General Hospital
GH's Nancy Lee Grahn Dishes On: Alexis Falling Off The Wagon, The Julexis Conundrum, And Her Emmy-Nominated Work!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
One of the most highly-regarded actresses appearing on daytime television is General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis). Over the past many months fans of the long-running ABC soap opera, which turns 54 years young today, have watched the perils of Alexis Davis escalate to such epic proportions that this once powerhouse attorney has had to continually turn to the bottle as her solace over her tortured relationship with the presumed dead, Julian Jerome (William deVry).
But is he really a-goner? Dead or alive, can Alexis get Julian out of her system, when she constantly sees vision of him when she has gone on a bender? Could fans see the end of Julexis once and for all?
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with La Grahn to get her thought on the story developments over the past few months including: the return of Tonja Walker as Olivia Jerome, how Nancy plays and interprets those complex scenes of hitting the bottle, while feeling this pull towards a man who has betrayed her and caused her so much pain, if she sees Alexis returning to help those in need of counseling in the courtroom, and her Emmy submission in the Lead Actress category, which puts her in the spot to go for gold come April 30th at the upcoming 44th Annual Daytime Emmys.
Nancy is no stranger to Emmy gold having won two previous Supporting Actress statuettes. Will this be the year she adds a ‘Lead Actress’ Emmy to her mantel? We will all soon find out. For now, here’s what the always shoot-from-the-hip, candid, and funny, actress shared with us.
Alexis is not doing so well! That’s putting it mildly, after so much collateral damage and the fallout with Olivia Jerome (Tonja Walker) and Liv’s brother, Julian. Speaking of OJ, what did you think of the plotpoint where Alexis did not know that the woman who was her AA sponsor was really this mobster gal gone haywire?
Courtesy/ABC
NANCY: I thought it was very clever, and I thought it was a good twist. I would have liked that to play out longer, but they had to wrap things up and do what they are doing in the story. But it would have been really great to see those two women establish a relationship. So that when you find she, Olivia Jerome, is ‘cuckoo lady’, there’s more of an impact, but I think that was about timing.
This week, Alexis hit the bottle again and got drunk! Do you think she can stay off the booze? Do you even want her to?
NANCY: I think it would be very unrealistic for her not to slip up. There is nothing easy. It should be very messy and very challenging, in my opinion. If Alexis went into a meeting and all of sudden she’s sober, that’s not the way it is in real life. That’s not what happens and the statistics don’t support that. Now that may be what happens in soap opera, but it’s not what happens in real life and not without a lot of slippage. That’s what I would like to see happen and what should happen, but I don’t get a vote on that. That is up to our writers.
When Alexis has looked at Julian during certain moments, it looks like she is still in love with him. Does she truly still love him? Is she in a conundrum, after all of the misery and pain this man has brought her?
Courtesy/ABC
NANCY: I think she’s in a “conundrum”. That is a good word for her. She is in this conundrum, and there have been so many pieces, and it’s been so extreme, and so traumatic. There’s that letter he left her, and it explains stuff, but it doesn’t explain enough. There is no pat way to bring this together. I was curious, and I wanted to know from a large group of people, and not just the people on Twitter (whom I love their passion and so appreciate), “What do they want?” I am not sure people would buy Julian and Alexis being together.
How do you bring Alexis back to being this strong lawyer we all have come to know and love following her downward spiral?
NANCY: I wouldn’t say you are not strong, because you are flawed. It’s boring playing walking around being functional all the time. I don’t want to go back and play somebody that has it all together. That is why the alcoholism storyline is interesting, because I didn’t play it stereotypical on purpose. I worked very specifically not to do that. I want to say too, that I have such respect for people who have addiction. I wanted this and them to be treated honorably,
It’s always a challenge for any actor on a soap to maintain the integrity of their character … a lot has to do with the writing regime at one point in time, or a storyline.
Courtesy/ABC
NANCY: The show has done very well for me over the past year. And in regards to my Emmy tape, it’s the first time I have submitted something that I am not embarrassed by. So, kudos to the writers!
What were the scenes that you submitted for Lead Actress Emmy contention?
NANCY: There was one show where Alexis just laid in to Julian and it was like a monologue. I said “You will never come near this child” when Alexis thought she might be pregnant. He made me so mad that day that I hit him, and it was real, because it wasn’t in the script! (Laughs) The other scene was in a seedy motel room when I wake up, and there are flashback scenes of Alexis being drunk and then some scenes with Jax (Ingo Rademacher), and then I did one in the bar with Julian and that initial “FU” where Alexis takes the phone and throws it, and breaks it. So there were a couple of those, and then I had put in the scene where Alexis realizes what Julian was doing with the dagger. I hadn’t had anything like this in years, and years.
The year you last won the Emmy, you did not like the material?
Courtesy/ABC
NANCY: It was one scene! I yelled at Laura Wright (Carly) for 20 minutes and they gave me an Emmy (Laughs) I wasn’t’ even there to accept the award. Clearly, I wasn’t expecting to win.
How do you justify Alexis’ decisons and actions in recent months?
NANCY: When you are madly in love with someone you want to believe something. She still has that urge for Julian and she doesn’t know why.
Do you think Alexis will go back to being a lawyer, and when would it happen?
NANCY: I think she absolutely has to go back to being a lawyer. I think the whole definitive thing for her is her fight for justice. She has had a lot of trauma and a lot of horrible things have happened in her life unjustly.
Do you miss the courtroom drama?
NANCY: It depends. I loved the breast-feeding case, because it meant something. But just to be a lawyer to prove somebody didn’t do something, and to play the generic soap opera lawyer can be, at times, very boring,
What are your hopes moving forward for Alexis?
Courtesy/ABC
NANCY: I don’t want to go back to just being a caretaker, and being there for everyone. They now have dimensionalized Alexis, and they gave her an inner-life. It has been really fun and gratifying. These ladies, (GH head writers: Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante) appreciate women. Jean Passanante is as passionate about politics as I am. She is so on it, and we are simpatico in that way. Jean and Shelly are interesting women. They appreciate women who have a moral compass and a moral code, because they relate to it, and they get it. They think it’s interesting, and it is interesting. I have hope for Alexis’ future.
So, will Julian be revealed to be alive and will Julexis reunite? Do think Alexis should find love and happiness down the line with a new man in her life? Do you want Alexis to continue to battle the bottle? Would you like to see her get herself together and win an important legal case? What have you thought of Nancy’s Emmy-nominated performances? Comment below!
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I love Julexis and want them back but a little more explanation should be required such as was their home bugged and Jules knew so that is why he staged the “killing” scenes? They were brutal and need more of an explanation…that being said, Julexis is the only reason I watch GH….I (and the rest of Julexis Army members) need them back PRONTO.
This is one actress who has literally and devastatingly turned my head. Nancy molded Alexis into a very real-to-life phenomenon……with all the human flaws into which any of us has the potential of falling. I cannot praise her work any more than I already have, in my past posts. Nancy: you amaze me. I started not liking Alexis too much. But, your perfect, impeccable talent turned this one-dimensional character into a living, breathing woman with deeply-set, agonizing issues. Thank you. You deserve the Emmy for your laborious process of developing and showing the audience ‘a day ( or a few,… Read more »
Well, CeeCeeGirl, you already know we majorly part company on this specific subject…sobeit, I can disagree with you (vehemently!) and still appreciate your sentiments and the eloquent manner in which you express them. But having said that, I admit I absolutely abhor this character and her immense flaws, and with all candor, my criticisms go way beyond the previously expounded-upon observations regarding those mock-worthy apparel issues and OTT amorous activities of this woman “of a certain age.” To me, there is nothing admirable or laudatory about Alexis….she is a weak-willed, pathetic creature who is quite frankly a profound embarrassment to… Read more »
I wholeheartedly agree, Shay! I don’t see anything to praise about a person with an addiction. I grew up with 2 uncles and an aunt on my mother’s side who were alcoholics. They were DRUNKS. Disgusting. Selfish. Abusive. Embarassing. Ugly. Rude. etc. They almost destroyed their families and fought against all possible help. What I applaud in them is when they saw what their addictions were doing and fought to come back through rehab and counseling AND THEN FORGIVENESS. One small story was my uncle had gotten soooo bad into his alcoholism that one evening he slapped my aunt across… Read more »
Wow, Shaybelle. I don’t know what to say after that?! You, of all people, know how I criticized Alexis….her clothing, her behavior etc. and, you also know I was castigated and dragged through Hades for verbalizing said opinions. But, as soon as Alexis was rid of Julian, I started liking the character more and more. Unfortunately, she went off the deep end, as it were. I don’t think there is a set age for succumbing to any addiction….I have no clue, as I have never been exposed to anyone close to me with such a problem. However, any member of… Read more »
Paul Connolly: While I think that Nancy does deserve to win the Emmy for an outstanding performance this year; I must say, I do agree with you regarding her Twitter account. Honestly, I am surprised that TPTB allow her to tweet what she does to the fans that oppose her viewpoint. I understand Freedom of Speech, etc., however, she is not respectful of other’s views and the language she uses, in and of itself, is quite disturbing. I wonder if her co-workers are turned off by her very vocal political viewpoints?
@dmr… I don’t follow Twitter but I do see and respond to Nancy on FB and I and many other LOVE her political views. As you know everyone from all walks of public life have weighed in and continue to weigh in on this presidency. All of late night, SNL, Alec Baldwin, DeNiro, etc have expressed their, to put it mildly, disenchantment. I doubt many of her co-workers disagree with her. I’d venture to say MOST agree. I know Ingo doesn’t which makes it particularly interesting that they are portrayed on such the same page/wavelength on GH. I personally couldn’t… Read more »
And by the way, I find it amusing that some are concerned with what Nancy tweets and if her bosses or co-workers are okay with that. I’d be a tad more concerned at what Trump tweets!
Perhaps “Jax” has not “lost his luster” after all!!!!!!!
Hi, my Shay,
All I can say is; Jax fell from grace, perhsps? I feel badly for those fans who have basked in the splendor of his “luster” for so many years.
Thankfully, I was never struck by his sunny ‘rays’. LOL.
Hey there, CeeCeeGirl! I was just jesting about “Jax”….not so much for Ingo, though!!! I admire a man who has the courage of his own convictions and will speak up for them even if it “offends” certain snowflake subgroups into meltdown mode. Freedom of speech, mia amica, freedom of speech….like you said, not just for me, but for thee, as well! You go, Ingo!!!!!
Very well-said, Celia. I totally agree with your read on Nancy’s performance. Such realism, great emotional depth; she surely deserves an Emmy.
Someone else commented on wanting to see more of her with Valentin. I’d like to see that too. Both of them had horrible experiences with Helena. We don’t know Valentin’s, but it would be interested to see them unveiled with Alexis closeby.
Nancy has been amazing. I would love to see more of Alexis’ story with Julian. There’s so much complexity there. Can she forgive him? Can she trust him? Can he be redeemed? Can he be the man they both want him to be? I’d like to see Julian and Alexis rebuilt from scratch.
Also, I’d love to see Alexis interact more with Valentin. He’s trouble, which can be fun.
Great interview with Nancy. I love her portrayal of Alexis. She gave a lot of moments that could give her that Emmy. I hope she wins. Congrats on your nomination Nancy.
I love her performance as shes one of the best actresses on the show,
alexis will never find happiness IMO as long as she is “married to the bottle.” I think Julian will come back and try to be part of her life.
Love NLG I would like to see Julexis reunited
I would buy into a julexis reunion. I have a Twitter account, but use it sparingly. Does my vote count? Or am I disqualified because I occasionally tweet the julexis hashtag?
Alexis needs to kick Julian to the curb for good. There are some things you can’t forget – Julian’s psychological mind games and his attempt to murder her – or explain away. For me, if that happens, it sends a strong message to viewers who may live with that abuse that they should just move past the abuse and stay with the man. I like Alexis as a strong kick butt lawyer not some weak woman who pines away for a man and hits the bottle.
From your mouth to the soap-gods’ ears, Kay.
Alexis assumes a completely different persona when paired with Julian. As you so well state, he cannot explain away his sordid, dastardly actions away, regardless of whatever events went on behind the scenes with his sister.
The only way Alexis can save herself is not to give into her two weaknesses–alcohol and Julian. A criminal is a criminal is a criminal. I hope he stays butied within the watery, murky ‘deep’.
Once bitten twice shy.
I will lose all respect for Alexis once again, if that union were to repest itself. She deserves better than Julian.
I hear what you’re saying about women…anyone for that matter…who stays with an abuser. I don’t see Julian as an abuser. This is a soap. And in that microcosm Julian was a man being threatened by a deranged person. We saw, when they did the reveal, how she had “eyes” everywhere and could get to his family at any given time. We saw him go from an extremely loving man…a devoted, loyal husband…to an out-of-control violent loon. I, and I think many other fans, would accept the reasoning that it was all an act…one which he was afraid to tell… Read more »
I totally agree Rebecca!! That’s exactly the way I see Julian and Alexis. Hoping they do reunite
I love Nancy’s work so much, I actually never reply to anything like this. Political stuff yes, but not soap stuff. She is just so good. I love this coupling so much that I am willing to have selective amnesia as to what has happened in the past.After all it is a soap opera.We have enough s..t going on in the real world that, we all need a bit of an escape, and I choose JULEXIS.
Bingo! (Read my post in response above!)
I agree Barbara and Rebecca 1.
Jean and Shelly like drunks/alcoholics..
At Y&R they wrote Nikki as a drinking again alcoholic and threw Niel in with it and had Jack a drug addic..
Those two really need help with imagination for New and improved stories..
((what happened to Nikis MS… lol))
As for Nancy Lee Grahn/Alexis BRAVO!
She is owning the suffering drunk.. great performance!
Love Alexis. Shes, the front runner for the Daytime Emmy
Nancy has done masterful work. She’s shined day in & day out. However, there is no way I’ll ever accept Julexis again. He threatened and abused her. He fantasized about killing her and then visciously tried to slit her throat. You must not normalize domestic violence. Julian should’ve been killed or sent off to prison. The return of OJ in no way gives him an excuse IMO. In fact, he just looks worse (if you can believe that) So, Nancy touts Jelly as writing strong women? If that’s true then Alexis will rise from these ashes stronger but she will… Read more »
Julian’s not an abuser! Please read my post a few comments above. (Dont’ have the umph to write the same thing again.) Of course that’s my take (and others) but there are others who won’t buy it. To each his own…Still, I vote for a reunion. By the way, I’ve also mentioned this in other posts but somehow they managed to reconcile Luke and Laura…they reconciled Sonny and Carly (after he threatened to kil her if Olivia died) and in actuality these were real acts/threats. Julian’s were staged for Olivia’s eyes…doesn’t make it easier on Alexis’s psyche/emotons though… I truly… Read more »
I completely get what you are saying, rebecca. Julian is not an abuser, per se, in the classical sense in the domesticity department……not as we picture an abuser to be. But, he is an abuser in so many different ways. He is a criminal. To me, that is a prominent abuse. Living a life of crime affects and abuses many family members’ psyche, I would think. Alexis may not be a battered wife in the true sense of the word, but she is displaying all the symptoms of one. The welts, the wounds are not visible to the naked eye.… Read more »
LOL…CeeCee! I’ll get back to you later…gotta run!
Hi again CeeCee… Just wanted to get back to you. Thanks for the paragraphs! 😉 I hear what you’re saying but I think Alexis WAS a battered woman for all intents and purposes when Julian “staged” unbeknownst to her, his cruel, dangerous streak against her. And, I agree it was horrific. Now, I just believe it’s the aftermath of everything that happened in a domino effect beginning with that…the spiraling down from Julian to loss of job to loss of self. With that, I’d still like to believe it was a necessary evil and Julian had no choice. It’s a… Read more »
Thanks for the wonderful interview Michael!! I love Alexis and I love Nancy so I love getting her perspective on all things Alexis. I’m hoping she wins the Emmy this year. She has more than earned it!! She has given us so many Emmy winning scenes this past year I don’t even know how she could choose. A brilliant actress!!!
I Adore Nancy and hope she gets that lead Emmy. I think Julexis has been irreparably damaged and I loved them. I’ve always loved Alexis best when she interacts with Sonny. I miss their banter immensely. I hope she gets her license back and goes back to being Sonny’s attorney. I want to see her struggle with her addiction in a real way and to have her friends be involved in her recovery. Where’s Diane and Sonny and the honest supportive BFF convos? She’s alone too much. I’m simply thrilled to see a middle aged woman in a lead story.… Read more »
Nancy is such a great actress, i’m happy she’s enjoying playing Alexis more flawed, and i’m glad she’s not playing second banana to sonny,carly, sam and jason, or as i like to refer to them the awful foursome(the characters, not the actors), plus i’m not a fan of julian, he’s a weasel, i won’t get tired of calling him that. what i would love to see is alexis expand her friends circle,we know diane is her bff, but i really enjoy scenes w/ alexis and characters like Laura,Tracy,Anna,and ava, all these powerhouse actresses interacting w/ each other is must see… Read more »
I think Grahn has a better chance of winning the Emmy next year because her drunken Alexis evolved into an even messier and more believable drunk after the cut off point to qualify for this year’s Emmys. I wasn’t buying it at first (recovering addict here), but as time went on, both the writing and Grahn’s performance became more believable (and messy). I agree with Grahn, she should have relapses. Alexis REALLY bottoming out for a sustained amount of time would make for great TV and would portray alcoholism more accurately. Great article, BRAVA Miss Grahn!
Jelly have a strange way of writing strong women. Ava and Lulu have to beg to see their kids. Jelly are just awful headwriters. Plus the men being hero’s of saving the hospital both times.
I had a good chuckle with the line about strong women, too. The mature woman who suddenly becomes an alcoholic is an overplayed plot line. It seems like this show likes to recycle Monica’s storylines and give them to Alexis a few years down the road. 1. Monica has a never-before thought about daughter (Dawn). 2. Monica has cancer. 3. Monica becomes an alcoholic and commits a DUI.
One of the main reasons Alexis has stuck around so long is that she’s always been a strong woman. Not optimistic that these writers will get her back to that level.
I’m laughing with you, Steve! (Except this storyline isn’t one bit funny….) As you have mentioned, this tale has already been told with Monica, although I do believe it was handled with much more sensitivity and less sensationalism than the current one….Dr. Quartermaine’s situation was infused with a greater dose of realism and public-service purpose than this ridiculously drawn one concerning Alexis and her continued trainwreck of a life….Furthermore, Leslie Charleson portrayed her character’s deteriorating physical condition with a real dignity and sense of despair for how a once respectable, highly-capable, mature professional had fallen from her lofty and accomplished… Read more »
Strength comes in part on how you handle adversity. The writers have given Alexis a fierce battle. She hasn’t succumbed…she’s faltered and yet keeps rising to the surface. There is not one person in real life who could go through such trauma and come away unscathed. We each fall…and if we hopefully can find our strength, survive. So, yes, I do believe Alexis is a strong character…she always was…battling lung cancer, finding her daughter having sex with her husband, losing her sister and fighting Alcazar…to now. They’ve maintained her strength but given her another extraordinary cirumstance. As for Ava and… Read more »
Making Alexis a later-in-life sudden alcoholic is not a strength moment — rather an outdated plot point. NLG is a great actress and is making the most of what she’s been given.
Sorry Steve…don’t see your point, at all. Things happen to people at all stages in their lives…there’s a point where people break. The trauma of having her heart ripped out and having her throat almost slit by the man she loved with all her heart…having lost her license to practice law…would drink many people to develop behaviors they might not have turned to in the past.
ALL people at times crumble…emotionally, physically, psychologically. I think it was a great vehicle to show how even a strong person can be broken and find their way back.
haha…drive…not drink.
I love Nancy and Julexis! They are complex, messy, and sexy. DeGrahn have incredible chemistry they belong together!
I would like #Julexis to reunite. It would be interesting to explore their backstory to find out why their connection is so strong after 30 years and one night together. Something, more than back seat action, happened that night to bond them which developed into a deep love that reignited when they saw each other again. In my mind, I believe this is the reason Alexis can forgive Julian because deep down she knew he would not kill her and she will be struggling with why she thought he would kill her instead of questioning what was going on and… Read more »
Nancy has been amazing and I really want to see Alexis and Julian reunited they’re the reason I watch gh
I WANT THEM TOGETHER, PERIOD!!!
As for whether Julian is alive, it’s probably to NLG’s advantage if he’s not. Should he be alive, what possible long-term story could there be for these two? After reconciliation, they’d fade into the background. With Julian dead for the third and final time, Alexis would be free for a new romance (hello Jeff Webber!) in addition to reinstated attorney duties.
I sincerely hope people want Alexis and Julian back together because I sure do. They are the reason I came back to GH in 2013 and a huge reason I watch
“These writers appreciate women” -Ava Jerome has disappeared and has to beg to see her daughter, despite having won custody -Lucy Coe has turned into a blackmailer who would keep the truth about a child’s death a secret -Anna has been given a blood disorder that fundamentally must change the fabric of her character. -Sam hasn’t had a story in months other than to run around rubbing her belly and being hypocritical in her judgements of others including her father, Franco, and Elizabeth. Oh and she got pushed off a bridge. -Elizabeth was made a glorified extra in the story… Read more »
Excellent – and thorough – evaluation. About the only 2 women who’ve been shown in strong, powerful light have been Bobbie and Hayden.
Don’t forget Lulu was to blame for Dante screwing her cousin! Then we got a slap them back together story with Lulu taking the lead and the blame.
Oh yes, I forgot dear Lulu.
In addition to what you said, Lulu has been obsessed with this baby or that baby for the last four years. First the surrogacy, then the Britt Rocco Drama (both RC) and now Jelly, instead of correcting course, have her chasing after first a thermos & now a child.
I also forgot Maxie, former spitfire, now reduced to a mere shadow of herself.
What a mess.
Once again…don’t agree. If anything, the writers show the flaws in the male characters: Sonny broken…then goes back to his “dastardly” ways Julian controlled by his psycho sister Franco always coming in last and not respected even though he’s not any worse than any of the deranged/criminal characters that are part of GH’s fabric Scott has never been respected (love him). Brad’s gone back to his blackmailing ways Andre was a fool for Jordan Finn is a neurotic addict (love him too…and have empathy…) but Alexis is not the only “addict” due to unfortunate circumstances The list goes on and… Read more »
I am really tired of Honey Loo Loo pouting and sulking about her daughter. The other day she stuck out her lower lip and said to Laura,”Don’t you care that Valentin is stomping all over me?” Get over yourself Honey Loo Loo. You act like Charlotte is a toy and the fact that you don’t even have a handle on child psychology 101 means you really do not deserve Charlotte at this point in time. On another note, some of you mandate that Alexis is too old to develop a drinking problem. There was a recent study which found that… Read more »
No person is responsible for the choices of another. That includes Lulu & Dante. Dante made the choice to sleep with Valerie, he is responsible for that. I think it was crappy, because Dante would never do that. It was a real “Sonny” move, and Dante has always rebelled against that. I don’t think that Alexis is too old to develop a drinking disorder. I actually have no problem with her being an Alcoholic. It’s a strong story for Nancy. What I have a problem with is that instead of showing her family and friends rallying around her, we’ve got… Read more »
Hi Rebecca…I’ve always liked Alexis, and, too, remember the happier days Alexis had with Stephan and Nik. But over the years I think some of her “insecurities” or whatever, imo, started to creep up on her. With the reading of Helena’s will and the dagger helping to trigger this last episode with Julian and alcohol. You know the last straws. Now she is trying to center herself. And good for her. Why bad boys more so…I don’t know. Thought she was better with Jax. And Ii’s not just soap characters who come with baggage…I’m sure most of us have our… Read more »
Hi Meg… You’re right…no one is responsible…literally…for another’s actions. However, “cause and effect.” Dante loved and loves Lulu with a passion. It is because of that passion that he was devastated. He knew she lied. It was obvious she was talking to someone in secret. She mysteriously left town. Dante followed…and sees evidence that Lulu and Dillon have gone out of the country and are sharing a hotel room. Now. Lulu has been a bit wishy/washy in the past. She flirted with Johnny (her ex) even though she knew it bothered Dante. She decided to go into business with Johnny…even… Read more »
Thank you, Meg! Unfortunately, for too many of today’s females, keeping up with the boys in terms of drinking, cursing and carousing is considered to be what constitutes a “strong woman!” Forget dignity, willpower, inner strength, personal morality, perseverance, intelligence and embracing one’s own femininity….that’s considered so “yesterday” by the more vocal femmes who have put themselves front and center with their public displays of gross behavior.
Sadly, this issue bleeds into society. Give me June Cleaver!
@Meg. Hey, Meg, I said exactly ( to Shay) what you just diid…….not verbetin, but following the same theme. My post did not make it. None of us can impose our will on someone else. Dande did choose to have ‘a go with’ Valerie, and for Lulu to take the blame is nonsense. Dante is no schoolboy. He knew exactly what he was doing. Poor excuse to assume his wife was cheating just because of circumstances. This is where the road leads on soaps. ” You cheat on me, so, I will cheat on you”. Retaliation is so overly used… Read more »
The writers haven’t done much for the male gender either…except maybe Griffin, especially his heads up with Olivia during her Duke fantasy when she was threatening Anna. In fact there haven’t been strong, interesting male characters in Port Charles for years. Agree about Lucy…She’s always been conniving since she hit the scene, but really redeemed herself with helping bring back the Nurses Ball. Was really disappointed when they turned her into an opportunist to turn the hospital into condos. Think they could have done better for Lucy. Actually Tracy did have a hand in saving General Hospital by putting in… Read more »
The deterioration of the Lulu character since Julie Berman left is sad. Through her teenage years, the daughter of Luke and Laura exerted an independent spirit and exhibited the best her parents had to offer. Now, Lulu just reacts to stuff and plays the victim card — something Luke, Laura and (stepmonster) Tracy would never do.
Rose, I HATE Honey Loo Loo! Charlotte is scared of her for a reason.
You’re right about how she is always blaming other people for her idiotic, out-of-control actions.
I agree with everything you said, Rose. I repeat, Alexis’ only salvation, at this point, is to lay off Julian ( he’ll be ba-ack!!!!). I do hope TPTB do not put these two together again. I think Alexis could overcome her ‘difficulties’ ( lol) by taking a deep breath, especially from herself, and take it from there. If the writers had any sense, they would give Alexis ample, meaningful time to find herself before throwing her back into any romantic relationship. Lucy sort of baffles me. I do like her, but this latest ‘rampage’ of blackmail makes her look mercenary… Read more »
Hi Rose! I must disagree with some of what you said in this post. First…almost all soap characters come with baggage. As do we all in real life. Soaps wouldn’t be very compelling if the characters didn’t have issues and everything was unrealistically right in their world. Alexis was amazingly intereseting, fun and a safe haven back in the days when Nicolas lived with Stefan. I loved the dynamics between her and Nic…I loved that whole period and miss Stefan Cassadine! But I digress. Regardless of the reason, we already know that most of the characters on GH have a… Read more »
Thank you Meg!
Love you Nancy! Strong character…literally and figuratively.
I’m a fan of Nancy Lee Grahn and her considerable acting prowess. I don’t want to see Alexis get back together with Julian. The story went too far, and it would be seriously off-putting to see Alexis go back to him. They should move Alexis in a direction of healing herself and that shouldn’t include Julian. I disagree that the writers write strong women. I see several women characters being with men who have done horrible things and making excuses for them. I feel that current writing trends on GH have actually taken women’s power away and altered women’s personalities… Read more »
I certainly agree with your statements, Jen….the more I think of the situations imposed upon most of the female cast, the more it becomes true. Women, basically, become scapegoats, on soaps.
Latest example: Anna will be taking the heat for Valentin’s screw-ups….if one can call his crimes that.
Whatever irreverant deed Anna committed against poor, poor Valentin.
….problem is; I like Valentin. LOL.
I think Lulu WAS responsible for his affair! Matter of opinion…
Why would anyone want this woman to win an Emmy? So the entire speech can be a Trump bashing! God we are all exhausted by people who think they know what is best for the American people I am exhausted literally exhausted of trash talk get a life pull up your panties and get on with living! Live your family your friends move on we have not watched news in three months and are so happy have new neighbors visit our horses enjoy life
Love ! And just so you will know she is a hell of a actress please continue to act please for the live of god get off politics
Love!
Some of us out here dealing with real issues and this bantering drives me nuts a good friend once said to me if your life revolves around who is in the White House then you indeed need help! Get on with it enjoy it only go around once
k/kay…sorry. your post is sort of a contradiction. First…Nancy is an extremely smart, well-educated woman who has a voice…just as many in the public eye do…and she uses it to express her opinion. again…as many do. As even we do…here…on this site. You say there are people with “real issues”. Yes! Exactly! And that’s what Nancy and many of us on “the other side” are fighting for and upset about. Start with healthcare. Not sure if you are on The Afforidable Care Act. Perhaps you’re not and you feel your rates have gone higher. Fair complaint. Everyone knows the program… Read more »
I think Nancy deserves the Emmy because she is an amazing actress period. And as a private citizen she is afforded first amendment rights and she should be allowed to speak her mind. Our country is in a horrible crisis, anxiety levels are up for so many reasons. We are going to have to stick together for the next two years or so for however long it takes this man to be removed from office. Let Nancy express herself–it’s well within her rights. Frankly, I’d be disappointed in her if she refrained from speaking out about women’s rights, climate change,… Read more »
PS. Well said, Rebecca 1. You’re one heck of a good writer
Thanks, Rhonda! I always admire your writing and views, as well. 🙂
I’ve never understood this line of thinking. Why is NLG any less entitled to an opinion just because of her occupation? If you don’t like to listen to her talk about politics, don’t follow her on social media. I don’t think she’s strapping anyone to a chair to make them listen to her talk politics.
Bravo, Meg!
What Meg said.
In exactly what universe is a jumped-up femme/actress who attended drama school considered to be “well-educated?” Wait…I know….the “Bannon-bashing” one, where a highly-accomplished man with multiple Ivy-League degrees, deep intellect and a long, successful, multi-faceted career in military intelligence, entertainment, high finance, publishing, and yes, politics, is deemed worthy of smug derision and pejorative name-calling simply because his views don’t comport with those like-minded to NLG and her frankly vulgar brand of opining.
Thak goodness I do not follow social media, Shay. I’m sure my blood pressure would rise even more than it already has. I’d rather indulge myself in studying the firmament, and lunar activity. Ha! Anywayyyyy….about Jax. I am usually so very good in detecting your little nuances, Shay. I must be losing my touch. I am so disgusted with these people, LOL. How does one go from breaking up with one’s mate and the next second Carly is making out with another? Oh, yeah, I forgot. Best remedy to get over a heartache or a disagreement is to sleep around… Read more »
Regardless of anyone’s side of the political spectrum, many people watch soaps to escape for a short time from the real world.
The discussion point is about NLG’s performance. Let’s try to avoid political talk on this blog. There’s plenty of other venues for that.
You are right, Steve, and I apologize to you and the rest of the MF crowd for jumping in the fray…..As you can well see from my initial post, I didn’t instigate the political aspect of the discussion on this thread, but at some point, one does feel the need to defend one’s views and leaders when they are being repeatedly excoriated. To not challenge such negative assertions is allowing them to continue to be falsely propagated, and that is simply unacceptable. Having said that, I am more than willing to give up the political “chit-chat” as long as the… Read more »
In a world where she is a graduate of University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign which was ranked among the top 50 universities in the world. So, if you want to compare Nancy, a proponent of human rights who advocates against racism, sexism, anti-semitsm, agism, etc…to Bannon who Bannon was a founding member of the board of Breitbart News, an online far-right opinion and commentary website which has “pushed racist, sexist, xenophobic and anti-Semitic material into the vein of the alternative right, I’d go with Nancy every time. You? You made your choice clear as well. I think it speaks to… Read more »
Nancy is an overwhelming women! I like how she suggested that her and Liv should have gotten to know each other longer before the fallout but she realizes they had to wrap it up. [We are not paying Tonya any more money, screw the story!] I like how she admits Alexis would fall off the wagon and will not be cured overnight! She loves JELLY because they are writing FOR her character and believe in the same politics. Okay, Nancy is happy so should we be happy? NO. The show still struggles on many levels and for having TWO female… Read more »
Paul Connolly,
Dude…I agree with your post…TOTALLY!!!!! But…there are a few things that I wanna say here…
1. As far as I’m concerned, the way that GH is handling (or whatever) ‘Alexis Falling Off The Wagon’ is BEYOND RIDICULOUS!!!!!
2. I’ve never cared for the character of Alexis all that much…and this SICK JOKE of a story is further proof of that!!!!!
3. Most of all, to say that the story is ‘one big FALSE FLUFF PIECE’ is a TOTAL UNDERSTATEMENT!!!!! Yikes.
Have a good one, Paul.
Peace.
Jay, my love….you are a joy. You can’t even imagine how your quick, curt remarks make me chuckle– always.
Ciao, my friend….good to see you posting!!
Thanks, Celia…much, much appreciated, as always.
Have a good one.
Later, my friend.
Nancy Lee Grahn is a superb actress and I am glad she has entered herself in the lead category. While fans may not love everything Jean and Shelly write, I agree that they have written well for Alexis. I have been a fan of Jean and Shelly’s for years and while I enjoyed Ron’s time as writer, I am also enjoying their vision of Port Charles. 🙂
I don’t think Anna did anything to Valentin…doesn’t she have a twin sister on another soap? Didn’t watch whichever show that was on at the time but I think her twin was pretending to be Anna and did all those things to Valentin.
Yeeesss!!!! Agreed, rebecca. If we are to presume/assume that Alex ( Anna’s twin) impersonated Anna, the story comes full circle.
It brings back my original suggestion that Alex had Griffin with Valentin and by the same token, Valentin also sired Nathan with Liesl, making Griffin brothers.
The only distortion to this tableau is Duke. How does he fit in? Hmmmm.
Celia
Your points about Alex impersonating Anna both then and this week are spot on!
I will disagree about Liesl and Valentin. There was no interaction between the two at Maxie and Nathan’s wedding. Also, Liesl told Anna she wasn’t familiar with him. Going back to Liesl’s conversation with Helena, Nathan was established not to be a Cassadine. Whether he knows this (or not) is confusing because he doesn’t interact like a relative in scenes with Alexis or Sam.
@Steve. Thank you, Steve. I see your point; but, Liesl is one conniving lady. LOL. she can be devious when she chooses to be. But, how can we be sure she really foes not ‘know’ Valentin, in the biblical sense or otherwise? Could she be so terrified of him she will deny having had anything to do with him? These stories, as we well know, can take any direction. Dr. O’s words still echo and rattle within the brain….she did divulge that Nathan’s father was much, much worse than Victor. Yet, I get this feeling that TPTB are trying to… Read more »
I can’t imagine anyone having had relations with Valentin pre-surgery. The fact that Anna has now said she did was both telling as to her ability to look beyond the surface…and a surprise. Though…sort of doesn’t make sense because she supposedly pushed him away when he tried to kiss her and he felt rejected. Which is it???
Yes, Anna had a twin sister named Alexis. Alexis was a doctor and not a bad person, just rather fragile. Their father was played by the same actor who played Papa Walton. It always seems odd that two British women had Papa Walton as their father.
Say Goodnight John Boy
Hi, Rhonda, I remember Dr. Alexandra Devane having a son Aidan whom, I think, was reared by a third sister, Lindsay. There is sort of a gray area within this story; in that the sisters’ mother, Charlotte ( who turned out not to be their mother, afterall), was a very evil woman who meant them all harm. I suspect that Charlotte was actually, Valentin’s mother….imagine that!!!! Ergo, he named his daughter after his mother. Too much of a coincidence? I loved AMC, Rhonda. I remember watching, specifically, Aidan’s and Greenlee’s romance ( along with Y&R) between classes, every chance I… Read more »
this is all the years Nancy had been on the show have i given two flying f….. about Alexis or a story. On another note I’ve noticed that some of you folks have this idea of a strong female character as someone who is never a damsel in distress or weak in personal choices (work, romance) . A person like a strong female character can be many things all at once. Alexis from my perspective is a stronger female character now because of the last two years. so there 🙂
Well said, Allen. Even what is presumed, ‘a strong woman’, is human….with strengths and flaws.
Overcoming difficulties empowers; not weakens us!!
Nancy is acting the hell out of the drunk thing but if the writers want to tell an alcoholism story then I want them to go all the way: Alexis stumbling around in the same clothes for days with bad hair and a messy house. This “functioning alcoholic” business is boring (especially since she doesn’t have a job as a reason to maintain a sober facade) and we’ve seen it a million times; either serve up a long term hot mess Alexis followed by a realistic amount of time in rehab or don’t bother. Jean and Shelly’s past record hasn’t… Read more »
Sadly, substance abuse is as pervasive now in American society than it’s ever been. GH hasn’t done substance abuse as often other soaps. So, it’s interesting that Alexis and Finn are both going thru this situation after nearly a decade of no one suffering from it on GH. IMO if this writing team can craft good stories showing something that happens all too often, I’ll watch. In these times with opiod abuse hitting all economic sectors and states now legalizing the production and sale of marijuana, there’s a case that these are stories worth telling because they show what people… Read more »
General Hospital
GH’s Parry Shen Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
How many of us have lost, or had to say goodbye to our best friend? Somehow fate or illness intervenes and cuts short someone you share so many memories with.
On last Thursday’s episode of General Hospital, Dr. Britt Westbourne’s (Kelly Thiebaud) family and friends gathered for her memorial at the GH chapel. However, viewers knew of the special connection between Britt and her bestie, Brad Cooper (Parry Shen).
Photo: ABC
Devastated at losing Britt, upset that she never told him she about her diagnosis with Huntington’s Disease, and mourning her death, Brad comes to her former office, where Britt was the Co-Chief of Staff at the hospital. After exchanging heartfelt moments with Britt’s mother, the grieving Liesl (Kathleen Gati), and Scott Baldwin (Kin Shriner), Brad (with a paper bag in hand) spends some time alone in Britt’s former office, which has now been cleaned out.
Next, Brad takes out a carton of ice cream (for those who know the back-story, Britt and Brad would sit together each with ice cream and watch the red carpet at the Nurses’ Ball on TV and hoot and howl at the residents of Port Charles), and thus begins a very emotional and five-hankie moment, where Brad recalls all the key moments in their friendship.
Parry Shen was so touching in this scene, that if you have been a fans of Britt and Brad’s friendship, we are sure you shed some tears.
Later, during the memorial, Brad is pained listening to the others eulogize Britt, and when it is his turn to speak, he does his best to get through it and pay homage to his best friend.
We will miss the Brad and Britt friendship as will many GH viewers for it was one-of-a-kind on the soaps – two originally, not so nice people, doing bad things and finding common ground with each other, and eventually turning their lives around and being there to support each other.
For all of these scenes mentioned above, Michael Fairman TV names Parry Shen’s work, the Power Performance of the Week. You can check out a clip featuring Shen below.
Now, let us know, what did you think of Parry’s Performance during Britt’s memorial episode? Comment below.
General Hospital
Marcus Coloma On His GH Exit: “I Don’t Know Why That Decision Was Made, But I Don’t Feel Any ill Will and I Didn’t Feel I Got Fired”
General Hospital
Adam Huss Back to GH as Nikolas Cassadine
With Marcus Coloma’s last appearance as Nikolas Cassadine on last week’s January 26th episode of General Hospital, the soap opera brought back Adam Huss to finish out the dark prince’s storyline.
According to Soaps.com. Huss aired today on the January 31st episode of the ABC daytime drama series and will finish out the scenes that were written to be portrayed by Coloma.
Adam previously subbed for Coloma back in September 2021 and again in November 2022.
Courtesy/ABC
After it was announced that Coloma was leaving GH, the network and the series agreed that it would be best that Marcus did come in to tape his last episodes since he was recovering from Covid-19 at the time. Thus, we are seeing those episodes featuring Huss now airing in early February.
So, glad to see Adam back to wrap Nikolas’ current storyline? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
GH’s Parry Shen Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Marcus Coloma On His GH Exit: “I Don’t Know Why That Decision Was Made, But I Don’t Feel Any ill Will and I Didn’t Feel I Got Fired”
Sean Kanan’s ‘Studio City’ Scores 13 Indie Series Award Nominations
Kelly Ripa Launches Podcast on SiriusXM
Adam Huss Back to GH as Nikolas Cassadine
Jessica Collins Series ‘Acapulco’ Renewed for Season 3
ATWT Alum and ‘The Addams Family’ Favorite, Lisa Loring Dead at 64
General Hospital Alum Annie Wersching Dead at 45
Michael B. Jordan Recalls His Acting Start as All My Children’s Reggie in SNL Opening Monologue
WWE Royal Rumble: Sami Zayn Turns on the Bloodline, Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley to Wrestlemania
Marcus Coloma On His GH Exit: “I Don’t Know Why That Decision Was Made, But I Don’t Feel Any ill Will and I Didn’t Feel I Got Fired”
Adam Huss Back to GH as Nikolas Cassadine
General Hospital Alum Annie Wersching Dead at 45
Kelly Ripa Launches Podcast on SiriusXM
Chrishell Stause Makes a Return to Days of our Lives
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes OUT at ABC and ‘GMA3’
Zach Tinker Joins the Cast of CBS ‘Fire Country’
Michael B. Jordan Recalls His Acting Start as All My Children’s Reggie in SNL Opening Monologue
NBC Celebrates Carol Burnett’s 90th Birthday with Retrospective Special Featuring Susan Lucci and More Celebrity Guests
Y&R 50th Anniversary Cast Photo Revealed
General Hospital Alum Annie Wersching Dead at 45
Michael B. Jordan Recalls His Acting Start as All My Children’s Reggie in SNL Opening Monologue
Chrishell Stause Makes a Return to Days of our Lives
NBC Celebrates Carol Burnett’s 90th Birthday with Retrospective Special Featuring Susan Lucci and More Celebrity Guests
TODAY: Tracey Bregman Visits ‘The Talk’ to Discuss Her 40th Anniversary With Y&R; Standalone Episode Airs Tomorrow
Kelly Thiebaud Opens Up on Her Exit from General Hospital, Taping Britt’s Tragic Death Scenes, and Parting Thoughts on Co-Stars
Johnny Wactor Featured in Music Video Short Film ‘There to Catch Me’ by the Nashvillains
‘Ryan’s Hope’ Favorite Michael Levin Dead at 90
General Hospital to Celebrate 60th Anniversary with the Nurses’ Ball, Stage Dedication, and Jane Elliot to Return
Y&R Alum and S.W.A.T. Star Shemar Moore to Become a Dad for the First Time
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General HospitalFebruary 4, 2023Marcus Coloma On His GH Exit: “I Don’t Know Why That Decision Was Made, But I Don’t Feel Any ill Will and I Didn’t Feel I Got Fired”
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General HospitalJanuary 31, 2023Adam Huss Back to GH as Nikolas Cassadine
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General HospitalJanuary 29, 2023General Hospital Alum Annie Wersching Dead at 45
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All My ChildrenFebruary 1, 2023Kelly Ripa Launches Podcast on SiriusXM
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 27, 2023Chrishell Stause Makes a Return to Days of our Lives
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Breaking NewsJanuary 27, 2023Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes OUT at ABC and ‘GMA3’
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 27, 2023Zach Tinker Joins the Cast of CBS ‘Fire Country’
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All My ChildrenJanuary 29, 2023Michael B. Jordan Recalls His Acting Start as All My Children’s Reggie in SNL Opening Monologue