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 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.
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‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
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