General Hospital
GH's Laura Wright Talks Daytime Emmy Nomination, Playing Luke's Mother & Carly's Plight With Michael!
Courtesy/ABC
General Hospital’s Laura Wright (Carly) recently scored her third Lead Actress Daytime Emmy nomination, (she has one previous win in the category) and played a critical role in the special 52nd anniversary episode of the ABC daytime drama series that went back in time to 1963, where viewers learned the shocking past of Luke (Tony Geary) and his family secret. Wright portrayed Luke’s mother, Lena, in the emotionally wrought and intense show, which won raves from viewers everywhere.
Currently, Carly is knee deep in more familial problems in the present day, as her son Michael (Chad Duell) recently flipped out, thanks to an assist from brother Morgan (Byran Craig) and former flame Kiki (Hayley Erin) to try to get him to lose custody of baby Avery in Michael’s vendetta against the Corinthos clan. Carly desperately is trying to repair her relationship with Michael that was blown to smithereens, thanks to Franco (Roger Howarth) in Laura’s Emmy-nominated performance. Carly is also trying to get the low down on Hayden (Rebecca Budig), her new rival who arrived out of nowhere in Port Charles who is manipulating Carly’s buddy, “Jake” (Billy Miller). Will Carly get the goods on Hayden, and finally figure out that “Jake” is Jason?
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with one of the finest actresses in the genre to get her thoughts on all things Emmy, as we head into the final week prior to the 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Telecast, which airs on Pop next Sunday night, April 26th (8PMET/5PMPT). Plus, Laura shares her thoughts on getting to work opposite Tony Geary during the stunning 52nd anniversary episode, and what fans can expect from Carly in the very near future. Here’s our conversation with Laura!
What happened when you learned of your Daytime Emmy nomination? What did you think of GH landing the most nominations of any daytime series?
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LAURA: First of all, I loved seeing Chad Duell (Michael) in Supporting Actor, and it’s just awesome. I love that GH is represented so well this year. When I learned of my nomination, my brother was the first to call me and congratulate me, and then my friend Christine Cooper, who is also nominated for editing in two categories for General Hospital. Then my husband sent me a text, and then I texted my daughter. I had told her if I was nominated that she would get to go. My mom called, and GH executive producer Frank Valentini and head writer Ron Carlivati also reached out to me. It was just a great day!
How did you come to the decision to go with the episode, and the reel of your performance where Carly blasts Franco (Roger Howarth) at the Hallowedding for destroying her son Michael’s life with his bombshells?
LAURA: I owe it all to Michelle Stafford (Nina, GH). If my name is called, I am going to tackle her. I was down to two reels: the episode before that one where it is heavily Chad’s performance and he finds out that Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly slept together, and that they covered up the truth that Sonny killed his father AJ. Michael says to Carly, “You’re dead to me.” He then leaves. The next episode is where Carly turns on Franco, and I thought, ‘Did it have enough vulnerability in it? Did it have enough pain?’ It had Heather Webber (Robin Mattson) with a gun, hello! It was just a lot of me in it. I am a big energy, and if you watch five scenes of that you worry someone will say when watching it, “That actress! Shut her up!” I was more afraid of that, but Michelle Stafford was like, “Hell, no! You’re vulnerable in it, and it’s all you. You have to submit it.” My daughter Lauren liked it, too!
This was truly one of those perfect storm reels!
Courtesy/ABC
LAURA: Yeah, it was! It was really perfect. The hard part of this was that show, and the episode before it, was all shot in the same day, and we were so tired after those scenes. When I was screaming “Michael!”, and he was walking out of there, I literally almost caved to the ground. It was emotional hard work, and then I had to turn around and do the scenes with Franco. I thought I barely even know these lines; I just had all those scenes to do. I guess playing it all in order actually was great, because you are definitely emotionally still there. I know General Hospital submitted the episode of the Hallowedding for one of their Drama Series nominations, too.
And, you had to walk around in that wedding dress for hours and hours while doing this deep emoting in the scenes! (Laughs)
LAURA: You’re not kidding! And I had to wear that stupid necklace (laughs)! And I was like, ‘I would never wear this!’ Now here is the funny thing. I went shopping, and I actually saw the thing! Betsey Johnson has a whole evil eye collection! (Laughs) Then I got more Twitter pictures from fans showing me evil eye necklaces. Then our costume designer ended up pasting the extra ones to my dressing room door, so now I would see evil eyes every time I walked into my room! (Laughs)
I was thinking Carly would never wear that necklace!
Courtesy/ABC
LAURA: EVER! (Laughs) I would be doing scenes with Maurice Benard and he would go, “What the hell is that?” We could not stop laughing about it.
Didn’t Sonny and Carly have sex, and then afterwards she still had the eye-cam on her?
LAURA: I know! (Laughs) Those are things you have to laugh at, and throw humor in it, like when you are pregnant. You either will have a hard time with it, or laugh at the fact that you walk like a seventy-five year old man. You have to find the humor.
What do you think about the women you are nominated with in the category of Lead Actress?
LAURA: I have to honestly say, I think Gina Tognoni’s (Phyllis, Y&R) reel is absolutely amazing. I picked her to win the moment I saw it. I know Gina, and I know how hard she works, and especially walking into being a recast in a role, and especially one that is coveted and loved so much. And to fill those shoes, and do it so individually, and do to it so well without stumbling at all, I was beyond impressed. I only saw the two minute clip she submitted for the pre-nomination, but I loved what she did. And as for Maura West (Ava, GH), and the scenes in the crypt with Sonny, I was there when they taped it and I loved it. We all deserve recognition for what we do. What we do is insane now with how fast we have to work, and how much we have to do with no rehearsal. It’s just unbelievable, and not only do we do it, but we do it well. So when it gets down to the five finalists, it’s anyone’s trophy. Who even knows what someone’s perception is? I am super-excited, and it’s Alison Sweeney’s (Ex-Sami, DAYS) first time nominated ever … how great is that? If she walks away with an Emmy she is going to dance off that stage! And as for Peggy McKay (Caroline, DAYS)… what if she gets up there on stage and goes, “Hell yeah!” like I did. It would be Peggy’s first Lead Actress win. I have been really enjoying the ride, and am so flattered. We are so lucky that these shows are on the air, and that we have such loyal fans.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
I was so thrilled to see your cast mate Lisa LoCicero (Olivia) finally land a nomination! Jason Thompson (Patrick) also had a riveting reel, of course along with Tony Geary’s (Luke) outstanding work.
LAURA: Oh, my God! When Lisa’s name was announced, I was jumping up and down, and I am sure Lisa wanted to, too, but she is very pregnant and that would be hard for her to do. I tell you, the first thing she said after I texted her was, “What the hell am I going to wear?” She is due in like three weeks! Jason Thompson (Patrick) is so friggin good! Tony Geary’s (Luke) reel was fantastic. I love that Finola Hughes (Anna) is nominated and Donna Mills (Madeline)! Donna is so excited.
I want to say how fantastic you were playing Lena, Luke’s mother, in the harrowing and heartbreaking 52nd anniversary episode of General Hospital. It was truly a very effective and moving hour of television.
LAURA: I am overwhelmed and blown away by the response, and the kind words everybody had … the fans, the producers, directors, and people coming up to me at the studio. When they asked me to play that role it worked out perfect, because it was Carly playing Luke’s mom. I was so honored and excited to work with Tony Geary, and to play his mother and his wife! The clothes, and the sets, and the costumes – everything was from 1963 – and they went all out from the shoes they got for me to wear, and the hairdo. We kind of walked through it, and Frank Valentini said to me, “She’s got to be more afraid of him.” I went back on set to do the scene again, and all of a sudden she came to life for me. I realized I had a watch on from 1963, and I referenced the watch, and the nervousness, and always making sure the hair has to be perfect, and having a teen aged daughter who seemed worried. It was like when we got on set and the cameras were rolling, and Tony comes in, and the kids are there … it became so real!
What was your reaction when they came to you, and told you that you would be playing Luke’s mother in this crucial episode?
Courtesy/ABC
LAURA: I was like: “Oh, my Gosh. Are you serious?” Tony was really happy about it, and I said to Tony, “Oh, my God! I am so honored.” But then the episode after the anniversary episode, when Luke says to Carly, “Did Barbara Jean ever tell you that you look like our mother?” His tears and my tears … it was amazing! Tony is amazing.
The actors who played Young Luke and Young Patricia were also amazing.
LAURA: Amazing! Even the little Bobbie was so adorable! We really wish we could have done more passes at the scenes, because we wanted to get more shots and stuff. We had to go to shoot the scenes in the hospital where I was already bloodied, and then I had to get my make-up redone. Then, I had to go back and re-shoot it from Luke’s point of view, and then from the father’s point of view. We had to shoot it a lot of different ways.
You got to play another character other than Carly, and it worked so beautifully on-screen.
Courtesy/ABC
LAURA: It was nice for me to feel like an actor. I have been playing a daytime female character for 24 years, and it’s my life and I love it. After I finished the anniversary episode I thought that now I have actually played a character, and it was something so foreign for me. I feel like I wanted to honor those women who were in that situation. How many women were terrified and had no way out? In that time, you were supposed to go back to that man. There was no hope, and there was no help. The kids had to watch it all go down. I think that is why this also really affected people, because it seemed so real. I have to say Ron Carlivati wrote a pretty accurate description of what went on in 1963 in many households.
What did you think of the reveal that Luke accidentally killed his mother, and murdered his father!
LAURA: Oh, I loved that, are you kidding? I know they were trying to figure out how to tell this, and when they shot her getting hit with the baseball bat through the window … that was awesome! You got to see me hitting the couch and bouncing off of it. There is a funny story with that; I had to land on my back for the blocking. But, I was worried about getting hit in the face with the baseball bat, so I think in one take I went too early, and I got stuck in the couch! (Laughs) They yelled “Cut!” (Laughs) Bill Ludel was our director. He worked so hard on this show to make everything was right. He is such a pleasure to work with on set, too. I loved the black and white throughout the episode, and then in the end it turns to color. It’s just brilliant.
Now, on GH, what is Carly going to do about her son Michael?
Courtesy/ABC
LAURA: People are saying to me, Carly needs to slap Michael, but we have to remember Sonny killed his father. It was like the episode the other week where Morgan (Bryan Craig) is going to call Child Protective Services, and Carly is like, “Hell, no!” That scene with Carly where she says, “Michael saw the good, the bad and the ugly. Now we bail on him the first chance we get? We cannot do that! We cannot lose sight that this is our kid.” Sonny and Carly have not made the best decisions, but they should not bail on Michael, because he is trying to figure his life out. They are his parents. They stick out, and they deal with it.
As of now, Carly has yet to find out how Morgan and Kiki set-up Michael to look like a horrific parent to baby Avery! What do you think she will do when she finds out?
LAURA: Well, what happened is Carly found out Michael knocked over the baby and was drunk, and so when Morgan walked in he said, “Let’s just call Child Protective Services.” Carly said, “Don’t touch that phone.” She says to Morgan and Sonny that she has seen both of them do horrible things when drunk. She is like, “This is Michael! We are not going to treat him like the enemy and call the police and Protective Services.” However, wait till you see the scenes where I do find out what Morgan and Kiki (Hayley Erin) did! It’s pretty intense. Bryan was awesome in it, and as hard as we worked those scenes, I hope the payoff is there for the audience, and the fans when they do watch them.
Do you want the Sonny and Carly romance to continue?
Courtesy/ABC
LAURA: I hope we don’t break up. I have never worked with Maurice like this before. You saw when Protective Services comes to pick up baby Avery and she tells Sonny she is not leaving his side. Even if she does not believe in what he did, she will stand by him. It’s been really nice playing this ‘sense of home’ with Maurice. There was an episode that recently aired with Jake (Billy Miller) where she says, “If you would know anything about Sonny, you would tell me, right?” I think that shows her love for Sonny. She is committed to Sonny right now, and that’s all I know.
What can you tell me about working with Billy Miller? Do you think Carly is truly attracted to “Jake”? Or, will she keep it a friendship, since at some point she is going to have to find out he is her beloved Jason?
LAURA: I love Billy. Carly doesn’t know he is Jason. To her, he is “Jake”. It’s a whole different energy, and a whole different experience, and so we will see what happens. I don’t think Carly is attracted to Jake. Of course, she has mentioned a few times he is a good-looking guy. I think their friendship has evolved more. Carly has her hands full with Sonny and Michael right now, and Jake has this whole thing with Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Hayden (Rebecca Budig). I just think Carly has this instant connection and friendship with Jake. I think the point of that storyline-wise is she is always going to feel that connection with Jason, even though she doesn’t know this guy is Jason. For me, I don’t think being attracted to Jake is a factor in Carly’s head. I think she truly loves this man as a friend. When Carly considers someone a friend, she becomes mama bear, no matter what. I like working with Billy Miller. He is totally different than Steve Burton (Ex-Jason, now Dylan Y&R), and a totally different personality. Billy is really funny, and the more that I work with him now, the more that we banter. I think we work well together, and there is a fun energy there.
Courtesy/ABC
Maurice Benard is one of the finest actors out there. How has it been for you to work with him as his love interest?
LAURA: He is the easiest guy to work with him, and it’s so fun working with him, because I don’t come out on set with agenda and he doesn’t either. Maurice knows I am along for the ride with him. When we have very emotional, or powerful scenes, Maurice always comes up and hugs me every single time. Maurice is a true professional, protective of other actors, and a pleasure to work with. I never have a concern.
What was your reaction when they told you GH was doing two live shows this May?
LAURA: I don’t think it’s going to be horrible, but I do think people will be tuning in to see if we mess up! I think its going to be a lot of work. We are airing a live show when everything else is taped ahead. Hair, wardrobe, make-up will be done at a different time than we usually do, and while we are doing the live show, we will then have to be rehearsing the other show. It’s going to be long day … that’s what I’m sayin’. (Laughs) I know that Frank did this, and it worked well On One Life, so I know they know what they are doing.
Rebecca Budig (Hayden) has come to General Hospital! What do you think of that? Looks like Carly has a new nemesis!
Photo Credit: Getty Images
LAURA: LOVE HER! I hope she stays. Hayden is a great enemy for Carly, and a great actress to work with. Rebecca is such a professional, and so funny, and a joy to have around. It’s a great gig for her being a new mama! You just watch what’s to come between Hayden and Carly!
What do you think about Laura Wright’s chance to win a Daytime Emmy for her performance in the Hallowedding? Did you enjoy Laura’s turn as Lena Spencer, Luke’s mother in the exquistely done 52nd Anniversary episode of General Hospital? What do you think Carly will do when she finds out that Morgan set-up Michael to look like an unfit parent to baby Avery? Do you hope Sonny and Carly continue to stay together? Do you like the rivalry between Hayden and Carly? Comment below!
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I’ve been impressed with Laura ever since she took over the role of Carly. When you consider the talented actresses that played her before, it was a daunting task to be the third recast for her. But Laura did it and made it look easy, and she is my favorite Carly of them all. I’m glad she was nominated this year. The Hallowedding stuff was epic and gave many actors their best stuff of the year. I loved Maura West’s reel too, and I’ll be happy if either of them win. I’m also glad to hear scenes with her finding… Read more »
Chip, I liked three out of the four Carlys and Laura is my favorite but you bring up a real good point. This was a recasted character. Tamara and Sarah were really good in the Carly role and each has been different. Laura came in and she took this role and hit it out of the park! You look at Y&R, they have had recasting issues. Its not easy coming in and playing a legacy character.
I thought Sarah was best at playing Carly’s tough defenses; Tamara brought a more sensitive side to the role; Laura incorporates all of the above and more-active defensive, tough, sensitive, and intuitive-in one stroke. She is a remarkable actress. I love her! Really, all 3 ladies did a great job with their craft!
Laura is my favorite Carly too, Timm.
But I hate Carly (Love Laura though).
Carly should be voted the worst mother of all time.
“…It was nice for me to feel like an actor. ”
I’m not feeling it
she doesn’t deserve the win
you better believe… for the 5 nominees… to laud their work… 365 days a year
Laura wright is not one of them
Patrick have you forgotten how long Laura Wright has been on daytime?? How popular she was as Reva’s sister Cassie on Guiding Light. I was really hating the fact that GH had pulled her all that long time ago to be the new Carly. She of course saw the writing on the wall with CBS and GL even though Ellen Wheeler was doing a fantastic job of pulling that show back together. Too bad Ellen Wheeler wasn’t tapped for Y&R…I tuned into GH the first week of her appearances and that train wreck where she apparently dropped in from the… Read more »
I agree with you. Patrick can certainty feel that way but it is puzzling? I understand if fans dont like Carly but Laura is a really good actress.
I think Laura is an amazing actress; although, I agree-Carly is a tough character to swallow a lot of the time. I loved Laura as Cassie. At that time, Guiding Light was a great show to watch, before all of the budget cuts took place. I remember watching Guiding Light while on summer breaks. I watched it the last week it was on-air too. I miss it. I don’t care for Carly and Sonny. That’s the only time that I don’t like to watch Laura in scenes. Carly has always been deemed to be a protective mother, yet she would… Read more »
Carly is not one of my faves….but, I am starting to soften towards her. Not only is she pretty, but, she is one heck of an actress.
I only wish she were not coupled with Sonny. They are just so mismatched…..alas!!
Agreed–Laura Wright is a very good actress and has really been pulling it in lately.
It can’t be easy playing the worst mother of all time who actually thinks of herself as a protective Mama bear.
i love Laura Wright but will never like Sonny and Carly they are Gross i will become a Carly Fan again then she and Sonny are over
laura wright’ Carly : is so loud.. “TOO” loud
overbearing… uninteresting… DULL
to the point
she’s taking Michelle Stafford Place… as phyllis… ???
LOL
give me an expletive break
how embarrassing… to see Sonny pie… lacking
step back Carly,…. you are not, Sarah joy Brown
hey… I’m loud and overbearing… to the point
Laura Wright is a debbie downer
Carly is not watchable
I’m quite sure she that with Michelle Stafford’s blessing since Nina and Franco were toying with Y&R viewers when he kept calling Nina “Phyllis” instead of Nina. Gina Tognoni is a brilliant daytime actress and puts her own spin on the character and keeps her grounded more or less in the same way Michelle Stafford..she’s a bit more menacing a little less fragile than Michelle Stafford portrayed but she is good none the less…at least it wasn’t an unknown and someone we looked forward to. Laura Wright plays the scenes and words as written..she may have a say at times..but… Read more »
she said that..not she that..sorry..typo
TERRIFIC ACTRESS!
Laura Wright is a great actress!
I luv her and Sonny together, I hope they reunite that would be good, as would their break up story..
Laura is very talented..
It is anybodies and everybodies emmy.. All have the talent to win..
Also-
I am looking forward to the rivalry between Hayden and Carly!!!
That will be some good stuff, for sure..
I agree with you and we should all be so lucky to have a friend like Carly because if she says she has your back, she has your back!
Timmm, I am actually looking forward seeing Carly’s claws. I want to see her stuff…I want to see her drag (symbolically…lol) Hayden through the streets of PC….hopefully, said streets will be covered with mud.
@CeeCee….Yes, my friend, but let’s make that literal……’twould be quite a sight! (“Half-Pint Hayden” wouldn’t stand a chance against her oversized opponent!) However, I would definitely cheer the inquisitive Carly on in this case, because I’ve had it up to here with RB’s coarse character’s crass come-ons to Nik….my, he really has scraped the bottom of the bimbo barrel with this one, eh????
She has her friend’s back, but certainly not her children’s back. In particular, she has treated Michael with Fifty Shades of Betrayal and Deception with the manta that it’s “for his own good.”
I swear, with a mother like Carly, who needs enemies?
On the bright side, Harry, there should be no storylines of Oedipal longings where either Michael or Morgan are concerned. Thank God for small favors!
I think Laura has done a phenomenal job as Carly, she has made the role hers long ago. She is one of the best in the business.
She kind of resembled The Wonder Years’ mom in those scenes but i agree with Patrick that Carly is loud and overbearing—it happens in too many scenes….bring her down a notch or two…let her have some quiet moments with Josslyn for a change…Carly is too often in aruement mode!!!…jmho!!!
For all we know Joss has ran off and joined a cult! She is motherless!
She more than likely started her own cult and is their leader…scary…lol
Yeah, she does cut an imposing image/figure……very mastodonic. And, she is the worst mother, ever!! But, I am enjoying her cat and mouse game with Rick. Her investigative nose is on the right track.
I kind of dont mind her going after Ric but in just about every scene Carly is in attack mode…give the girl a moment to breathe…why cant Sam ever figure anything out…she is the detecticive…or should i say dumbtective…she and Dumbte would make a great team…lol…you think by now Sam and Carly would see all the clues to identifying Jake but of course not…itll be a couple of months and itll be little Danny who figures it out and will call Jake dada…as for Carly she needs to check up on Josslyn…i bet that Devil child is growning corn in… Read more »
Really, CeeCee! Don’t you just love it when the “Aggressive Amazon’s” ire is aroused???? Personally, I would love to see her bodily remove Ric not just from the MetroCourt, but Port Charles, as well! (And she is THE woman to do it!) Speaking of Mr. Lansing, he is looking more and more demonic with each passing day, isn’t he???? (I’m just waiting for those horns to sprout….he already has the facial hair to match….) His devilish demeanor is in marked contrast to that of the luminous, earth angel, Liz. Wasn’t she absolutely enchanting in her retro-glam look? Totally immaculate and… Read more »
@Shay. I parrot everything you wrote about Carly, Rick and Liz. I find the fact that we have developed this simpatia for each other hitting a nerve for anyone peculiar. Why should it bother anyone!!!!!!!!!! And, why resurrect a ‘war’ that exists only in another poster’s mind by involving other posters? I love peace not war. We enjoy this soap, its plots, most of the characters…..and above all, discussing the “scenery” (lol) with gusto or contempt. It is our right. The moderators are intelligent enough to discern what is printable or what is fodder. I leave it up to them.… Read more »
@jimh.
You are most likely right….too funny.
@Harry.
Yeah, I just don’t get Carly’s lack of loyalty to Michael. It’s disturbing. I also do not understand why the writers would depict her as such? She is a mother….choosing between her lover and her children should not even come into play. No one is more important in this world than one’s children. I hope Carly sees the light, sooner than later; for Sonny is not worthy of all this devotion….turns my stomach.
Olivia, on the other hand, is the exemplar mother.
Thanks so much for the interview. Laura Wright is so respectful and supportive of her fellow cast mates, it is so nice to see. I love her as Carly and she is my fave character on GH. I loved her scenes as Lena, I saw not a trace of Carly in that character. I was disappointed that Carly was totally left out of the Fluke storyline, so it was a nice surprise she got to play Lena. When she appears on GH I always perk up as I know something is going to happen, Laura never phones it in. I… Read more »
You know, Sandy? I never realized it, or looked at it from your point of view? But, you’re right. Something crucially important happens whenever Carly appears…..especially now, as she tries to expose Hayden and her cohorts. She does suspect Rick, as we all know. She just needs to dot her i’s and cross her t’s.
This is a great diversion from loco Fluko and company.
My interest is definitely peaked.
On another note, do you think TJ and Jordan will get shot at the same time? THAT, is not something I want to see !!!!’
LOVE Laura & I LOVE this article…As a long time S&C fan I’m over the moon that after 10 years there have reunited…I think her comments about Maurice are SUPER sweet & I LOVE that they both seem to be into S&C for the ride like I am. She strikes me as the consummate professional & I respect that about her. As an actress that’s been in the business for over 20 years, she must be doing something right. Whether she wins the Emmy or not doesn’t matter to me because I enjoy her as Carly on my screen &… Read more »
I said it once, I will say it again her work as Lena was Award winning! I love her work as Carlyle also but I disagree with her about Michael. He needs to know there is consequences to his rage, yes Sonny killed his bio father but if he had given Sonny a chance to explain, Michael would had known Sonny was manipulated by Ava ,into doing it.She took advantage of his emotional state of mind, his grief over loosing the woman he loved and combined that with his decades long hatred for A.J.
And there lies the problem, Robert. He had a ” decades long hate” for AJ. An unjustified one. One that caused him to constantly threaten AJ, hang him on a meat hook until AJ signed way his rights to Michael, disparage AJ at every turn and poison young Michael as he was growing up against AJ. I was thrilled when Michael finally gave AJ a chance, learned the real truth, and grew to love him. Sonny should never be forgiven, nor should Carly, for ripping Michael away from AJ and finally taking his life… Because of the bond between Sonny… Read more »
I shouldn’t have said Sonny hated A.J. it is more like disgust for a spoiled, selfish bratty rich guy, who never grew up and had his rich and powerful family to clean up his mess. Even when Alan cut him off , he still had the unwavering support of his mother.
Reading that description, sounds like a description of Sonny’s kids, lol!
Lol, oh wow, I think you are right!
Oh, Robert, you wound me. Please stop before you claim that AJ pushed Carly down the stairs (she lurched backwards on her own from flapping her chicken arms in a fit of hysteria). AJ really is the poor little rich kid. His father, even his own mother who is not Jason’s biological mother, hero worshiped Jason at the expense of AJ. This was also true of Emily, Lila and Edward as well, not to mention his dumb-as-a-box-of-rocks-blond wife Snortny. They typed cast him as a screw up, a loser, someone not worthy of love or respect while idolizing Jason. Carly,… Read more »
Thanks for the backstory, Harry. I am getting a clearer view of the Q’s ‘happily functional’ family life….LOL.
I really like Laura Wright. I will always miss the passion, the love, and the wonderful romance of Carly and Jax. I miss Ingo…..
Jax to me was one dimensional. He never won any arguments with Sonny and he made a better boyfriend to Brenda.
I don’t think the character of Jax ever had a chance, especially under Guza. Guza was so hung up on Sonny and Jason, that many other males on the show were down graded in personality or always lost out to those two. He mistakenly thought that by making other characters look worse, or weak, that Sonny and Jason would shine more, but that often it didn’t work, and only cause resentment. And look at the way that Jax was originally let go, just so Carly could have a fling with Shawn? Wow, that sure turned out great. As far as… Read more »
Jax? Another ghost? Is Jax Jocelyn’s father?
I miss Jax, too. Besides being an Aussie with personality, he was unlike any of the other guys they have on GH. Carly was able to show a softer when he was around instead of being such a shrew. She would never have owned the Metro Court without him. But she always self sabotages situations, including Jax. Really liked the episodes between him and Lois, especially when he originally, literally, flew into town. Never was a Brenda fan the way she was portrayed…vulnerable and pretty. But then Sonny started as a small time strip club owner who took advantage of… Read more »
It seems to me, Rose, that the sex/love situation/relationship, between Carly and Sonny, as you describe it, hasn’t changed much. I am assuming they will break up again? Until next time? On again, off again !!!!
No wonder the children are psychologically messed up. ….
I loved Jax…wow! I remember how absolutely, completely stunning he was when he first came on the show! He was this powerful Australian man..complete with gorgeous looks and accent! Loved those days when he and Alexis had their fake marriage…while Sonny married Jax’s girlfriend…can’t remember her name…. Jax was amazing; lol, I can’t imagine anyone choosing Sonny over Jax! Even though Ingo’s happily living in Hawaii now…from what I’ve read he’d welcome an opportunity back on GH. As for Morgan, Harry, not sure if he would have turned out differently. Yes, Jax was an amazing father influence for Morgan; the… Read more »
Agreed, KMB. The only time I really liked Carly was when she was with Ingo. She actually seemed to evolve and mature while under his influence. He was also a great father figure for Morgan. If he had stayed in the picture Carly would be acting like a grown up and Morgan would be acting like a man with integrity instead of the sociopathic school bully who seems to get his jollies picking wings off flies and poisoning and torturing his brother, whom he always loved and respected. And yes, Carly always chose Sonny and Jason over Jax. He deserved… Read more »
Well said Rose and Harry…..
CeeCee, hi, yes Jax is Jocelyn’s father. Don’t really know what the ghost part means. (Haven’t watched in sometime) but Jax is alive and living in Australia
KMB and Harry…if Morgan would have benefitted from Jax think of what Jocelyn, his own daughter, is missing now that he’s not around. She’s already quite a handful . I think Jax finally gave up on Carly because she was so “close” to Sonny. Sound familiar?
Read a little more about why Jax left GH. MF did an interview, plus other soap mag source…he was fired in 2011 by …you guessed it…Phelps and Guza. Bothers me because writers had so neutered Jax compared to when he flew into Port Charles, and instead built up Sonny and more crime. We’re still living with it. 99% of comments on the MF story wanted Jax to stay, including Ingo. Obviously he didn’t stay. Makes you wonder if ABC or GH really care what fans think from Fluke, to OLTL and AMC. Also noticed none of our regulars were commenting… Read more »
Great post Rose. Yes, it was obvious that Guza and Phelps didn’t care what the fans wanted, only what they liked personally. I hate when soap writers do this. I miss Ingo, but would only want him to return if he could get some of his dynamic back, and, if he is paired with any woman, I would want her to want HIM, and not drool over someone else. If this can’t happen, then I hope he does eventually go on another soap.
This is a very nice interview, I am very happy that LW got a nom and all the best to her and the other nominees.Her portrayal of Luke’s mother Lena was just amazing & I love the work LW and Tony G do together , they have a great chem and work so well together. Bravo LW and all the best on your nom , Thank you Michael F , loved reading the LW interview
I hope Sonny and Carly stay together too. Maurice and Laura has such a nice vibe and amazing chemistry on screen.
Waiting to see a full reunion for Carson!
Gosh I am so torn this year because I want either Laura or Maura to take it!! They both are explosive. I loved her chemistry equally with Sonny…..but I love it when she lets Ric Lansing have it!!
Oh, my!!! Sonny is sooo scuzzy. Ewwww!!!!
CeeCee….as a follow up to the “complex,” off and on between Carly and Sonny, I decided to review Carly’s history. There were even stories and entanglements that I had forgotten. She is the last person to ever take the moral high ground. But we are in soap world. Makes you wonder where the writers “draw from” to write her character. Scary! Wish she could finally break away from what I see as an unhealthy relationship with Sonny. Reminds me of being an alcoholic.
@KBM.
LOL. thank you for clearing up who Jax is. By ‘another ghost’, I mean that , if Jax were a deceased Cassadine, then he’d be resurrected, since, one by one, that family always comes back to life.
I am not well-versed with much of GH’s backstory.
@Rose. Yeah, I know what you mean. I did read Carly’s backstory in the wee hours of the morning. I get hit with insomnia now and again…. Carly had an affair with her mothers’s husband, Dr. Tony Jones? Yes? Hard for me to understand this….yuck. But, as Su keeps reminding me; these are soaps ; not real. All I can say is that it happens in reality too. …not my cup of tea. My high standards, morals and upbringing prevent me from making heads or tails in this maelstrom of twisted beliefs called ‘sleep with anybody’ and who cares. I… Read more »
I really think Allison Sweeney is the favorite this year because she is good and there is the sentimental angle. If not her, it has to be Maura. Having said that, I love Laura Wright. She loves GH and she is kind to her fans. She doesnt take her job for granite and says she is just along for the ride. I really like Tamaura and loved Sarah but Laura is the best because she matches up best with Sonny and all of his different mood swings. I love her building tension with Hayden and cannot wait until she hits… Read more »
Unfortunately, I just have never seen the “wow” factor from Alison Sweeney. It’s nothing against the actress; I’ve watched DAYS on and off since high school. I’ve always found her scenes to come across as forced and immature; perhaps it was the character that she was playing-Sami was a very immature character, IMO. I love Eileen Davidson, although, her short stint lacked excitement this last time around, IMO. Love Laura Wright. Love Maura West.
I’m with you I just think she gets it because of her years of service and her swan song reward, if you will.
I don’t get the Allison Sweeny adulation either, DMR.
I think she’s much ado about nothing.
You are probably right about Ali Sweeney, as far as the sentimental hoopla. I cannot deny she is one of the greatest soap stars ever…..but, I never ‘felt’ her. ….know what I mean?
It’s funny because when Maura first appeared on the GH stage, I really did not like her. My dislike had carried over from her playing Diane on Y&R.
But, I fell in love with her unparalleled acting, in my opinion. She just blew me away. So, I hope she gets the Emmy.
Yes I felt the same way. I hated her as Dianne on Y&R but she is great as Ava. She should win, she has been great!
I also believe that MW should get the Emmy for her role as Ava, CeeCee….even though I absolutely despised her character during the first year or more of her GH existence. I wrote many a post pillorying her over-the-top retro-glam hit lady with all her hoity-toity airs and graces, not to mention that appalling crypt tryst with Sonny, but once Ms. Jerome became pregnant and suffered through those heinous tribulations with her baby, she was finally humanized and allowed to shine sans the fakery and finery to which she had been accustomed beforehand…..Until Ava was stripped down to her essence,… Read more »
@Shay. Finola’s style is ‘affascinante’……always was; always will be. Everything about this oh-so-cool, yet genteel woman speaks of class and sophistication. Even her acting shows composure and elegance which transcends, by far, that of her peers. She is literally in a genre of her own. With all due respect to Peggy McCay and Gina Tognoni, it just boggles the mind how they are in the running and Finola isn’t. I just don’t get it !! It is not my intention to step on anyone’s toes, and, I do love both these wonderful, devoted actresses, but Finola is Finola…..I can’t explain… Read more »
To each her own, CeeCee!….You are already painfully aware of my views on MS…LOL. Hence, we shall simply have to leave it at that and concentrate on one of our many areas of agreement, the lovely, gracious Finola! I also would adore her assuming a much more leading lady mantle so that she can be in contention for next year’s best actress honors. (Now that Ava/Maura has been rewarded for her efforts, it’s someone else’s turn in the limelight.) Unlike some of her less genteel GH peers—need I name names? I think not…—whose main focus seems to be their pursuit… Read more »
I absolutely love Laura Wright. I thought it was a great idea to have her cast as Lena Spencer; she did a remarkable job! She brought such a level of both bravery and fear to that character in one episode-and did an amazing job opposite Tony Geary. The episode brought me to tears. All of the performances were amazing and emmy worthy.
Laura is the best actress on GH. I am happy she was nominated and hope she wins
Mrs. Wright comes across wonderfully admirable in this interview. She is undoubtedly a great person. For those who have said that she is too loud or obnoxious in her portrayal of Carly, I agree… What compounds this matter for me is that I can’t stand either Sonny or Carly. I don’t think either one of them is a likable character. I will try to avoid sounding like a broken record here in my disdain for Sonny, but Carly is very similar to Sonny. She is loud and obnoxious, too. I see no rooting value for characters that have no redeeming… Read more »
I really hope that this version of Jake(son) continues to be positive and upbeat. Billy Miller brings some comedy and little boy charm and cuteness to the role. I hope Jake remembers his Quartermaine roots and does not want a relationship with Sonny whatsoever.
That would be great, dmr!
You bet, dmr. Billy Miller handled the transition from Billy Abbot to Jake so smoothly…he conquered the new role like the pro that he is. I always knew he’d fit right in.
Firstly, your grammar is impeccable…..I am very appreciative of that, James.
Secondly, I agree with you about anything and everything Sonny. I am able to tolerate Carly, when not in the presence of Sonny. ….together, they make my skin crawl. Nonetheless, I have softened towards her, somewhat.
Neither of them is what one would call a nurturing parent or upstanding person.
If truth be known, James, you are very kind in your description of this not-so-savory couple. The word ‘disdain’ is quite mild when expressing your feelings for Sonny. LOL.
Thank you for your kind words, CeeCee! And thank you for expounding on my initial premise. I do understand your “softening” toward Carly when she is away from Sonny.
I’ve had this huge chip on my shoulder for many years now, when it comes to GH, and that chip is Sonny. This chip clouds my vision of the entire show, but it results from the tunnelvision focus of the writers/producers who unapologetically and continually spoon-feed Sonny and the mob to the viewer. Best regards…
I like LW I loved her as Cassie missed her when she left as Carly it has taken me a while she can be as others have said loud at times but you are never on your A game everyday. Tamara Braun probably had the best chemistry with MB at least for me. Plus if you are ever out to California she and her husband have a great winery. Nice to see Michael Fairman treat her with respect she has been getting a lot of heat from a former castmate and a certain TV Guide reporter on Twitter.
Treated!
I haven’t heard of any discord with a former castmate or a TV Guide reporter…I’ll have to google this information!
Still miss Sarah Brown in the role. Her Carly had such incredible depth. I often wish Laura had crossed over her Loving character Ally to GH.
Ok then, I’ll say it: “That actress! Shut her up!” I can’t stand the Carly (or Sonny) characters, but she is a good actress.
What a nice interview. Laura has always shown herself to be a true class act, in every way, as well as a wonderful and talented actress. She put the icing on the cake of her acting with her wonderful performance of Lena. It just goes to show people that she can really act because she was given something totally different from the kind of writing she’s been getting and she nailed it. I’ve always felt that she’s been under rated and this proves it. I’m hoping that Sonny & Carly do stay together and get more together screen time (something… Read more »
I so enjoyed Laura’s raw emotional performance opposite Roger H, in
the wedding that never was. I’m appreciative of an occasional low
octane Carly, that’s when I feel she’s at her very best and truly real.
Footnote: that’s when she leads with her HEART!!!
The Laura character is abounding in vitality and she is vigorous.
She is highly exuberant when she is protecting the people she loves
Carly is uninhibited emotionally.. And she is sweetly sensitive in her loving moments..
That is the Carly character, ”exuberant personality”
This is the Carly character emoting……”CATERWAUL!”
I think you are confusing ‘exuberant’ with ‘aggressive’ , su.
I know you love all your GH characters, and I truly admire you for that. You are the most loyal fan ever…I’ve expressed this so many times.
Furthermore…you are one of my faves on these sites. We don’t always agree… It is the name of the game, yes?….but, I do appreciate your EXUBERANCE….LOL.
Carly has done her children a disservice. She does not worry about them. Her concern is for Sonny, or whomever ‘fills’ her at that moment in time. Her behavior goes against the grain….against nature…..against everything which defines “MOTHER”.
hi CeeCee..
yes! Carly is ”exuberant!”
She loves a good fight she gets excited and she has happiness taking someone down..
Carly was very ”exuberance” yesterday when she found that the picture matched Jakes wedding pic, she was overjoyed to trap her prey … lol 🙂
Carly is very protective of her boys and anyone who messes with her boys will have hell to pay.. Carly will get ”exuberant” all over their azz .. 🙂 lol ..
Laura was a veteran by the time she took over the role of Carly. I have never liked Carly, but Laura is my favorite actress in the role. I know it is the character of Carly that is loud and not Laura the actress. My definition of Daytime Veteran is 7 years playing the same character or having played 3 characters or more in a shorter time span. I look forward to seeing Carly finding out Morgan and Kiki set Michael up to lose AJ. I’ve enjoyed the payback that Carly and Sonny so deserve. The parallel of Michael’s meltdown… Read more »
I think Laura Wright played Lena, Luke’s mother, just right. She showed the restraint along with the self-containment that a frightened, verbally abused wife must feel. The interview indicates that she did think about this long and hard as an actress as well as what a woman in that situation would feel. I know that she played it just right because, unfortunately, I grew up in a household like that. I am just going to say it: I think that is the best I have seen from Laura. She was really, really good. Unfortunately, the whole scene was not so… Read more »
nancy dillingham.
your overkill long rant concerning the Luke story is pure crap..
The Luke story was spot on, excellent ..
nancydillingham: I understand that we all have our opinions and our own points of view; but, I saw the anniversary episode in a complete opposite point of view as you. It was quite a milestone, historic episode, I thought. Long time viewers have long known that Luke and Bobbie were abused and victimized by their “father”-which led them as youngsters to fend for themselves and unfortunately, they did face many hardships growing up on the streets-made many questionable choices. However, like many of us, you, and myself included-I believe they utilized those hard times by growing together, forming a bond… Read more »
Laura, Rachel from “Friends” wants her haircut back.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
Friday’s episode of General Hospital brought the highly-anticipated story around the apparent death of Port Charles iconic, Luke Spencer (Tony Geary), although many fans, and even some of the cast of the show, are not sold that Luke is “dead” dead.
During the show, characters spoke of some of the history of Luke in Port Charles, most especially Luke’s sister, Bobbie played by Jackie Zeman. Throughout the years, Zeman is at her best when she is given material through the writing of the show to connect to the history of Luke and Bobbie. She did so when Bobbie was remembering how Luke came to Port Charles to help her break up Scotty and Laura, in a discussion with her daughter, Carly (Laura Wright).
Photo: ABC
As everyone is gathering at the Haunted Star to pay their respects to Luke, Curtis (Donnell Turner) arrives to support Laura (Genie Francis), Felicia (Kristina Wagner) and Anna (Finola Hughes) arrive together, Nikolas (Marcus Coloma) and Ava (Maura West), as well as Spencer (Nicholas Alexander Chavez also show up. It is through Nikolas’ conversation with Laura that we learn why Luke’s sons, Ethan and Lucky, can’t make the funeral and, of course, we know why Luke’s daughter Lulu can’t make it because she is in a coma!
Victor (Charles Shaughnessy) shows up and snipes at everyone and then leaves. Tracy (Jane Elliot), who has arranged the memorial, is with an urn supposedly filled with Luke’s ashes and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) finds her on the deck of the Haunted Star and talks her into giving her planned eulogy.
Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) finds his dad, Sonny (Maurice Benard) drinking at Charlie’s, and later Scott (Kin Shriner) and Robert (Tristan Rogers) stop in and heated words are exchanged between Sonny and Scott. Victor shows up and instead of Scott and Sonny pummeling each other, they get into a fight against Victor.
Courtesy/ABC
As Scott and Robert are about to be on their way to the Haunted Star, Scott stays behind because of his past with Luke. Then, Sonny tried to patch things up with Carly before they head to the memorial.
Back on the yacht, Anna and Felicia find a note and a flash drive, after hearing a commotion on the yacht. When the note says “play me”, none other than Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers) addresses Luke’s friends and family from apparently the great beyond. As Helena spews her venom against Luke, Laura has enough and pulls the plug on Helena’s video speech. Tracy looks concerned, like she may want to hear whatever else Helena had to say.
Photo: ABC
Next, Tracy does her best in short order to eulogize Luke. That is juxtaposed with Scott trashing Luke. Later, by herself on the deck, Tracy spreads Luke’s ashes over the waters of Port Charles. Back on the pier, Scott relishes Luke being gone, and that he is still standing saying, “You lose you son of a bitch!” Just then Luke’s ashes blow in into his face. When Bobbie arrives, and see Scott full of ashes, she asks what happened. Scott says, “I caught the bouquet,” an obvious nod to the Luke and Laura wedding of the past, where Scott returned at their wedding and caught the wedding bouquet.
Courtesy/ABC
Back on the Haunted Star, Tracy then has a gift in hand for Laura, but she tells Tracy if that’s the Ice Princess she does not want anything to do with it, and tells Tracy to keep it. Spencer sees this go down and his interest on the diamond is instantly piqued.
Back at Charlie’s bar, Victor has an ominous toast to Luke saying, “The good people of your fair city are in for a big surprise!”
At the Haunted Star, dressed in black with black veil, Jennifer Smith reveals herself to a shocked Laura.
So, what did you think of Luke’s memorial episode? Favorite parts of it? Least favorite? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, check out Helena’s videotaped speech and Tracy’s eulogy to Luke below.
General Hospital
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
General Hospital
FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Reels When Hope Says Douglas Saw Grandma Kissing ‘Santa Claus’
FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Lisa Brown to be Honored In Virtual Interview With ’42nd Street’ Co-Star Lee Roy Reams
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
TONIGHT: All My Children’s Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams Together Again on All-New Episode of ‘Our Kind of People’
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
GH’s Kristina Wagner On Felicia’s Concern Over Maxie’s Emotional State
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Reels When Hope Says Douglas Saw Grandma Kissing ‘Santa Claus’
Remembering One Life to Live on the 10th Anniversary of its Final Episode on ABC
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Michael at a Crossroads; What Did You Think of Christian LeBlanc’s 30th Anniversary Episode?
‘Soapdish’ Series Adaptation in the Works for Paramount +; Whoopi Goldberg to Reprise Her Role
Y&R’s Christian LeBlanc and Michelle Stafford Talk On Their Enduring Friendship, Sharing Scenes & Preview Special Episode
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: A Shocked Brooke Exclaims: “Oh, My God! I Was Drinking Last Night!”
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General HospitalJanuary 19, 2022FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 24, 2022Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
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All My ChildrenJanuary 18, 2022TONIGHT: All My Children’s Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams Together Again on All-New Episode of ‘Our Kind of People’
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General HospitalJanuary 21, 2022(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 19, 2022DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
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General HospitalJanuary 18, 2022ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 22, 2022All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
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General HospitalJanuary 17, 2022GH’s Kristina Wagner On Felicia’s Concern Over Maxie’s Emotional State