General Hospital
GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
One of the most beloved actors in the history of General Hospital, Kin Shriner, currently finds his alter-ego, Scott Baldwin, in a new budding on-screen romance with none other than Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati).
This comes on the heels of Scott learning the devastating news that his son, Franco Baldwin was shot and killed, thus writing-off the ABC daytime drama series, for now, popular actor, Roger Howarth.
Photo: JPI
Throughout his now almost 44-year-run on the ABC daytime drama series, Kin Shriner has brought his unique acting chops that helped mold the character of legal eagle Scott Baldwin into the humorous, at times cutthroat, endearing and many times heartbreaking character we have all come to love.’
In a brand new exclusive virtual sit-down interview with Michael Fairman on You Tube’s The Michael Fairman Channel, Shriner opens up about his history with GH and the times he stepped away to take on roles on Texas and As the World Turns, and then back again to the town of Port Charles and GH.
Photo: ABC
As well, Kin reveals his reaction to learning the news that Roger Howarth would be exiting the show as his TV son and how he shot the key emotional scene where Laura (Genie Francis) tells Scott that Franco had died. Shriner shares that he does not see how when Howarth returns to the show in as a yet-to-be-revealed character, that it would be a stretch if the two were some how related, but that he will miss working with the talented Howarth as a scene-partner.
Photo: JPI
As to the women in Scott’s life, Kin addresses each of them from: Lucy (Lynn Herring), Bobbie (Jackie Zeman), Dominque (Shell Danielson), Laura (Francis), Ava (Maura West) – to which the character could never get that close to – and now Liesl (Gati), and working opposite all the powerhouse actresses who portray them.
Photo: ABC
For fans of General Hospital who have watched the series for decades, Kin also shares memories of working with his late TV parents, Peter Hansen (Lee), Susan Brown (Gail) and his friend and former GH castmate John Reilly (Sean), plus backstage stories with his longtime scene partner, Genie Francis.
Watch the entire conversation with Kin below.
Now let us know, are you all for the Scott and Liesl romance? Will you miss scenes between Scott and Franco? Would you ever want to see Scott and Laura reunite romantically? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. And having been a viewer of GH when Shriner first began as Scotty, it is satisfying to hear him talk about his GH experience, from the early years through the present day. We often hear about how Y&R has been the #1 soap for 30+ years. While true, it was GH’s run at #1 that broke all viewership records, which stand to this day.
During that epic time of record viewership, the GH actors were like rock stars. There was an amazing amount of buzz about the show and its stars, and Shriner was a big part of that. Although I think he is most comfortable as a comedic actor, he can definitely bring the drama as well. Not an easy feat!
Jamesj75
I thouroughly agree with your acessment of Kin/Scott. He has been a joy throughout the years.Loved he and Laura but some of his other romantic choices, not so much.He’s never lost his talent for comedy which Iam sure he inherited from his dad, Herb, a very funny and talented man in the fifties.
I am now anxiously waiting for his, which is bound to be crazy and funny, relationship with Dr.OH!!
Violet, I am also with you on your preference for Laura over Scotty’s other women. Thanks for the background on Kin’s father. Also, we saw his twin brother Wil do an inadvertent walk-on. Wil is also a comedic actor.
Yes, Jamesj75, back in the 80s I used to imagine running my hands thru Scotty’s glorious blonde hair and…well, enough of that. He also had a small role in WAR AND REMEMBRANCE, the mammoth 1989 miniseries, as a submarine officer. His brother Wil also appeared in one of my favorite films, “Peggy Sue Got Married” in 1986. I love seeing Scotty with Liesl, what an inspired pairing! What memories these veteran actors must have of the soaps’ heyday! I treasure mine also. Cheers, James!
Soaphound, I watched War and Remembrance. Thanks for bringing up this, well, remembrance! Great to hear about your fondness for Scotty. 🙂 I know I reminisce often about the heyday of soaps — as well as my own… Cheers!
LOL, that hook-up with Dr. O came out of the blue, but I LOVE it!!
Scott needs a love life, so does Liesl, and these two ‘weirdos’ are made for each other!
This could be great comedy relief…with heart ♥️
Laughing my pointy tailed ass off when he said he and Heather had to have been teenagers when Frodd was born. Because we all know that ain’t true. Scotty was in his late teens when he met Laura, and any relationship he may have had with Heather was LONG after that. In fact he’d already disappeared to Texas and come back from there before he ever knew Heather.
Satan, you’re absolutely correct about the timing. It’s always a jolt, to say the least, when writers rewrite history, which is what they did with Scotty and Heather in introducing their son.
Funny thing: You, Satan, probably know this, but near the end of the interview, Mr. Fairman showed a cast picture, with a most youthful Scotty and Laura. Also in that picture? Heather, as played by Mary O’Brien, the second actress to play the role. The first Heather was Georgianne LaPiere (Cher’s half-sister), and of course, Robin Mattson was the third (and last) actress to play the role. The most significant scene involving Mary O’Brien’s Heather is that she tried to give Diana Taylor (as played then by Brooke Bundy) LSD in a glass of iced tea, but somehow the glasses were switched and Heather drank the tainted drink. Final footnote: of course, the first actress who played Diana Taylor was Valerie Starrett (as I have noted on these pages many times, and my favorite daytime star ever). I had to say it. It’s in my DNA…
Jamesj75
I don’t know if you are interested in this info, and you may already know but you can go to eBay.com and purchase numerous memorabilia of Valerie Starrett, including a large GH photo,etc. Good luck.
Violet, you are my hero! Thank you for telling me about this. I have bought old soap magazines there that featured Valerie on the cover, but I will look at posters, etc., and I will let you know. You’ve made my day, Violet. Thank you, Friend!
Jamesj75
It was my pleasure to bring a little joy to someone these days. I looked myself and could not find anything listed under V.S but then I entered Soap Stars Photos, Memerabelia and hit the jackpot! Tons of photos, mags. but sadly no Valerie, though I had to stop after pg.ten or so. Anyway, hope you enjoy browsing and find something good. Best Wishes
Violet, thanks for making the effort on my behalf. I really appreciate it. I may end up ordering another magazine or two from the site. Take care, Friend.
Jamesj75
Hi, Isn’t it strange that every reply we made to each other since the last one has been dropped and or censured. I have an idea what and who caused it, but God forbid I should say something about having an opinion, as I certainly do right now. I thought the days of walking on eggshells was over, apparently not. So long for now, my friend. I hope you get this message.
James
There was an homage to the LSD tea switching on Friday’s episode with the lazy Susan used as a device to mix up the cups (one of which containing the vial of mystery liquid from Peter).
Back in the 70s, little Steven Lars (then known as PJ) played with the Lazy Susan, causing Heather to get the drink intended for Diana). One of my earliest GH memories.
Steve, thanks a million for the information. I will have to look up that scene. Also, I didn’t remember that it was PJ who played with the lazy Susan, causing the switcheroo, so thanks for clarifying that. Speaking of Peter, usually soaps go out of their way not to use the same name of a regular character more than once, so I was surprised to learn of a new Peter when Dr. Peter Taylor was such a popular character in the 1970s. Over decades, I suppose it isn’t that big a deal. Take care.
Funny, Franco and his dad are only ten years apart in real life but in reel life, it’s believable.
Thank you for this terrific interview. I was happy to watch this and I enjoyed this greatly. I could listen to Kin and the other legacy characters share their stories all day.
Excellent interview. I remember when Kin,Genie,and Tony all started on the show back in 1977.
I will miss Franco. I enjoyed the scenes of Franco with Elizabeth and her boys. I am happy to see Scott and Leisel in a romance.
ditto. not sure if Roger was bored with Franco or if GH was just getting rid of the perception of fake rapist… which we all know Franco did not rape Sam, it was all a mind game of the former actor and tumor-ridden Franco… anyways, hard as it was to see Franco be clever enough to kidnap and transport Peter without being seen, and dumb enough to leave bullets in the gun and not lock Peter up in that big cage, and then to see him die, I was only consoled by the fact that Roger is changing roles.
Did you all catch the laugh out loud funny when Spinelli was tracking Franco for Jason. Spin said Franco was at his studio on Talmadge Street…. Well yes Franco and more to the point Roger Howarth, were at their studio on Talmadge Street… as the studio where GH is shot is located on Talmadge Street and Prospect Ave!!
funny writers!!
I really love that romance Liesle Obreth and Scott
Michael
I guess Iam really dense because I can not find anyone mentioned in this whole page that deserves your comment.So which gentleman are you speaking of?
Kin Shriner.
44 years in the business would say otherwise.
It’s called luck and I’m entitled have an opinion.
Michael
When you named Kin Shriner as being one of the worst daytime actors, I meant to let it go but now you say you are entitled to your opinion which Iam sure you have plenty of and Iam also sure you, like all of us have armpits too, but some just stink more than others.
That was a good interview, thanks. First time I ever heard the actor speak as himself.
Kin seems at piece! He looks good. It must be from hanging with Stamos! I hope he and Roger find a way to work together again. They are gold!
Love Scotty and Dr. O together. We need Kin S. on our screen more often
Great interview Michael!! I will miss Scotty and Franco scenes as I do see them and the actors as having similar traits or styles. The way they played off each other was always enjoyable to watch. Glad that he can still be part of the Baldwin-Webber clan with his 3 grandkids.
Ive been watching Scotty for a long time, like high contrast B/W days! I remember Scott’s mom was crazy… I remember some kitchen table scene with the mom, I think her name was Meg, and little Scotty, and Lee. The lighting was so oddly bright it made tbe scene look odd. So that was Johnny Whitaker back in the mid 60’s, but I didn’t remember it was the same kid when he started on Family Affair, but I was just a kid myself back then…. Johnny ‘s less than two months younger than me. GH and I go wayyy back!
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.
RATINGS: ‘The Young and the Restless,’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Remain No #1 and # 2, ‘General Hospital’ Only Soap to Lose Viewers
Y&R’s Joshua Morrow Weighs-In on Who Will Save Nick from His Fentanyl Addiction: Nikki? Jack? Sienna or Someone Else? (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Would You Be Down With a Dante and Elizabeth Romance?
Nathan Fillion Recalls Best Advice for a Soap Opera Tag on ‘What What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen
‘Days of Our Lives’ Dan Feuerriegel Teases the Mystery of Marlena’s Chess Set, and Opens Up About the Departures of His Co-Stars (Exclusive)
‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
‘Days of Our Lives’ Dan Feuerriegel Teases the Mystery of Marlena’s Chess Set, and Opens Up About the Departures of His Co-Stars (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Previews His New Role as PCPD Officer Joe Fitzpatrick
Anthony Geary’s Husband, Claudio Gama, Shares Remembrance of How Much the ‘General Hospital’ Legend Loved Working with Erika Slezak
Matt Bomer Sums Up His ‘Guiding Light’ Run as Ben Reade in 1 Minute as He Reflects On Time in Springfield
Y&R’s Joshua Morrow Weighs-In on Who Will Save Nick from His Fentanyl Addiction: Nikki? Jack? Sienna or Someone Else? (Exclusive)
Nathan Fillion Recalls Best Advice for a Soap Opera Tag on ‘What What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen
‘Days of Our Lives’ Dan Feuerriegel Teases the Mystery of Marlena’s Chess Set, and Opens Up About the Departures of His Co-Stars (Exclusive)
Y&R’s Mark Grossman Marks 7-Years as Adam Newman And Teases What May Lie Ahead (Exclusive)
B&B Alum Lisa Yamada in Production on New Film, ‘My Boyfriend Is A Demon’
-
Breaking News5 days ago‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
-
Days Of Our Lives2 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Dan Feuerriegel Teases the Mystery of Marlena’s Chess Set, and Opens Up About the Departures of His Co-Stars (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Previews His New Role as PCPD Officer Joe Fitzpatrick
-
General Hospital3 days agoAnthony Geary’s Husband, Claudio Gama, Shares Remembrance of How Much the ‘General Hospital’ Legend Loved Working with Erika Slezak
-
Guiding Light1 week agoMatt Bomer Sums Up His ‘Guiding Light’ Run as Ben Reade in 1 Minute as He Reflects On Time in Springfield
-
Breaking News6 days agoJennifer Harmon, ‘One Life to Live’s’ Cathy Craig, and ‘How to Survive a Marriage’ Star, Dead at 82
-
Breaking News1 week agoDAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott
-
Breaking News1 week ago‘The Price is Right’ Contestant Wins Largest Prize in a Single Pricing Game in the 54-Year history of the Daytime Game Show on CBS