General Hospital
GH’s Cynthia Watros Talks On Taking Over The Role Of Nina & Ingo Rademacher Dishes Jax’s New Love Interest
Today on June 3rd, Daytime Emmy winner, Cynthia Watros is set to begin taping all-new episodes of General Hospital as she steps into the role of Nina Cassadine, last played by Michelle Stafford, who has left the ABC daytime drama series and headed back to The Young and the Restless to reprise her signature role of Phyllis Summers.
Watros, best-known for her delicious portrayal of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light, and who was last seen on daytime on Y&R, is back to the grind of the soaps taking on the complex Nina. Add to that, it is clear that GH is setting up a potential love triangle, or new love interest for her, now that Jasper Jacks is back in Port Charles with GH fan favorite Ingo Rademacher returning to the show.
Last month on the recent GH Nurses’ Ball episodes, we saw Nina (then Stafford) lock eyes with Jax, and the two demonstrated an instant attraction to each other. Add to that in story; Jax was revealed to be the new 50 percent owner of Aurora Media, which Nina’s Crimson Magazine falls under, putting them in each other’s path in more ways than one.
Michael Fairman TV chatted with Cynthia and Ingo along with other members of the media at last week’s ABC Summer Press Roundtable junket, and here were some intriguing and insightful moments from the conversations below.
When we asked if Cynthia had a conversation with Michelle Stafford on taking over the role of Nina, Watros responded: “I did. We had lunch together, and I have to say, Michelle is an amazing, lovely, giving woman. Just to be able to sit across from her and talk about Nina and to talk about the show, I was just in awe of her generosity. I will always be a fan of Michelle’s. She actually reached out to me and said, ‘If you ever want to call or text…’ and I said, ‘Let’s have lunch!’ So, we found and afternoon and spent like three hours just talking about it.”
Photo Credit: ABC
Since Watros has brought the cray-cray to her best known role of Annie on GL and is so adept as an actress to go from that to playing grave reality, Cynthia weighed in on how she sees Nina and the challenges of being a recast in a soap role: “Nina has all of this stuff that I can’t wait to play. She’s got stuff that she hasn’t explored for a long time because her life is going pretty well right now. What happens though when your life doesn’t go really well? You start exploring those things that you thought were sleeping a little bit, you know, that weren’t necessarily bubbling up to the surface. So, I like it all: when a character’s life is going well and when a character’s life is not going well. Because I’m playing Nina now, it’s going to be different. It’s going to be challenging. It’s the first time I’ve ever taken over a role that someone else has played. I don’t want to totally go off, so people go, “Wow. Nina’s totally different,” but of course, I want to make it my own. Again, I’m an actor who likes to use all of the tools. I like it all … the funny, the not so funny, the playful, and the crazy.”
As to the timing of Watros returning to the soaps at this time in her life … and how it went down that she landed her new gig at GH, she revealed: “It sounds not very dramatic, but I got a phone call. Just a phone call asking, ‘Would you be interested?’ Guiding Light will always be in my heart because I had such a good time doing Annie, and I was on Young and the Restless and Another World for half of a second. So, daytime has always been in my life and in my world. My last show was in Atlanta, and my daughters were in high school in LA, and it’s hard to go back and forth for them, for me, and for my life as a mom. So, I kind of took my acting and said, ‘Well, I’m going to slow it all down until they graduate high school.’ They graduate high school June 2nd and I start GH June 3rd. So, it just seemed like it just made sense.”
Photo: ABC
As to what the future holds for Nina as she takes over the role, Watros shared: “I can tease that I get to play with this guy (Ingo) a lot, and Nina is trying to find a stronger role in the magazine where she is really going to step up in making that a success and her love for the magazine , and trying to navigate her relationship with Jax.”
Cynthia will also get to work with Nina’s present love interest, James Patrick Stuart (Valentin), which the actress is also excited about:“I have to say, I have not met him, but I have been watching the show, and he is just phenomenal. I love his character. I love how he is this sort of like bad guy, but it seems like the women really dig him.”
Watros says she is excited to work with Maura West (Ava), Laura Wright (Carly), and Billy Miller (Drew) from the cast. She has previously worked with Laura and Billy in her soap career. As to her nerves for her first week at the ABC studios where GH is taped, Cynthia shared that she is: “Less nervous, more excited. I feel like a 20-year-old back in soaps. I remember Kim Zimmer (Ex-Reva, Guiding Light) back in the rehearsal room, and I was off script, and she was on the show for a long time before me, and I was new. I was yelling my lines, and she goes, ‘Excuse me! Can you tell this actress not to act so early in the morning?’ (Laughs) I feel like I’m going to do that again. So, I’ve got to tone it all down.” (Laughs)
Photo: ABC
For Ingo, he certainly has a view as to how Jax fits into the canvas of Port Charles: “Jax is to me, and I’ve only just been able to put it into words now that Captain America came out, but he’s ‘Captain America’. He’s all about fairness. If he sees a bully, he will stand up for the person who is being bullied. So, that’s who he is. He’s the white knight. He’s the person who will always do the right thing.”
Now that Jax has big time ownership in Aurora Media and thus Crimson, does he see the sparks flying with Nina? Ingo reveals: “Yeah, basically he walks in, and she goes, ‘What are you doing in my office?’ and he goes, ‘Actually, it’s my office.’ When I heard about him doing that magazine, I was a little surprised because that’s usually much too small for Jax. He’s more of a Richard Gere in Pretty Woman character, corporate leader, takes corporations apart, sells pieces … this is, I think really for his daughter, Josslyn (Eden McCoy). He’s thinking about the future. Also, to keep him busy in an actual job that he might be good at. I think it’s a big change in lifestyle for him where before it was about businesses which were much more global.”
Photo: CBS
As to what is behind Jax’s attraction to Nina, Ingo summed it up by sharing: “I think Jax is attracted to Nina the first time he sees her. I have a feeling he already knew who she was the first time he sees her at the Nurses’ Ball, because he’s been studying Aurora Media before purchasing it. He’s done his background work, and to piss off a Cassadine is just a bonus. Also, I think what is interesting for Nina’s character is the two different guys. She’s engaged to this more mysterious character, and then, you’ve got this jolly, upfront one going, ‘Hey! How’s it going? Everybody having a good day?’ (Laughs) He’s very confident as well, but in a different way. I think it’s nice for the story for Nina to be tugged between two completely different men.”
So, excited to see the debut of Cynthia in the role of Nina? Are you up for a triangle between Jax/Nina/Valentin? Share your thoughts via the comment section below. But first, watch Cynthia’s Emmy-winning moment as Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work on Guiding Light.
I cannot wait to see her in this role
I can not wait for Cynthia to become Nina, and that’s due to the fact I don’t care for M.S. I don’t welcome her return to Y&R .but we can’t have everything, right? Also, being shown in her worst drunken Phyllis charactor, will not be easy to watch. You’re just waiting to see whose life she’ll wreck next.
I agree with what C.W says about playing opposite Jax and Valentin. I’m hoping Valentin will be out of the picture soon, when she finally finds out what he’s done TO her and not for her. They say Sasha is really Liesel’s daughter, making them cousins and not mother and daughter. What on earth did he get out of that? To me, he’s a pitiful little man, especially standing next to that tall, blond, blue eyed Australian hunk.
Just a note here on how much Iam enjoying Roger/Franco’s “cleaner” shaven look . I don’t mind beards (real ones) but these half-ass, scroungy, almost vagrant looking facial things a lot of men are sporting these days is a real turn off for this old timer. Sorry, I know it’s the thing now, but please be honest gals, how many of you really find it sexy or attractive, and do you really enjoy the rug burn? Old minds really want to know, and guys, how much attention does it take keeping it that way, or can you just let it run wild?
Oh, my dear Violet! You are preaching to the choir here on the “pro-clean shaven look” for men! I am totally turned off to the hirsute facial trend that seems to be everywhere these days! On most, it simply looks sloppy and grubby….like these guys are just too lazy to be bothered to groom themselves!!! Ugh! Don’t stand so close to me! Hah! I am especially against it when a man is otherwise very handsome…I cannot understand why they would want to cover up the full glory of their beautiful facades with face fur! Of course, there are exceptions to this rule…some males look quite distinguished and attractive with a well-kept beard, mustache or what-not, but they are in the minority and pretty much had their own individual, well-maintained signature styles established long before this scuzzy stuff became the current rage…think Tom Selleck’s indispensable facial trademark, Don Johnson’s sexy stubble ala Miami Vice or Mr. Fairman’s always impeccably-groomed appearance as evidenced by the photos on his websites! However, that which truly works for the few aforementioned certainly does not apply to the masses! As for the hazards of “rug burn?” Yuck! Even a nubby one-day growth is more than my delicate complexion can bear! “Shave or stay away” is my motto!!! It’s served me well….LOL!
I do not like beards!
They are dirty– have snot, bad-breath, food crumbs, and critters in them YCK..
Imagine all the crud a beard collects, especially on a hot sweaty day or after eating sloppy Joes AHAA.
beards are dirty!.. They might even stink!
And those guys with the half-butt mohawk hairstyles are NASTY UGLY they look like a drunk shaved half their head..
Just wanted to jump in with my opinion BWAAHA!
SuOOO
Feel free to jump in any time, especially when we agree, ha! Funny, you bringing up the beards. I don’t really mind a full on beard if it is taken care of and litter free. Yesterday, watching Curtis, I was thinking how attractive it looks on him, but that grungy facial stuff like Shiloh and some others sport these days are disgusting. Oh yes, those haircuts you mentioned are the worst, aren’t they? First of all, they look like convicts or a military recruit, I don’t know, but I hate the style too.
Hey, Violet! How are you? 😉 Funny you mentioned “Shiloh.” I just posted a comment and I included him in my looks good with a beard list. I think he’s very sexy…twinkling eyes and all for a predator.
Hi Rebecca
Nice to hear from you even if we dont agree. Sorry, he’s just got the kind of face I’d like to run over with a lawn mower. Where you see twinkling eyes, I see pure evil. He’s done such an amazing job of playing Shiloh, I don’t think I could ever like him in anything ever again. I just hope he doesn’t turn up on another show too soon, after he leaves GH.
LOL; that’s so not nice; Coby Ryan McLaughlin (Shiloh) is an actor and if he’s doing THAT good a job he should absolutely show up on another show asap!
I have seen him in several other things…a few movies…he’s also a good musician; has his own band..sings, plays guitar, harmonica.
LOL! “Like to run over with a lawn mower” Gotta admit..that was rather amusing…even though we “don’t agree.”
Well su, you have certainly expressed yourself on this subject in your own inimitable no-holds barred fashion! I was trying to be a bit more subdued whilst sharing my viewpoint on the matter, but you definitely nailed it in a much more succinct manner! Thank you for going where a lot of dared not tread….despite being in total agreement with you!
Thanks, Shay. Am glad to hear that someone loathes this unshaven look as much as I do. This grizley Shiloh has got to be the worst. It’s like these men do not use mirrors anymore. I love Eric’s looks on Days, but lately, when I watch him, it’s like OMG, do you really not know what you look like?
Hopefully Shiloh will soon be seeing his last dawn of days. His minions, followers or whatever we call them are leaving, one by one.
Margaux and Nina headed back to Y&R, and am not looking forward to Nelle’s return, but I guess that’s the only way to assure Michael gets his son back. Hopefully, some good viewing ahead.
I don’t like beards either but having said that, I detest the hairless, waxen chest look on men too. I say take the hair off their faces and implant it into their chests.
Harry, I like certain beards as on Curtis, and I like mustaches that are trimmed properly,i.e Tom Sellleck, and I do love chest hair, as long as it doesn’t cover the shoulders and back as was Robin Williams, RIP.
Oh, you definitely struck a nerve with me on that subject, Violet! I’m simply weary of the cookie-cutter look on so many contemporary males (and soap guys, particularly….) who have that same casually-unkempt facial fuzz, hairstyles(?) and wardrobe. I just thought I was the only one who found it unattractive and annoying since I’m all about classically handsome, clean-cut, well-attired men. I’d love to name names……..but I won’t! LOL……
Aw come on Shay, give us some names.
Shay, Violet, Su…I also can’t stand beards from stubbly to long, or bushy. Disliked it when it spread to baseball players. And David Letterman. Ugh! I will say there are two exceptions who do wear them well…Gandalf in Lord Of the Rings, and Dumbledore in Harry Potter. But they were appropriate for the roles they played. And British actors of course. Can’t wait for season two of Discovery Of Witches. Found some really good DOW videos on YouTube to try to get me by.
AHAA! the youtube– 0ohhh my gawd!!
the women of that era of soaps look/acted like out of control crazy wacko women lol
Whoa the women were portrayed as raging crazy.. ahaa!
Ashely acted as if she escaped from a mental ward ..
(they all did, actually)
What an Insult to women !!
* Old-time wako Soap Divas as portrayed in comedy skits in SNL and other in-kind soap skits is that youtube for sure —
You’re definitely onto something, su000! I personally don’t care for overacting, never have. It’s almost as though some actors — and it’s not just the actresses — feel that they can grab Emmy gold by screaming longer and louder, or by crying at the drop of a hat and carrying on incessantly, sobbing, sniffing, slobbering… I must wonder whether directors are still on set.
I like believability: in plotlines and in acting. You don’t have to knock me over the head with either. Just tell the story. Just convey characterization. Be real.
And this comes from a clean-shaven, clean-cut, generally clean-living guy… I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your comments, su000, as well as those by Violet and Shay on the topic of beards. I certainly wouldn’t argue with any of you ladies on this issue, not by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin!
Jamesj! Haven’t been around these parts in a while…how art thou?” I see you’re still the clever one…”chinny-chin-chin!” Toupe! Errr…Touche!
Hello there, Rebecca1! Thanks for your reply! All is going well with me. I hope all is well with you, Friend! My visits to these parts are scarce as well. Yet these parts are clearly enhanced by your presence — sincerely. Thanks for making my day, and please take care.
@James….Thank you for the gracious “shoutout” regarding my take on current trends in male “grooming”…or more precisely, “non-grooming!” Lol…I’m not surprised that you take the task seriously given your own self-described virtues. Kudos! (You sound like one dreamy gent!) On a slightly more annoying note, this is the third reply I’ve typed to you in the past two days….I’m hoping it will be the charm and actually post by keeping it short and sweet. Obviously, it was quite a treat to see you back amongst the denizens of the ever-expanding Fairmanville….(even if navigating its many cyber highways and byways can be downright exhausting and frustrating!) You’ve been missed! As for your sentiments on “over-acting?”….AMEN! I really cannot handle all the scenery-chewing on GH anymore…particularly by the usual suspects…when it becomes the expected thing, you’ve truly lost the elements of awe and delight that an occasional outburst of extreme emotion once used to bring. (Like with the exquisite Genie Francis or fabulous Finola Hughes! These ladies know how to exercise restraint in their acting to save up for the right moments to let loose! They are the best!) At any rate, I really just wanted to say hello and acknowledge your comments as it’s been far too long sine we touched base…Hope you are having a great summer, thus far! Take care and don’t be a stranger!!!
Hello Shay! And you have now thoroughly made my day! Thanks so much for your warm welcome and extremely kind words! You know I respect and think very highly of you as well. Thanks for your continued efforts to reach me here.
On to the soaps, glad we agree about the overacting. And you are so wise and enlightened to honor Genie Francis and Finola Hughes. They are true soap royalty — not posers, like some others — they are not only popular and radiant, they are indeed great actresses!
I will try not to be a stranger. I know that, with any absence, I am missing so much… (Please see my other reply for more detail.) Best to you and your loved ones, Shay!
Frank pulled out a perfect replacement, maybe better than the original.
Mike something tells me I am suddenly going to be a fan of Nina’s.
I agree, I was disappointed when I found out Stafford was leaving and then more excited that watros wss replacing her. U look forward to this nina.
I can’t wait to see her debut as Nina, I’m really bummed about Michelle leaving but I think Cinthia will be great recast for sure. as for the triangle, I’m really hoping they do ingo right. I think he’s been giving the short stick in the past when it came to Sonny and company, I really hope they let Jax be more assertive and not this guy that can be made to look like a fool just to make Sonny and Jason look like they always have to be right or win with any one who doesn’t belong to their inner circle.
I know there are a lot of diverse opinions on Michelle Stafford as Nina, but I personally loved her in the role, and I’m gonna miss her. I wish ABC/GH had done more to keep her, rather than letting Y&R swoop in and pull the rug out from everybody. But that’s water under the bridge at this point.
I’m excited to see what Cynthia Watros does with Nina. She was fantastic as Annie Dutton on Guiding Light. She more than has the acting chops to come in and not only fill Michelle’s shoes, but make the role her own. Like the potential pairing of Jax and Nina, and what Valentin will do to prevent it from happening. He’s never faced an adversary quite like Jax before. Tons of storyline potential there.
I saw a video interview – not sure if these interviews were one and the same, but Ingo seemed to indicate he’s on contract. Can anyone confirm that?
I’m hoping! I think that’s right!
Its a blessing. Staff was horrible as Nina and Michelle is a good actress. She will be a sight for sore eyes on Y&R. Gina is a mean, unlikable version of Phyllis. Staff will be much better with the new Adam. As far as Cynthia, she will make Nina her own and is capable of shinning with Jax.
Of course I’ll miss Michelle, but I was a big fan of Cynthia’s when she played Annie on GL. She’s a proven talent, so I can’t wait to see her take on this character. Best Wishes to her.
Cynthia is a wonderful actress, I agree with you Rodd. I loved her as Annie Dutton on Guiding Light. She was cray cray lol Cynthia will do a good job on GH as the new Nina.
HOW … Nina managed to be right up their @GH as one of – MY – favorite pairing… w/Shelly AND Chris helming any thing… I don’t know
if you look @the whole canvas… I truly think… @Shelly AND Chris , may have found a beading on what makes Nina and Valentin Kick… moreso w/Valentin , than Nina. Meaning, Give Nina MORE backbone… let Nina help, stand alongside, solve, play parenting, passion ensue… etc etc etc
for instance … currently, Nina shouldn’t be so “coy” nervous stammer w/the likes of Jax AND Valentin… well not so much w/Valentin.. altho she sure needs to put him in his place.
you know.. when you see ALL the comings and goings; you wonder about the writing !!! or lack
oy does the audience even stand a chance. KNOWING @Frank Shelly AND Chris LONG LONG LONG dismal tenure.
Nina and VAlentin from the get go have always managed to weather the storm or deserted blanks.
Up to this point.. Jax stature PLUS eye to eye are still stirring. so here’s hoping that Shelly AND Chris manage to eck out any thing. they certainly can’t undo all the damage Frank Valentini manages with his dullard troupe. ???? Kelly MOnaco’ Sam did what ? with the day of dawn ? NOTHING.. Jason double snore WITH ? threw a couple of jabs beat the shit out of Shiloh. wam bam thank you mam… im outa here. altho.. Sam has kept us all “ABREAST” or two on her new acting SKILL (s)… NICE HIP SURGERY Sam. she’s on top of her game… double uno dose
AT LAST : Shiloh is within reach ! captivating stuff as Sam reads him the riot act. @hospital… as Shiloh LOOKS >>>>>>> !!!!!! ???? within REACH argh! WOWSAH TIME TO SHOW Shiloh
I welcome you , MS. Watros’ to the fold… you are in the best company w/Valentin AND CHarlotte. GAME ON high brow yield folks cause this scintillating titillation is
^^^^ THIS THIS THIS !!! Valentin HOT ME OUT
per Cynthia ! “…Nina’s present love interest, James Patrick Stuart (Valentin), which the actress is also excited about:“I have to say, I have not met him, but I have been watching the show, and he is just phenomenal. ”
Oh Cynthia ; are you in for it
James Patrick Stuart is – beyond – phenomenal !!!
pulse quicken
mind stir
caught
this is thee dance of the show
not one man compares – dullard troupe
think Sonny / Jason /Michael / Peter / Finn/ Franco
you have Billy Miller’ who’s climbing Kilimanjaro ??? Hello ? Find you
Dr. Neil – who’s intrigue may be wasted temporarily on Alexis… get on with it
Shiloh – who’s finally showing humane and physical treat @hospital bed. Yep
always missing Ned
Julian…. he’s due for a real story about him… flesh out this wonderment
Brad and Lucas – absolutely they draw
so you can see people… who needs Frank Valentini and his dullard troupe… I care not ONE IOTA that Carly is pregnant… all her empathy compassion endearment is stuck in her big feet. she has no root value.. never did.
a lot of weight and carry is happening with Valentin and Nina… I’m certain if Shelly and chris focus.. hang your hat on something… otherwise… your stench reeks
TOP DOG – Jon Lindstrom’ Kevin – no –
that’s shared w/JPS’ Valentin
always Big Mac
W/Scotty just chompin @the bit
thee – one – thing i’d advice Ms. Watros’
let’s not take on the addled vice of Nina childlike coquettish manner
OKAY
we get that Nina spent a good 20 plus years in a coma…. all this meaning her womanhood was coma. hence , all Nina had to draw on was her years , presumably under 21 years of age.
no hesitancy no tilt of the head no coil inward … FULL ON STATURE
we are talking FULL ON WOMAN charged to the gills because you come from high brow command intellect
Passion because the world is yours
what do they know? that you don’t have – them – wrapped around “your” lil’ finger and/or wherewithal. just top shelf
the first family of Port Charles , once again, reign supreme
Nina / Valentin / Charlotte
@GH let’s lose Sasha… perhaps beside catching a cold w/Michael.. or an STD… they drive off the cliff
Oh Patrick
J.P.S AND Ingo! The mind boggles!
I love watching her acceptance speech for the Guiding Light Emmy! Guiding Light was the best and the acting was always phenomenal. General Hospital makes another great casting move. Welcome Cynthia! And welcome back to Rebecca Budig, another GL star! Daytime viewers are missing out as GH should be pulling in more than 3 million viewers. Get rid of that awful lead-in show GMA Day. Bring back One Life! Or put one of those prime-time game shows before GH. And why hasn’t GH been renewed yet? Get with it ABC!
I’m not familiar with Cynthia as an actress, but she’s getting some good reviews here. What I do hope is they change her from a more scatter brained role. I did like her when she originally bought Crimson and took it over. It looked good on her. But she seems to have slipped since then. Don’t like what she’s done to Willow who I really like, and her dress at the Nurses Ball. And for the life of me I can’t see why Valentin is so obsessed with Nina. So I hope Jax isn’t either. Haven’t seen a good mate for him since Alexis or Lois. Never a Brenda fan. And speaking of Valentin, wish the writers would have turned him into more of a Helena clone with Cassadine plots afoot. I think they have underused James Patrick, like they do other really good actors like Margaux and Rebecca,
Rose, I agree with all you just said, and today watching Nina trying to persuade Ava to do her article for Crimson, I thought she’d make a good contortionist, and was thinking how glad that she’s leaving soon, but then remembered that she’s going to Y&R, and what a bitch she was as Phyllis. Boy, can’t win for losing, huh? At the end, when Nina told Jax about Ava, he did not look happy. Maybe I misread him. Something else bothering me lately. Not to be unkind, but does Maxie/Kirsten not look too good these days, or is it my imagination?
Kirsten has certainly gone from painfully thin to , what now appears to be “bloated” . seriously folks this is with respect. I thought perhaps an overweight gain. there may be underlying issues as well ? no? what really triggered this was when she was working the Nurses’ Ball. hated the extensions.
Violet,…maybe it’s her hairdo? But “yes” not quite the same. I also wonder about Victor/Eric Braeden. And Y&R’s storyline about him now is not a good one, health wise?
I am looking forward to Cynthia bringing her energy, verbal tennis & lobbing the ball with her fellow actors. I’m home on sabbatical making time when I can to watch the fantastic 4 soaps through October. Wish all would edit, edit, edit their terribly large casts. Streamline the storytelling & distribute the wealth. Give you a shot GH…you have the goods, need to balance the Sonny/Carly airtime with rest of the town. I know mobsters have been apart of the serial storyline since it’s inception. Watching old clip of many soaps on YouTube, lately. Where is the heart? Who are you? Make me feel, make me cry, make me care. I will tune in. I’ll be watching. I’ve loved LW since GL, she makes you feel. MW has always taken me there since ATWT. Nancy Lee from SB days commanded your attention. JZ, Bobbie’s rich history is soo underused on GH.
I’ll write about Days, Bold, Young as other articles come up.
It’s been fun getting back in touch with my soap opera roots.
It’s on the page. Actors, script, camera. We do not need convoluted plots, far far fetched absurdity or boring.
Escapism, romance, humor. And heart.
Come on daytime…you are not gone, yet, bring it! And challenge yourself.
Don’t know her work–but I know Ingo’s–and HE”S a great asset to GH. Love him!
Is Jax the owner of Aurora Media or not? Where does Nina get the right to tell him what or what not to do? I loved every minute of him telling Ava exactly what he thought of her murdering Connie and switching out Morgan’s meds. I also enjoyed Nina’s obvious discomfort watching him do it.
I also liked Jordan using her detective skills to figure out how she actually got Ryan’s kidney. I just knew last week, that it must have been an awfully large canary, for those five to all have feathers hanging out of their mouths. I wonder how Stella will feel, when she figures out that she was left out of the conspiracy.
Yeah, but I wished it was the other Nina, because I was used to her, but will see how this new actress plays the role.
All I can say is – boy is she wrong about the character of Jax. She must not have been watching GH too long for her to be able to say that. LOL He is the farthest thing from how she describes him..he is the total opposite of that.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell is Set Up By Lucas and Company, Cassius is in the Right Place at the Right Time
On the Wednesday, June 10 episode of General Hospital, after Sidwell (Carlo Rota) shoots Lucas (Van Hansis) three times, he is surrounded by PCPD commissioner Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna), Joe (Jonathan Bennett) and other uniformed cops. Laura (Genie Francis) and Sonny (Maurice Benard) show up and the mayor runs to Lucas as Joe checks his vitals.
Lucas comes to and reveals (as we all predicted) that he was wearing a bulletproof vest. That reveal sets Sidwell off that he was played as Dante says there is evidence enough to arrest him for attempted murder.
Sidwell though, tells Dante that he needs to arrest Laura and his father, the mobster Sonny Corinthos, for Professor Dalton’s murder, but admits he no longer has the proof because Lucas broke into his safe and stole the evidence.
Courtesy/ABC
LUCAS GETS BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS
Just then, “Nathan” (Ryan Paevey) shows up wondering what he missed. Sidwell says his lawyer will get the charges thrown out since Dante, Laura, Sonny and Lucas conspired against him. However, Dante mistakenly allows “Nathan” aka Cassius to be in charge of taking Sidwell to the PCPD and to book him.
Lucas is still uneasy. Laura wants him to go to GH to be checked out. Dante asks Laura and Sonny and Sonny about Dalton’s death, but they play dumb as if they know nothing about it, which is not lost on Dante that they are lying.
Later, none other than Joe takes Lucas to the hospital, and for the first time we see the two characters truly in a one-on-one moment together. Lucas talks about Marco and Joe waits around till the nurse comes to get Lucas to get checked out. Do you get a sense that Joe likes Lucas, or is that all in our minds?
Courtesy/ABC
SIDWELL GETS AWAY
Taking a side road, Cassius gets Sidwell out of his vehicle, and tells him he cannot protect him from an attempted murder charge, so the only thing Jenz can do is to get out of the country and disappear for good. Sidwell says he has many contingency plans in place, and also warns Cassius that he will expose him if he does not comply with what he needs him to do.
To make it look good, Sidwell asks for Cassius’ gun. In the final moments of the show, Cassius is seen with a gash on his head calling Dante, and informing him that Sidwell’s thugs jumped him and Jenz got away!
Courtesy/ABC
THE PLAN TO BLACKMAIL DREW BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE
Elsewhere, Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) is freaked out that Jack (Chris McKenna) is able to grab her arm and talk! Just then, Nina (Cynthia Watros) shows up. Willow learns her mother hasn’t been injecting Brennan with the paralytic drug. Jack says he can stop Sidwell and Cullum from coming after her and has evidence she can leverage against Drew.
Willow learns, that according to Brennan, Drew misappropriated federal funds and he has the proof, and if that should come to light, Drew would be sent to prison. Nina says Drew won’t risk being sent to prison again, so Willow can stop drugging him.
However, Jack has a plan. He says he’s the only one with the information on Drew. He thinks they should continue to let Cullum and Sidwell believe he’s still in a locked-in state to give him cover. Willow is told as much as she hates continuing to drug Drew, she will only need to do it 1 or 2 more times, to give Jack time to set everything in motion.
So, were you annoyed that Cassius freed Sidwell when he was caught shooting Lucas Jones? Where do you think Sidwell will go? Do you think Joe and Lucas might be potential boyfriends, and what do you think of Jack’s plan? Did Drew really misappropriate federal funds? Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, check out the scenes between, Nina, Willow and Jack.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Reveals Top Three Favorite Storylines She Has Ever Written For, and All From ‘General Hospital’
If there is a story or script from one of your favorite soaps over the last three and a half decades that is most memorable to you, it’s probably because veteran soap writer, Michele Val Jean had something to do with it.
The current creator, head writer and executive producer of CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates has been razzle dazzling us with some impressive cliffhangers in the infancy of the newest soap opera on the block which debuted back on February 24, 2025. Already in its second season, and recently renewed in a tremendous show of confidence by CBS for seasons three and four, this week its spotlighting the highly-anticipated crossover event when characters from The Young and the Restless arrive at Fairmont Crest airing now through June 12.
Val Jean has tenured history in daytime from: being a script writer for Santa Barbara (and breakdown writer), Port Charles, Generations, and lengthy run a few times at General Hospital where she served as script writer, breakdown writer, and at one time co-head writer of the ABC soap, to being a long-running script writer at The Bold and the Beautiful, to finally landing her very own show as its head writer with Beyond the Gates.
Photo: CBS
Earlier this week, Michael Fairman TV chatted with Michele at the Toast to Black Excellence event in Los Angeles, featuring cast members of Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless as a precursor to their multi-arc crossover event and asked Val Jean what has been her favorite story in soaps she has ever written for. She responded that she had a top three and they all happened to be from her time on General Hospital and in the 90’s.
GENERAL HOSPITAL CLASSIC STORYLINES
Michele revealed her top picks, “Elizabeth’s (Rebecca Herbst) rape, because that was personal, Kevin and Ryan (dual roles played by Jon Lindstrom), and Stone’s (Michael Sutton) death.”
When speaking of getting the opportunity to write for mild-mannered Dr. Kevin Collins and his psycho killer twin, Ryan Chamberlain, Michele explained, “I was always like a true crime person and Claire Labine (ex-head writer, GH) loved the vibe Jon Lindstrom and I has as writing and acting were concerned. Claire said, ‘Go with it. So, she basically let us work out who these characters were and I was like, ‘I finally have my own serial killer!'”
Courtesy/ABC
DOUBLE TROUBLE
“One of the first scenes I wrote for Ryan was in the police interrogation room and Mac Scorpio (John J. York) and Sean Donely (John Reilly) were standing behind him. He was sitting at this table and in his jumpsuit and there was a light shining on him and he started confessing to all these murders. It was like a 7-minute monologue and it went on and on. He had so many murders (piled up). and then at one point, he goes, ‘Wait, a minute!” He got confused about all the women he had murdered and I said ‘I love this character!'”
GH fans will recall Ryan debuted first in 1992, and then Kevin joined the main characters in 1993. Val Jean recalled, “When Kevin came onto the canvas, he was so arrogant. He thought, ‘Oh, I’ll go fix my brother.’ It took Ryan about five minutes to figure out who Kevin was. The next thing you know, Kevin’s in the middle of a mental institution going, ‘I’m not Ryan!’ And, Ryan’s out on a date with Felicia (Kristina Wagner) I think we must have killed Ryan off six times. That was fun!”
Photo: ABC
PERSONAL VANTAGE POINT
In 1998, Val Jean wrote Elizabeth Webber’s rape storyline. She notably based the controversial and critically acclaimed storyline on her own personal experience with sexual assault.
Michele reflected, “Elizabeth’s rape was really important to me because I was watching the Campus Disco in 1979 (when Luke raped Laura), and I was raped when I was 12-years-old. I know what rape looks like. I wanted to win Tony Geary (Luke) an Emmy because he hadn’t had one since 1983. I also wanted to call a rape a “rape,” and I wanted to heal myself, because back when I grew up on the south side of Chicago in the sixties, you didn’t go to therapy. You pulled yourself up by your bootstraps, and you went on. There was a trial and my rapist went to jail. Once that was over, there was no more talking about it. So, those were my three reasons for doing that story. I managed to do all three, and that was the most personally satisfying.”
Courtesy/ABC
STONE AND ROBIN
Perhaps, there is nothing more iconic and important, than the death of Stone Cates, who tragically dies of AIDS. The episode where he passes away with his girlfriend, a young Robin (Kimberly McCullough) who now has contracted HIV by his side, aired on November 29, 1995. Val Jean had noted on social media that it was both an honor and a heartbreak to write this episode.
BEYOND THE GATES EARLY FAVORITES
Now, Michele is setting new favorites in her repertoire with Beyond the Gates. She revealed that so far, there have been two standouts. The first, the violent altercation on a deserted country road where Martin (Brandon Claybon) fatally struck one of two racist white men with a tire iron to save his grandfather, Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) life and his own.
“I am most proud of Martin by the side of the road (story), because I didn’t think the CBS network would let me do it, but the network has been so supportive. I took a lot of personal satisfaction from that. I’ve never experienced anything like that! ” Another top pick? I loved the anniversary party when Nicole’s (Daphnée Duplaix) marriage got all blown up!
So, are some of your all-time favorite storylines the ones Michele Val Jean chose? Elizabeth’s Rape, early Kevin/Ryan and Stone’s death on General Hospital? What about the racism storyline centering around Martin Richardson and the bombshell reveal on Beyond the Gates that Ted had an affair with Leslie and a child, which came to light at the anniversary party of Ted and Nicole? Let us know via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Adam J. Harrington Joins the Cast of Prime Video’s Thriller Drama ‘Bishop’
Adam J. Harrington (ex-John Jagger Cates, General Hospital) is one of 10 major casting additions who will have recurring or guest star roles in the highly-anticipated thriller, Bishop to stream on Amazon Prime.
Along with Harrington on Tuesday, Dillon Casey, Rick Hoffman, Bronson Pinchot, Ron Lea, Kaniehtiio Horn, Hunter Dillon, Brett Donahue, Jorja Cadence, Ishan Davé were all announced via Deadline.
In story, on Bishop, a homicide detective Bishop Graves (Joel Kinnaman) – brilliant, battle-scarred – will put all of his skills to the test in the hunt for an elusive killer targeting San Francisco’s moneyed class. As this increasingly audacious killer develops a devoted following among the city’s powerless, Bishop becomes convinced these murders connect back to SF’s most powerful man, his own father, Lincoln Graves (John Malkovich).
MAJOR LINE-UP
The cast is even more star-studded with Jennifer Jason Leigh as Jillian Graves, Lincoln Graves’ sister, and aunt to Bishop Graves; Jordana Brewster (ex-ATWT and Dallas) as Kat Claiborne, a seasoned inspector at the San Francisco Police Department; Harry Treadaway as Wyatt; and Xavier Samuel as Anthony ‘Ant’ Graves, Bishop Graves younger brother.
Ulrich Thomsen, Erik Svedberg-Zelman, and Jennifer Beals will also appear in recurring roles. Guest starsalso include John Larroquette and Rob Yang. The aforementioned Harrington will play the role of Eric Olsen.
Photo: ABC
JOHN “JAGGER” CATES MURDER STILL SWEPT UNDER THE RUG
As General Hospital fans will recall, it was back on the August 30, 2024, where Harrington’s John Cates was shot twice by mobster Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). Till this day, no one even mentions the fact, or seemingly knows that Sonny got away with killing a man in cold blood. Will it ever come to light years later in a major way or stay buried in GH history forever?
Harrington first appeared on the ABC soap opera back in February of 2024, when in a shocking recast, he took over the role of Jagger, now going by the name of John and an FBI agent. The part was originally made soap famous by a young Antonio Sabato Jr. from 1992 to 1995.
After Adam wrapped his run, he participated in a livestream chat on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he opened up about learning it would be the end of the line for John “Jagger’ Cates, and much more. You can check it out below.
No word yet on when Bishop will debut on Prime Video, but Michael Fairman TV will keep you posted.
So, glad to see Adam landing a role in an upcoming thriller which also features so many great actors in the cast? Are you still shocked that Sonny Cortinthos shot and killed John and completely got away with it? Let us know via the comment section below.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell is Set Up By Lucas and Company, Cassius is in the Right Place at the Right Time
Sheri Anderson, 3-Time Emmy Winner and Former Co-Head Writer of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Elia Cantu Announces Her Exit from ‘Days of Our Lives’
‘Property Brothers’ Franchise Star Jonathan Scott to Host New Daytime Talk Show in Development for 2027
‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Reveals Top Three Favorite Storylines She Has Ever Written For, and All From ‘General Hospital’
‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’ Casts Dean Geyer in the Role of ‘Tristan Roberts’
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
‘General Hospital’ SORAS’s Scout Cain and Casts Kayden Brenna Tokarski in the Role of Drew and Sam’s Daughter
Marc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell is Set Up By Lucas and Company, Cassius is in the Right Place at the Right Time
Sheri Anderson, 3-Time Emmy Winner and Former Co-Head Writer of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Ashley Jones Makes Her ‘Beyond the Gates’ Debut in a Shocking Reveal as ‘The Impaler’
GENERAL HOSPITAL Weekly Promo: Lucas Puts His Life on the Line, Cassius is Enraged at Cullum Over His Mutter
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Victor Newman Touches Down in Fairmont Crest and Martin’s Fundraiser Turns Into Its Own ‘Disaster’ Movie
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Breaking News2 days ago‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Dean Geyer in the Role of ‘Tristan Roberts’
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General Hospital1 week agoSteve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ SORAS’s Scout Cain and Casts Kayden Brenna Tokarski in the Role of Drew and Sam’s Daughter
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General Hospital6 days agoMarc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’
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Beyond the Gates6 days ago2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
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News1 week ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Joshua Morrow Reveals Shooting Nick Newman’s Upcoming AA Meeting Scenes Were Tough for Him