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!
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 out about Morgan and Kiki’s actions are coming. I’ve been waiting for that.
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 ceiling in a trench coat…LOL..she’s Carly all the way and the all my Carly episode (where all the past Carly’s were featured) proves why they made the right choice. And her well faceted portrayal is worth that nomination and the others to come. I’m quite surprised at that little rant…but to each his own opine.
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 sell her first born and soul to appease Sonny of all of his crimes/sins.
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 i’m quite sure the writers have their set interpretation of the character in their mind and write her as such. That character is in the hands of others as opposed to the one who created the character..beats..pauses…hysterics..and all. Wow you sound like su0000 with the character of Sharon Newman on Y&R. LOL
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 her bedroom where her Children Of The Corny Cult secretly hold meetings…lol
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 flawless! P.S. Apparently, we’ve struck up a “friendship,” and a particular nerve….in that order! LOL……
@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. I do not need a poster to police my writing.
Honestly, Shay, I hope this is the last of it. Truly and sincerely…that is it for me.
Something else I find peculiar and astonishing is the thought that someone thinks we would give this person so much importance as to override said person’s comment. It is not a contest, and I do not indulge in such nonsensical child play. I need to prove nothing for anyone. “Frankly, Scarlet, I don’t give a damn”…..
I do not give this someone much thought, until this subject is brought up…over and over…nor do I care what this person’s views are.
I will mimic Harry from another site as say, “Let it go”!!
Too bad you do not watch Y&R, Shay. You and I, along with Harry, Timmm, Sub, jimh and Patrick would have had a field day with some of the characters and the craziness going on there.LOL….
@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 enjoy her work with Chad, Bryan and Maurice a lot, love that little Corinthos dysfunctional family. She has great chemistry with Billy Miller too, and I thought her scenes with Hayden were a hoot, as well as her scenes with Spinelli. I can’t wait to see their faces when they realize their BFF is baaaccckkk!
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 & will continue to do so for as long as she graces my screen.
Having met her I adore her & Carly even 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 and Michael I’m assuming they’ll eventually reconcile, but I hope Michael honors AJ and keeps the Quartermaine name.
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, who was his good friend at the time, snuck booze into his grape juice while he was on the wagon and then dumped his slumbering body in an alley. She then doused his body with vodka and called his family anonymously and reported that their son was lying in drunken stupor and needed to be hauled away. Is that one of the messes the Quartermaine family needed to “clean up”?
Ironically enough, AJ was always treated like the red headed bastard son while Sonny, and later Jason, were not only allowed to brutalize AJ by his family, his family seemed to kind of condone their mistreatment as if it were well deserved.
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 Brenda is concerned, I do think Vanessa and Ingo have great chemistry, but the way they always write her as chasing Sonny on her knees, I say no thanks. I don’t think you have to worry because these writers don’t seem interested in Ingo, but I hope he will someday be able to go on another soap so I can watch again. To each his own, right?
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 young women. Writers never seem to bring that up. He was really a pig back then. Young Carly was the only one who seemed to challenge him at the time, and even then it was settled with heated sex, not love.
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 two were so close. But Morgan probably would still feel that Sonny, his biological day, favored Michael, the “adopted” son, over him. He’s been trying to get the favored son spot for a while, which is why I believe he’s so against his brother right now. Morgan wants to be the hero that saves the day for Sonny…
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 much much better.
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 back then. Even we have turned over.
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 love my soaps ….soooo, I overlook much.
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 the roof over Moran and Koko’s high jinks!
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, Maura really didn’t have the chance to show off her range…especially the more subtle nuances for which I developed an appreciation. I’m also hoping for Finola Hughes to take home an Emmy….even though I do also like LLC’s Olivia, I feel like her best is yet to come, perhaps next year for her? Speaking of “Anna,” was she not just sheer perfection these past few days? She looked absolutely smashing in that superbly-fitted aubergine jacket and black pencil skirt….sleek, sophisticated and above all, classy! And what a superb physique…”Slim,” indeed!!!!!!
@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 it better than that. When she appears on the GH stage, I am completely mesmerized….her aura is almost tangible.
You will not like what I will say next, Shay……I love her almost as much as Michelle Stafford…LOL.
Did you really think I would shower Finola with so much true, heartfelt praise by not including Michelle, ma belle? LOL. Later, girl.
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 of hedonistic hijinks—the character of Anna reminds me of the sort of soap opera characters I grew up admiring….they were gorgeous, sophisticated and aspirational types…dressed to the nines, immaculately groomed and drop-dead glamorous, with the kind of names to match: Sunny Adamson, Jillian Coleridge, Lauralee Brooks, Sloane Denning, Eden Capwell, and of course, Felicia Gallant and Erica Kane! It was always a thrill and enchantment to watch these fierce femmes…..not just to see what they were wearing on any given day, but what they were doing with their lives…it always seemed to be something exciting and new…..not to mention there were some of the most intriguing, handsome devils by their sides! Those were the days! Such a pity that in the modern Port Charles landscape we have been reduced to the embarrassing, sorry likes of Val-Chops, Sappy, Grossalie, nuKiki and BrazenHayden…most hardly an inspiring, interesting bunch, to say the very least! Time to let the adults like Ms. Devane, Diane Miller, Helena, Dr. O., Tracy and Madeline shine and show them how it’s done…these ladies rock with power, passion and panache!
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 value.
Further, I highly resent the manner in which Sonny and Carly have been virtually non-stop frontburner characters, often to the detriment of other wonderful characters and veteran actors. The entire mob storyline, along with its lengthy tentacles (Carly, Jason) has ruined GH for far too many years. If there were an Emmy award for “darkest daytime drama,” GH would be the frontrunner every year!
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 that is always missing nowadays). As she said, she has never really had the opportunity to play being ‘in’ love with Sonny and it would be very nice to see it finally happen.
As for her emmy nom, she certainly deserves it but more importantly, her grace and support of her fellow nominees shows that she is lives what she believes…to be grateful for all she has and to encourage and be kind to others.
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 and his father AJ’s. I love that Michael changed his name to Quartermaine.
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 successful from an historic point of view re the show and the character of Luke, as I have voiced before. The whole flashback made Luke and Barbara Jean VICTIMS of their environment/childhood thereby violating the characters and the whole legacy of the Spencer family. The story, played historically, is that Luke and Bobbie OVERCAME their childhood with an abusive, alcoholic family; now they are FOREVER IT’S VICTIMS. Not a good message to put out there at all. But that takes nothing away from Ms. Wright’s performance–she comes out smelling like a rose–but not TPTB nor the writers. They have violated GH’s legacy and an iconic character (LUKE) forever– irreparable damage that cannot be repaired. They took an always interesting, inventive, yes, even lovable Luke (and capable of loving) and made him a flat, uninteresting, even tiresome victim. I am very surprised that Tony Geary would want to play a hateful, unforgiving murderer–which is what anyone can play–instead of the intense, funny, quirky character he originally created in Luke. Ironically, the Tim (his father) that he speaks about being so evil–and that he hates so vehemently–came off, as TG played him in the flashback–as a not so mean but bigoted and verbally abusive Archie Bunker type. He certainly didn’t deserve being killed by Luke, now described by Tony Geary as a “marauding angel of death” and a “serial killer.” It’s so very sad to see TG’s career ending on this blah note, playing a character that the viewer cannot empathize with nor even care to see anymore onscreen.
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 like no other, and forged ahead-attempting against all odds to overcome being the victims of the circumstances they had the misfortune of being born into.
I admit, I have not been too keen on Luke for quite a number of years, now. I like Luke when he is comical-scheming, wheeling and dealing; and I think Tony’s best scenes are with Jane Elliot. Luke is a dark character; but; I do think his darkness fits well into the character’s past-the past that long time viewers understand.
Laura, Rachel from “Friends” wants her haircut back.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Lucas Gives Wiley To Michael; While Willow Learns the Devastating Truth
Friday’s episode of General Hospital, brought the highly-emotional moments viewers had been waiting for all-week long; following the year and a half reveal that Nelle (Chloe Lanier) and Brad (Parry Shen) engineered a baby switch with Willow’s (Katelyn MacMullen) dead baby, Wiley being passed off as Michael (Chad Duell) and Nelle’s newborn, Jonah, and Jonah being raised by Brad and Lucas (Ryan Carnes) as Wiley. Now with the truth out, it was time for two of the heaviest beats of the story to be played out.
When Willow comes to at the hospital with Chase (Josh Swickard) by her side, needless to say she is dazed and freaking out that Nelle took Wiley. Chase tells her he has some things to tell her and it’s not going to be easy to hear. Willow braces herself and then Chase tells her the story of the baby switch and how her baby died a SIDS death while at Brad and Lucas’ and then how the babies were switched.
Photo: ABC
In a heartbreaking and powerful performance from Katelyn MacMullen (yes, she is our pick for “Power Performance of the Week”), Willow struggles to come to grips with the truth and starts to realize all of Brad’s machinations, as she thinks back to herself how could she do that to her son … to trust him with Brad, only to have the little infant die. The devastation played by MacMullen, whose Willow, now must realize her baby never lived the full and happy young life she thought, was gut-wrenching.
Meanwhile, in yet another top-notch performance, William deVry (Julian) showed the pain and the need to unburden himself as Julian talks to his sister. Ava (Maura West) and spills what happened. He goes so far to admit to Ava that he knew what Brad had done. Ava cannot believe he did not go to Sonny (Maurice Benard) right away with this Intel, but Julian just could not do this to his son, Lucas and rip the baby from his arms. Julian says he will face-off with Sonny and not leave town, if it comes to that. Ava says they have to come up with a way to silence Brad … before Brad gives up Julian’s part in the whole baby cover-up.
Photo: JPI
And in yet another masterful performance, we have to give it up to Chloe Lanier. Who can play Nelle and spin stories and the tears so well, that if you did not know this pathological liar you would think she is telling the truth. When in opposing holding cells at the PCPD, Nelle lays it on about Brad so that the guard can hear them. She blames Brad for being the instigator in the baby switch and taking advantage of her – a distraught new mother, confused and dazed on the route where the baby switch happened. It works! Brad is moved to a different cell and thinks look very grim for him. Nelle smiles through her crocodile tears!
Photo: JPI
Then, in what we all knew had to happen, and even so, was still as heartbreaking as ever; Lucas spends his final moments with Wiley as his father in the kitchen at the Corinthos’ along with Bobbie (Jackie Zeman) and Carly (Laura Wright). Lucas starts to tell his mother and sister, all the things Wiley needs and likes, such as having a story read to him. All of this brings the tears as they know Lucas has to give the child back to Michael; who has been robbed of a year and half as the baby’s rightful father.
Michael tells Lucas they will work this out, so Lucas remains a constant in Wiley’s life. He also tells Sonny and Sasha (Sofia Matteson) he feels so badly for Lucas, but they tell him to be happy for this chance to have the son he grieved for. In the end, a tear-filled Lucas hands Wiley to Michael as everyone watches on in sadness for one father … and joy for the other. Ryan Carnes was poignant in the scenes; as was Chad Duell.
Courtesy/ABC
So, what did you think of the performances from Friday’s GH featuring Katelyn, Ryan, Chad, William, Chloe and Parry? Comment below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Blasts Brad As The Truth About Wiley Comes Out
FINALLY! On Wednesday’s episode of General Hospital, Lucas (Ryan Carnes) memory is jogged just enough that he clearly remembers Brad’s (Parry Shen) shocking words before their car crash; where Brad confessed that Wiley was Nelle (Chloe Lanier) and Michael’s (Chad Duell) biological son.
At the Corinthos home, Lucas stands up and announces to Michael that Wiley is actually his believed to be dead son, Jonah. Carly’s (Laura Wright) mouth drops and then she takes over getting to the root of the truth of the baby switch.
Brad is cornered and left with no choice but to fess up. He explains how Wiley died when he was no longer breathing, and how he was driving with him, when he ended up on the route where Nelle left Michael to die in the car he was driving (Michael recalls this bit of Intel in a flashback).
Then, Brad explains how Nelle appeared with her newborn baby and claimed the whole thing was engineered by Nelle … and how he was so upset and panicked, that he went along with her plan.
Michael lets Brad have it for all of his lies and machinations, and the pain it has inflicted on so many people for over a year and half. How on earth could he do that? Carly also lays into him.
Meanwhile, Sasha (Sofia Matteson) has urgently called Chase (Josh Swickard), who leaves “Wiley” and Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) behind, and heads to the Corinthos’ where he hears the whole sad truth about the baby switch.
With Chase gone, Nelle goes looking for “Wiley” who is with Willow, and the two get into a major throwdown catfight. Nelle comes out the victor and goes to get her baby ready to leave town with her son.
So, what did you think of how the truth finally came out? What did you think of Michael’s tirade on Brad? What do you think will happen next? Comment below.
General Hospital
GH’s James Patrick Stuart Talks on Valentin’s Downfall and Potential Rise to Power
After all his bravado, machinations and lies to keep the woman he loves, and believing he was the rightful heir to the Cassadine fortune, suddenly it all came crashing down for Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) on recent episodes of General Hospital.
Payback can be a bitch, but for Valentin; who’s past has been fraught with numerous physical and emotional tribulations since his childhood, he now finds himself at the lowest point in his life; losing Nina (Cynthia Watros) who’s now taken up with Jax (Ingo Rademacher), realizing he is the biological son of the evil Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers), and not Mikkos, and having all his best laid plans and misdeeds backfire. (Remember, he shot and “killed” Nikolas, and set up the ruse that led Sasha to pretend she was Nina’s bio-daughter.) Now, enter Nelle Benson (Chloe Lanier), who could very well hold the ticket, to Valentin’s rise to wealth and power all over again.
Michael Fairman TV chatted with James Patrick Stuart to get the lowdown on: those heavy and emotional scenes opposite Constance Towers, working with Cynthia Watros as his newest Nina, if Valentin might really kill Jax the next time he thinks about it, and what about a potential relationship between Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin?
Not many can play bad as good as James in this industry. He does it so effortlessly and still brings out the humanity in the guy that has t-r-o-u-b-l-e written all over him. Here’s what James had to share about all of Valentin’s recent dramatic moments, a tease of what’s to come, and much more.
Photo: JPI
Valentin’s world has imploded at the moment. When did you initially find out that he was going to turn out to not be a true Cassadine heir?
JAMES: Well, there were some clues dropped by Frank Valentini (executive producer, GH) back when we did the gallery auction where Helena’s portrait went up in flames. Frank looked at me and goes, “Hey, Jack Nicholson it up. Have some fun! You’re not going to be feeling pretty good for a while.” (Laughs) I’m like, “Oh … what are the plans?” He pulled me aside and goes, “Yeah, you’re going to lose Nina, but you’re going to try to take over ELQ. That’s when I started to go, “Wait a minute! That sounds to me like Valentin’s losing his money.” (Laughs) With the character of Nikolas (Marcus Coloma) coming back; it’s pretty great. I think the writing was on the wall there. I put it out on twitter the other day. I said, “Look what they’ve done to my boy.” Somebody chimed in, “They gave him a storyline!” (Laughs)
Who doesn’t love to see you, James Patrick Stuart, play tortured soul? They audience loves to see you get the opportunity to go to those depths in your performances.
JAMES: It’s been really interesting for me. I’ve had a lifetime of playing bad guys because the line was always shorter. (Laughs) Everybody wants to be Tom Cruise, but the Alan Rickman’s of it all, to me, were what was so interesting. Early on, you play one dimensional kind of twisting of the mustache, tying a woman to the train tracks. After a while, you start to watch the truly great actors. They start to take you on a ride. If you’re paying attention, you start to feel what it would be like to be that damaged, and that’s why you do it. Then you start to see the vulnerability. To me, I thought, “This is a great time in my life because I’m ready to do that.” A lot of people say, “I don’t understand. I feel like that makes no sense. because why would I root for a person who behaves like this?” and that to me, I feel is the greatest compliment of all.
So much happened recently to Valentin in one fell swoop; he overhears Nina telling Ava (Maura West) she kissed Jax, then he envisions shooting Jax and then he is drinking himself into oblivion and he gets a “visit” from Helena! But … the scenes between Valentin and Helena really summed up the bitter truth for him, wouldn’t you say?
JAMES: Yes. In the “Helena” scenes, it all basically is revealed. It all comes down in a moment where he “sees” her. I think he realizes with the DNA test; he’s not the person he thought he was, but he certainly had no idea that he had her blood in his veins. The truly tragic moment of the evening is when it dawns on him that he has a daughter with Helena’s blood in her veins. Now, he would kill her a thousand times over in that moment. He can’t do it. He’s fighting phantoms. That’s the bottom below the bottom, and things got worse than he ever thought they would get.
Courtesy/ABC
Does Valentin have any idea then, who his biological father could be?
JAMES: I don’t think so. I don’t believe so. I know I don’t. I think once he realizes that Helena is in fact the mother, I think he’d rather just go into oblivion. I think at that point, he’s out of answers. Enter Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) …which is wonderful because I think the world of Nancy, and she saves the day. Alexis basically talks him out of hurting himself, telling him to count his blessings that he is not a Cassadine, etc, which was a really sweet moment.
I assume, when you have this kind of material to play, it must be exhausting, but exhilarating at the same time?
JAMES: I think that’s exactly right. As an actor, I think you want to do this stuff. Maura West and I compare notes all the time. I think it can be kind of emotionally draining. You do feel it, and I felt it when I had spent a lot of time with Nina and Valentin, and when the actresses changed, and we brought Cynthia Watros in. I worked twice as hard to make sure that Cynthia’s landing was as easy as possible, and I really grew attached to the Nina and Valentin connection. So, when Jax steps in, Cynthia’s love life means nothing to me, I don’t care about that, but Nina’s love life means a lot to me! And it bums me out, and I don’t know that I’ll actually be watching any future love scenes between them as much as I love them both! I have a deep attachment to the Valentin connection to Nina. So, the lines get burred because we just play these characters so long.
Photo: JPI
What was it like sharing those tough scenes with Constance? No one can play icy, evil villainess like her … and yet in real life, she is such a gracious and kind-hearted woman.
JAMES: In real life, Constance is such a sweetheart, and she’s so grateful to be there. She was so ready to work, and rehearse, and play, and find the stuff, and she was great. I’d been in scenes with her before. Last time, we didn’t really talk to each other. I was with the hump. I was being Valentin pre-surgery. It was some sort of moment in a graveyard, but this time we actually got to interact with each other.
You look at Valentin, and he’s not had the greatest life. Do you bring his entire back-story into your performance; such as when he was deformed with the hump and how he had to literally reconstruct his life both in the physical and in emotional ways for many years?
JAMES: Absolutely. It’s the brokenness that he’s making choices from. He was never truly and authentic person to begin with which is why his love fell apart. He’s always been faking. He’s always been putting on a show. That’s not sustainable in matters of the heart. It was unbelievably easy for Jax to swoop in, because it was inevitable that things were going to fall apart. Of course, that anger and that brokenness were what lead him to want to kill Jax. There’s no question. He was prepared to do that. If you look in the eyes in the fantasy sequence in the shooting, he just wanted to watch him die. He wanted to watch the light go out in Jax’s eyes. He was so furious … and even more tragic is … that was all he could think of, and somehow, he realized in that moment that wouldn’t work, because he’d lose his daughter.
Photo: JPI
Anna and Finn (Michael Easton) just kind of busted up. Do you think Anna and Valentin will hookup? There is a connection and a history between the two of them whenever they seem to be in proximity of one another.
JAMES: Personally, I’m waiting for that. I hope so! There is a finesse and elegance to that woman, and not only that, there is an effortless to the connection between Valentin and Anna, if one can say that about one’s own coupling. I love to look at it! I think we go together like a wink and a smile. I just find that chemistry really great. I think that’s mostly Finola, though. She can probably have chemistry with most anything.
Valentin was going to leave Port Charles with Charlotte (Scarlett Fernandez), after Nikolas revealed all and the fallout began. Interestingly enough, it was Anna who came to Valentin’s side and tried to talk him down from fleeing with his daughter and showed such compassion for him!
JAMES: Wasn’t that great? She was the one who got him. She was the one who was able to calm the beast. There was no one else he would have listened to. In the moment in the police station, after Charlotte had been kidnapped, and there is that moment where Anna has that bruise, I thought it was such a tender moment. I just said, “If I kiss my finger and touch your wound?” and she’s like, “Do it.” It was just this moment where we had been bitter rivals and enemies for so long, but he just adores her so much it’s undeniable that he sees her wounded and wants to make it better. It’s floating out there waiting to be done. I know that everybody knows it. It’s just a matter of what the right away to go about in the writing would be.
Photo: JPI
So, you’ve worked opposite two acting dynamos in the role of Nina – Michelle Stafford and now, Cynthia Watros. Was the transition difficult for you when Cynthia came to GH?
JAMES: It wasn’t. It was scary because Michelle Stafford wasn’t just one in a million, I mean, she is one of a kind. The last thing in the world that I would ever want to consider doing myself was recast that actress. So, my deal was (and I’ve said this to Cynthia) I said, “I have no control over this. All I can do is make the landing as easy as possible for Cynthia.” We did a lot of photoshoots together, and I had flowers waiting for her, and I did everything possible to make sure that she knew that she had a friend and that she had somebody that was going to make it as easy as possible. It was rough because a lot of the trolls on social media were just awful to her… just brutal, and she goes, “I have thick skin. I can take it,” and then a week later, she goes, “I’ve closed all my social media accounts!” (Laughs) It’s been fun to watch those guys turn around and go, “You have a really special person.” That wedding stuff was just incredible! She came so prepared and she knocked it out of the park. Cynthia has been wonderful. I love them both. I love her the reddest, and I love Michelle the bluest, and together I love them the purplest. (Laughs)
Photo: JPI
It’s interesting that all the women in his life such as Anna and Nina, all have a soft-spot for Valentin; even though they don’t necessarily want to be with him. These ladies are just drawn to this dysfunctional guy.
JAMES: Don’t you think? Is it that you want to help him, you want to fix him, you see the potential, you want to help him despite himself? I think that’s what it is.
Courtesy/ABC
Do you think Valentin’s still going to try to win Nina back, or is that done?
JAMES: I don’t know. I do know that the Valentin I know will never shake Nina, and when he loves, he loves forever. He can be simultaneously in love with Anna whenever she’s near. I don’t believe he ever truly got over Nina hearing his story and his brokenness and still loving him twice as hard. Years ago, there was a moment where he said to her the stuff that he’s never said, and Michelle beautifully kissed my tears away and said, “You’re beautiful” to me. I think in that moment his fate was sealed. I think he knew that this was his woman forever. So, I just don’t think that that goes away. I think he will always carry a torch for Nina, for sure.
Do you see Valentin becoming darker and darker now that he had found out he is Helena’s offspring?
JAMES: Well, yes and no. I remember watching these scenes and we’ve done a lot of this stuff, and you know how easy it is to sort of go, “Let’s go dark, let’s go dark, let’s go more dark,” and after a while, I go, “You know, maybe he does learn something. Maybe there’s hope for this guy after all.” Of course, more bad stuff will happen to him, and he will do more bad stuff, because that’s just who he is. A leopard can’t change his spots, and those are his survival instincts, but there are some new colors, and it’s all a direct result of all of just these horrible things that have happened to him… mostly learning that he is part Helena and he can’t undo that.
Photo: JPI
We saw that Nelle (Chloe Lanier) called and then goes to see Valentin, because she wants to sell her shares of ELQ. So, obviously he has the potential to become really rich here which is what would give him his power back. How do you think that will go over with the rest of the Quartermaines? (Laughs)
JAMES: (Laughs) A lot of the Quartermaine actors have been asking me that in the hallways of General Hospital! Isn’t that interesting how he’ll just sort of switch families? (Laughs)
Of all the people, just as Valentin’s life is in the gutter and he is at his lowest, who should show up with a sort of lifeline, Nelle! How will he go about attempting to gain control of ELQ?
JAMES: Valentin knows he has to get the majority shares to gain a control of the company, and he has to do it fast before people see that he’s doing it. So, that’s where Michael E. Knight (Martin Gray) has been. He’s gallivanting the states rapidly accumulating shares. (Laughs)
Photo: JPI
It’s been so fun seeing you and Michael Knight on-screen and on a daytime soap together again, as so many remember you as Tad Martin and Will Cortlandt on All My Children. How has it been getting the chance to work with Michael?
JAMES: My God, are you kidding me? He taught me! He’s the guy who taught me. I didn’t know how to do this. Nobody instinctively knows… this is a very unique art form. It’s more Jazz than anything else, and he showed me how to do it! Walt Willey (Ex-Jack, AMC) showed me how to do my hair, and Michael Knight taught me how to break down a script! And, what’s so funny is he is still doing it. In a scene on GH, when he threw in that line, “From now on, you pay in advance,” I just about fell on the floor! I thought, “There he is! That’s the Michael I’ve always known and loved.”
Photo: JPI
Who would have thought that you guys would get to share scenes like that again on soaps? You just never know in this life who may be wind up back in your orbit.
JAMES: It’s incredible. That’s what we say all of the time… “Who would have thought?” You could never plan something like this and that we’d still be doing it at this point.
Now with Lulu (Emme Rylan) learning that Valentin is not a Cassadine, and Nina apparently moving on to a relationship with Jax, what do you think it will mean for their relationship in raising their daughter, Charlotte?
JAMES: I think in the short-term, Valentin’s shelved any ideas of getting her out of Charlotte’s life. He’s sort of putting out the fires in his own personal life. Charlotte needs a mother in her life, and he’s quite willing to share custody as they always have been. She seems to be looking at this as an opportunity to paint him as an unfit father, and she wants full-time custody. So, we’re back to that again. It looks to me like Lulu is kicking Valentin while he’s down.
Photo: JPI
It was so nice to see you, and some of your GH co-stars such as: Steve Burton (Jason) and Maurice Benard (Sonny) show up for Y&R’s Eric Braeden’s (Victor Newman) 40th anniversary on set celebration at CBS. It was quite the event; speakers galore, and so many from our industry and beyond in attendance.
JAMES: It was pretty profound. Eric has always been kind to me. I only worked with him on one movie, a western, called The Man Who Came Back, and that was probably 12 years ago. He has been so complimentary of me in interviews and in his book. So, if he does that with me, I can only imagine how many dear, dear friendships he has. So, the fact that everybody showed up like that from the president of CBS Entertainment to local councilmen, and that they were willing to do be there for 2 hours was really proof of how much they love him. Peter Bergman (Jack, Y&R), who I don’t even think was working that day, came in for it and spoke at the event. There was so much respect shown for Eric and what he has meant to this medium.
Photo: JPI
Your album The Apple Tree was so well-received, and everyone always loves seeing you get the opportunity to sing on General Hospital as well. Will you continue to put out more music in 2020?
JAMES: Yeah, that’s the plan. I have another one that I’m working on. I have a bunch of songs. I’m in no rush to get it out. Unfortunately, I lost Glen Roven, who wrote the cello part for Book of Love, passed away right after the Nurses’ Ball where I played Book of Love, which is really heartbreaking, and then, Michael Sherwood, who helped me with a number of songs on the record passed away right after The Apple Tree came out. So, I’m a little gun-shy. But, I’m planning on having something out by December for Christmas.
In closing, what would you say the fans should look forward to in the weeks ahead from Valentin?
JAMES: Look forward to that moment where Valentin is so low that there’s nowhere to go but up! The comeback is going to be one for the books.
So, what do you think of how Valentin’s life hit rock bottom? Do you think he will ever win Nina back? Do you think he will takeover ELQ? Share your thoughts on James’ recent performances and his thoughts contained in this interview via the comment section below.
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