General Hospital
GH's Nancy Lee Grahn talks Alexis's Menopause and Twitter Mishaps!
Courtesy/ABC
The outspoken and fabulous, Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) of General Hospital, has a new storyline launching this week, when it is revealed that Alexis has menopause! So what does the Daytime Emmy award winning actress think about this plight for her alter-ego? Well, in a new interview out today from TV Guide, she with her wry sense of humor and honesty takes a look at the decision to make Alexis have hot flashes! Plus, Grahn, who has been taken to task by some on twitter, talks about those tweets that landed her in a bit of hot water, but also how important she feels it is for her to a voice on a myriad of subjects when soap actors are all but ignored by the mainstream press! Here are a few excerpts below!
Nancy on if she feels the soap audience wants to see a menopause story: “Do they want to see one more mob shootout? In the 15 years I’ve been on GH we haven’t had many stories told about women from a woman’s perspective. I think I can make this funny and entertaining and relatable. Besides, it’s very timely, because the soaps are also going through menopause! Women can either think of this stage of life as death or a chance to transition into something wonderful, and that’s what the soaps need to do. To survive, they need to change with the times. They need to adapt. [Laughs] They need some damn hormones!”
Nancy on if new GH executive producer, Frank Valentini is happy with the menopause decision for a story for La Grahn, when it was originally Jill Farren Phelps idea/concept: “Frank doesn’t like the idea of Alexis having menopause because he thinks it makes her too old. Now if she turned into some dried-up old hag over this, well, that would be very painful to watch. But there’s no need for that. I had a great love affair in real life, a really amazing romance, after I started menopause, so I know it’s not the end of life as we know it.”
Nancy on accidently spilling the GH spoiler that Sam is pregnant via Twitter, and if she gotten into hot water because of it: [Laughs] I did! I’ve gotten in trouble a couple of times. But let me tell you what happened there. I had not been watching the show at the time and I thought that news was already out. Fans were Twitter-tricking me. They were asking, “How do you feel about your character becoming a grandmother?” and “Isn’t it great that Sam’s pregnant?” And I’m, like, “Oh, yes!” not realizing I was confirming it. I was rightfully reprimanded by the network. It was an honest mistake, I swear. I would never be that stupid.”
Do you like the idea of a menopause story for Nancy and Alexis? Or, would you like to see her tackle something else? And, if so, what? Let us know!
It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2023 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.
Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.
When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.
Photo: ABC
LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES
Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.
In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.
“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS
Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.
Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”
The three-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”
So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route, Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.
Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.
Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.
Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Everyone Turns Their Backs on Sonny; Can Anyone Get Chase to Open His Eyes About Willow’s Treachery?
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the ABC soap opera picks right back up with everyone turning their backs on Sonny (Maurice Benard), and now the one person he hoped would be by his side appears to be abandoning ship when Justine (Nazneen Contractor) doesn’t believe him about ordering the beatdown of Sidwell (Carlo Rota) in the latest spoilers video.
Sonny screams at Justine, “Someone is setting me up.” She says, “It’s over!” He proclaims, “I didn’t do it!” Little do they know that it was actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) who set Sonny up to take the fall for the Pentonville drama that left Curtis (Donnell Turner) with injuries as well.
Then, Lulu (Alexa Havins) is seen using her voice memo app on her phone to record her discussion with Sidwell while he is recovering from his injuries at the hospital. This moment is intercut with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) saying, “I wish there was someone who could get Chase (Josh Swickard) to open his eyes about who Willow truly is!”
Next, Willow is seen happily waving while at a table at a Metro Court Gardens, while Chase, Michael (Rory Gibson), Brook Lynn and Ava (Maura West) all receive text messages. Tracy (Jane Elliot) punctuates the promo stating, “That’s the real Willow,” while the words “The world knows” comes across the screen.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 5-9 below.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Sonny challenges Justine. Josslyn takes matters into her own hands. Britt and Willow discuss matters of the heart. Jason is taken to task. Serena finds herself in a bind.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Felicia has welcome news for Anna. Brook Lynn confides in Valentin. Hudson tries to talk Josslyn down. Lulu makes a daring play. Willow and Chase discuss his marriage.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Carly asks Anna for a favor. Tracy bites her tongue with Gio. Drew and Alexis go at it. Scout tries to broker peace between Danny and Rocco. Lulu pursues a lead.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Carly supports Sonny. Lulu’s latest article makes waves. Ava pitches a new target to Drew. Curtis gets a shock. Chase throws down the gauntlet.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Britt offers a lifeline. Anna offers her expertise. Sonny reassures Gio. Portia makes her loyalties clear. Dante’s investigation hits a roadblock.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo for the action this week entitled, “The World Knows” below.
Now weigh-in: With everyone disbelieving Sonny, what will be his next move? Will he hit rock bottom, or rise up and fight back and prove his innocence? Will Sonny enlist Jason to get to the bottom of this, even though Jason is out of Sonny’s business? Meanwhile, can this truly be the week that Willow is exposed for her multitude of crimes … or is this all a red herring? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
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Just glad for her to have a story at all!
shes great whatever she does as long as shes front and center menoupause is not the end of the world!
Thank God! Bravo Nancy Lee Grahn!
Women have always had to hide the change of life and it isn’t fair.
It is a fact of life that all women go through this (whether we want to or not and it is NOT pleasant.
Imagine feeling intense heat coming up your neck encompassing you whole head and its making you feel like you are going to spontaneously combust.
That is what a hot flash or a hot flush (which can last anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes) feels like . And there is not much that a woman can do, save sticking your head in your freezer or throwing open the window to the freezing winter outside standing there just to get some relief.
I so sympathized with Alexis throwing open the window in Sam’s office while breathlessly sticking her head out the window into the freezing cold of a PC winter ‘s day.
It was a great scene that I understand only too well as I have experienced it often in the last 20 years since my change began. This is real life folks and though the change of life(menopause) is different for every woman, we should not be required to hide its effects, it is difficult to deal with and nothing that we should ever feel like we should be ashamed of.
Rahter this, yes, than another mob murder plot! Did GL’s Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer) have a similar storyline once upon a time? It is a vital honest genuine situation to explore and i hope it is done correctly, not with fanfare and then rushed or forgotten. Nancy
Menopause is a “plight?” In the 21st century, people still think like this? “Frank doesn’t like the idea of Alexis having menopause because he thinks it makes her too old.” A woman past 49 is too old? No wonder television ratings don’t include them. I think the storyline is passe and dated, but apparently many people never got the message that it needs to be done. Will male menopause get a storyline too?
I am just breaking my rule I was not going to post anymore but I can’t let this go read the entire interview with Michael Logan we are still harping on our castmate not getting an emmy .Grow Up! And if I was a lawyer I would sue her for slander leave the actress who won the emmy for young actress alone. A word to Ms. Grahn start listening instead of shooting off your mouth you might learn something. But then you are a Liberal it is ok for you to tear someone apart that did nothing to you. Stick to acting and stop Tweeting!!!!
Nancy and many other celebrities keep forgetting that our country is split in half and there are some fans who are republicans and what you do is insult them and at the same time loose alot of fans ,laura ingrum ,dont know how to spell her name, but she wrote a book called shut up and sing ,and it makes sense ,what she is dong is saying I am a celebrity and I am smarter then you,well shes not ,and if you ask me I dont think she is well informed,I use to like her till I heard a comment she said ,and it changed my mind about her .so im with you kay killgore,stick to acting and stop twitting and giving interviews tearing down people you dont know.the left is not always right ,did I just say that?
soaps really need to have s/l’s that are true to life as much as possible – i excited that nancy finally has her own s/l and i know she will be amazing!
I like it if it wasn’t always portrayed as a joke/extreme. Not everyone goes thru that and now there is more medical/holistic approach to this occuring.
Actually it launched at the Jasam wedding in late September, and we’ve had 2 or 3 scenes about it since then.
Oh yes! Any story about stuff Alexis is going thru – hot flashes or panic attacks from being too close to Sonny when she had the hots for him — it’s all fun! And like she mentions, GH has been mob story driven too long! And Nice Mobsters too. Guess that’s what fast-forward is for … getting past all the boring-is it ever going to end-mobster crap.
TV ratings are so much about women, any stories that are related to our goings on of our bodies should be good for the show! And I love when Alexis & Diane get together — they are such a hoot!
add- and Alexis having menopause now does not make her an old lady!! Hey Frank are you listening? Women can go thru and start menopause at different ages. It can start much earlier than the old tales of “old” women going thru the change in their 50-60s. It’s just not like that! And women that have gone thru it are still not “old”! that’s ridiculous!
I think a storyline with Alexis in menopause would be awesome! Going thru menopause myself it would be great to come home from a long day at work and sit down to watch GH and Alexis having hot flashes, foggy moments, and make me laugh would b great! Alexis would do a fabulous job!