numbers before Tony’s arrival and she is the reason the pairing of Luke and Laura was as popular as it was.

Tony did not go on to become a god from this. He already was a god and legend with the 80’s Luke and Laura stories. And so Genie Francis. I get that newer viewers since 2003 wont know Laura, but your post shows that you have no perspective outside of GH. And even then, its only the last 10 years of GH, of which she’s made 3 separate appearances.

I agree with you su0000, Laura comes and goes and has not been legacy character like Luke. Granted, we dont know if this was by choice or not but she has to re-establish herself as a character, post Luke. I’m happy she is back but I’m not over the top about it. She could have sunk her teeth into a juicy Fluke story a year ago and had so much to play off. Again, we dont know if she was not interested in coming back then or not wanted by ABC but now she has to usher Luke out while saving Lucky and THEN make Laura Spenser relevant in 2015.

This is all wonderful, but the writing in still in RC’s hands. So I expect to be disappointed.

Elated with this news!!! I may actually watch GH regularly again. There’s so many stories for Laura to tell. Shame that Geary had to retire before this could happen. I think his resistance to Luke and Laura kept Genie off the show in recent years. Love Geary for his talent but I think he’s a bit of a diva and somewhat overrated.

What I’d like to see for Laura is strong and thoughtful writing, a decent wardrobe and a love interest that isn’t tied to her past unless its Stephen Nichols as Stefan Cassidine. But give her a hunk. Genie is gorgeous and has had great chemistry with all her leading men. She should work at the hospital and serve as righteous indignation for the likes of Sonny (who respects her), Julian and Carly. Laura and Tracy should battle with their sons over ELQ and fight for their respective places in LuLu’s life. They shouldn’t fight about Luke anymore or ever even utter his name again unless they’re having a ladies night in the Quartermaine living room with alcohol and male strippers. Sorry, but I’m over Luke. She needs to get Spencer all the way together and I can see her having a good relationship with Anna. Anna needs a friend. Lol

I’m happy for Ms Francis! This time I hope her stay is extended indefinitely.

Like the idea of Stephen/Stefan. Other than that there aren’t any hunks in PC.

Just another idea…Laura might even get along with Nina and Franco on a certain level…they’ve all been to Shadybrook, or some other place like that. They can be lose canons, but you never know when you need characters outside the box to help you.

“… there aren’t any hunks in PC ”

I know right ?

what are Traci and Laura to do?

this just bites

Kevin… simply has to come back
Mac… should put some feelers out

Duke would have been so much fun to pal around with
Joe Scully, 3rd.. would have charmed every one ! OK… this is the last i’ll do

I hope GH production surprises us… and Stephen Nichols is a surprise

otherwise, i’m stumped….. Sloane?
Scotty? I loved him… in his day

not fair at all

two combustible women

Patrick, I also may just come back to see Genie. TG used his b.s to want Tracy instead of Laura so, Maybe Tracy can leave with Luke to never be seen again, and Laura could stay. G F is beautiful and she can act. I am also looking forward to JJ ‘s return and especially the end of Luke. Take Sonny with him Please. I really don’t hold out much hope with Re-Ron standing behind waiting to destroy even more of the show. I do not watch any more. I tried to watch genie’s return but I missed it. Will try to find it on Y TUBE. Anyone think genie is not a star of this show they need to read where she was on ALL MY Children , very happy living in N Y and not wanting to leave ABC fired her and she had to return.She returned with TG and when he had enough , he opened his large mouth and said L&L were over and he wanted Tracey. Genie wanted equal time off, and money ,what did she get a wig, and a rockingchair.

Not overly excited, but it she has a good storyline.. then I will be happy.. was happy to see Bobbi back but then she has had no storyline.. so we shall see.. The writers have not failed me.. so I am waiting for a hot, exciting, heroic adventure this summer… GH.. take me awaayyyyy!!!!!

Well, Luke is leaving and Laura isnt going with him. So if ur expecting a reunion and a ride off into the sunset as a couple, ur in for a BIG disappointment. She has story after hes gone. She came back to aid in his exit, thats all!

Great soap couples dont always remain together. Look at,Bo and Hope on Days. Nick and Sharon on Y and R. Just because a couple doesnt reunite doesnt lie to the fans or set soap history on fire. Relationships change and life moves on as in Luke and Laura.

I’m a huge fan of Luke! Very sad he’s leaving. However, I’ll take Genie Francis back as Laura anytime. She deserves great storytelling. Her acting is and always has been top-notch. I think she is one of the best daytime has ever seen. Give her a contract and a great story please!

Within this thread, thankfully, there are many people who are appreciative and respectful of Genie Francis. Sadly, there are a few who don’t respect her part of GH history and don’t think much of her character. I refuse to reply (anymore) to these people directly. I get the impression that some are simply threatened by beautiful blonde women, such as Francis and Sharon Case. Different viewpoints are certainly fine. But let’s get our facts straight, shall we?

1. Genie and Tony Geary are undoubtedly the most popular soap couple ever! The ratings for the 1981 wedding of Luke and Laura remains the highest rating soaps ever achieved.

2. Genie started on the show several years before Tony was cast, and she and mother Lesley (Denise Alexander) were frontburner during that time.

3. Genie has not been treated kindly by the different GH regimes over the years. She wanted to be given the same deal Tony had (including having short absences), and they never treated her as an equal. So much for the proponents (like myself) of equal pay for equal work.

4. In a couple of her lengthy absences from the show, she expressed an interest in returning to the show, and the powers that be were not interested. There were two many characters on the canvass, she was told. Imagine that… Being one half of a supercouple, which made millions for ABC and being treated with such disdain. And let’s be clear: Genie did not give up on GH. GH repeatedly gave up on Genie…

5. Maria Arena Bell, former Y&R producer, created the role of Genevieve specifically for Genie because she knew the value of this talented actress (who won an Emmy in 2007). Say what you will about that storyline, but when JFP came on board as executive producer, she couldn’t get rid of Genie fast enough.

So I have utmost fondness and respect for Genie Francis and her character of Laura. Tony always got all the accolades, but Genie always held her own. Seeing her in interviews, she exudes a warmth and class; I luckily had the opportunity to see her in person: at on the the ABC SuperSoap Weekends at Disney World Orlando. Genie was terrific to the fans, and you could tell that she was appreciative of them as well.

I am an unabashed fan of Genie Francis. Perhaps part of it relates to a nostalgic feeling that transports me back to my youth — lord knows, that’s a great feeling! — but much of my soap addiction was nurtured via watching Genie on screen.

1. GH is damn well lucky to have Genie.
2. If GH were smart, they would offer Genie a regular long-term contract.
3. I will cherish her visit to GH, no matter how long.

Lovely! Agree with every word you said.

Thank you, Substitute!

James, I am almost in tears. It is 4 AM, another sleepless night for me, so here I am catching up….
Yours is the most heartfelt commentary I have read in a long time. You are such a romantic….you appreciate what was, and what could have been. I have not known too many people in my life who stand behind the same philosophy as I. You, sir, are a people’s person…your humanity materializes through your every word.

I only know Genie from Y&R, but, I did develop an appreciation and respect for her in a very short time. It will be a sad day, indeed, when she leaves.
In the interim, I am infinitely glad she and Luke are history. I have said this before. She can hold her own, I am sure of it. She needs a kick-ass (excuse the expression, please) storyline…..one which will leave all our mouths agape. Perhaps a pleasantly devastating storyline which will instill some sense into the better part of PC.

CeeCee, may I add your exceedingly generous comments to my resume? Seriously, CeeCee, you have made my day! I can’t thank you enough for your classy, thoughtful, kind response. It pleases me to know that something I’ve written might have been, at the very least, appreciated. I appreciate you and your kindnesses and insights as well! 🙂

So if you only know Genie from Y&R, let me tell you what a treat it was for me to see her in that role. First, as I stated, I was aware of how that role materialized. Second, the role was (particularly originally) such a departure from what Genie had played before. Let’s face it: Genevieve was devious and a bit crazy. And it appeared to me that Genie was really enjoying playing this new character. Obviously, with Cane still on the canvass, it is conceivable that Genevieve could return…

In the meantime, I am relishing whatever crumbs of screen time GH deigns to give us of Genie as Laura. But I really like your idea of giving her a “kick-ass” storyline while she’s there!

PS: I hope the sleepless nights go away ASAP. Take care, CeeCee!

@James.
You are welcome…and thank you, as well. I speak the truth. There are many great writers on these sites, you are one of my favorites.
Yes, if Laura’s return is a short sojour, I would greatly welcome her back on Y&R as Genevieve.
Her son is still there, and her grandchildren. Perhaps, she will bring some order back in GC after she puts everyone’s ducks in a row in PC. Remember, she was cheeky enough to go toe to toe with Victor.

My insomnia comes and goes…LOL. I refuse to take any kind of drug to help me sleep!! So, I bear with it. Music helps. Thank you, James. Later.

CeeCee, I just saw your second reply from June 18th. Thank you again!

As for Y&R’s Genevieve, yes, there is more story for her, including, as you say, with Victor. Also, for an early brief moment, she was paired with Jack, but that deteriorated quickly. I liked Jack with Genevieve…

Finally, I agree with you about the great writers here, and you are also one of my favorites. In addition to being a great writer, you are witty, kind, and diplomatic, and I salute you! 🙂

@James.
Thank you, friend.

jamesj75 you were right on point on everything you said, i agree with you, i think Genie does have a large fan following, more so then haters, so i really don’t think fans or the haters are the problem, the problem for me still is who runs the show, just when you think one regime is the problem then to only realize that the new regime is no different . why are they under the impression that we the fans want to see this character in small doses,? are they really that blind and don’t realize we want the actress back full time ? its frustrating to say the least, and its not just Genie but other actors they continue to do the same too, but thats for another day.

Thank you, aria! You have also made my day!

You are definitely onto something, though! It’s all about the producer/head writer. As much good as the current team has done in their tenure, they’ve certainly had some missteps, too. You are right: Genie does have a huge fan base, and this base wants to see her on screen full-time. Especially, when you consider some of the stars who are given such great treatment (and air time), it’s a downright shame that Genie isn’t afforded that same consideration. Take care, aria!

Now that Luke’s finally gone, I would love to see a reunion of Scotty and Laura in which she truly gives that man a real chance, and falls in love with him. No quickie proposal and marriage this time, but a real romance that leads to their spectacular wedding. Us Lotty fans have waited many years for them to have their real marriage. How ’bout it RC?

I would also like to see Laura become more involved with her children. Lulu and Dante’s marriage is hanging by a thread, and Nikolas has crossed over to the dark side. They are going to need their mother.

Yes.It would be nice to see scotty and laura fall in love and reunite for good.The love has always been there.And they never should have broken them up.They have such good chemistry and they deserve to have their happily ever after.So they need to realize that and let them finally be happy.

After watching today’s episode I am trying to figure out why FV brought GF back it is clear TG and GF do not want to do scenes together. Painful to watch!

Genie was not brought back to be reunited with Luke in anyway, Tony is leaving..
there is no Luke and Laura..
RC is bringing Genie into GH to be Luke free..
This is only day 2 .. give them some time to develope into the story..
……………. wait for it ………….. 🙂

Did something happen between the two of them? Did they have a falling out of sorts?

Stephen is already announced he is going back on the Days canvas about same time as Peter Reckell. Aka Bo

Please let Robert Scorpio come back and be a love interest for Laura or either Maurice Bernard. Maurice is certainly closer to Genie’s age. Or even better, Genie’s own real life husband Jonathan Frakes. If Geary resents that time of Luke and Laura so much why did he stick around? There were plenty other offers out there he could have accepted. Right? Genie can act with anyone and everyone. She is that amazing an actor. She certainly is brilliant and beautiful enough to deserve a really special acting mate. I feel that Geary being gone really helps the mood of the show and the actors can feel free to shine without his ego being in the way.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Shares He Was ‘Happy to Hear’ of The Triangle Storyline Developing Between Dante/Elizabeth/Ric

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Dominic Zamprogna

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) opened up about the burgeoning love triangle forming between his Port Charles alter-go, Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) after recently aired scenes, plus his hopes for the future of a Dante and Liz pairing, during his appearance on the Sunday, April 23 edition of the That’s Awesome podcast with Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli).

On last week’s episodes of GH, Ric has made the decision that he wanted to propose to his ex-wife, only when he showed up at Elizabeth’s front door, he misread the scenario he walked in with Liz tending to Dante’s injured leg from the softball game. From there, the legal eagle’s jealous streak is reemerging which may cause him to act out and do something unforgivable, or will he take the high road? Stay tuned.

Speaking with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson about where Elizabeth stands in the annals of the long-running soap, Zamprogna said, “She’s up there with Steve and Maurice (Maurice Benard) as one of the most legacy-filled people on the show.”

Courtesy/ABC

HOW DANTE AND ELIZABETH CAME ABOUT

Dominic jokes it’s a far cry for where Dante and Elizabeth previously, recalling, “We had some scenes together years ago and we were both laughing. Becky’s like, ‘Well, I guess we’re not going be paired up anytime soon.’ I remember we laughed immediately after they yelled ‘cut,”‘and said to each other, ‘Well, so much for that!'”

Fast-forward to early 2025 and as Zamprogna remembered it, “Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) came up to me at the General Hospital Christmas party, and I think it was a year and a half ago and she said, ‘We’re going to have you in scenes with Elizabeth,’ My internal monologue is going, ‘I’m not with Lulu (Alexa Havins) anymore and Sam’s (Kelly Monaco) gone, so maybe they want to see if this works.’ I didn’t want to get scenes with Becky and try to find the chemistry. I just wanted to play whatever honestly was written and came across for both of us and hope it was what people liked, and I don’t know if it is … or not.”

Knowing how beloved Elizabeth is to the GH faithfuls, Zamprongna added, “She got a big fan base with Ric … and a big fan base with with Jason … and you know, you’re going to piss somebody off. But, didn’t Ric drug Elizabeth and put Carly in a panic room?”

Dom and Liz

Photo: ABC

DANTE AND ELIZABETH PAIRING COULD STIR UP STORY FOR OTHERS IN PORT CHARLES

In closing, Dominic felt that the wide-reaching tentacles of a Dante and Elizabeth relationship is something he is down 100% to play. “The triangle thing; I was happy to hear it was with Ric and her, because I felt it’s important to have her the top of it as opposed to Dante, Lulu and Elizabeth.:

Zamprogna added, “When you get into relationships on a soap, things seem to fizzle out a little bit and the buildup is what’s the fun part, and the getting to know each other. and the people who are affected by this coming together. When with this case it’s going to affect Ric, Sonny, Lulu? So, much more story here. To me, it’s going to be a fun story to play.”

You can check out Dominic’s visit to That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford below.

Now weigh-in: Are you rooting for Dante and Liz, or Dante and Ric at this juncture of the story, or neither of them for Elizabeth? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section.

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General Hospital

GH and OLTL Alum Patrick J. Gibbons Reveals the Story Behind Writing Trina’s Song on ‘General Hospital’ (Exclusive)

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Patrick J. Gibbons

At the conclusion of today’s August 21 episode of General Hospital, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) sings a lullaby to baby Dez, that went into a montage to close out the episode as her father Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) reports to Pentonville and winds up in his jail cell.

However, in a fun fact, the song entitled, “A Lonely Heart To Give” was actually written by none other than former One Life to Live and General Hospital actor, Patrick J. Gibbons.

Daytime fans first met Gibbons as Sam Manning on One Life to Live. At the time, when he started on the soap, he was just 5-years-old. Gibbons played the part from 2010-2013 on ABC and Prospect Park’s editions of the show. Fast-forward to 2018, Gibbons shows up on General Hospital as Wyatt Hoover, the scout who seemed always be injured, but in the thick of the drama. Patrick had appeared on GH multiple times as Wyatt including: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023.

Photo: ABC

FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER’S DEATH CAME THE INSPIRATION FOR HIS SONG

Now in 2026, General Hospital fans are getting to learn about another side of Gibbons’ talent as a songwriter and guitar player after “A Lonely Heart to Give” debuted today! Michael Fairman TV caught up with Patrick, who is now a senior at Penn State entering his final year as a finance major, to get the back-story of how his song wound up on GH!

Gibbons explained he wrote the song in honor of his grandmother who passed away a few years ago with whom he was, very, very close with. “Randomly, my grandmother had a downfall and passed away during the second semester of my sophomore year. I was in my dorm a lot and I was just playing with my guitar. And at the time, I was really into finger-style playing. I wrote the lyric and music to it (with a little help from my guitar teacher Lou), and my mom showed the rough demo to Frank Valentini (EP, General Hospital). He’s like an uncle to me. Frank loved it so much he said, “Finish that up. I want to hear the whole thing, and I want it on the show.”

MAKING MUSIC FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL

Gibbons and his parents took the next steps! “So now, all we needed was a female voice, because I thought that would fit the song well,” Patrick shared. “At the golf club we go to my parents were at a dinner. They liked the singer that was performing and spoke to her about the song, and she says she would like to bring it to her ‘boss’ who ended up being Eric Bazilian of the Hooters fame!” (Bazilian also wrote the smash hit song “One of Us” for Joan Osborne).

Next, “We went in the studio and recorded it and the song came together and it was beautiful. We loved it. They loved it at General Hospital and now they’re putting it the show and they are coming in with a piano, instead of a guitar. Paul Glass, the GH musical director, has been keeping us updated over the last six months of how it was coming along, and when it would air, and how GH put their own arrangement to it. I can’t wait to see and hear what they did with it.”

Photo: JPI

PATRICK’S ONE LIFE TO LIVE FAMILY

Everyone knows that the One Life to Live extended family share a very tight bond, and Patrick said he does stay in touch with a few of his former One Life to Live co-stars, especially those from the Manning family! “I stayed in touch with Kassie DePaiva (ex-Blair) and sent her little videos here and there. She was like my second mom for five years. We keep in contact with Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) over X the most, and she can’t believe how big I’ve gotten. Like, none of them can! (laughs). I also loved working with Roger Howarth (ex-Todd) and Trevor St. John (ex-Todd and Victor Jr.), and to me since I was so young, they were just my friends, ‘Roger and Trevor,’ not Todd Manning or Victor Jr.”

It was a trip to California and a visit to Port Charles that ultimately led to Gibbons second soap role of Wyatt Hoover. Patrick explains, “In 2016, Frank Valentini invited us out to Los Angeles to visit the set of General Hospital. I think he heard me say, ‘This is so much fun. I miss being on the set.’ He goes, ‘You should come out. I’ll bring you on the show. We can make you a character.'”

A few years later, Patrick’s dream became a reality! “Then, by the summer of 2018, I was playing Wyatt, the scout, and shared scenes with Wes Ramsey (Peter August), and the best was when I shared a scene with Roger Howarth and Michael Easton (ex-John, OLTL and ex-Silas, Finn et al, GH), it was like chemistry from the old days.”

Photo: PGibbons

IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS

As to his future aspirations, it’s a career in the finance game that has piqued Gibbons’ real-life interest. But never say never to a return to acting. Patrick explained, “I’ve always enjoyed numbers. And on top of that, one of the biggest parts of finance is being personable and outgoing.”

He continued, “That’s one of the greatest skills I developed growing up. I really love the markets. I’m super interested. I’m never going to close the door to acting. I’m always open to that because I just love it so much. It’s such a great art.”

Take note! If there are any investment bankers or private equity folks among the GH faithful looking for a young analyst next year, Patrick’s DMs are open. You can find him on X at @PatrickJGibbons.

So, what did you think of the song sung by Trina on today’s GH that was written by Patrick J. Gibbons? Did you enjoy Patrick’s performances as One Life’s Sam and GH’s Wyatt? Would you like to see him back on GH at some point? Let us know via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Admits That He Didn’t Expect the Role of Michael Corinthos to be Recast, and Would Consider Working on Another Soap (Exclusive)

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Chad Duell, the Daytime Emmy-winning actor, who stepped away from the pivotal role of Michael Corinthos on General Hospital, opened up about: his previous decision to leave the series after nearly 15 years, where’s he’s at now after time away from the demands of a daytime soap opera, and took a stroll down memory lane with some of Michael’s most-acclaimed storyline during his run, during a livestream chat on August 19 on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.

Viewers last saw Duell on-screen as Michael in January of 2025, and with his successor in the role, Rory Gibson making his debut at the GH Nurses’ Ball in episodes that aired later in May. It was clear that during the conversation, Chad was a bit surprised that the GH brass decided to recast him when he thought he was just taking some much needed time off.

Burn-out of the daily grind of being on a soap was definitely a part of Chad’s decision to take a break. Duell explained “People know when you’re doing something for so long or your character is kind of in the same place for so long or doing the same stuff over and over again, you do get a a little burnt out, you get a little stiff, stale, a little stiff at times. I didn’t want that to be any sort of lasting impression. I have 15 years of a body of work of I’ve done on that show, which is fantastic.”

Chad Duell

Photo: ABC

WHILE CHAD WAS AWAY GH RECAST MICHAEL CORINTHOS WITH RORY GIBSON

Chad shared, his mindset when leaving GH was, “I’m taking some time away, we’ll see what happens.” Then he added, “Obviously, they decided to go in a different direction with Michael when I was gone. I didn’t think they were going to bring somebody back in my place. But you know, it’s the business. You never know what can happen.”

Duell also shared he has not watched a single episode of General Hospital since he left the series, but now feels he reenergized following the loss of his father and stepping away from the GH, “I’m in a place now mentally, where I’m ready to sink my teeth into it again.”

Courtesy/ABC

Even though he is no longer Michael on GH, Chad was very happy with his final storyline where Michael was set on fire when a bomb exploded at Sonny’s (Maurice Benard) penthouse. “It was fun to put him in a dangerous situation, because I was wanting Michael to be in something scary instead of trying to be a hero character or just things happening around him, but to be the center point of tragedy happening to him. (I always saw) Michael as the heart of the (Corinthos) family.”

When Michael was badly burned the show chose not burn his face, which normally a soap does when they are recasting role and switching actors. Chad weighed-in, “They didn’t burn my face because I told Frank Valentini (EP, GH) I’m willing to come back. It was just a little bit of a break. So, I assumed that if they would have burned my face, they could have brought somebody back looking different than me… if that’s what their plan was.”

Courtesy/ABC

MEMORABLE MICHAEL STORYLINES

One of Chad’s most memorable performances was the in the storyline of Michael’s rape while he was sentenced to prison in 2010 and the confession of it in 2011. “It was so well-written and I was very nervous,” recalled Chad. “When I get really nervous about something, it ends up being really good when I do it, because it just means I care a lot about it”

“I have to put a lot of effort and work into it, and I really want it to be good.  I was working with Dominic  Zamprogna (Dante) and Steve Burton (Jason) a lot during those scenes, and Laura Wright (Carly). It was great working with Steve and Dominic, especially, during that storyline.

A NEW SOAP ROLE FOR CHAD?

As to a future soap opera role, Chad is open to the idea and would love to jump back in to a juicy role, “I know people over at The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Young and the Restless. They know that if they’re interested, I would love to come in for a screen test or something, and they can see what I’m doing.”

Meanwhile, Chad has been busy putting out new music under the moniker Duelly and during the interview he explains how he creates his EDM tracks and much more. You can stream his latest single, Static in the Quiet Room on Spotify, Apple Music and You Tube Music.

You can check out the full conversation with Chad Duell below.

Now let us know: what show would you like to see Chad cast on down the line? BTG, DAYS, B&B, Y&R, or a new role on GH? What did you think of his thoughts on the casting switch while he was away in the role of Michael? What was your favorite Michael storyline during Chad’s 15-year run on the ABC soap opera? Let us know via the comment section.

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