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: 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)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
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’
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
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