General Hospital
GH’s Genie Francis ’45 Years as Laura’ On Set Celebration (PHOTOS)
Yesterday, the one and only Genie Francis (Laura Collins), marked her 45th year as the beloved Laura Collins on the ABC daytime drama series, General Hospital.
Francis debuted in the role on February 8th, 1977 as Laura Vining and when eventually paired with Anthony Geary (Luke) took daytime by storm, and the genre became must-see mainstream TV, under the purview of then EP, Gloria Monty.
Throughout her 45 years, Francis has won a Daytime Emmy for her work in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category back in 2007, but has also been twice nominated for Lead Actress; including last year in 2021, and had another previous Supporting Actress nomination.
Photo: ABC
In her recent SOD interview, Genie shared what it has been like to now be paired on-screen romantically with Jon Lindstrom (Kevin), after Laura spent years in Luke’s orbit: “You come together and it sparks into something larger. I had that with Tony Geary, and I have that with Jon Lindstrom. It’s an interesting thing that happens. I’m grateful for it because if we were not able to do that on that show, I don’t think they would have kept the character on in quite the same way.”
Check out a few photos below of GH’s on set celebration on Tuesday.
Then, share your congrats to Genie for a job well-done, and this milestone, in the comment section.
Photos: ABC
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I think she had chemistry with Kin Shriner and also Stephen Nichols . Congrats Genie
She has chemistry with everyone.
RoseKellyPC,
I was just about to say that. LOL
What can I say? Genie Francis is pure magic. Whenever she’s on, I find myself happy, nostalgic, and grateful that the viewer is in the hands of a true professional. So glad she’s FINALLY back in a meaningful story, not just as an appendage to Luke. I also hope she’s instrumental in bringing down Esme, the latest Peter-type villain: self-centered, obnoxious, and completely unlikable.
Oh, Soaphound—how I agree—your words are sacrosanct. And, yes—Laura will be the one to bring Esme ( whose makeup is the wrong shade) down. There is something very satanic about her, isn’t there?—she’s a sycophant with an inherent need to hurt people. I wish Esme’s actions ( drugging Trina etc.) will be exposed soon. She belongs in a sanitarium. I had wondered if Esme were related to Ryan. I still wonder—hmmm. His daughter? That would make her Kevin’s niece. Will he be in her corner and help her when the world comes crasking down on her? I think she has… Read more »
Satanic??
**in my best Bill Clinton voice**
I did not have sexual relations with Harmony!!
– who is more than likely Esme’s biological mother
You think? So, am I to assume Shiloh to be her baby daddy?
Very possible.
Ryan is her father. I’m not sure how they’re going to explain how he and Harmony knew each other back in the day, but it’s only obvious that Ryan knows exactly who she is. The guy can only communicate with eye movements these days, but when he saw her, those eyes were freaking out.
I’m only surprised that Kevin hasn’t figured it out yet. Dude can’t recognize his own niece??
Makes sense, Satan—when we first saw Esme interact with Ryan, I noticed their looks and her subterfuge—I actually commented about it.
Moreover, as far as Ryan communicating only with his eyes? I don’t know, about that. I bet Esme and he communicate verbally. He’s faking it.
Something else gave me pause today—-Willow is not Harmony’s daughter–OK—
I have said ad nauseam that Willow and Nelle were twins—or that Willow and not Nelle was Nina’s daughter .
But, Harmony killed that notion today. Someone named Joan living within the commune gave birth to Willow? Well, there goes that.
Celia, just had a horrifying thought! What if Sonny “conjugaled” with this Joan and Willow is Sonny’s bairn? That would really throw a fly into the Metamucil. They could plan a “Chinatown” type reveal, with Michael getting slapped and confessing, “She’s my wife”. SLAP! “She’s my step-sister”. SLAP! “She’s my wife and my step-sister!” Now that’d be worth tuning in for.
Oh, “slap” me silly, Soaphound. HaHa!!
Your horrifying thought “ain’t” so far fetched.LOL–Sonny’s seed is so powerful–he’s “conjugated” and fornicated with just about everyone-everywhere-anytime—so….
Is there any woman in the PC circle Sonny has not tasted? And, now they’re all such great friends!! Let’s see: Mother and daughter; Alexis and Sam—Carly; Olivia; Ava; Nina—I don’t know the others—I heard of Brenda? Whoever she was!!
You are too much fun—I can hear the slaps, my friend. Shhhh, not so loud. It’s 2 AM.
BTW—the only other person who says “bairn” is Fiona, my grandmother—straight from Scotland and a brogue to match. Love it!!
Nite!!❤️
CELIA, YES! My mom and I can never fathom why these gals with big thighs are wearing minis and, God help us, short shorts. It just isn’t flattering and invites the question, “What was she THINKING?” Or, even worse, “Doesn’t she have a friend or relative who will tell her the truth?” Strangely, we say that a lot during the OSCARS as well. Esme is just a creep; the very idea of Spencer ‘conjugaling’ with her makes me nauseous. She’s not a “fun villain” like Nelle or sometimes Ava. And here’s an idea — since she’s homeless without Laura, maybe… Read more »
HaHa—love it, Soaphound—I have three sisters and you can’t put us in a room together without blowing your mind—no subject is left untouched—sitting at my parents’ kitchen table, drinking coffee/tea, while my Mom shakes her head with a smile on her face. We affectionately call her “The Alien”–she’s nothing like us. And, she’s not her mother’s daughter either. My grandmother will joyfully sit with us and join the chatter. None of us is perfect nor has a perfect body. But, most of us try to camouflage whatever flaw. Now, about Esme—it strikes me as so weird for someone that young… Read more »
Celia, you brought back so many GREAT memories here. Growing up visiting my grandmother’s (we called her Nanny) house in New York after we’d moved to California, the best days were ones when we just stayed home around the kitchen table all day and just talked (or in my case listened). My Nan was Scottish, the other grandparents were from Italy. What tales! What recipes! What memories of going off to matinees or the local bakery or Leonard’s Pizzeria in the 60s and early 70s. And of course.. watching AS THE WORLD TURNS, ANOTHER WORLD and, later, GUIDING LIGHT. New… Read more »
Well, wonder of wonders—we share a Scottish grandmother, Soaphound….LOL—Nanna is actually a Scot endearment for Grandmother— You touched my heart with your description of bygone days. My mom grew up in the city—-Mulberry St.—those were different days—even our soaps had heart, as my grandmother keeps telling us. The kitchen table has always been the “gathering” place; the focal point of our family—-It’s a biiiig table ( metaphorically). I have five siblings —-my younger brother is twenty-six and my baby sister is in her last year of College ( we call her “oops”) —there’s more room for the family to grow.LOL.… Read more »
Soaphound
Was reading this again after Laura’s meeting today with Esme. Laura sure made her squirm, but not enough to give up her vendetta against Joss who by the way was pretty nasty herself. She really surprised and embarrassed her friend.
Congratulations to the one and only Genie Francis for 45 years as Laura. You’re the very best.
Looking at these pictures makes me smile… She is simply radiant. I have loved her all of these years. Congratulations Genie!
The one and only incomparable. No one else can play that role. She had great chemistry with Tony Geary, Kin Shriner and Super Hot chemistry with Stephen Nichols.
Ms Francis should be as dominant on GH as Miss Slezak was on OLTL. I would like to see Laura’s family restored and engaged forefront. They are core.
Only if GH is able to persuade Jonathan Jackson to come back.
Congrats. That is great
I loved Genie back in the day with Kin Shriner, never did like Luke and her falling for him after what he did to her. I do think she and Jon Lindstrom make a very believable couple as does she and her brother.
She hasn’t spent 45 consecutive years on GH, which would be more noteworthy. It’s just been 45 years since she first aired as Laura.
Congratulations.
The only one near that many consecutive years would be Leslie Charleson. Even then, towards the JFP era, we were lucky to see Monica twice a year.
Francis is the genuine “star” of GH! Her work with Geary put GH on the map, eliciting the highest TV ratings for a soap ever. Her acumen as an actress has skyrocketed. GH and its viewers are LUCKY to have her. In interviews, Francis comes across as sincere, appreciative, and humble. A true delight on and off camera. Congratulations!
What a joy to see her on GH! Congratulations to her for 45 years and marvelous acting. She is a treasure for ALL of us!
She lights up the screen and emotes more than anyone else. Every smile and every tear is truly believable and magical to watch.
I think you are a phenomenal actress and a lovely person. I have watched from the very beginning and loved every minute, except that final breakup with Luke. But nothing lasts forever and I do love Laura with Kevin. Even though I’m a hopeless romantic, I do enjoy that Laura has become independent and powerful in her own rite. You portray it all so well and light up every scene you’re in. I wish you many more happy years with GH. Congratulations!
General Hospital
Kelly Thiebaud Opens Up on Her Exit from General Hospital, Taping Britt’s Tragic Death Scenes, and Parting Thoughts on Co-Stars
Just a few weeks ago on the January 4th episode of General Hospital, viewers were left devastated when Dr. Britt Westbourne succumbed to a fatal poisoning after a confrontation with ‘The Hook’.
While it was revealed that Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud, was exiting the ABC soap opera at the end of 2022, many thought the story would see Britt leaving Port Charles to deal with her declining health due to Huntington’s Disease in private, in order to keep the door open for a possible return down the line. However, that was not meant to be. When a report from Deadline surfaced back in August of 2022, it indicated that Kelly was returning to her primetime role on ABC’s Station 19, which caused some confusion and rumors of just what would Thiebaud’s ultimate status be with the daytime drama series.
Photo: ABC
Now, in a very special exit interview for You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, Kelly chats with Michael Fairman and clarifies what led to her decision to leave her role as Dr. Britt Westbourne.
Talking with Fairman direct from London, Kelly, who won a Daytime Emmy in 2022 for the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, reveals how it came to pass that GH would kill-off the character of Britt by becoming another victim of ‘The Hook’, and more.
Photo: KThiebaudIG
During the conversation, Thiebaud shares her thoughts on working with her former GH co-stars including: Steve Burton (ex-Jason), Parry Shen (Brad), Kirsten Storms (Maxie), Kathleen Gati (Liesl), Cassandra James (Terry), Roger Howarth (Austin) and Josh Kelly (Cody), as well as some of her favorite memories throughout her run on the series which began in 2012.
Photo: ABC
Kelly took the character from being the manipulative ‘Britch’ as an interloper in the romance of Patrick (Jason Thompson) and Sabrina (Teresa Castillo), all the way to becoming a well-loved character to root for.
Courtesy/ABC
While, GH viewers witnessed Britt’s shocking death scenes, Kelly weighs-in on taping those moments, as well as Britt’s emotional goodbye birthday party, and having the opportunity to portray a character who was trying to navigate her life, while suffering from the effects of Huntington’s Disease.
In addition, Thiebaud gives a very special ‘thank you’ and shout out to the fans for their enduring support as she looks forward to new roles and new adventures ahead.
Photo: NATAS
Check out our heartfelt farewell interview with Kelly below, and for upcoming celebrity features, interviews, event coverage, music videos, and more, make sure to ‘subscribe‘ to the Michael Fairman Channel.
So, what did you think about Kelly’s decision to depart GH? Will you miss her as Britt? Share your thoughts on our conversation in the comment section below.
General Hospital
Denise Crosby Makes a Return to General Hospital
After a major fallout with her parents, Carolyn (Denise Crosby) and Jeff Webber (William R. Moses), Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) was devastated, in particular because they concocted a plan to make her forget all about the tragic situation earlier in her life. That being, when Finn’s (Michael Easton) late wife, Reiko, fell down a flight of steps and eventually died after she struggled with Liz.
Apparently, the story is not over, when Denise Crosby reprises her role of Carolyn beginning the week of January 23rd on General Hospital.
Talking about her return in the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, Crosby previewed, “She (Carolyn) wants to make a connection with her daughter and try to make amends for something that is almost impossible to make amends for. She knows it could go really wrong, but she can’t live with herself if she doesn’t take the shot.”
Photo: ABC
Something tells us there is more to the story of why Carolyn could have returned to Port Charles? Any thoughts?
Let us know your theories about Elizabeth’s mother upcoming return to Port Charles in the comment section below.
General Hospital
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NBC Celebrates Carol Burnett’s 90th Birthday with Retrospective Special Featuring Susan Lucci and More Celebrity Guests
Y&R 50th Anniversary Cast Photo Revealed
Y&R’s Tracey Bregman Receives Replacement Daytime Emmy from Christian LeBlanc on ‘The Talk’
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TODAY: Tracey Bregman Visits ‘The Talk’ to Discuss Her 40th Anniversary With Y&R; Standalone Episode Airs Tomorrow
Denise Crosby Makes a Return to General Hospital
Kelly Thiebaud Opens Up on Her Exit from General Hospital, Taping Britt’s Tragic Death Scenes, and Parting Thoughts on Co-Stars
Y&R’s Tracey Bregman Receives Replacement Daytime Emmy from Christian LeBlanc on ‘The Talk’
Chrishell Stause Makes a Return to Days of our Lives
TODAY: Tracey Bregman Visits ‘The Talk’ to Discuss Her 40th Anniversary With Y&R; Standalone Episode Airs Tomorrow
Zach Tinker Joins the Cast of CBS ‘Fire Country’
Shemar Moore Becomes a Dad for the First Time with Girlfriend Jesiree Dizon as They Welcome Their Baby Girl
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes OUT at ABC and ‘GMA3’
Y&R 50th Anniversary Cast Photo Revealed
NBC Celebrates Carol Burnett’s 90th Birthday with Retrospective Special Featuring Susan Lucci and More Celebrity Guests
Michael B. Jordan Recalls His Acting Start as All My Children’s Reggie in SNL Opening Monologue
Chrishell Stause Makes a Return to Days of our Lives
NBC Celebrates Carol Burnett’s 90th Birthday with Retrospective Special Featuring Susan Lucci and More Celebrity Guests
TODAY: Tracey Bregman Visits ‘The Talk’ to Discuss Her 40th Anniversary With Y&R; Standalone Episode Airs Tomorrow
Kelly Thiebaud Opens Up on Her Exit from General Hospital, Taping Britt’s Tragic Death Scenes, and Parting Thoughts on Co-Stars
Johnny Wactor Featured in Music Video Short Film ‘There to Catch Me’ by the Nashvillains
‘Ryan’s Hope’ Favorite Michael Levin Dead at 90
General Hospital to Celebrate 60th Anniversary with the Nurses’ Ball, Stage Dedication, and Jane Elliot to Return
Y&R Alum and S.W.A.T. Star Shemar Moore to Become a Dad for the First Time
Kelly Thiebaud Shares Parting Thoughts On Her GH Exit: “Being On This Show, Being in Your Living Rooms Everyday, is an Experience I Will Cherish for the Rest of My Life”
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General HospitalJanuary 20, 2023Denise Crosby Makes a Return to General Hospital
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General HospitalJanuary 22, 2023Kelly Thiebaud Opens Up on Her Exit from General Hospital, Taping Britt’s Tragic Death Scenes, and Parting Thoughts on Co-Stars
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NewsJanuary 25, 2023Y&R’s Tracey Bregman Receives Replacement Daytime Emmy from Christian LeBlanc on ‘The Talk’
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 27, 2023Chrishell Stause Makes a Return to Days of our Lives
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NewsJanuary 24, 2023TODAY: Tracey Bregman Visits ‘The Talk’ to Discuss Her 40th Anniversary With Y&R; Standalone Episode Airs Tomorrow
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 27, 2023Zach Tinker Joins the Cast of CBS ‘Fire Country’
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Breaking NewsJanuary 25, 2023Shemar Moore Becomes a Dad for the First Time with Girlfriend Jesiree Dizon as They Welcome Their Baby Girl
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Breaking NewsJanuary 27, 2023Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes OUT at ABC and ‘GMA3’