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
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 Alexithymia., No feelings—no emotions except the brain to use people to her advantage.
Pardon my impertinence—Esme has visited Spence—she used the adjective “conjugal”. Are they married? The word applies to married people and married people only—-writers: get your vocab right!!
Also—not relating to Esme, of course—-
Aside: some women with thick legs and thighs should not be wearing mini dresses/skirts. Pardon me and LOL.
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 she could sell some of that outdated hair. I’m sure the 1960s would take it back.
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 to speak of conjugal visits–D.i.s.g.u.s.t.o—she could have said “fool around”, but “conjugal’? I was waiting for her to say, “fornicating”. LOL.
I know what you mean—as much of a villainess as Nelle was, I liked her—same with Faison, Ava etc. Esme is simply not a liakable character. I want to smack her face a few times. ( kidding)–
And, yes—her hair is too out-dated and blah!! It’s not so bad when it’s loose ( not tied up). She’s a pretty girl, but there’s something about her that, as you say, gives me the creeps.
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 York city isn’t the same now. How could it be?
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.
That family “congregation’ used to exist in soaps—I was about thirteen when Another World, sadly, came to an end–but I remember Ada’s home having an inviting air about it, albeit at that age, one has a different perspective.
What do we see today? A makeshift of a tiny kitchen with a huge island, at the Corinthos’ “mansion” where Carly holds her rants….Audience, lend me your ears!! So inviting…
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!
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
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