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GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis

Photo: ABC

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.

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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

Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine

Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.

In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.

Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”

Photo: ABC

Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.

Photo: ABC

The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.

So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other

The love affair that once was mobster Sonny (Maurice Benard) and hit man Jason (Steve Burton), and having each others back, is now apparently over! On the Thursday April 25th episode of General Hospital, an increasingly paranoid Sonny is confronted by Jason.

Jason wants to talk to Sonny about a “family matter”, but Sonny says they aren’t family now because he’s working with the Feds. Sonny goes on to say how he cannot trust Carly (Laura Wright) or Jason and he knows about Jason buying back the Metro Court for Carly from Nina (Cynthia Watros).

When the conversation turns to Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Dex (Evan Hofer), Jason informs Sonny that Kristina (Kate Mansi) knows Sonny ordered a hit. Jason is worried about Dex’s safety. He tells Sonny that if he does something to Dex, Kristina will figure out that he is responsible.

Courtesy/ABC

Sonny goes on to say how much he loves his kids and how he will protect them. He then tears into Jason for abandoning his sons, Danny and Jake, for two years and how he has no right to stand there to tell him what to do.

Jason warns Sonny again to leave Dex alone or he’ll personally stop him. Sonny snaps at Jason, countering, “You’ll die trying!” And at that point, Jason walks out and Sonny slams the door behind him.

What do you think about this split in the longstanding relationship of Jason and Sonny? Do you like Jason and Sonny at odds? Will Kristina be the person to ultimately figure out what is happening to Sonny, or it might it be Nina, who knows Ava (Maura West) is up to no good? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first watch this clip from part of the Sonny/Jason scenes below.

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Breaking News

REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital

For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.

According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).

Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.

Photo: ABC

After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared,  “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”

In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.

Photo: ABC

TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.

Photo: ABC

The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.

No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.

So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.

 

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