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GH's Jonathan Jackson on his Emmy Nomination & tackling tough emotional story!

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

On-Air On-Soaps spoke to General Hospital’s sensational Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) about his much-deserved Daytime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor!  Jackson whose Emmy-nominated performance, where Lucky confronts Elizabeth and Nikolas about their affair, has been heralded as a soap classic, riveting, and is highly regarded from his peers. Jonathan, a three-time Daytime Emmy winner already found out the news of his nomination on his birthday last Wednesday! Quite the present, he tells us.

But Jackson’s emotional and gut-wrenching performances have not stopped there with the confrontation by Lucky of Liz and Nik’s betrayal. Already in 2011, we have already seen him in tour de force performances during Jake’s death and Luke’s intervention.  Here is what Jonathan had to say below about choosing his Emmy reel, his co-stars, and fellow nominee, Jason Thompson (Patrick) and how Jackson’s nominated work is being touted as an all-time memorable soap moment, ala Judith Light’s courtroom confession as Karen on One Life to Live.

Jonathan on his Emmy reel selection: “I always knew that the episode I would choose to submit would be when Lucky confronts Elizabeth and Nikolas about their affair. Years ago back in the 90’s; they used to have us send in two shows as opposed to one. There were other shows I was really happy with that if I could I would have put in along with it I would have, but that episode was a perfect storm situation. Nothing culminated like that episode. We all knew the scenes went great. When things like that click, there is something in the air and bigger than the individuals that are in the room. You can feel it and you know it.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

One of the things I have learned over the years, probably because I started acting really young at eleven years old was; actors can be very self-critical and it can make people very self-conscious. That is something that I really have been intentional about over my acting career, to not be overly self-critical, but to do my best and give it my all, and to leave it at that and not try to judge it. For me, that is where I like to stay. And so afterwards, I felt really positive about the scenes. I was completely drained for several days.  It is one of those episodes that takes a lot out of you.  I really was hoping that Becky Herbst (Elizabeth) would get nominated.  I thought she did really incredible work over that same arc and storyline.”

Jonathan on how his performance is being touted as an all-time classic: “In regards to how people have said this is one of those all-time memorable performances, it is amazing to be perceived like that. I am young punk still. I had to be educated about the famous Judith Light (Ex-Karen, OLTL) courtroom confession scene. So for me, I don’t have much of a context for that. It is like when I started working with Tony Geary (Luke) and Genie Francis (Ex-Laura), I had no idea who Luke and Laura were. But, it’s amazing to be considered up there with Judith. I am humbled on how it’s been received.”

Courtesy/ABC

Jonathan on being given the ball at GH, and how it is to play one emotional story after the next: “Honestly, it has been insane the amount of intense work I have had over the past year on GH. I have literally been on my knees praying to continually get through it. There was the Elizabeth tragedy that happened last year, and then Lucky was drunk, and then he was at the edge of everything for four months. Then, this year it has been Jake’s death, and the Luke’s intervention and one thing after another. So it has been really crazy and a lot. I am grateful that the show believes in me, and that they want to give me that work to do, but it is a balance of trying to find those places to recoup. I try to take it day to day.  We are always in dialog that it does not go far. It was the same thing with Tony Geary (Luke) on his recent storyline and what he was giving out day in and day out. It was truly incredible. Tony also sent me an email telling me congratulations on the Emmy nomination, and he is always just incredibly supportive.”

Jonathan on being nominated in the same category as his GH co-star Jason Thomson: “I was also very happy for Jason Thompson.  I think he is an incredibly powerful actor and I have told him that, on a few different occasions. I don’t get to work with him very often, but recently when we did the Jake storyline in the hospital when he passed away, Becky and I had a scene with Jason and Kimberly McCullough (Robin). I remember feeling a strong presence from him as an actor in the room. It really helped me in my performance. I felt that he has that leading man presence and has a depth there that is real and unique. The episode that Jason sent in for the Emmy, I was extremely impressed with.  We are all really supportive of each other here. I was excited for GH as a whole getting 21 nominations.”

Courtesy/ABC

Jonathan on heading to Las Vegas, and the red carpet and presentation of the 38th Annual Daytime Emmys! “My wife Lisa and I will be at the Emmys. I have said this before that in daytime you don’t get an end to a season where you get a three or four month hiatus. It just keeps going and going. That can wear on you.  So for me, the Emmys are like a marker for the year where you can go, “Ok. We are celebrating what is last year. We get to get together over the work we have done, and especially in this time we are in.” It’s fun to see people from the other soaps.  I have such great respect for how hard everyone works in this medium. It can be insane to pump out this much material all the time and I want to see them get celebrated. For me, I am prepared to not win, or win, and it does not matter. Being nominated is a great honor. I have experienced enough things in life to know that things happen for a reason.  If it not meant to happen, I am totally fine with that, and if it is meant to happen, then there is a reason for it.  I just want to be in place of gratitude and humility through it.”

More more reactions, interviews, and thoughts with the acting nominees for the 38th Annual Daytime Emmys, make sure to go to our Daytime Emmy Hub reactions page here!

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I adore this man so, so much.

Jonathan is a good actor but let’s not confuse wide eyed shrieking with being a good actor.

Jonathan is a great actor and a gentleman. Congrats JJ!

Congratulations to Jonathan. For me his return is the only reason I’m watching GH again. Love to watch him act.

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

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.

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General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

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.

Serena and Jason

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.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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