General Hospital
GH's Kimberly McCullough Reveals 2015 Had Its Share Of Personal Heartbreaks, But Was Glad To Have The Chance To Wrap-up Scrubs Story
Courtesy/Twitter
General Hospital’s beloved Kimberly McCullough (Robin Scorpio Drake) took to her website for a blog post encapsulating the ups and down of her life in 2015. The blog touched upon her career including: directing an episode of Pretty Little Liars, filming her passion project Hey Day, and returning to General Hospital, plus some very personal and emotional setbacks.
The post entitled: “2015 Year End Wrap Up (The Discovery of DJ Bellum and other fun facts about being an adult” is written in McCullough’s own style and very personal account. In it, her fans learned that she suspected she may have a brain tumor, but after an MRI and diagnosis it was revealed to be an arachnoid cyst. After that scare, McCullough in the summer found out she was pregnant and was having a little girl. However, tragically 22 weeks into the pregnancy she miscarried.
She shared: “My heart was so full and then it broke. I had lost my baby girl. It was too much. I didn’t need to learn this lesson. I wasn’t interested. But I wasn’t in control. These things happen and no, I don’t believe they happen ‘for a reason.’ I’m still processing, still healing, but anyone who has gone through it knows, losing a baby at 22 weeks is tragic. One thing I am proud of however was that I allowed myself to be happy and to relish the moment. I sat in all that goodness and I can recall those feelings (when I’m having different ones) and hope that it can be like that again.” McCullough also saw this past year the death of her beloved dog, Melba.
Kimberly also shared her thoughts on wrapping-up the year helping send off Jason Thompson (Patrick) on GH, relating her thoughts alongside a touching photo of Jason and their on-screen daughter, Brooklyn Rae Silzer (Brooklyn) from Thompson’s last day on the GH set where he received a cake. Kimberly added: “I also got to spend time with my General Hospital family and see my good friend Jason Thompson off, hopefully to greener pastures. I’m really proud of the work we did, not just this go around but over the last ten years. I made a great friend (JT), I gained a TV Daughter (the most precious soul on the planet) and got to tell an important and at times, really fun story.”
One of the more exciting things that was noted in her post was McCullough plans on sharing Hey Day with the world in 2016. A cast member of Hey Day happens to be non other than McCullough’s on-screen mom, Finola Hughes (Anna)!
To say that this account did not move us to tears, is an understatement. I am sure, like all of you, we only want the best for Kimberly. We love her, and after all, she has meant so much to all of us for decades. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
RATINGS: ‘The Young and the Restless,’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Remain No #1 and # 2, ‘General Hospital’ Only Soap to Lose Viewers
The latest Nielsen ratings data is out for the week of April 27-May 1, and three out of the four network daytime dramas posted gains in total viewers, while one showed a loss in audience numbers, which may come as a surprise.
Let’s take a look at the ratings period with data from Soap Opera Network and then provide some context. The Young and the Restless remained as per usual in the top spot coming in at 3,14,000 on average total viewers slightly up +20,000 more eyeballs for the week.
In story, Y&R served up Matt’s plot to blow up the Newmans inside the abandoned gas station on the outskirts of Vegas, Sienna believing she killed Matt, only for him to be revealed alive with a severe contusion on his head by week’s end, Nick going on a bad drug trip thanks to the fentanyl laced with something else via Matt, and Cane and the Winters family learning that he is a donor match to save Malcolm’s life, while Sally got engaged to Billy.
Photo: JPI
FASHION HOUSE PROBLEMS
Y&R’s sister soap, The Bold and the Beautiful clocked in with 2,795,000 viewers for the week up +38,000 from the previous ratings period. In story, The Bold and the Beautiful gave viewers; the fallout from Katie’s successful fashion show for her new fashion house, Logan. Dylan continuing to be freaked out. This time when doing her work at Forrester Creations, out from the clothing rack comes somebody that scares her enough to have her let out a blood-curdling scream. In addition, Liam suggested to Hope that she consider coming to work for Logan where she will be appreciated, after Steffy tells her that ‘Hope for the Future’ is back-burnered for now.
General Hospital, which many have considered being the most entertaining on a consistent basis with their storylines, most likely lost some viewers for the week because on Monday April 27, the show was preempted for a special report on the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondence dinner. If viewers did not catch it on Hulu, it aired on the network after Nightline on Tuesday at 1am. In total, GH was the only soap to lose viewers for the ratings week. GH tallied -1,809,000 which is down from the previous week by -168,000.
Photo: ABC
PAYBACK AND A SHOCKING REVEAL
In story that week, Carly’s double life with Brennan and Valentin caught up with her, Michael initiated a strategic plot against Willow, and Josslyn found herself in immediate danger after a run-in with Cassius.
Beyond the Gates, while having two days of the week fully preempted for UEFA Champions League soccer games, actually increased its viewership. BTG tallied 1,655,00 total viewers which also boasted the highest audience gains across any soap adding +42,000. In story, the soap opera spotlighted: Ashley stealing antibiotics to keep Grayson alive, Smitty zeroing in on a possible suspect in the plasma ring, Vernon taking over Martin’s debt to Joey Armstrong, while Kate recognized a name tied to Lynette’s finances.
It should also be noted for the ratings week; The Bold and the Beautiful once again topped Y&R for the top spot in the key Womens 18-49 demo and in the Womens 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates once again bested General Hospital for the 3rd spot.
*Nielsen ratings are based on the Live+Same Day Big Data+Panel model.
So, let us know your thoughts on the current ratings picture? Then weigh-in; what soap opera is serving up the best drama right now that is keeping you engaged to catch it every day? Which soap has you the least interested? Drop a comment below.
On the Friday, May 15 episode of General Hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) shared a heartfelt talk on trauma. Dante is so concerned for Rocco (Finn Carr), and how it affects someone for the rest of their life, which is something Elizabeth knows all too well, but got through it.
It all begins when Elizabeth shows up at Dante’s office ready for her date with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). How beautiful she looked did not go unnoticed by Dante. When the talked turned to how Dante told Rocco that he knew his son shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), he admits he is scared for his child, because he lost his innocence with the emotional baggage he now must carry forever of shooting someone.
Dante notices how Rocco is becoming more and more withdrawn and he wants to know how to help him. Elizabeth bring up how she can absolutely relate to trauma at a young age, just like Rocco. However for Elizabeth, her trauma came in the form of a brutal rape by Tom Baker. Speaking from experience, Elizabeth details that it was her friends and family like Lucky and Bobbie who helped pull her through. She encourages Dante to continue to show up and be there as support for his son.
Courtesy/ABC
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Next, an officer delivers to Dante the evidence from the pier shooting, which Dante plans on destroying. Before she leaves for her date with Ric, Liz reassured Dante he is doing the right thing to protect Rocco and she has done the same. She has left no record of Rocco’s hospital visit the night of the shooting. Liz leaves for her date.
THE WRONG SUSPECT
Then, Cullum storm troops in to Dante’s office demanding the evidence that the PCPD must have collected at the site of his shooting. Dante says that the evidence must be misfiled in the warehouse, but they will find it. However, Cullum realizes Dante is stalling and lying. Before heading to Dante’s office, Cullum paid a visit to Carly (Laura Wright) and saw a photo of Danny with Jason, triggering him to now believe that Danny may have been the person who shot him in the back on the pier!
Courtesy/ABC
DINING WITH RIC
At dinner at Café Cherie, Ric handed Elizabeth the folder with the priceless piece of artwork he’d purchased for her through Ava. Elizabeth loved it and went over to Ric and planted a kiss on him.
Will GH move Elizabeth into a romance with Dante? Do you think Liz and Dante make a cute couple? After today’s episode, it’s clear they very much like and admire one another. If so, what happens to Liz and Ric’s burgeoning repeat romance? Share your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
In well-played scenes on the Thursday, May 14 episode of General Hospital, Dante (Dominic Zampogna) finally had a talk with his son, Rocco (Finn Carr) informing him that he knows the teen shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Rocco has dreaded his father finding out, because he is the acting police commissioner of the Port Charles PD and feared his dad will have to arrest him for the crime.
Dante asks Rocco in his own words to recount what happened the night on the pier. He assured his son, he is not going to arrest him and noted there are very extenuating circumstances surrounding the crime.
Courtesy/ABC
FATHER AND SON
Rocco explained how he followed Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) to the pier. Then, how Cullum attacked Britt. Jason (Steve Burton) showed up and fought with Cullum and how the gun came loose.He remembers the other weapon Cullum pulled out to kill Jason and that’s when he shot him.
Next, Dante explained that he was proud of his son for saving Jason and Britt’s lives. He also tells Rocco that he is very concerned in Britt’s involvement in all of this stemming all the way back to the Five Poppies, and feels she is still tied into everything that is happening.
Dante tells Rocco that nobody else can know about this involvement in the shooting. He also touchingly said, that he is his father, he will protect him. However, Rocco is worried that if the truth came out that he shot Cullum, his dad would be in serious trouble for covering up a crime. Dante tells Rocco, he should not worry about that right now, but he needs to stay in Port Charles so he and his mom can keep him safe.
A SHOCKING CALL
Suddenly, as father and son hug it out, Dante gets a call from Justine (Nazneen Contractor), alerting him to the fact that she just met with Cullum and he is looking for the evidence and the file from his shooting. Dante rolls his eyes, knowing things are about to go from bad to worse, and how is he going to keep his son safe from the evil WSB Director?
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Dominic Zamprogna always delivers a nice counterbalance to the often histrionics of other characters in Port Charles in his portrayal of Dante Falconeri. So that, when Dante breaks or gets emotional, it counts. Finn Carr has continually shined in the storyline as Rocco continues to teeter on the edge of knowing what he has done and being wracked with guilt. Next up has to be Danny learning his brother is the reason Jason was carted away. Stay tuned!
So, what did you think of the scenes between Dante and Rocco? How on earth will Dante keep Rocco safe? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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I buried a baby…so i understand how one feels at the loss of a child…its a heartbreaker.
I had read the blog before you posted it here, Michael. Her story is devastating, and also brought me to tears. But I was also inspired. KMc is a phenomenal young woman of grace, intelligence, sensitivity, strength, courage. All of these qualities come through in her portrayal of Robin, which is why I have loved this character for 30 years.
The internet is often a cruel place. I have read — even on this site — nasty comments about KMc’s weight, theories that she has held GH “hostage” and, thus, so ruined storylines, that she lost her acting talent… Just way over the line, awful nonsense. Those people who have said those things should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.
KMc is a daytime treasure. My heart aches for her. I thank her for trusting us enough to share her story. She is also a survivor, which is part of the lesson of her blog. She has suffered great losses, but she will make it. As a fan I send her my condolences, and also feel secure in my belief that ultimately her strength will bring her to a better place.
Love ya, Kim!!!!!!!!!
Well said, and very true. The internet can be very cruel
I can certainly relate, Tristan. Some women cave after losing a child….miscarriage or death. As Kimberly, I straightened by shoulders…..gathered strength because I had to, in order to survive. That is not to say, however, that the pain is buried. Forever in my heart!!!!
CeeCee, thank you for trusting us with your story.
Well said Tristan, I couldn’t have said it better. You hit it on the nail with your description of Kimberly as a woman of grace, intelligence, sensitivity, strength and courage which translates on screen in her portrayal of Robin. Her performance on the bridge with Billy (Jason) was one of my favorites in any of the performances of this past year. I’ve watched it a handful of times and each time I shed some tears.
Kimberly is truly a daytime and General Hospital treasure. I wish her love, peace, good health & happiness in this new year and beyond.
Well said Micheal
so sorry for your loss it is so hard to lose a child my daughter Brooke was murdered dec-14-2007 just few days before Christmas she was 22yrs. old and was 21 weeks preg. with a baby girl that we named Brooklyn Ellen iam still grieving for them both Brooke was home a sleep when the friend of her boy friend was drunk and out all night with a girl from a bar he says he don’t know why he killed her only when she woke up she fought him he stab her choked her and raped her I lost 2 that night losing children is so haed to go through I pray for you Kimberly take care of your self. love Rita.
I am so sorry for what you have suffered. I hope you have been able to find peace.
My heart broken after reading Kimberly’so blog..she is truly a very strong women and my wish and prayers for her is that 2016 gives her all the happiness she has given us over the years.
Xo
Kim, I wish I could give you a big hug. Sharing your story helps you through this terrible journey and it will help others experiencing such a loss. I also went through a ectopic and miscarriage at 39 and it just took me to my knees. Never thought it would happen to me and already had 3 beautiful, healthy children, and was not planning either pregnancy but it hurt just so much I couldn’t wrap my head around it for quite a while. I slumped into a depression and slowly came out the other side. Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel or discount your experience. It unfortunately is a solo journey whether you are with a partner or not. It is yours and really only your journey and it is isolating and lonely but it ends, finally in YOUR time and on your terms. Let it be and feel whatever you need and don’t apologize for it to anyone. Sending you love from one Mother to another Mother. Don’t pay attention to the crazy’s out there. Xo
Sharing her life’s intimate and painful experiences is extremely courageous on
her part. Kim is not only helping herself heal… But also helping others in similar
circumstances. Blessings for the future…
I love Kimberly. Have been watching her grow up before my eyes. At times her character annoyed me but that’s neither her nor there about how much I love her. She had a very rough year. Losing a baby and a fur baby can be devastating one at a time. But both. Oh my heart just breaks for her. Then on top of that the brain tumor scare. I hope 2016 brings her nothing but good things for her personally and professionally. I just wish the haters would back off on the comments about her appearance. When you’re not feeling well it’s difficult to look perfect at all times. And to the haters, yes she had a double chin but that usually happens when you’re pregnant. My heard breaks she lost her baby and at such a long time into the pregnancy and pray she finds peace to help her heal.
I read her blog and was very saddened to hear about the loss of her baby. How horrible for her, not to mention the loss of her dog and the cyst she found. I’m glad she found a new friend (dog) and I hope this year is better for her.
I did find it tacky that SOD posted one portion of her blog “Actress miscarries” thought that was pretty insensitive.
Wishing her well.
I love Kim and always have because one, she grew up on the show and two, she has so much history and can act. What I like most about her is her is she isnt afraid to step out of her comfort zone. She could have remained on GH full time and continued to act but she followed her dreams and continues to do so by directing. Some people would knock her for not being around. Why? She is young and has dreams, let her go! Its not her fault that writers have written silly stories about her absence from the show and her daughter. I dont know Kim and I dont know anything about her personal life. Until know. I am sad to hear of her loss and will pray for her strength to rebound. NOTHING will replace her loss. She said that this is NOT a lesson she needed to learn. She is a grown women, she already knew what it meant to lose and to be hurt. I wish her well. I also want to reach out to my friend CeeCee. She is a sweet person who measures her words and doesnt like to hurt or insult anyone. She has EVERY reason to be mean and bitter. Especially during the holiday season. No, she takes the high road and gathers strength from her loved ones and her other children. I respect that. Jim H, as I read this article I see that you have been on the sad end of this experience, as well. I commend you for your strength AND your humor. I would never know buy all your knowledge and constant zingers the pain that you have experience. ANYONE who buries a child, God bless you!
Timmm, my dear friend. How sweet and loyal are you? I appreciate your words more than I can say. There will always be a special place for you in my heart. You, Shay, Fanny and su0000. ( last but not least, Suzie Q) have been and continue to be my rock….silently having my back. I can read between the lines. Thank you. Much love.
@CeeCee..Sweeeeeets..Your genuine kindness always shines through.
Hugs & Kisses…both cheeks, of course!!
@Fanny.
Thank you, kind lady.
Here, here, Timmm. CeeCee and jimh are two of the finest individuals ever to have posted at MFSoaps, and they’ve each earned our love and respect as true examples of triumphing over tragedy. I’m so proud to call them my friends.
Me too! They are wonderful people. They should bottle their abilities and sell them to others! I lost my dad years ago and all though I’ve moved on, it took me a while, for sure. I cannot imagine losing a child!
No matter how frustrated some viewers have grown with the character of Robin’s comings and goings, there can be no question that her portrayer, Kimberly McCullough, whom we have seen blossom into adulthood before our eyes, is a multi-talented, courageous creative artist worthy of respect and admiration.
My heart goes out to you. You are special in my eyes. I’ve seen you grow to be a Beautiful woman. God Bless
I am so sorry for the year Kim has had. At the same time I’m gratified that she feels she has an “extended family” can share her feelings and losses with who have known her as Robin since she was a young girl. Kim’s 2015 year certainly didn’t show in her last appearance on GH, but I did sense something deeper about her that’s not just acting…particularly with Jason/Billy on the bridge.
I have been a fan ever since you first appeared on GH. You were an amazing actress even when you were a young child – you were and are so believable and natural. I am so sorry that 2015 has been such a difficult year for you and wish you good health and happiness in 2016 and beyond.
Kimberly I to have lost two children in my lifetime’ one a little girl that I carried for three months and miscarried a week before Christmas and a little boy that I carried for 8 months and lost to Potters Syndrome. But I was determined to keep trying and as a result I became the proud mother of two beautiful and handsome children ‘ a girl and a boy, ….fast forward its been 35 years now and they are both today full grown and healthy adults. So hang in there God in his infinite wisdom, has a way of giving back what he has taken away! I still grieve for and still miss the children I lost…But I am so very blessed to be mother to the two I do have! Stay strong Kimberly the best is yet to come for you! I wish you all the best in all your future endeavors. And I wish you many many blessings to come! O.S. I have loved watching you grow on General Hospital as Robin Scorpio for years and will miss you and Jason both but I can’t wait to see what you both have in store for us in the near future! I know you will be awesome!
Your Forever Fan!
Marilyn Berry
I am so sorry Kim for your loss. There are no words to say how this hurts. We never forget, we just get to cope better. Take care
I love Kimberly for so many reasons……she is a truly phenomenol actress…….I send my heartfelt condolences on the loss of her baby…..prayers and hugs for the future you deserve
Heartbreaking–but I have the sense that Kimberly has weathered other storms and is a very strong, determined woman. I hope this new year brings her all good things. Kimberly, you are in my thoughts.
She had a rough year.
She started a new relationship in 2015 and became pregnant (presumably by this guy) the same year. Not the best way to bring a child into the world.
I hope she has a nice 2016.
i feel like ‘I’ve grown up with KMC, she’s the reason i started watching GH, i was so intrigue by her and wanted to see this girl just like me, she gifted GH to me and i’ve been watching ever since so i’m grateful to her for that and only wish her the best. i’m so sorry for the lost she had in 2015 and wish her nothing but the best in 2016.
I feel your lost. Losing a child at any age leaves a huge hole in your heart. I share your pain. May this year bring you Hope/Faith and Love. With God All Things Are Possible.
Her personal story is truly heartbreaking. I’ve always admired KMC as an actress and young woman trying to live her best life! I have always watched her career and check up in her. On a separate note glad see the posters her are supporting KMC and not still bashing Robin. It always amazing when people don’t see that one is very real and the other is make believe! I’m sending much love and prayers for what ever you want for 2016! A lot of us have watched from that adorable 6 year with the missing tooth. Her kidnapping reunion with Anna back in the day and of course her SL with Stone goes down in some of the most memoral scenes on soaps or any other genre of TV/film That’s how powerful they are! That is thanks to KMC!
I am so sorry for the bad year Kimberly has had. I pray and hope her 2016 will be blessed with wonderful events and memories. I can’t imagine losing a child of any kind and would probably not recover from that.
Take care of yourself, enjoy your life and please know your fans are 100% behind (or beside) you forever. Love you and please come back to GH on occasion for a visit?
Your Lenoir, NC biggest fan
I am sooo sorry. All that she was doing is a lot, and health problems to the loss of her child.