General Hospital
GH’s Brook Kerr on Portia/Stella Scenes Over Esme Targeting Trina, Shares: “Overwhelmed with All the Love and Support … My Heart Jumped When I Read That Material”
If you caught last Friday’s episode of General Hospital, you saw, and heard, how the writing team at the ABC daytime drama series wove into the fabric of the upcoming Trina courtroom drama, race relations in our country and the justice system.
The words were spoken by Trina’s (Tabyana Ali) mother, Portia (Brook Kerr), who is beside-herself with worry now that Trina’s court date is here. She shares how she believes Trina was targeted by Esme (Avery Pohl), when Esme decided to plant the phone that made it ‘appear’ that Trina was the person who taped Cameron (William Lipton) and Josslyn (Eden McCoy) having sex and had it go viral.
Courtesy/ABC
In key scenes, Portia shares her worries with Stella (Vernee Watson). She expresses that Esme knew Trina would have a more difficult time facing the justice system, because she is black. Portia voices that members of the jury may fail to realize Trina’s innocence and as a mother, feels she has failed Trina, because she never prepared her for the harsh realities of the world. Portia goes on to say that Trina grew up with a very sheltered life, and now she realizes that may have been a terrible error on her part.
Stella, always the voice of reason, disagrees. She tells Portia that she knows that Trina understands the world, and most importantly, try as she may, she can’t shield her daughter from everything that life throws at her. She also shares that she knows the justice system isn’t always fair to people who look like Trina, but that she has to believe that in 2022 things are changing, and that Trina will be acquitted. As Portia is in tears, Stella hugs her and assures her that Trina is a fighter. Throughout the scenes, Brook Kerr definitely delivered and now has material to submit for next year’s Emmys!
Over the weekend, Brook Kerr took to Twitter after seeing the reaction to the scenes. Kerr shared: “I’m overwhelmed with all the love and support I’ve received from yesterday’s episode… My heart jumped when I read that material. And to be able to do it with @VerneeWJohnson_. I’m catching up and y’all got me crying now… Thank you to the whole #gh family”
So, what did you think of Brook Kerr’s performance in the key scenes? Glad that GH touched on racial injustice? Comment below.
I’m overwhelmed with all the love and support I’ve received from yesterday’s episode… My heart jumped when I read that material. And to be able to do it with @VerneeWJohnson_ 🙏🏽
I’m catching up and y’all got me crying now…🥺Thank you to the whole #gh family ♥️
— Brook Kerr (@brookkerr) July 17, 2022
Was so impressed that GH “went there”. An important element of the story to address. I rewound that scene a few times as both the acting and writing were stellar. Come on MF – give Kerr the “Power Performance” recognition.
Esme, I will say, is an equal opportunity conniving witch. This is something that we, the audience, have seen, but Portia witnessed only the direct impact on her daughter. Kudos to the GH writing team for finally taking a deep dive into Portia’s POV in her daughter’s story (well with the wait)!
I really liked it, too, Steve, and admit it took me by surprise. I didn’t expect that much depth and insight in this endless story. It also shed a light I hadn’t considered which evil Esme probably would have — that Trina would sadly be treated differently from, say, Josslyn in the same predicament. I’ve always liked the Portia character and didn’t mind the annoying Stella this time. I just wish it was Ava who’ll bring down Esme… and cheating Nikolas as well!
Soaphound
Everything you said is true but your last sentence,be careful what you wish for because I’ve read Ava might end up with Nick’s uncle and nothing is worse than that!
Right on, Soaphound!! I want to revel in the satisfacion of watching Ava bring Esme to her knees–Literally!!
Aside–By the same token, I must give credit and praise to Avery Kristen Pohl’s.
Her talent is undisputed, albeit we all despise this little manipulative hussy—a true Saccubus. I would love to see the actress in a more positive role.
So right, Celia. She’s a tremendous actress who I’m sure we’ll see more of. Esme…not so much.
Soaphound…I wonder if actors who play the villains can paint their careers into a corner when trying to get other type of roles? The one who has surprised me a little is the actor playing Victor Cassidine (sp?). He’s growing on me. But he’s done such a reversal from playing Fran’s boss in The Nanny.
This is a fascinating question Rose. I remember actor Steve Railsback had trouble getting good roles after his terrifyingly real portrayal of Charles Manson in “HELTER SKELTER” in 1976. On the other hand, Anthony Hopkins’ career skyrocketed after playing a cannibal! People were skeptical of Barbra Streisand doing a straight dramatic film until “THE WAY WE WERE” proved studio heads are mostly clueless. There doesn’t seem to be a sure pattern but I certainly applaud actors with the courage to explore outside of others’ expectations.
rose
I kind of think Victor acts more like Shane Donovan, the ISA agent he’s played on Days for years. This thing he’s doing by keeping Charlotte hostage from Val is pretty low down and wanting Laura killed? Are we talking about the same person? You said he’s growing on you, not in a good way, I hope.
Violet…OMGoodness, No! I was talking about the actor growing on me having to play Victor. It’s a bit of a transition for me to get used to to see him go from Fran’s lighthearted Mr Sheffield to evil Victor Cassadine. Hope you are keeping cool in this hot weather.
rose
Thanks for clarifying that, you had me scared for a minute. Also, Thanks for asking, I never leave my AC apt. unless it’s for a Dr. appointment. I’ve even been ordering my groceries from Amazon for delivery. What a life saver those people are, spend $35, free delivery. No, I don’t own shares, wish I did.
Definitely… or if not Shane, then maybe Shane’s evil twin Andrew Donovan who appeared on Days decades ago, but came back for brief appearance on the first season of “Beyond Salem”.
Shane & Andrew didn’t always get along, but ironically Shane did name his son after his brother… and Andrew “jr” finally made an appearance in Beyond Salem 2 (after being oddly absent from the screen since he was a baby)
Interesting, did not know any of this
When will that irritating Esme get her due?!!!!!!!
Lew S
To put it crudely, hopefully Ava will beat the crap out of her tomorrow.
What would really be good is if she could somehow hold her down or tie her up and cut that long hair off up to her ears.
Very well written scenes, and a strong performance from Brook Kerr, as well as the always stellar Vernee Watson. I love when GH ties real life issues into their storylines. They’ve always done that well, dating back to the days of Wendy Riche and Claire Labine.
I just hope they’re finally moving along with the Esme story. That as well as a number of the storylines on GH lately have been dragging along at a snails pace. It’s really very frustrating at times as a viewer. I know the nature of storytelling on soaps when you have to fill 5 episodes a week 52 weeks a year, but you have to s-word or get off the pot at some point, as my grandma used to say.
I really like Portia and Stella in any of their scenes. As for GH or other soaps, finally addressing possible real life race considerations, I‘m just surprised it took them so long. As far as Esme considering this in her plans to bring down Trina out of jealousy it’s possible, but she’s an equal opportunity villain considering Ava, Joss and Cameron have been her targets or used as well. The final bringing down of Esme will be sweet.
rose
Hi again. I’ve been wondering again if Curtis is truly Trina’s birth dad. Portia seems very intent on researching Curtis’s dads mental problem, be it hereditary? Well, I’ve been wondering if he was ever correctly diagnosed, they are so vague about the Whole thing. Why do I care? I don’t know, it’s that they are spending a lot of dialog on it.
Curtis being Trina’s dad was “hinted” at a long time ago when Jordan & Portia were trapped in a basement with a gas leak , and neither one of them was completely coherent at the time Because Jordan went through the whole kidney transplant thing and months (or years??) of recovery, she hasn’t shown any signs yet as to whether or not she remembers that conversation…. but she may not have to, because Portia’s getting kinda sloppy with her questions about mental illness, and specifically the hereditary implications of it. I could start to see the wheels turning in Marshall’s head as if he was beginning to clue in as to why she might be asking such a question…. though since she & Curtis are a couple now, Portia could always deflect that question by claiming she was concerned about any children she & Curtis might have in the future. Not the one they had 20 years ago!
I was a well done scene, and I recall a similar scene 6 months or so(?) Between Portia and Jordan discussing the racial perspective of police treatment during arrests. Neither was heavy handed or preachy, but was frank and came across as genuine conversations character driven.
I enjoyed Brook as Whitney on Passions ( during my College days) and I am truly appreciating her on GH. It took me a while–but, she is amazing and has found her niche at GH.
I also thought the court scenes to be realistic and compelling—suspenseful.
Aside (of couse, that’s what I do)—as previously stated, I do believe that we all think Willow has some kind of blood disorder where only Nina ( who has the same rare blood type) will be able to save her. Watch out Carly, you know—the one who calls the kettle black.
I’m so ready for this teen scene to be over with. Why do they have to drag every darn SL on forever? I could care less who Trina ends up with, but we all know she won’t end up in prison. Good riddance to Esme, they keep saying but then how does that involve Felicia if she’s her mother? Wouldn’t that fact keep her in PC indefinitely? I like Joss, but she’s got some mouth on her, maybe worse than her mother’s, gets tiresome. Now that Portia knows about Curtis dads medical problem, she won’t leave it alone until she finds out for sure because it might be hereditary, and could effect Trina, if Curtis is her bio dad. Sorry, just spouting off!
I’m inclined to agree now, Violet. I don’t think we’re NEAR done with Miss Esme. And this initially intriguing story has worn out its welcome. Rory is so much nicer than Spencer but I’m sure Trina will forgive and forget his earlier duplicity. And this awful Cody tale…the horses must smell better! That wacko Dex is on Michael’s payroll, and now Austin is involved in something shady, too? Are there any NICE people moving into Port Charles?
Soaphound
Bite your tongue. Iam so over Esme, Iam ALMOST ready to welcome back Peter August, at least he was more honest with his intentions. I was also hoping that when she goes so would Ryan. Are any nice people moving to P.C, now what fun is that? I have heard a rumor that Austin may be involved with Dawn Of Day and they are trying to draw him back in. Boy, I hope that is just someone’s pipe dream.
Violet…I watch GH, Y&R, and B&B. I can’t say I like any of the storylines on any of the three right now, except Ally and Noah on Y&R. But they will probably find a way to ruin them as well. So I go back to something I asked myself before. Why watch soaps? They sure aren’t a mix of love in the afternoon, adventure, filmed in cool locations.
Speaking of lousy storylines, Rose, how about Ashland’s “is he or isn’t he dead” tale. Now where have I seen that before? Oh yeah, 3 or 4 years ago at Victoria’s house (apparently quite a dangerous place) with J. T. attacking her. She sure can pick ’em.
rose
To answer your question,why watch soaps? My answer has always been the same, because most times their problems are worse than our own. Also years when younger their ” love in the afternoon” sure beat my excitement of what to make for dinner and a cranky husband coming home to start my exciting evening. OMG,bring on the Soaps!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!
In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?
Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!
Courtesy/ABC
FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS
The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!
Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’
In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.
The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.
Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”
Photo: CDuellIG
SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.
The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.
In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, but what happens sometimes is if you’re doing the same thing, especially in a creative field for such a long time, you can get a little burnt out in a way. It can make you a little depressed, so that’s kind of what happened. On top of that, I had other things going on in my life at the time. My father passed away recently and I just needed a reset. So, I stepped away. A lot of times you have to go through some stuff to really step into that next level. I needed to kind of feel uncomfortable.”
So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Marlena Looks Back at 50 Years in Salem
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Y&R Preview: Matt Clark Asks Phyllis on a Date, Would You Be Down for the Pairing? Roger Howarth & Michelle Previously in GH’s Franco/Nina Romance
-
General Hospital2 days agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
-
Days Of Our Lives2 days agoAl Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
-
Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Karla Mosley Weighs-in on Dani Dupree’s Love Life Endgame: Are You Team Bill or Team Andre?
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Michael Puts Willow On Notice After Tracy Is Arrested
