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GH's Nancy Lee Grahn on Cartini, Sexis & the final episodes of OLTL!

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: Steven Bergman

Photo Credit: Steven Bergman

Daytime Emmy winner (and a pre-nominee again this year), General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn talked about the recent head writing and executive producer change at the lone ABC soap that brought One Life to Live’s dream team, Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati, known now to some as Cartini, to the daytime drama.

During her conversation with Nelson Branco for Soap Opera Unsensored, the outspoken Grahn revealed her thoughts on a myriad of subjects including: if she would be into revisiting an on-screen romantic entanglement with Maurice Benard’s Sonny Corinthos, heralding Garin Wolf when he first began taking over for the head writing position post-Guza, and how she felt One Life to Live went off the airwaves to soap heaven.  Here are a few interesting excerpts below!

Nancy on Sexis round two:  “I wouldn’t mind exploring that.   Clearly, Alexis is not the love of Sonny’s life. The problem with Sonny is that he has too many loves of his life!  I don’t think the chemistry between Maurice Benard and Laura Wright works; it’s not the same as it was with Mo and Tamara Braun.  He’s had so many lovers… how many times can he play Romeo? You can’t fight gravity… and I’m not talking about age… I’m talking about the gravity of life.  At some point, Sonny’s going to have to evolve and learn. You can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again without it destroying your life. Sonny needs something and someone different. The older you get in life, the “in love” aspect of love changes to the “quality of love.” He likes Alexis and respects her more than any other woman in his life. I think that’s important. Sonny respecting a woman has as great a meaning as him being “in love.”’

Nancy on touting Garin Wolf to her soap followers when he promised story for Alexis that never materialized:  “I had every reason to think that he was interested in writing for the character but it never happened.   I’m not saying anything other than that.  It’s just a fact.   I was touting him… and now the fans don’t trust me because I wasn’t on TV for nine months! (Laughs)  Now no one believes anything I say. (Laughs)  You can’t blame a writer all the time. Yes, Bob Guza and I didn’t get along, which is why I never had a story.  Yes, I was wrong about Garin, but my instincts about Ron Carlivati are that he really does want to write for Alexis and probably will.  And that comes from me watching the actresses and women on One Life.”

Nancy on the final episodes of One Life to Live as it bid farewell after 43-years on the air:  “I thought it was great. You could see the energy on the show.  They went out with their head held up high and with dignity.  The other day, I was talking to Michael Easton and we agreed, “When you go down, you have to go down fighting.”  And they did. And, so will we.  We’ve tapped the iceberg… now we’re hoping to steer the ship and get out of these dangerous waters. ”

So soapers, would you be interested in seeing Sonny and Alexis give romance another shot? (Oops, Shot! Watch out Alexis, you know what happened to Kate/Connie!) Let us know!

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Sounds like a good interview. If Nelson wouldn’t charge money to read his (mostly) filth, I think I’d be curious enough to read the whole thing.

But please for the love of all that is holy, do NOT pair Sonny with Alexis again. Been there, done that. This isn’t a clothing line of women waiting for the latest shirt to get dirty before the first clean one can have its turn again. ENOUGH. Alone or dead. The only 2 options for Sonny.

NOOOOOO, not Sexis!!! Give us Mac and Alexis… Oh, wait Felicia is coming back. Ok Mac and Alexis ONLY if Frisco is heading to Port Charles 🙂

I would not like to see Alexis and Sonny. I would like to see Alex and Mac slowly get closer in the wake of him losing Robin. I would like to see her there for him, and for something to slowly build. (We may not have much time-…) For a while I would ilk ego see Sonny not with anyone as Kate gets help (or goes out of town to get help=I’ve had enough of multiple personalities and mob wars.)

I agree about Alexis and Mac. Their romance would be a refreshing break from the usual violence. Alexis could stand to grow up herself and stop being attracted to bad boys that cause her pain like Sonny. It would be great to see Alexis realize Mac, the nice guy she overlooked, is the man of her dreams, and that Molly was right all along. Both Grahn and York deserve significant storylines.

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have no doubt that Ron C. will FINALLY give Nancy a story. She makes a good point with ONE LIFE. There was ALWAYS story aplenty for the over-50 females on that show – Viki, Dorian, Nora, Echo, even Roxy. Here’s hoping Alexis gets out of menopausal storyline Siberia and comes back FRONT & CENTER! Today’s scenes with Carly at the hospital was a start.

I agree. That is what kept me coming back to OLTL. They respect and use there older actors, who are very experienced.

NO I don’t want to see Alexis with Sonny at all, I would be happy just to see Alexis on a daily basis!

That’s what I loved about OLTL! They had mixed aged actors on the show. GH always seemed to lean towards young actors & that bugged me.

I respectfully have to disagree with Ms. Grahn on Maurice Bernard and Laura Wright not having chemistry. I’ve never been a Sonny/Carly fan (ever) but when they had scenes during the hotel hostage crisis, Bernard and Wright’s scenes became one of the unexpected gems of the show. I always thought General Hospital missed the boat by *not* reuniting Sonny and Carly under these 2 actors. In fact, their reunion — along with that of a few other couples — are on my Wish List for General Hospital and I’ve had my fingers crossed that it’s coming down the pike under the new writer and executive producer.

Me too, for a reunion of Sonny and Carly. See my post below at 11:53am. None better paired with Maurice Bernand BESIDES Venesa Marcil is 2nd, Laura Wright.

I would love to see Alexis in a romantic relationship, but not with Sonny. NLG is one of the best actors on GH, and she deserves so much better than what she’s gotten in the past few years. I think her best pairing was with Rick Hearst. I wish they’d bring Ric back and right the wrong the writers made in breaking them up.

I love Nancy! I think she is right on the money about Sonny having too many loves of his life. I think that happens way too much sometimes on soaps. I think if a couple is interesting enough that they can be kept together without being boring.

nancy lee grahn is a wonderful actress but they dont use her enough. general hospital writers listen to me please. give her a big storyline she needs to be paired with robert scorpio they would be a hot hot couple. mac scorpio belongs with felicia i hope they reunite back together. robin is not dead. she is alive. maybe fiason or helena have her captive. decision time sometime in april for general hospital thats what my sources told me. we hope for the best regarding general hospital being renewed. if its cancelled shame on you abc. cancel the revoution because its boring and pathetic.

No, please don’t pair her with Sonny, it’s ancient history. Alexis deserves a really meaty storyline. I wouldn’t rule out a super scorcher with John McB. While I liked the John/Natalie pairing, if she’s not migrating to GH then he needs a love interest in Port Charles, and why not Alexis? His silent brooding might be a fun compliment to her sometime hyper/over analytical personality.

What I LOVE about NLG character, is how she thinks about life & romance. Lots of women are at a ‘crossroad’ when they hit 50! (Me for one)
She is ‘content’ with being alone, yet, there could be plenty of storyline for her which didn’t involve romance.
I just want to see this great actress more. Daily, in a storyline. Why does it have to be about a man?

However, with Felicia coming back, could she give Alexis a ‘run for her money’ with Mac?

As far as Sonny goes, hasn’t everyone realized Sonny’s greatest love is himself?

Yes, Sonny is the Erica of of GH. Erica’s greatest love is herself. Now, I’m going to place Erica’s name in the statement Nancy made.

(Erica’s) had so many lovers… how many times can (she) play Romeo? You can’t fight gravity… and I’m not talking about age… I’m talking about the gravity of life. At some point, (Erica’s) going to have to evolve and learn. You can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again without it destroying your life. (Erica) needs something and someone different. The older you get in life, the “in love” aspect of love changes to the “quality of love.”

LOL

Noone is more in love with themself on any soap more than Erica Kane! Someone should have said Nancy’s words to the writer’s over at AMC. And like Sonny/Maurice, there was a blacklash affect with fans and had repercussions
on Susan Lucci, the character, and her long deserved Emmy win. At the same time, Sonny is in no way stuck on himself like Erica was. Someone wrote:
” Sonny Corinthos can be cold, and hard. But, he can turn around and rip your heart out.” True. For a man to play such a cold an calculating part, he also plays Sonny vulnerable and can go there at any given moment. I feel that’s more realistic to real life personalities. Not like Lucci’s Erica, always on a high, winning. getting the man, self envolved, and wears her ego on her sleeve. That has had a blacklash against Lucci and the character YEARS AGO, but as a DIE HARD Susan/Erica fan I didn’t give it much consideration. I didn’t pay it much mind until I begun not being able to distinguish Erica from Susan. I can always tell Sonny from Maurice, always, in any interview. Fans spoke about it on the site page annoucing Lucci in Gloria Estafan’s video, I agreeed to a… degree (in which you can’t deny) but defended Lucci to industry politic’s and jealousy.

i want to see alexis & mac in a meaningful lasting relationship – end of story…………..

No… she can have a great story without a guy. Used to like Mac and Alexis but if Felicia is coming back would rather see Mac with her.

Always loved Nancy. She’s rgt about Sonny, they have to re-work the loves in his lives and thensome. I liked Alexis w/Ned or Rick, Mac was good too, hope they go back there w/Mac or whomever. Just give Alexis a storyline:) She’s rgt about OLTL and how they wrote for the vets. I loved when Vicki slapped the snot out of Echo (when she caught Charlie cheating on her) and when Nora and Bo reunited. So the proof is in the pudding. They’ll do rgt by Alexis too.

Sounds like the actors on GH are ready for a good fight! Bravo!!! I’m pull’n for you guys:)

All the best!!!

SEXIS ? AGAIN ?? Umm no thanks. Please please please writers … use your heads … think of a storyline for Alexis … there are soooo many good stories to write for her !!! As for love for Alexis … well I still want her with Mac. They are so great together and Nancy and John J York’s chemistry is great !!

I love NLG and Alexis, but her with Sonny? No way. They need to find someone (other than Mac) who will challenge her. She is such a strong woman, except in the man department. I hope they find someone for her soon and give her a good storyline because GH is always better when she’s on the screen. AI find it interesting what she said about the lack of chemistry between LR’s Carley and Sonny. She’s right. There is none, they are better off at odds with each other.

Translation: I want to be paired with Maurice Benard so I can have a storyline! Because from what I see it is all about Sonny again and that is their perogative!!

I love Nancy/ Alexis, but I DONOT want to see her mix back with Sonny. I don’t thimk there is enough physical chemistry to hold the viewer’s interest. As for Maurice not having any chemistry with Laura Wright, I have to respectfully disagree. At least for us the viewer’s they come across as having a great amount of chemistry. In fact, Maurice has had NO BETTER chemistry with any woman other than Venesa/ Brenda, BUT Laura Wright.

What I would really like to see… a court case where she goes up against Nora Buchanan !!!

Oh, that’s a good 1!

Oh my GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, That would be Great…! I love both of these woman. Love them, love them. No Fluff, no phony, just plane ole good acting, and enjoyment of their character’s without the fluff and phoniness.

I have just read your comment to my second posting of the day… and i am happy that you approve of this suggestion, as I am sure many people thought this when they read Nancy’s comments.

Great idea! Alexis can defend Sonny against the murder of Cole and Hope and Nora can prosecute (except Hillary has signed with B & B). If Nora can’t do it, what about Tea (Florencia Lozano) acting as prosecutor?

I would welcome Tea with big open arms too. Love them both.

to bad, nora is a headshrinker now,I would love to see nora and alexis or nora and diane in a courtroom battle,and what would top that off ? tia ,throwing the court room doors open, screaming ,my client has evidence that ,who ever they are arguing about is innocent,one life to live best court room dramas.

I like Laura Wright also, so much that I am visting her winery in California for my B-Day, I went to her website and nothing but Kudos for their wine! I respect people who know this industry and venture out and do other things. To me she has made Carly tolerable.I think if they want to pair someone with Alexis bring back Rick.

I like Laura as Carly, and I agree with you, she has made Carly tolerable. I didn’t care for Sarah Brown and Tamara OPPOSITE Maurice/Sonny. Not at all…, especially Sarah. Tamara was obviously the most tempered Carly, the BEST behaved. But Laura compliments him BETTER and BEST on screne, and her acting abilities have lived up to the standards that Sarah Brown set for Carly, followed by Tamara. Yes, the pretty girl too (Laura) can act.

I love NLG, but as her character had story over the last 5 yrs, Bobbie, Monica, Lesley and Audrey have been Back burnered. I will love to see more Alexis and Diane but not at the expense of the ladies that have made GH for the Last 35 plus years!

I don’t want her with Sonny. I want her with Sam’s father!!!!! I want him to be her greatest love. I really hope they explore that storyline soon, it could also result in really nice SamLexis scenes.

Great idea? Who is Sam’s father. Wasn’t it a 1st love or some boy Alexes said?

wasnt sams father some kid at the school alexis went to when she was a kid ?her father put sam up for adoption ,I heard a daddy for sam could be around the corner .it should be .give alexis a good story and a father for sam.

The pairing I always dreamed of seeing for Alexis is the pairing that Guza would never do, and that was Jax and Alexis. Their chemistry was so strong and their love and dedication to each other was wonderful. “Jaxis” actually had many fans rooting for them and hoping that someday they would actually be paired romantically. Sadly, Guza and his team just never gave it a chance.

Sonny & Alexis were fun to watch…. the first time! But it would not be the same, a second time around. Back then, Alexis was nervous to be around Sonny, a lot of the attraction came from not really knowing who Sonny was, more like just the idea of who he was… plus those eyes and dimples! 🙂 But now she has had her eyes opened, wide open, to who he is and what his life is like and how he treats people over time… and they have a grown child. It is completely different when they’re in a room alone now. That giddiness she got around him before is complete gone.

Nothing like those eyes and dimples, dark hair and eyebrows, SAME with Venesa Marcil. Those eyes, her dimples, dark hair and eyebrows. Those two had so much chemistry. I’m sure if Maurice wasn’t already married, he and Venesa would of hooked up. Do U remember how they use to look at one another, how Venesa would look at Maurice? Sorry, I’ve seen her in other shows with men, she didn’t look at other men like that, not even Jax. They had REAL CHEMISTRY and was/are good friends, in real life. Didn’t hurt that both of them were so beautiful and are the MOST BEAUTIFUL soap opera couple EVER!!!! And the Hottest…!

Nora v. Alexis…now THAT would be a really great episode!

I’m hoping that they either bring Melissa Archer on board, or hire someone to play the part of Natalie, as well as Lliam. McBain just got his family back…they need to have them together. Plus, Easton and Archer play so well together!

They’re using Nancy like they used Tea and Nora, a lawyer that’s present on the show, gets some air time:) I wonder who’s the prosecuting lawyer, Diane? THink NLG’s prayers have been answered.

NLG looks great, great actress. Remembered her from Santa Barbara–when i was 1st introduced to her talents:)

I want to see the menapause storyline back,,, it can not be over with. I would love to see Alexis with Ned again or Ric

with john mcbain heading to town ,alexis may be out of a job,all the crime in port charles will be over with ,ok,at least the killings wont be on for the whole hour,hey maybe she can spend more time with her kids and maybe bring christina back from college.

I think Alexis & Sonny would make a SUPER couple.

Alexis needs a new man in her life as in a new character.

ditto. I agree. Its not happening with Mac.

i don’t think alexis needs to be with a man, at all. of the ones currently on screen or from the past array of characters, the only one i could see having a chance at all is ewan. he’s smart, caring, and it looks like he’s not related to her at this point. and she’s always needed a shrink. lol

really though, alexis is too smart for men. especially soap opera men. she only gives in when her hormones are overwhelmingly drawn to someone, and (probably because of her horrible background) it’s always to a horrible person. she knows that. she’s fine, in fact, better off alone.

they should bring stefan back from the dead so she has someone intelligent and interesting to talk to, (and for MANY other reasons), but she doesn’t need a romance.

love sonny and alexis

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Walks Away From The Mob After 30 Years; Steve Burton and Maurice Benard Deliver Emotional Moments

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Steve Burton

Is this the end of an era? It certainly looks like it after Jason (Steve Burton) explained to Sonny (Maurice Benard), why he can no longer work for him, and be his right hand enforcer for his organization on the Monday, August 3 episode of General Hospital.

In story, Jason filled Sonny in on everything that went down before he was taken into custody by the WSB including: his opportunity to kill Cullum, Rocco shooting Cullum on the pier, being carted off to Jakarta, and watching his son, Danny, who now only has one parent (since his mother, Sam McCall died in 2024) suffer the consequences of his actions. Jason made clear to Sonny he must be there for his son now and needs to set a better example for him.

As emotional Jason is trying to get the words out and becomes overwhelmed with sadness, because he is truly caught between his son and the man that changed his life after Jason sustained longstanding brain damage from being injured in the car crash nearly 30 years ago in 1996.

Jason and Sonny

Courtesy/ABC

Jason recounts to Sonny what led him to this decision, “The WSB’s taking me in. They throw me shackles and then they force me in the back of a transport. Danny was there. He’s pounding on the door. Tears in his eyes screaming that what they’re doing to me is wrong. They just can’t take me off. I’m sitting there wondering, ‘What the hell have I done to my kid?’ His mom’s dead. I’m going to prison if I’m lucky. Something just breaks inside of me.”

“So, I promised myself, I got to do better,” continued Jason. “I failed my son too many times and I can’t do it again. If I keep working for you, then I’m going to make sure that your security’s my priority and not Danny. It’s not fair to you to keep me on when I can’t do the things I used to. I can’t kill for you again. I got to stop doing what I’m doing so Danny doesn’t follow in my footsteps.”

Next, Sonny lets Jason know Danny had already tried to join the mob in his absence, and that he knew Jason wouldn’t want Danny in this life, just like he would not want his own children. Jason thanks Sonny for handling the situation. He adds, “I just have a few years before Danny’s going to be out on his own. This my last chance to be a true father to him before he doesn’t even need me anymore. I’m out.”

Maurice Benard

Courtesy/ABC

Sonny gives Jason his blessing with tears streaming down his face, and tells Jason they will always be brothers, and they share a hug, before Jason exits.

Applause to Steve Burton who played the scenes beautifully, and Maurice Benard, who reminded us why the longstanding relationship between Jason and Sonny has been one of the all-time best and one of the cornerstones of three decades of GH. Burton should remember these scenes for potential inclusion for his Emmy reel for 2027.

So, what did you think of the scenes where Jason tells Sonny why he is leaving the mob and can’t work for him anymore? Do you think it will stick? In the past, these two have found themselves, often having to face a common enemy back working together and Jason goes right as Sonny’s enforcer? Were you moved by Steve and Maurice’s performances in the scenes? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”

Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.

Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.

Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.

Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.

Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.

Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

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General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.

Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).

In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.

Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:

Photo: HutchinsPhoroi

GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com

Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.

Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.

Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.

So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.

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