General Hospital
GH Casts Chris Van Etten As Amy’s Brother, Chet!
Photo: ChrisVanEttenTwitter
He is a war vet, model, and motivational speaker, and now Chris Van Etten has been cast on General Hospital! Van Etten will play the much talked about brother of Amy (Risa Dorken) Driscoll, named Chet.
Although Chris shares the same name as GH co-head writer, Chris Van Etten, this Chris lost both of his legs — and one of his closest friends — in an explosion while serving for the Marines in Afghanistan. After receiving prosthetic legs and being medically retired from service in 2013, Van Etten turned to exercise as an outlet for mental strength and stability, as well as physical health and is a successful fitness model including for Jockey underwear.
Chris told SOD he is very excited for the opportunity with GH noting: “This has been an awesome opportunity for me.”
So, what do you think of GH casting Van Etten as Amy’s brother? Excited for his debut? Comment below!
Far be it from me to begrudge the addition of a heroic veteran (and a majorly hot one, at that), I resume my previous argument of adding yet more characters to a show which already can’t juggle the existing ones fairly. And why saddle this poor Chris with the annoying Amy? Does that mean she’s staying, too? Ugh! Now, if we deep six Amy, I’ll remain open to giving Chris a break. He deserves that much.
Thank you for saying it for me.
I think GH is on the right track with the addition of Chet. Of course Amy is annoying, but don’t we want her to be ? I feel she is similar to OLTL’s Marcy and have grown fond of Amy. And no mob ties to boot !
I still think Frank Valentini is doing GH good. And lets not forget he wasn’t around when all the Quartermaine’s were killed off. I feel that GH is worth my time. Would be sadly disappointed if it stopped airing. It is a great dinner companion five days a week when i get home from work.
Soaphound, what a beautiful sentiment.
@Soaphound…How about giving Chet a break and pairing him with Kiki to nurse him back to health instead of his overbearing sis? That is if Ms. Jerome can escape the suspicious clutches of Dr. Bensch! (But yes, “deep sixing” the overly-perky Amy is an excellent notion….can we please just send her off on a one-way book tour?)
probably a new love interest for KiKi???
Awesome!
This is America’s longest war. And it hasn’t been acknowledged in any meaningful way IMHO (and not just by soaps) – whether it’s prime time or movies or water cooler conversations. National disasters get more news coverage.
I welcome the opportunity to hear a story from a member of or armed services. I hope its not the last. And I hope the stories look the composition of the armed services. In 2014, 24% of the civilian workforce was made up of racial minorities while 33% of active duty service members were racial minorities. Active duty service members are male and female, white and racial minorities, Christian and non-Christian. And they each deserve our respect.
Tell their stories with truth and dignity. Take pages from Sonny to do this and a grateful nation will thank you
Wow, what a great post, Tomas.
You’re right, of course.
I will give it a chance.
AWESOME NEWS!!!!
……Hopefully he’ll get a good storyline.
WHY? The cast is already bloated, and many viewers do not care for the character of Amy. Why give her an on-screen family? As with many of the newcomers, we’ll see Chet for a day or a week, and then it will be a month until we see him again.
P.S. I think it would be wonderful to introduce this character, a real-life Vet; however, I just do not have much faith in the writers as to how the character or story will develop. Best of luck to Chris Van Etten in his new role.
As do I, dmr, since I’m also all for supporting our vets and think this is an excellent opportunity for GH to salute wounded warriors, in particular!Hopefully, the writers will do them proud with this storyline! Now, if the show could only demonstrate the same respect for our brave ICE agents! Yesterday’s episode was the second time this year (at least, as far as I’m aware….) that a character has taken it upon themselves to boldly lie to the face of a government officer who is simply trying to perform his sworn duty and then act like they’ve done something wonderful in preventing said agent from accomplishing their legal task at hand. In other words, we again had an individual–and a supposed law enforcement professional, no less!—taking liberties to break federal statutes whilst aiding and abetting others who were doing likewise. Why is this offensive message being repeatedly conveyed to viewers who actually believe in upholding the rules of our land? It was bad enough the first time this happened with that Samira travesty, but to repeat such an irresponsible stunt was not something that added any entertainment value whatsoever to this program. In fact, it was downright shameful and utterly unnecessary!!!! It’s time for GH to knock off the socio-political propaganda and get back to storytelling…they finally have some decent tales to tell with Mr. Van Etten’s admirable introduction and Steve Burton’s exciting return to the canvas and yet, they still felt the need to squander audience goodwill these developments have brought to once again promote a notion that many Americans find wholly unacceptable, if not downright, wrong!
OK–
New guy– ”Van Etten turned to exercise as an outlet for mental strength and stability, as well as physical health and is a successful fitness model including for Jockey underwear.”
That fit man does not sound as described by Amy.
Her brother is needy/helpless and needs care that she needs to pay for.
I dunno.. Chris, a handsome muscular hunk vet does not seem to be the be withering needing care brother of Amy’s ..
And why hasn’t VA provided help for the vet and put it all on Amy, some sure but all no.
Excellent point, su. However, my guess is that in recent years, the VA has become a clearinghouse for far too many very costly non-service related procedures of certain elective varieties and has thus been less able to focus upon its actual original mission of providing comprehensive care for combat-caused injuries and illnesses? At least that is what I have heard from vets in the know….with only so many government resources to go around, this agency has been overburdened with budget-busting medical cases that they never envisioned years ago, and this is causing its more traditional functions to be spread beyond thin. I believe this is one of the main reasons for the current administration’s recent executive order to bring cost controls more in line with reality so that they can provide the medical aid earned and deserved by those horribly affected during their time in service to our country. At least that is the hope….
su0000…
the fact that this guy is good-looking and in shape is not contradictory to story. there are many injured vets who get regular physical therapy and build up their upper bodies…that’s almost a given. that doesn’t negate the fact that in real life and in the story that he was severely injured and needed operations and/or prosthetics….. Amy never said he was withering away, dying, emaciated or not attractive. just that he was severely injured (and not necessarily too recently.)
I think ye doth protest too much.
Oh, Rebecca, I’m so upset over the Burton return and shafting of Billy Miller (and the audience) that I’m now really looking forward to seeing Chris begin his run. Maybe he’ll help me forget the debacle this show has become. All bend to the almighty Steve “Mediocrity” Burton and the fools in charge that are allowing him to take over GH once again.
It took long enough but Chet finally has a face. And Amy gets more story which could also bring Nathan and Maxie into the mix. I want to see where this goes.
Good for GH for casting an actual vet and actual amputee!
Wonderful! Wishing Chris the best and thanking him for his service.
I so – hope – Amy and Chet have an easy going rapport
with all of Amy energies on overdrive… I wish these two characters the best
Chris Van Etten : “Thank You” for your service.
Sincerely
Awesome! Its great GH used a real vet to protray this character. It will give it an authentic feel and not forced. Reminds me of when All My Children did the same with the character Brock. That actor too was a war vet who sustained serious injury in real life. They were able to incorporate him into the AMC fold and he fit in perfectly!
Too bad Amy is such an annoying character! Maybe this will soften her irritating nature!
The AMC story was actually amazingly well done and has a pretty hilarious backstory. The real life war vet totally blew his soap vet co-star out of the water (and totally unintentionally I’m sure) because his intended short term role was so relatable and likable while his rather brittle and full of herself co-star whined about being expected to do Shakespeare against someone who wasn’t a “real” actor. Guess which one the audience related to and who “exited stage left.” Oops.
This is a totally different story set up though and the only way I see it working is if it turns out Amy character is actually a scammer using her poor, helpless brother who ain’t actually that helpless to enrich herself.
Just as an aside I’m pretty sure the AMC actor’s name is JR Martinez and if I’m not mistaken he went on to win Dancing With The Stars. I don’t usually follow it but I did that season and cheered him on all the way. I’ll sheepishly admit I even signed up to vote for him.
If I’m not mistaken the actor/motivational speaker playing Amy’s brother character was on DWTS as well. But this sounds like a kind of manipulative ass backwards story set up here.
There are only two ways for this story to go. Either Amy is a total grafter or her “helpless” brother is.
There’s a new HW sheriff in town, though, and I kind of like that the stories so far aren’t entirely predictable.
Guess we’ll see…
When I read the article title, I though GH was pulling a stunt and casting it’s new head writer in a cameo role! But this sounds like it will be worthwhile, if even for a short story arc – which I hope it is, considering GH’s cast is already too bloated as it is, and they need to be getting rid of characters (like Amy!) instead of adding new ones.
I think a”pairing” with Valerie; would be awesome
I actually like Amy; I think she’s adorable. Bringing her brother on board will lend authenticity to the Ask Man Landers story…interested to see how they’ll incorporate it all. Kudos to GH for bringing on an actor who actually went through the experience his character is based on instead of getting an actor to play an injured vet.
I congratulate Chris Van Etten for getting the role, look forward to the story and thank him for his service.
I like Amy as well. And yes her perkiness can sometimes get to you. But it’s her quirky, tenacious creative personality that made ManLanders happen so she could help her brother. And better to include a GH story that offers advice in civil , personal way instead of seeing Laura holding a gun on Valantin. Or ending yesterday with Steve/Jason and Sonny pointing guns at each other, which we will probably see again as part of the the opening tomorrow. Or Jason showing how to put his pistols together, or Finn showing how you shoot up. Enough guns. I don’t think any other soap has used them as much, or at least very little compared to GH, unless you think of a brief time with Kevin recently in Y&R.
And I am so glad they are going to have a vet play Amy’s brother. A very positive statement.
It doesn’t mention how long he will be with GH– I’d guess a short say.
Also.. I think his screen time will be not enough to get excited over..
Looking forward to his scenes.
Great for Chris but bad for us viewers. I wanted Paul Hornsby to kill Amy back when he went nuts! She is super annoying and is shoved down our throats just like Sabs was!
@Timmm….I had a long list of cast members I wanted Paul Hornsby to bump off before he was unceremoniously sent off to Pentonville, and yes, Amy was most definitely one of them. (I’m sure you can guess at least a few of the rest…LOL.) However, at least he managed to rid our soap screens of the sugarcoated Sabs, so for that I shall forever salute Richard Burgi and his still missed character! From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Paul!!!!
I, too, appreciate that GH hired someone authentic for this role and admire him for his service of this country. However, it’s time for this storyline to end. Hopefully, this signals an end to the Man Flanders fluff and deals honestly with the medical struggles of veterans.
On a separate note, on Monday’s episode, Andre finally has a purpose on this show. Is he now going to transition into a mastermind criminal? Now, only Lulu and Dante need a purpose.
Congratulations to this real-life American hero on his new GH role! I have no doubt Chris Van Etten will honorably and poignantly represent the struggles far too many of our brave veterans are currently facing, so whilst I’ve (thus far) absolutely loathed the character of Nurse Amy and often seriously doubted the true existence of “Chet,” cheers to the writers for making good on this mysterious storyline promise that will hopefully reflect upon much-needed decency rather than the usual lawlessness that’s so prevalent in today’s Port Charles! Hence although I am usually the first to grouse when a new—and normally unnecessary—character is introduced to this already overloaded cast, I happily make an exception for this worthy representative of the “Few and the Proud” and say, “Welcome to GH, Mr. Van Etten!”
I think this is great! Thank you for your service!
That’s a great story line. It fits right in with today’s life and what many families are facing.
I think this is great, the vets who served us really need to be recognized for what they have given for us and they need to know they can still be a productive member of society. They need to know they are accepted disabilities and all. Thank you for you service.
If this is a short term storyline it could be interesting enough, as long as this isn’t a case of another newbie on contract, with a cast that’s already bloated with the likes of his sister Amy, Frodd, Nina, etc.
And when Chet leaves town he can take them with him.
Kudos to GH for celebrating veterans. Kudos for using a physically challenged actor to do it. All good things but seriously, do we need another nothing character on the canvas? Let me guess, it turns out that he is the real Jason and Amy is really Helena’s grand daughter that was kidnapped by the fake Jason who is really Jason until he finds out that he is Sonny but had amnesia caused by Jason Morgan who really is Faison hired by Julian who wants to uncover the real Jason Morgan played in a dual role by Steve Burton who is extending his contract by six years to portray four characters all named Jason.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!
In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.
Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.
MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP
Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!
At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.
Courtesy/ABC
BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY
Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”
LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER
In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?
So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.
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DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
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