Connect with us

General Hospital

40

GH Breakdown Writer Daniel J. O'Connor Wraps His Run & Tweets: "Thank You To The Amazing GH Team & Fans For A Great 3 Years."

Courtesy/Twitter

Courtesy/Twitter

More turnover in the writing department at General Hospital!  Following on the heels of writer Kate Hall’s exit to The Young and the Restless, comes word today from breakdown writer, Daniel J. O’Connor via his Twitter account.

O’Connor who has been with GH since 2014, after a run as the writers assistant at One Life to Live from 2007-2008 that eventually aw him writing for the series in 2011, send out this message to his followers and fans of the 52-year old soap opera Monday morning.

Daniel related: “Thank you to the amazing GH team & fans for a great 3yrs. My last ep airs today. Hope it goes off without a hitch… ”

The talented scribe then tweeted about his next writing gig: “Happy to still be part of ABC on a new project. Stay tuned.”

With the departure of Hall, O’Connor, and the recent exit of head writer Ron Carlivati, do you think this spells a new future for GH …  or do you have some major concerns?  Share your thoughts below GH fans!

Leave a comment | 40 Comments
Advertisement

40

avatar
17 Comment threads
23 Thread replies
0 Followers
 
Most reacted comment
Hottest comment thread
26 Comment authors
janetclhRobert SegantiJonboyShay Recent comment authors
newest oldest
Marc
Guest
Marc

It is sad and sickening that they ran off all traces of Llanview from the show. I guess they enjoyed the 1.9 ratings they were getting before OLTL came to the rescue

Dan
Guest
Dan

Did you happen to hear of something called the Prospect Park lawsuit? You act like GH had a choice to get rid of the OLTL characters. If you wanna be sad and sickened with someone, be sad and sickened at Prospect Park. Their lawsuit eliminated all traces of Llanview from the show.

Rebecca1
Guest
Rebecca1

You can’t blame Prospect Park Dan. They had every right to get the Llanview characters back. They paid ALOT of money for the rights. Unfortunately, as we know it turned out to be a disaster all around. And while I was a big OLTL fan and very happy that Todd, Starr and John lived on…and was VERY disappointed when they left…I still don’t blame PP. It ‘s business. But I do blame ABC or Ron, whomever was responsible for letting go of Kristen and Michael Easton. I’m hoping Roger/Franco isn’t next. They’re FINALLY giving him an interesting adult personality and… Read more »

Matt
Guest
Matt

OLTL characters never brought up the ratings. The ratings were up when a core GH character Robin returned to the canvas. She left and those numbers went back down. So despite what some people think OLTL had nothing to do with saving GH

davlestev1
Guest
davlestev1

It certainly did not..but getting RC who brought off the wall stories after leaving OLTL did..and then it got tiresome..and now who knows what’s in store..can’t they go the way of OLTL and find another newcomer like Michael Malone..their are countless young writers who could most likely change the face of soaps but the networks would rather stay in the P&G Irna Phillips type days of storytelling..something has to seriously change with daytime.

Terry
Guest
Terry

It would be nice if #GH would just come out and address the issue directly. From a PR perspective it’s not very encouraging to hear about the departures from the scribes themselves. It looks as if people are abandoning sinking ship right and left instead of being asked to step down to make room for new creative blood.

So then WHO is/are writing for GH these days?

su0000
Guest
su0000

ABC rarely addresses the public.
It is business with ABC, noting emotional.
At some point in time they may announce whatever.

Soaps bring in new/different writers, all the time.
Y&R has done so, recently.
DOOL has done so, recently.
———– It is the switching.

A.
GH’s new head writers are Jean and Shelly, the two Y&R fired and were replaced by Pratt.

Eileen Hargis
Guest
Eileen Hargis

That almighty demographic that is SO important, the 18 to 49, is sinking like a rock for GH. I imagine they are trying all manner of changes in an attempt to stop that.

Curacaoman
Guest
Curacaoman

Rats, sinking ships and all that….

delores
Guest
delores

please get rid of all this mafia bull .concentrate on general hospital.elizabeth with her crying and whining is boreing.

Timmm
Guest
Timmm

I cannot stand Liz! Jasam rules!

Jimh(leave it to beaver)
Guest
Jimh(leave it to beaver)

Ok, try to figure out what ive written sarcastically…try reading it is as annoying as it was for me listening to ‘DUHneese!!!…lol

Jimh(leave it to beaver)
Guest
Jimh(leave it to beaver)

This comment doesnt make sense now that my original comment hasnt appeared…lol

CeeCee
Guest
CeeCee

Hi, Jimh.
I did give you an answer, albeit your original comment did not appear. I suppose ‘they’ did not like what I had to say either….all I quoted were the words to the song…you know? OH, DUHneese? LOL.

Shay
Guest
Shay

@jimh and CeeCee….At least we can rejoice that the DUHneese chav-fest is finally over and done with! I thought we’d never see the end of that tacky black wig and OTT tartwear! Now if we could only do something about Alexis….

su0000
Guest
su0000

Ron and now Daniel are no longer with GH.. However, both remain with ABC . They are working on a new ABC project. Perhaps a primetime soap, perhaps not. But, both are still employed by ABC. GH will go on. I just do not see it being better with the new writers that were fired from Y&R. Time will tell.. I’m looking forward to Ron’s new project with ABC (wonder what it is.. As far as I know. I have never heard of let go head writers of a soap staying on with the network writing for a new ABC… Read more »

Jenny Brooks
Guest
Jenny Brooks

I’d be curious to know what a ‘break down’ writer does. We are not insiders. But we are still interested.

RichInIowa
Guest
RichInIowa

What is the difference is between a breakdown writer and a staff writer? Each show (and Headwriter) handles things a little differently, says Jonathan Reiner (TV guide online), but as a general rule, “each week a breakdown writer meets with the Headwriter and the Associate headwriters and talks over the content for his/her day (an episode), then works up a 14 to 18 page document (double-spaced) which outlines the 21 or so scenes, including actors, sets, important props, etc. A dialogue or Scriptwriter (sometimes referred to as a staff writer) can work from this to turn the breakdown into a… Read more »

RichInIowa
Guest
RichInIowa

…or so says Google

Allen saint james
Guest
Allen saint james

Sounds like just a simple overhaul of the writing team to me! Why wouldn’t new head writers want to bring in breakdown and script writers who they work well with creatively. This sounds like a promising move towards a great creative change. I’m curiously optimistic

Dan
Guest
Dan

People overreacting, as usual. When new writers take over a show, they bring in some of their own people. It’s the same thing that happened when Ron Carlivati took over. I believe the only members of the previous GH writing team he kept were Elizabeth Korte and Kate Hall. Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman probably wanna bring in their own breakdown writers and so forth. This isn’t unusual at all. I really wouldn’t read too much into it. But of course that won’t stop people.

Jonboy
Guest
Jonboy

Bingo.

Aria
Guest
Aria

Unless there’s this club for writers or if your known because yo are the head writers of the show how are we suppose to know whose who? I’m not a writer groupie so I have no idea who oconnor is or what he contributed to the show, so I have no idea what I’ll be missing. Now if he’s been let go cause he’s to much like RC then I understand but beyond that I wish him the best.

Mister Media
Guest
Mister Media

As long as the endless recycling of writers continues, the soaps continue to be an endangered species.

su0000
Guest
su0000

Mister Media..
Soap writers/head writers have a short lifespan .. lol
They know they are not going to permanent fixtures.
Head Writers are changed usually around the 4 yr mark.

I’m no expert on length of head writers longevity on a soap, but seems like 4 years.
Then at some point in time they rotate.
Soap writers, head writers are becoming an endangered species.

Steven
Guest
Steven

I don’t see this as band news, I see it as more change! Every time a show brings in new head writer(s), the current writer(s) either stay or leave. It’s sad to see 2 GH writers leave, but it happens in TV shows (when Ron Carlivati become head writer, a lot of GH writers left). On the bright side, GH new head writers Shelly Altman & Jean Passanante are going to have to find new writers. I’m sure writers from DAYS, Y&R or B&B would jump ship to writer under them at GH! – I’m sure bringing in new writers… Read more »

Mary SF
Guest
Mary SF

This is not uncommon. In every workplace when there is a change in management, owners or supervisors, whatever, some people end up leaving for various reasons. They either cannot lose their loyalty to their previous bosses, or they don’t like the new style of management, or there is a personality conflict with the new people. It is no different on a soap–they don’t make it clear if these people left on their own, or were “let go” but this sort of thing is to be expected. The best thing for any work place is have happy employees who work well… Read more »

su0000
Guest
su0000

And– writers also return to their originals soaps..
After a year or two, seeing how things go with GH, Ron could return.
There are not many soap writers left and recycling them seems to be the thing.

Jonboy
Guest
Jonboy

Good to hear. The show needs a fresh writing team.

Robert Seganti
Guest
Robert Seganti

Nothing fresh about these two.

su0000
Guest
su0000

Robert..
LOL 🙂
with the Queens of Snooze at the helm of GH, I am frightened for its’ future longevity..

((a change can be for the better or for the worse, I fear the worse 🙁

CeeCee
Guest
CeeCee

That’s funny, Robert S.

Jonboy
Guest
Jonboy

Negative people. Give them a chance. Personally I liked what they were doing with YnR.

Robert Seganti
Guest
Robert Seganti

Jonboy-

Research their ratings -killing and show –
killing track records.They’ve had chance after chance after chance to do damage to the genre that is so loved by so so many dismayed,disappointed and devastated viewers.For many ,seeing their venerable shows fall by the wayside is like losing their circle of friends.

Rebecca Franklin
Guest
Rebecca Franklin

Get rid of the mob and bring family and romance back to GH. The show is slowly sinking. I care about this show. Bring back the popularity that made GH an outstanding 50+ years show…one example…Jason Thompson and Kimberly McCullough. Let’s put some real thought into making a comeback.

su0000
Guest
su0000

Rebecca Franklin, There is no longer a mob. Show me a mob and I will be very happy. There is 2 men, old mobsters, that threaten each other. There are no mobsters on GH, Sonny and Julian fighting are not a mob anything. GH used to have ‘many’ mobsters, actual characters that were of the mobs, there are no mob charters other than the 2, just 2 and 2 is nowhere near a mob. I would love to have an actual mob story. There has not been any mob action since the Alazars and they are long gone. Sonny and… Read more »

clh
Guest
clh

That’s tough to do when Kimberly does not want to be there, she is more interested in behind the camera. I wish they would recast her already.

janet
Guest
janet

It only matters who stays . So he will be going , and will it make a difference ,NO. The head writer will still have the say. As for Ron. I had enough of him and his twitter and destroying beloved characters, Robin, Anna ,Nick, Liz .Even Patrick has been lobotomized. Lets face it. The fans want Robin back, Kim has said she could return here and there, but TIIC didn’t want that. My way or the highway. Ron’s now on the highway. I don’t blame Ron for all the B.S he can have his share, and his childish twitter… Read more »

clh
Guest
clh

Kind of hard to write story for some one who only wants to come on now and then. It really messes up everyone involved in her stories. Is Patrick just supposed to keep breaking up with people every-time she decides she wants to appear for a couple of episodes?

janet
Guest
janet

Robin could have returned, had co parenting with Patrick. She could be working in a lab, and Patrick could be free to chase other women. The way it has been written, he looks like a jerk, Robin told him what Victor said his threats etc, and what does he do. Jump in bed with the wife of the man who Robin went to save. .This way neither of them look like jerks. She comes home to see her parents, and emma . leaves to do work in Paris /

General Hospital

GH EP Frank Valentini On Taping the Sonya Eddy Tribute Episode: “It Was an Extraordinary Script, and It Was a Labor of Love That Day”

This week on General Hospital, the ABC daytime dramas series kicks off its 60th anniversary set of episodes, with what is sure to be the most emotional – the tribute episode for the late Sonya Eddy in honor of her beloved GH character, Epiphany Johnson.

GH’s executive producer spoke with Soap Opera Digest (in their latest issue on newsstands now), about how the show decided to handle the delicate subject of a real-life cast member’s passing and connect it to the story on the canvas of the soap opera.

In conjunction with GH co-head writers, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor, the trio decided that if they weren’t ever going to be able to see Sonya as Epiphany again, that there was no way they were going to ever recast the role.  Valentini shared: “We decided it was important to honor not only Sonya, but Epiphany and we wanted to dedicate a full entire episode all about that.”

The EP went on to give praise to his writers, and the cast for their performances when taping the episode: “I think everyone was touched by what the writer’s wrote. It was an extraordinary script and it was a labor of love that day in honor of Sonya, who was so incredibly loved by everybody in the cast and  crew.

The way the death of Epiphany is structured on the airshows is key also to the upcoming Nurses’ Ball episodes set to air the following week. Frank expressed: “Epiphany is a very pivotal person in the Nurses’ Ball, so it’s almost like a part two (of her tribute).

The Sonya Eddy tribute episode airs Wednesday March 29th.

Are you looking forward to seeing how GH honors Sonya and the beloved Epiphany of GH? Comment below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

General Hospital Alum Briana Lane Mourns the Loss of Her Husband

Heartbreaking news to report.  Briana Lane, who took over the role of General Hospital’s Brook Lynn Quartermaine while Amanda Setton was away from the series, shared that her beloved husband, John Lange, passed away on March 14th.

Lane posted a photo of herself with John on her Instagram expressing: “I will love you forever my sweet John. Til we meet again.”

Photo: ABC

In August of 2020, Lane started subbing for Setton as Brook Lynn, and her performances won the hearts of GH fans.  She stayed with the show till November of that year and returned one other time in 2022. In addition, Amanda received a Daytime Emmy nomination for her work in the Outstanding Guest Performer category in 2021.

As for the love story of Briana and John, they wed in December of 2016.  As many know, Briana is not only a great actress, but also has a successful music career and John was very supportive of her professional life. Lange was remembered as a walking encyclopedia of television knowledge, a dog lover, and a lover of comedy.

Friends of Lane’s have set up a Go Fund Me page, to assist in giving John the memorial he deserves and to help Briana as she navigates this next chapter of her life.

Many of Briana’s former GH co-stars shared their grief and support in her IG post including: Kirsten Storms (Maxie) and Katey MacMullen (Willow).

Share your condolences for Briana on the loss of her husband in the comment section below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

GH Alums Chloe Lanier and Johnny Wactor Guest Star on ‘Station 19’

You can catch two of your favorites, who you first came to know from their work on General Hospital, on tomorrow night’s March 16th episode of the ABC primetime drama, Station 19 (8 p.m. ET).

Look for Daytime Emmy-winner Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle) and Johnny Wactor (ex-Brando) to appear within the hour-long show.

In the episode titled, “Even Better than the Real Thing”, Lanier will play the role of Ciara.

According to ABC in story: a simulation fire training goes dangerously wrong; Maya tries to make amends, and Bailey encourages Carina to listen; Jack’s sister shows up at the station with a friend, an injury and an attitude.

Chloe took to her Instagram to share,  “I get into a bit of trouble on Station 19 this Thursday. Directed by the incomparable and lovely Paris Barclay! (I’m a big fan) Had such a great time working on this one and I can’t wait for you all to see it.”

Meanwhile, Wactor looks to be playing a fireman in the episode, and took to his IG and shared: “Catch me on Station 19 this Thursday, 3/16 at 8 PM. I’m excited. Too bad I can’t do a live watch party on here. I’ll have to do some research because a watch party would be fun!”

Will you be checking out Chloe and Johnny on Station 19? Comment below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Johnny Wactor (@johnnywactor)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chloe Lanier (@chloelanier123)

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Video du Jour

DAYS Billy Flynn (Chad), Greg Rikaart (Le0) and Mary Beth Evans (Kayla) talk with Michael Fairman on the series move to Peacock and their latest storylines.. Leave A Comment
Advertisement

The Michael Channel

Advertisement

Recent Comments

Advertisement

Power Performance

Parry Shen as Brad

General Hospital

Airdate:2-2-2023

Advertisement
Advertisement

Popular