General Hospital
GH's Maurice Benard Chats On: Ingo Rademacher, The Storyline He Is Most Proud Of, And His New Outlook!
Courtesy/ABC
It was a whirlwind weekend at the recent first annual GH convention. While cast members from the long-running ABC daytime drama series took to the stage and participated in fun and entertaining panels, On-Air On-Soaps caught up with some backstage.
GH’s Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) has been front and center and a standout in Port Charles for almost two and half decades. This past year, he gave us all the emotions and drama as Sonny grieved the loss of his son, Morgan, while dealing with the fallout to his marriage, a duplicitous young woman setting him up, and trying to move on with is life following the most tragic event that could happen to a parent’s child.
In our conversation, Benard teased the imminent return of Ingo Rademacher, talked on his powerhouse Emmy reel (which since this conversation shockingly did not earn him a Lead Actor nomination) and he reflected on his battle with anxiety and bipolar disorder, something Maurice has shed a light on, and been an advocate for people who struggle with mental illness.
Here are a few thoughts from Maurice below.
Courtesy/ABC
Ingo Rademacher (Jax) is returning to GH for some upcoming major scenes. What was it like having Ingo back to work with once again? Sonny and Jax are certainly longtime adversaries.
MAURICE: I like Ingo. The reason I like Ingo, is I believe he would come after me and he would try to kick my ass.
You had a wonderful past year in story on GH, and a memorable Emmy reel of your work.
MAURICE: Let me put it this way. I’m never happy with the Emmy reel. There is always a scene in there that kind of kills the way I feel about it. This was probably the first time since I won back in 2002, that I didn’t talk to people about it, because I didn’t doubt it. Usually when I have the Emmy reel put together, I would go ask people, “Do you think it’s good? What do you think?” (Laughs) I will tell you for me what really made the reel, and that was the Kristina (Lexi Ainsworth) scenes and I looked it at those and I put those in the front.
Courtesy/ABC
The death of Morgan Corinthos provided you and the GH cast with some very complex emotional material to play, would you say that story is right up there with the best you have ever told, or been a part of in your over 23 years on the soap?
MAURICE: What I have done this past year, and I have done a lot, I think this story was the one I was most proud of in terms of the work I put in. Everybody was great, and so when everybody is great, it adds to it. You know you have to be great. Everybody was on it, and so it made me say to myself, “I can now go with this where I want to take it.” I didn’t want to push anything, but just let it happen. That is the thing that I have learned in regards to my acting is that now, I just let it happen, as opposed to “acting” for whatever. I just do it! It’s in the moment and we do it. Before I put a lot of pressure on it and I wanted it to be better than this.
Courtesy/ABC GHFacebook
I think you know now you don’t have to prove yourself!
MAURICE: I guess, but sometimes it takes awhile to learn this. You have to just be, and be happy with where you are. For me, the anxiety attacks I had earlier in the year were drastic, but I said to myself I can’t do that anymore. Something had to change, and now it’s been great.
So, are you looking forward to some upcoming Jax/Sonny scenes? What did you think of Maurice not receiving a Daytime Emmy nod for his work? Was his performance in the death of Morgan Corinthos storyline some of your favorite work of Benard’s over the years on GH? Comment below!
I’ve been watching General Hospital hospital since I was walking home from school in the 60’s as a second grader. Of course other things have gotten in the way over the years but one of the things that has kept me coming back every time is Maurice Benard. What a fine actor . We are so fortunate, as GH viewers, to have had him as long as we have. I’m sorry to hear that he wasn’t nominated for an Emmy this year because he’s always deserving of that.
As critical as I often am of the mob-centric General Hospital and the often overused and repetitive Sonny storylines, I will admit that this year, Maurice Bernard was robbed of an Emmy nomination. His work has been a master class of acting and all that is great about daytime soaps as an art form.
I am really disappointed Maurice was left out as best male lead. It would be nice to see him take home another Emmy, but his fans love him and know he is the best there is on daytime television.in my opinion Maurice doesn’t need the judges to nominate him because he is already a winner. This past year he gave some of his best performances. He always puts everything into each scene he is in. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when Sonny rides off into the sunset I will cry buckets of tears and GH will never be the same. On that day I will quit watching GH.
I LUVES Sonny !!
I can hardly tolerate Carly and Sonny and their constant bickering, never ending sniveling conversations worthy of FF because they are so irritating annoying with their arguing the same old crap day after day week after week.
I hope they break up and end it to put me out of my need to FF them and their never changing junk.
Long live Sonny! 🙂 ((alone!
I AGREE! They have had the same exact conversation about their marriage for weeks now, and honestly, how many times over the years have they had the same exact conversation over an indiscretion, lie, or half truth. It’s just so stupid and repetitive. Not worth tuning in. I’m not a big “Carson” fan.
omg I thought I was thee only one who was sick to death of CARSON! since we couldn’t have a Carly/McBain pairing…I’ll take her with say…Griff….and Sonny needs a new love interest. I currently FF thru them as well
Carly and Griff? No offense but they’re about as mismatched as Milo and Epiphany.
i FF CARSON all the time…don’t get me wrong I heart my ‘Dimpled Don’ and they bogus for no emmy nod…but this carson tango has to stop!
Sonny and Carly are Ground Hog day.
For the love of all that is right in this world, keep Sonny and Carly away from each other. This rinse and repeat cycle is boring and redundant as all hell.
Carson is the best Couple in Daytime
Maurice not getting nominated after the fantastic work he did was a travesty. When you read and hear comments from numerous people that saw his reel about how exceptional it was, and he doesn’t get nominated, it really seems like there’s something fishy going on. Because there’s no logical explanation for it.
Especially when you know Laura Wright got nominated almost certainly for scenes she shared with Maurice, same with Bryan Craig, same with Chad Duell, same with Lexi Ainsworth. They’re all good enough to get nominated for scenes they did with Maurice, but he’s not good enough to get his own nomination. That makes no sense.
When a name like Maurice Benard gets left off the list, and then you see some of the names that did make it, I don’t know what the answer is, but there’s something wrong with the Emmy voting process. That’s my opinion, anyway.
oh my, you’re ON POINT – i concur wholeheartedly!
What a DISGRACE that MO was overlooked for the Emmy! He is GH – the ONLY reason I watch for is HIM! Most importantly he is a brilliant GENIUS actor and loves his fans as we do him…wishing him the best ALWAYS and hopefully new storylines that reunite him with Vanessa!
YES. BRING BACK BRENDA! the gorgeous Vanessa Marcil!
Loved Sonny and Brenda in the 90’s. I used to rush home from school and watch the show. It’s too bad, the old regime screwed up Vanessa’s last visit, with that ridiculous Balkan storyline and her acting was totally “off” in my opinion. Her scenes always came off as being uncomfortable and odd.
I am afraid I agree with you, DMR, and wish I didn’t.
Something was off last time, the old magic and spark was not there.
VM seems to have had some kind of procedure which has changed her face somewhat . I guess you can’t go home again.
Unlike so many of the 90’s-based fans, I seriously do not get all that Sonny and Brenda love they profess…maybe I was just spoiled by the GH supercouples of the previous decade, but whenever I’ve seen their latter-day “reunions,” there doesn’t seem to be much “there there” to me…Quite frankly, the highlight of VM’s recent visits to Port Charles was when she pelted Carly with breadrolls at the NB…sad, but true!
I was so surprised & disappointed that Maurice wasn’t nominated, he is the best actor out there in the soap world, this year was his best, even though he wasn’t nominated us fans will always luv u
I’m still pissed he isn’t in the running for Lead Actor in the Emmys. Something went down for this not to happen.
I think what killed the Emmy reel was that he put the scenes with Lexi (Kristina) in the front. Honestly, I can’t stand the character. She is the female Morgan-entitled, spoiled, and nasty. I liked it better when the unlikeable character was off-air.
MB had the best chemistry with Tamara Braun and Vanessa Marcil I think LW has him for lunch because she like most of those ladies over there are scenery chewers but most people call that acting I do not if you have to tell me your acting then your toast for me!
I loved, loved, loved Sonny and Brenda, in the 90’s. They had such heat and sizzle. I agree, I think Maurice had the most chemistry with Tamara, as Carly.
Don’t like Jax & almost had it w/ Sonny. He lies & cheats & knowing Nelles a schemer doesn’t warn Carly & now hes done w her because she wont forgive him in 2 seconds & I know this shows history if they stay together it will have to be her kissing his ass & him acting like hes entitled to forgiveness no matter what.
General Hospital works best when it’s balanced among storylines. For the past six months, the show has primarily focused on the aftermath of 3 characters — Morgan, Duke and Nikolas. The show is a darker one thanks to this with the focus once again on Sonny. MB does have moments of brilliance, but very often he just throws a glass and yells “son of a…”.
Right now, Sonny (and Carly) are caught in this “rinse, lather, repeat” situation. A little trip to back burnerville could help.
I agree Steve.
I do think Maurice is a really good actor when the writing is there. But when the writing is not there, he becomes bored and therefore, we viewers become bored with his performance.
You know what couple are hitting it out of the ball park.? Anna and Valentin. Who saw that coming? Those two ignite so many sparks that they are going to burn the set down.
Agreed Rhonda…oh, how I agree!!!!!! I saw it coming from the first time Anna’s and Valentin’s eyes locked. I did catch something both arresting and a sense of familiarity there; and I said so.
The mystique enveloping these two intrigues me …….This is one storyline which will compel me to watch with anticipation…whets the tastebuds.
I think he should have put his scenes with Bryan Craig in front not Lexi. It might have made a difference — who knows. He deserved a nomination for sure.
I can’t stand either one of his “kids”-Bryan or Lexi. Ugh.
I like Michael but of course, he is AJ’s son.Avery is a doll but she’s not yet two years old.
But yeah, Morgan and Kristina come off as self-entitled, petulant brats with anger management issues.
“But yeah, Morgan and Kristina come off as self-entitled, petulant brats with anger management issues.” So in other words, Rhonda, their apples didn’t fall far from Sonny’s tree! 🙂
Well put, dmr…and Rhonda???? You nailed it with your most apt description of those two spoiled Sonny spawns!
Loved Morgan. Didn’t see him as spoiled at all. Troubled. Earnest. Struggling. Searching…
I think Maurice is a good guy but I am wondering if the reason he failed to get a nomination is because of his stuttering, fumbling and faltering constantly over his lines. It makes him appear to be unprepared and as if he isn’t learning his lines properly.Anyone who is not familiar with his work and judging reels would most certainly be put of by this.
It’s lame for the soap actors to even submit a scene that they believe they were wonderful in to win a statute of little prestige..
It’s like self praise and an invitation to a huge letdown that they were judged unworthy of a win..
The Emmy’s are lame and stupid and not worth much of anything notable ..
I think Maurice has done such an outstanding job for his whole career w/GH. I have to agree with one prev comment that his dialogues seem to be choppy, hesitant, not focused as he was in younger days. I thought his scene when he called Carly thanksgiving night, very depressed, very drunk, asking her to come back was very good. Also his scene with Dante at GH I think when Dante blamed him for causing Morgans death. Maurices face showed so much pain and sorrow. His scene on the bridge when he was going to shoot himself made me cry, and when Belle drugged hjimthat was real good as well. He is aging, we all are, but he still is very cute and sexy with a great bod.
I must be the only one not surprised MB didn’t get a nomination. Every good Emmy reel starts with the writing and GH has been lacking in that department for quite a while now. Also, MB’s faltering line delivery in every scene doesn’t allow for the variety in performance that I think grabs a judge’s attention.
You are not the only one, Alan. I echo your words.
Maurice had one good day’s performance, as far as I am concerned……his visibly tortured soul, anguished demeanor and feeling of guilt in his scene with Dante.
His stumbling never sat well with me. I have said this before, and agree with Greg; Maurice comes on stage seemingly unprepared. It becomes very distracting and unprofessional, regardless of the fact that “he’s such a nice, affable guy”.
Lest I forget, Carly and Sonny have never had “punch” for me, albeit I did not watch during their heyday.
100% agree with you, Alan! Maybe the judges fast forwarded through MB’s scenes like many of us do, or forgot to turn on closed captioning so they could understand the dialogue.
@Alan….Perhaps if the writers concentrated upon quality–and not quantity— where the character of Sonny were concerned, it would better serve Maurice as an actor. He has always been a memorable part of GH since his decades-back debut, but I don’t believe the over-emphasis of Sonny—and by extension, Carly—has done the show any favors. It seems that once Anthony Geary’s Luke Spencer departed Port Charles, it was decided that Sonny was to be the next “elder statesman” of the soap, and as thus, his role was stepped up to the central focus upon too many occasions….there are only so many stories one can tell about a Mafioso, and they’ve all been done to death here….that is not Maurice Bernard’s fault, but I do believe it has much to do with the “Sonny fatigue” that the audience— and maybe even the actor, himself—have been experiencing…In other words, been there, done that….and as such, a little goes a long way. Either find something fresh and fabulous for this legacy character to do, or keep him on the backburner for awhile.
Hey, Shaybelle,
All I can say is, different strokes for different folks.
On one hand I can see that there are so many stories a writer can pull out of the air; on the other, focusing on one character for years ad nauseam becomes just that–sickening.
As you say, it is not Maurice’s fault, albeit his “not really being there” takes away from the import of his scenes.
The biggest problem with the character is the show’s insistence that he always be forgiven for all his crimes (including killing AJ) and never be wrong in any situation. Morgan’s death might have been a turning point for the character if Sonny had actually been responsible and finally — FINALLY! — realized that his actions have consequences. But obviously it was easier to just absolve Sonny of his guilt and make Olivia Jerome responsible than to write a carefully plotted arc where Sonny loses everything and everyone and is forced to realize that his redemption will only come through real change. GH could’ve used Morgan’s death to send Sonny out of town and find fulfillment in a simpler way of life which could’ve revealed new facets to the character (similar to how Y&R’s Victor found a sense of contentment when he was believed dead and started a new life with Hope in Kansas). Instead, the writers continue to serve more of the same old thing which hasn’t done anything to build viewership or stop the eroding female demographics.
Alan…Sonny always has a revelation when something major happens ie he was devastated after Lilly got blown to smithereens, he was devastated that Michael rejected him (and took Avery) after he killed AJ, he was devastated when Michael was shot and in a coma, when Michael killed Claudia and went to jail, when Michael was sexually assaulted…I think it’s fair to say he’s not going to change.
I’ve never been particularly fond of the character Sonny Corinthos. This guy is so entitled and so self-absorbed (and arrogant and obnoxious….) that I can barely watch him anymore. I’m fast losing respect for Carly. When will she finally think enough is enough and walk away from him permanently? I cringe when yet another episode is centered on these two bickering about their (5th) marriage. Jeez! Move on already!
As for Mr Bernard’s lack of an Emmy nomination… I am not surprised by this at all. I agree with the others who complain about his apparent lack of preparedness. Sometimes I wonder if he will ever get through a scene. If not for the GH budget mentality of “get it in one take people” there’s no way many of his scenes would be considered as in the can as shaky as they are. Gloria Monty must be rolling in her grave! She’d have never accepted many of his scenes as air worthy. He needs to step up his game.
It seems as though he ad-libs a lot of his lines and it does come across as being unprepared. Sick and tired of “Carson.” They have completely lost their spark. Time to move on. How many times do we have to hear Sonny tell some woman that they are the most important, and love of his life: Brenda, Carly, Connie/Kate. C’mon..
There does seem to be a certain repetitive quality to the “Many Loves of Sonny Corinthos,” when it comes to his professions of devotion and affection for his long list of “one and onlies,” dmr!!!! On one hand, we are supposed to believe that Carly is his ultimate “soulmate,” that they are truly destined to be together forever, yet, how many other deluded women have supposedly been his “shining star,” in life, as well???? I’ve actually lost count of all those gullible females who have fallen under Sonny’s spell, but the roll call of lovers is a lengthy one, to say the least! In addition to those you have previously named, there’s also been Emily, Claudia and Olivia, not to mention that mother-daughter duo that Dimples impregnated, Sam and Alexis, plus, let’s not forget his “Crypt Tryst” partner, Ava. C’mon, no guy is that irresistible, let alone, Old Sonny Boy! The only more improbable Port Charles version of Casanova was Luke!
Shay and dmr are both spot-on with the exorbitant amount of “loves of his life” and temporary trysts for Sonny. The worst was definitely the Sonny & Emily pairing. After many viewer complaints, that was shelved almost as fast as the equally disturbing Luke & Felicia flirtation.
@Steve….That Luke and Felicia “flirtation,” as you so delicately and diplomatically put it, was much more than “disturbing”…it was an absolute abomination!!!!
Maurice Benard is wonderful, period. The Sonny character is the foundation of the show. However, NEVER, EVER should any actor select his/her own reel without input from other actors. You simply don’t know your best work when you see it. No one does.
I may not be as well-versed in all-that-defines General Hospital, but I must disagree, with all due respect, Soapluv.
I may be wrong and may have completely misconstrued the ‘message’, since I am a late comer….. but, I was under the impression that the soap was founded upon the medical profession, in all its forms; ergo, the title. The center is General Hospital and the beehive of life in which its stories are based…..nurses, doctors, executive staff, patients and the extensions of their respective families, friends etc.
Sonny, and the life of crime he respresents, is but a mere facet of General Hospital, the soap. How is he the foundation?
Well, he is not the foundation. You’re right, Celia.
Amen to that notion, CeeCeeGirl! GH has ALWAYS been, first—and foremost—about the time-honored institution and its ensemble cast of medical and non-medical-based characters….at least that is the way it was intended! Even in the ’80’s with the advent of the Luke and Laura craze, arrival of superspies Anna Devane and Robert Scorpio and introduction of criminal masterminds like mobster Frank Smith and that “Clan from Hades,” the Cassadines, the hospital remained the hub of activity to which all roads eventually led back, no matter how far flung some adventures meandered…Hence to maintain that Sonny—or any other single character, even the now-departed Luke—has served as the foundation of this soap, is misguided, at best. But perhaps that just goes to show how terribly off-track the entire program has wandered, for anyone to make such an assertion. Quite frankly, I have long thought that GH has lost its way from its original purpose, with far too much emphasis upon the criminal element and especially its more recent efforts to become some sort of supersoap with the unwelcome overflow of marquee-name players from other daytime dramas, most notably those of the defunct ABC variety. To say that this show sorely needs to return to its “roots” is an understatement, indeed….and with that comes a most necessary de-emphasis upon Sonny and Carly, along with a number of otherwise unbearable characters that have no true place on the Port Charles canvas despite moving heaven and earth to try to make it so!
Celia,
I am not quoting nostalgia. Many things that were true 30, 40, 50 years ago – are not at all true, are not the case, are not in evidence today. Sonny being the major character around whom General Hospital stories have been developed for the past 10 years is just one more example of change. If you have any proof that the hospital, the Q’s or anything else (with the possible exception of Franco these last few months) or, anyone else has been a greater focal point of this show than Sonny Corinthos, his kids, his loves, his business, his best friend, his minions, his baby mamas, failed efforts to bring Sonny down, etc. – please help me see it because right now, IMO calling this show General Hospital is just keeping a recognizable brand and tells potential viewers nothing about the 2017 version of this show. As you probably know, that’s just fine with me because I believe the change in focus from the hospital to Sonny is the major reason GH is the ABC soap show left standing. Clearly, TBTB were wise to change the focus to my favorite character, Sonny. Adventure stories, mob stories, love stories, social issues with a nice flavor of Cassadines – that’s the backdrop. Even the Nurse’s Ball is about Magic Milo (Sonny’s minion) and beautiful shirtless men – not the Hospital.
Cella brings good perspective here as the hospital being the foundation was lost many years ago. That loss is the responsibility of GH writers and likely their higher uppers. Look at ABC’s evening schedule. Violence is their top priority in their programming. They’ve carried that over to GH. It’s a sad statement.
I follow you, Soapluv. Go with the flow….move with the times.
But, there’s no nostalgia for me. As I said I am a newcomer. I am merely expressing my opinion, according to what I envision of General Hospitala to be…..the hearth or nucleus of the soap.
I understand that there are other interests outside of the hospital, but giving the reins to one Sonny Corinthos, sort of “insinuating” him in every aspect of everyone’s life is over the top, for me. He is connected to everyone, one way or the other. ‘Tis the way of the doap-world, I guess. LOL.
Furthermore, what bothers me the most is how this pernicious man is elevated to the stars….trying to give him a sense of righteousness, honor and integrity, where no criminal has a right to even give it a thought.
What is wrong with this picture? It’s like regaling Lucifer with a halo.
Now, I can appreciate the fact that he is a fave of yours….you see the character through rose-colored glasses. I feel the same way gor Ava…love her!! So, I know the feeling. LOL.
But, to use Shay’s expression, the “Sonny-fatigue” does hit those of us who are not fans like a phalanx.
So far, all I have seen of General Hospital, itself, are killings by psychos, a giddy, little nurse ( Amy), strangely weird Franco, a priest-doctor, a man-boy ( Michael) as a board member….nothing fascinating….no hospital hub of which to speak.
Again, I do get it, Soapluv. Max Daddee says it all! And, says it well.
The show works best when it’s properly balanced. Hospital stories, mixed with ELQ, the PCPD, and yes, the mob. Right now, that’s tilting to much to the mob. To argue with point Soapluv made, GH was only saved from cancellation because it had the best name recognition. One Life to Live had higher ratings when the decision was made to cancel 2 shows. Recognizing this, ABC dismissed Phelps, Guza and Wolf who disproportionately emphasized the mob and shifted Valentini & Carlivati from OLTL to lighten the show up. Ratings improved until Carlivati lost his way with Fluke, Denise Demuccio and Elizabeth’s “secret.”
Only 4 contract players are medical professional characters. The majority are mob or law enforcement. I’ll give these writers credit for moving Hayden and Kiki into hospital related roles.
Hi Max. The network has to show what people want to watch. It’s business – profit, money, young viewers. There are 4 soap shows left out of dozens. None of the four are centered around a hospital. Shonda Rimes quality of talent is required to make a hospital show go and no soap today has that level of writing talent. Though I feel compelled to say, soaps do maintain an exceptional level of acting in many characters who could meet the challenge of superior writing, if only soaps could attract it.
You’re correct that the networks have to show what people want to watch…and judging by the women 18-49 demographics GH ain’t hitting the mark. The show continues to lose viewers in that key group and since the show is so Sonny-centric there’s really nowhere else to place the blame but on that character.
Shonda Rimes is crazy talented but she’s not the only person who can write a hospital drama. GREY’S is a medical show but the hospital is merely the setting to tell stories about the lives and loves of the staff who work there as well as the patients they treat. GH has the advantage over the primetime soap by having 250 episodes a year to delve into those same kinds of stories in depth and play all the emotional beats while also educating viewers at the same time. Yes, the show needs non-medical stories but focusing the show almost solely on a career criminal is a HUGE mistake. Varied storytelling invites new viewers to sample a show and hopefully get them to return to see how a particular story progresses and affects other characters on the canvas. With GH it’s all mobsters, all crime, all the time — if a viewer doesn’t like those stories there’s no reason for them to come back and see what’s new.
I am a firm believer that story is the true star of any show — daytime or primetime — and if the writing is one note or lacking emotional depth, all the stars in the world can’t save it.
I agree with you and Celia both. She’s right, I started watching soaps for the first time in my life in 2006 and I started because of Sonny. From what I can tell, none of the shows have choir boys as the star and that suits me fine. I have noticed morality is not taught on tv anymore, the more twisted, the better seems to be the theme but to Celia’s point and yours the writing is the real shortfall. I generally find myself feeling sorry for the talented actors who have to deliver drivel almost everyday.
They just rotate the same old writing teams from show to show as if no new talent exists. I’d love to know if it’s true that new writers don’t bother to learn the lost art of writing soap operas.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!
In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?
Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!
Courtesy/ABC
FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS
The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!
Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’
In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.
The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.
Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”
Photo: CDuellIG
SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.
The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.
In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, but what happens sometimes is if you’re doing the same thing, especially in a creative field for such a long time, you can get a little burnt out in a way. It can make you a little depressed, so that’s kind of what happened. On top of that, I had other things going on in my life at the time. My father passed away recently and I just needed a reset. So, I stepped away. A lot of times you have to go through some stuff to really step into that next level. I needed to kind of feel uncomfortable.”
So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.
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