General Hospital
GH's Jonathan Jackson on his Emmy Nomination & tackling tough emotional story!
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!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
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Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
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GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
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‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
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Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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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.