General Hospital
GH and ATWT Alum Martin West Dead at 82
On New Year’s Eve, former General Hospital and As the World Turns star Martin West passed away at the age of 82. Longtime GH viewers will recall he was the last actor to portray original series character of Phil Brewer. West’s run lasted from 1967-1975.
During West’s years on GH, in story: Phil was presumed dead in a plane crash and returned with amnesia as “Harold Williamson.” Throughout the years, Phil’s great love was Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin). But when he returned, he took up with Diana Maynard (Valerie Scarrett). Eventually, Phil was killed-off and Jessie was accused his murder. Lo and behold it turned out the murderer was Augusta McLeod (Judith McConnell).
Photo: ABC
After his time on GH, West headed to Oakdale and As the World Turns as the replacement for the part of Don Hughes. He played that role from 1977-1978. He also appeared on primetime’s Dallas in the role of Phil McKenna in 1981.
Photo: IMDB
West’s other television credits included: Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, Ironside, Highway to Heaven, Matlock, and LA Law. In addition, Martin appeared in many motion pictures from: The Andersonville Trial, Hitchcock’s Family Plot, and Mac and Me.
He is survived by his life partner, Ann Chernow and his three children, and two stepchildren.
Share your condolences and remembrances for Martin via the comment section below.
I wish his whole story as Phil wasnt missing…
Me, too, Jimh… Please see my other, lengthier comment here.
I remember him very well as Phil Brewer. He played the role the longest. May he rest in peace.
Phil Brewer.. .wow that’s going way back. I can barely remember him, except for the way he died by somebody bashing his head in with a big geode rock.
And Wally from Leave it to Beaver being the cop who investigated the murder.
My heart is heavy at this sad news…
I started watching GH in 1969, as Martin West played Phil Brewer and the lovely, popular, mesmerizing Valerie Starrett created the role of Diana Maynard. — I only wish a picture of Martin West with Valerie Starrett had accompanied this feature. And @Jimh, I will give some storyline details here. I know you and I have been down this road before… — Of course, Phil was involved with Jessie Brewer as well.
In story, Phil was working at a diner (as a cook, I think), with the alias of “Harold Williamson,” and Diana was a waitress at the diner. They started a love affair, but things went sour (to say the least) over time, as Phil raped Diana, after she became involved with Dr. Peter Taylor. If memory serves, Phil fathered both of Diana’s children: Tracy (boy) and Martha. Peter offered to marry Diana to give her unborn baby a name, even though they weren’t in love at the time of their nuptials.
The Phil Brewer murder mystery was quite engrossing. Jessie was arrested for Phil’s murder (via geode, as mentioned by @Satan), as she was found with Phil’s body. But there were a total of 5 suspects: Jessie, Diana, Peter, Jim Hobart (Audrey’s husband), and Augusta McLeod (revealed to be the murderer).
My memory of some of the storyline details is a bit hazy, but to this day, Valerie Starrett reigns supreme as my all-time favorite soap star. Years ago, I opined (perhaps ad nauseam?) my fandom for Starrett on these pages. (She played the role from 1969 until 1977.) Some storylines I remember vividly. Peter and Diana Taylor were a “supercouple” before the term was coined.
But Martin West as Phil (Harold) was Valerie Starrett’s first screen partner and love interest before Diana became a nurse and met her soulmate Peter Taylor.
So for the dearly departed Mr. Martin West, in my small way, I thank you and honor you for your impressive, entertaining work on GH. Like Starrett, you are not only an unsung hero of GH’s rich history but also a source of much nostalgic appreciation from this fan (and, I’m sure, many others). Your storyline hooked me into a decades-long viewership of GH. Those early days are ingrained in my mind. Rest in peace, Dear Sir…
my memory of the show is a bit fuzzy.from this era..used to watch it with my gram when at her house in the 60s/early 1970…do recall her as a waitress tho…i had a feeling you would be writing here!!!
Great to hear back from you, Jimh! Glad we share fond remembrances of those times… Take care, Friend!
Thanks for sharing this! Phil was dead and buried by the time I started watching but Diana was around and was a favorite character of mine from the get-go. I definitely heard the name Phil Brewer over the years though and appreciate his (and Mr. West’s) part in the history of GH.
John, thanks a million for your reply! Glad to read that Diana was a favorite of yours as well. I feel fortunate being able to remember so much of the GH story of that time, particularly all the ups and downs to the Diana and Peter relationship. And Martin West was so good at playing a villain; that particular triangle provided such a compelling dynamic. Best to you, Friend!
Thank you for the words on Valerie; she was my fav too.
Hello Louise W! Great to hear from another Valerie Starrett fan! And you’re right about those black-and-white days. So sad to hear about Martin West… Take care, Friend.
Thank you
Thank you for posting this; hadn’t heard this news. That picture says it all: GH in it’s black and white days; they were the best. Loved all those actors. RIP Martin!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
-
General Hospital5 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
-
General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
-
News5 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
-
News6 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!
-
News5 days agoErika Slezak to Celebrate 80th Birthday; How Fans Can Share a Special Memory and Message to the Soap Opera Icon
