General Hospital
GH's Roger Howarth Speaks Bringing Franco To Life, His Co-Stars & Soap Success!
Courtesy/ABC
He is elusive, a man of few words, but one of the biggest marquis names in the soap genre. Of course, we are talking about General Hospital’s Roger Howarth (Franco). Whether he is playing the dark side or the more loving side of Franco, or the complex Todd Manning of One Life to Live, or As the World Turns Paul, Howarth’s acting style is unique, profound, creative, and has been beloved by millions of television viewers since bursting on the scene in 1992.
Currently on GH, Franco has developed feelings for Nurse Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst), setting the stage for so much conflict with his arch-nemesis Jason Morgan (Billy Miller) and his wife Sam (Kelly Monaco). Franco’s “serial killer instincts” have also recently come into question during the investigation of the mysterious deaths that are running rampant inside the patient’s rooms at the hospital. And there was his ill-fated romantic entanglement with Nina Reeves (Michelle Stafford), but is that really over?
On-Air On-Soaps had a rare opportunity to speak with Roger at the recently concluded GHFCW, where he delighted the attendees not only with his appearance at the fan club main event with the cast, but at his joint event with longtime pal, Michael Easton (Finn, GH). While it was a bustling day for the popular star, Roger gave us a quick glimpse into his thoughts on his GH co-stars, how he brings the character of Franco to life, and a little flashback to One Life.
Rebecca Herbst has a very passionate fan base who always root for her getting the man she fancies in her life. Right now many of them are getting behind the pairing of the two of you now known as “Friz”! What has it been like for you working in a burgeoning romantic story with Becky?
Courtesy/ABC
ROGER: I really enjoy working with Rebecca. She is so good. It is very low key with us. I think we work in a similar way in terms of preparedness. Rebecca is really committed, and she’s great!
What are Franco’s feelings about this though? Is he in love with Elizabeth, but afraid that she won’t love him back?
ROGER: I can’t speak to that specific state of mind, unless you tell me when you are referring to it. In general, Franco seems to think a lot of different things at a lot of different times. But I think overall big picture: he is surprised at his own attraction to this person, and a little confused by it. I think that’s really interesting. There is some kind of playful part of him that seems to be confused that it was something that just showed up, and it wasn’t something he was prepared for. Particularly on the heels of his breakup with Nina (Michelle Stafford), which was over some pretty heavy adult set of conversations.
Speaking of Nina, Michelle Stafford told me she digs working with you. Do you think Franco and Nina are truly over?
Courtesy/ABC
ROGER: I like working with Michelle, too. I think Franco and Nina have a lot of value to them, and it’s a great pairing. I don’t think it’s an either or proposition. I think that if Franco and Nina were ever in the same room it would still be interesting.
Little Jake (Hudson West) and Franco’s performance at the GH Nurses’ Ball was so well received, and talked about by the viewers. Was that moment fun for you to do? It had so much emotional heart to it.
ROGER: It was super fun! It really was very sweet, and I am glad you liked it. It was a very simple story, which is what I liked about it.
It seems like the writers have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at you during your time as Franco. There have been plenty of twists and turns for the character including Franco’s brain tumor. How do you make sense of it all for yourself as the portrayer?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman
ROGER: It’s not unlike life. You can’t make sense of it on a day-to-day basis. (Laughs) I think my job is to manage the smaller strokes of what the day is like, and the big brush strokes belong to the people that write the show and actually create it. I’m just trying to keep up. (Laughs). It’s been a fun ride.
Fans always want to know how much of what they see on-screen in your performances is you infusing the lines of dialog for Franco with your own spin, or even ad-libbing, as opposed to what the writers have on the page.
ROGER: I think that’s what every actor does, but it can’t be antithetical to the purpose of the shooting day. So, ultimately the task is to figure out how to make those words come out of this mouth.
Franco also has a very unique bond and friendship with Dr. Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati). What do you think of their on-screen dynamic?
Courtesy/ABC
ROGER: I think their relationship is terrific! Kathleen Gati is a neat actor. One of the things I really like about Franco is he really is different when talking to different characters in his life. Todd on One Life to Live did this to some extent, too. When Todd would talk to Viki (Erika Slezak) he wouldn’t leave a dangling participle. Then when Todd was speaking with Dorian (Robin Strasser) it was this sort of snarky thing, and then between Blair (Kassie DePaiva) and Tea (Florencia Lozano) there were adjustments. I think in that way it’s like real life. People don’t talk to their grandmother in the same way they talk to their friends, or whomever.
In a recent piece in SOD, you spoke about how Erika Slezak, who played your sister Viki on One Life to Live, and that you felt she made you a better actor via her professionalism in the genre, etc. What can you say about Erika and how you learned from her? So many OLTL fans loved Todd and Viki’s scenes together over the years.
Courtesy/ABC
ROGER: Oh, she is a champ! I miss her. Erika was very supportive of me. I can’t say enough good things about her.
Jason and Franco have less than a stellar relationship. There is so much bad blood between them from their past. Now that Jason remembers his life prior to being “Jake”, and Franco is involved with Liz, things should definitely come to boil for these two. How has it been working with Billy Miller as an on-screen adversary?
ROGER: I love Billy. I don’t know how long he has been on the show now, but it seems it took a long time for Franco and Jason to reconnect. And those two have a real history there between them. I think there is value there, and it’s interesting. I think it would be cool to explore their relationship, and story more. Speaking about how people are different with different people, I have not yet figured out how would Franco behave with a real Alpha. There was always someone pushing on Todd, but on this canvas that was really a first, and I liked it.
Your popularity with the fans of this genre is off the charts! Were you surprised that starting off as the guy who played a rapist on One Life, would one day become one of those beloved, and respected actors on television?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman
ROGER: I am just grateful. I have had a lot of support for a long time, and that is no small thing. But I think your question is: “Was I surprised by it?” The answer is “Yes”. I think of myself as a worker bee, and I just go and do my thing. I hope that people like it, but there is still this weird part of me that is a little surprised if they do.
Looking back now, would you say ABC’s One Life to Live was a magical time in your career, or more of a difficult time?
ROGER: Magical is a big word. Difficult at times, certainly. It had its ups and downs, but I don’t feel that way about my current life, and current job. It’s been good. I am still traveling back and forth to New York to be with my family, and I know it’s not ideal, but people do it. I’m not breaking rocks at a salt mine. (Laughs)
So, are you rooting for Franco and Elizabeth to have a memorable love story on GH? Do you think Franco will eventually wind up back with Nina? What about Roger’s sentiments on how he views and creates the on-screen life of Franco? What do you feel makes him uber-popular with his audience and the fans of daytime? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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I am 100% on board for Franco/Elizabeth. I never would have thought to put them together but Roger/Becky have the “it” factor. Friz is fresh and being slowly developed like couples used to be.GH isn’t glossing over the past either.
On a soap where we’re expected to accept people coming back from the dead, wearing masks or absolving murderers as “romantic heroes” I can definitely accept that Franco’s tumor caused his psychosis.
Friz is one of the few things on GH that I think TPTB are getting right. Bravo to Becky/Roger for bringing this story to light.
True, along with creating Curtis
Yessss!!!! Viva Curtis. Hot! I am praying for a hook-up with a ‘sane’ Nina.
I love him in G H and wish his character was on every single day. Glad they killed off his character on Flash, maybe we will see more of Roger /Franco on GH
I also wish he was on GH every day! He could have been amazing on The Flash if they gave him ANYTHING to work with. He’d make a great villain on there! He’s an awesome actor who I’d wanna watch in pretty much anything AS pretty much anything!
I’m rooting for franco and liz 100 percent! I’m looking forward to what comes next.
I’m totally on board for Franco and Liz. I can’t believe I’m saying this, because I was a T&B forever fan, but this is working for me.
I must agree at this point in time, Margie. I think there is something very special between Franco and our Miss Lizzie. Just a few weeks ago, I would have vehemently protested because I loved Nina and Franco as a couple.
But, after all is said and done….Franco’s sweetness; his shyness, almost, around Liz warms my heart. Besides, I love Roger, LOL. Always have, no matter what!!
@Elizabeth. Thank you for your reply, Elizabeth. I appreciate your little synopsis on Franco. But, as I have stated, I did not know Franco. I am a fairly new ‘watcher’ of GH. I also did not really know Roger as Todd….I mostly knew Trevor as Todd. I was young; I barely ‘knew’ Roger’s Todd until he came back to OLTL. Therefore, your inference does not apply here. I am not as ‘savvy’ with GH and other soaps because of my age. What a child or a teen takes away from any story is completely different from what an adult comprehends.… Read more »
Sorry I missed your reply, CeeCee….I’m going to take a wild stab and surmise that it was about my AJQ response??? Needless to say, it was certainly not aimed at you, mia amica!….I didn’t even read your comments prior to posting, so I was speaking in broad generalities! It seems that every time there is an AJQ post, this person gets absolutely slammed for stating their unvarnished, unsentimental critiques of today’s GH and its players, but rather than focusing on the message and simply debating its contents, too many replies come down to just personally attacking the messenger for calling… Read more »
@Shay My beautiful, Shay. You can’t imagine how it gladdens the heart to communicate with you, and get back into the rhythm. I have read and reread your comment, closely scrutinizing it for a plausible reason for AJQ’s ‘estimation’ of Roger (in this case). Bur, I still see insolence; and, not by you. We all need to remember that while we do speak generally, we are all part of the general public, including myself; unless a statement is specific, in order to clarify any misconceptions. But, that’s okay, Shay….I was just taken aback for a sec. LOL. Believe me, I… Read more »
I will start by saying that Roger seems like a nice guy, but this narrative about him, perpetrated by a very small number of superfans and amplified by the soap press is ridiculous. His style is unique, profound and creative? He’s a scenery chewer who gives nods and winks to his superfans from another soap. He is doing schtick that separates the actor from the character and therefore makes the character a fail. Franco has been a disaster in very large part because of Roger’s terrible portrayal. He came on with the ridiculous blonde hair, looking like a clown and… Read more »
Must disagree about his popularity!! I just returned one week ago from the GH Fan Club Weekend in Los Angeles! I attended probably 12 different events over that weekend, and by far the largest fan turnout was for Roger & Michael’s event!! They both stayed very late to accommodate photos & autographs!! Very impressed with both of these guys & totally impressed with their very large fan base (compared to other events that weekend)!!
U do know ur talking shit about roger in Michaels page right? Ur bashing roger and that is not ok
AJQ’s comments are thoughtful and thoughtfully expressed. There’s no trash talk at all. You just don’t agree with him.
In what world Mark Y are AJQ’s comments “thoughtful?” No “trash?” Did you skip the part…basically the entire comment, where he insulted Roger’s acting in every way possible?
I loved Roger on OLTL and GH as Todd but he doesn’t work as Franco. There is too much bad back history for us to like the character and what he has done. I can’t get passed it no matter how hard I try.
I can understand that, Jensen. It’s very easy to be disappointed by a character’s new role. But, I started watching GH about the same time Roger picked up the role of Franco. So, all I know is this Franco, not the original.
Nonetheless, I can definitely see your point.
And, Roger has always held a place in my heart…(OLTL)
Well Celia, then you are exactly the type of fan to which AJQ was referring. One who loved Todd and who wants to see Todd live on. I agree with most of what AJQ and Jensen said. I liked Todd on GH. I thought his character fit well on the canvas. But I was appalled when he returned as Franco and was quickly put into a romance with the mother of the guy he arranged to be raped in prison as if it was no big deal. Just the most tone deaf story ever seen on the show. And his… Read more »
I’m soooo tired of the OLTL haters on GH!!! Actors move from soap to soap all the time. I understand, at first, these actors portrayed their OLTL characters on GH. GH fans – GET OVER IT!!! They are all playing GH characters now. If you don’t like their acting, you have a right to your opinion but don’t blame OLTL.
Doesn’t mean we want every unemployed actor from OLTL showing up on GH’s doorstep either.
Who is blaming OLTL? What?
Yeah, they certainly are playing GH characters now…. one after the other. I’m soooooo tired of seeing posts on all the fan sites about how now GH needs Ericka Sleezek or Melissa Archer and etc etc etc. So that one goes both ways.
Ever think that you’re just a part of a small group of people who hate him?.. You seem to be in the minority here. I love Roger & Franco & his Todd schticks 😉
Damn you needed 8 paragraphs to dump all over Howarth huh?
Too everyone who wrote me back, the following. First, talking crap? Well if actors can’t take criticism they should be in a different business. Thinking that actors should never be taken to task is what creates bad TV and that’s what GH is. And Michael Fairman posted my comment, he chose to. Unlike other sites, he allows all points of view and I assume that part of the reason he posted it was to allow all of Roger’s fans to defend him and have at me. And you’re welcome to do it. I also notice that none of the initial… Read more »
I like Roger. I don’t like Franco. I think his character has been a hot mess since he had to take it over.
Same goes for Michelle Stafford as Nina — just because she was a hot sensation on Y&R does not mean she’s been anything but dead weight on GH.
I see your point on what you are saying…..
WOW….DO YOU FEEL BETTER NOW????? YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WATCH THIS SHOW
Yikes.
The state of the ratings are hardly due to Franco. He’s not on all that much. The state of the ratings is due to the return to Guzaland–Saint Sonny rides again
You need to smile more.
Truly, you sound bitter! Have a cup of coffee and relax. Your just running off at the mouth right now! Roger is a fine actor. Talk about the character NOT the Actor! Gee where is your manners?!?
Well, I admire you speaking your mind when you know full well your going to get your ass chewed out! I will agree with you on the character of Franco, it sucks! I didnt like James Franco and I dont like Howarth’s version. Mind you and all his fans, I didnt say I didnt like Roger, I DONT like his character. He should have been a Q and would have been magnificent budding heads with Tracy and Ned!
if your not even a viewer, and you’ve given up on GH why is your opinion even relevant? i’m all for people not having the same point of view, hate roger, or hate who ever you want to hate, but at least be a current viewer that watches.
@AJQ….Even though I often–but not always—agree with you, I do admire your tenacity and straight-forward style whilst saying exactly what you think about the “unrecognizable” GH of today! You never fail to state your case with great certitude and clarity, and frequently back up your assertions with irrefutable logic. That’s why so many here seem to have trouble debating and responding to your comments with anything but personal insults….you make way too much sense for their little minds to comprehend and address in any remotely intelligent manner!
Game, set and match AJQ. Not one respondent is even trying to refute the points you have made. Because they are extremely well taken.
Once again AJQ you post to criticize. You made the same declarations about Michael Easton when he returned to the show after much fan support and outcry. Negative much? And I hate to burst your authoritative bubble but there are many fans of Roger AND Michael…and it has nothing to do with the ratings. A film with Meryl Streep can tank at the box office if the film isn’t well received. Nothing to do with the actor.
Personally, I’m loving GH and I ‘m thrilled these two guys are on the show! Love em!
AJQ, do you ever have a positive thing to say about anything? I mean, good lord, Michael posted two interviews today, and you took the time to write two long diatribes bashing GH and the subjects of both interviews. All I’ve ever seen from you on this site is negativity. And that covers many years. You must be a real joy to be around in your every day life, let me tell you.
Rebecca1: Well said, I agree with you 100%.
Well thank you GH1980!
Question Rebecca – if Michael or Roger’s fan appreciation has nothing to do with the rating then what good are they to GH or ABC?
Well if you go by that logic Elizabeth why are ANY of the current characters and/or actors on. The fans are made up of old and new, young, elderly and in between. The fans are also comprised of people who used to watch canceled soaps and viewers who never watched any soaps. I would LOVE (which I posted way down this page under someone else’s comment; not sure if it posted yet or made the cut) to see more GH vets and I named them from Scorpio, Frisco, more Ned, Scotty, etc. but I also like some of these actors,… Read more »
Rebecca, sorry that I am writing this on the wrong comment thread but if I responded to your comment I would be responding to myself instead of you. You asked if I was aware that GH was at risk of cancellation soon after the decision was made to ax AMC and OLTL….. I would respond by mentioning that the key demo was at least a couple hundred thousand ahead at that time compared with where it is now. I think that the idea to have former soap stars from other shows come in, immediately hog the screen time and have… Read more »
Never watched OLTL and I love Franco because of Roger Howarth’s portrayal (and Jean and Shelly’s writing). You only speak for yourself.
Did you watch GH when the chracter of Franco originated?
Elizabeth. This is an interview with Roger Howarth, not James Franco. Liking, loving or disliking James Franco the actor and/or his portrayal of Franco is not the subject nor does it have anything to do with AJQ’s bashing Roger as ACTOR, not just character. THAT is what most of us took offense to…you don’t have to like a character or the direction of a story, but bashing an actor and his abilities is uncalled for. Do we forget that regardless of profession we’re all people with feelings? Seems like some who approve AJQ’s harsh “critique” of Roger’s acting are the… Read more »
Rebecca, the subject is RoHo AND the character of Franco. The character’s history was not erased just because he came back under a new actor. There is nothing in any comment I have made in this thread that speaks to anything about James Franco in his former role as Franco. The CHARACTER of Franco, who he was, what he has done, and what his psyche is DOES have a role in whether the character is effectively and authentically on the canvas these days. I think AJQ has every right to express the view that Roger’s acting doesn’t cut it for… Read more »
Todd Manning had his own doll! That says alot Also He’s done a lot of Primetime coupled with the Return of Todd back in 2011 rose One Life to Live’s ratings exponentially.
Lol…Shay just insulted all of us who don’t agree with AJQ. (Yet she initiates and takes glee when she accuses others of doing what she just as she rides her high horse.) Too funny!
A rapist had his own doll created after him?!? Run Barbie, run!!!!!!!!!
I’m a big fan of Roger, but even I will admit that his best work was about 18 years ago. He really nailed it from 93-98 as Todd, and even in 2000-2003 he had some good moments. I’m not a fan of Franco or GH so I can’t really comment, but for the work he’s done on ABC since 1992 he should be able to chew up as much scenery and muffins as the dude wants. He’s a legend.
If they intend to make Liz Hayden’s sister i at least hope her mother had an affair with Jeff and Hayden is a Webber…i fear they might reveal Liz isnt a Webber and really Hayden’s fraternal twin separated at birth and liz was adopted by the Webbers-ok, there is nothing wrong with being adopted-adoption is in my family-i just want Liz to remain a blood Webber!!!
Yes, Jimmy. That is EXACTLY what I said. Almost verbatim. But, a few disagreed. We cannot be 100%, though….however, we do know that you and I usually agree; except for Nina…LOL.
I tried to like Nina but i cant-she is overplayed in too many stories while other characters are neglected but i do hope Valentin is Nathan’s pappa(the actors age difference isnt a problem-ive watched soaps with the parent(the actor) as little as five years older than the actor who played their son or daughter-and Nina learns not only is Nathan Valentin’s son but she might also be prego by him then her’s and Sam’s baby are switched at the hospital thanks to Dr. Liesel???
@Jimh(leave it to beaver).
Yes, I’ll buy that, Jimmy. I can visualize that scenario. I can see Nina having a Cassadine baby. I won’t like it….but, it does add so many dramatic bubbles to the soap….LOL.
After-all, Nina’s heart’s desire is to have a baby. The Cassadines need to continue the line; yes? HaHa.
And, you are allowed to like or dislike anyone ….to your heart’s content. LOL. Always the gentleman, you are…..as are a very many few on these sites.
@Shay. Hey, Shaybelle, At the risk of carrying this a bit too far; AJQ does not limit his /her criticism to GH. Would it be that; no one would utter a word. This person goes beyond ‘the call of duty’ by attacking someone….whether it be a poster or an actor. This time around, Roger simply happens to be his/her victim. AJQ hardly posts, but when he/she does; he/she constantly laments his /her disapproval of the actor, or a poster of the week. Nothing positive is ever, ever said. Good grief!! It just isn’t right or fair!! You know exactly how… Read more »
Really Celia? You would have to present specific evidence of AJQ criticizing a poster on this board because I pay attention to AJQ’s critiques, always. I happen to think they are extremely well thought out and almost always (not always, but almost always) find myself agreeing with them. I can tell that he/she is a long time GH viewer with standards that are aligned with the quality and an essence that used to be presumed and delivered on this show on a daily basis. So, Celia, can you cite me a specific example of AJQ critcizing a poster? And, p.s.,… Read more »
@Jimh(leave it to beaver). PS. Jimmy; to reeterate what I think:,Naomi had an affair with Liz father and became pregnant with twins; Hayden and Liz. For unknown reasons, Liz was ‘regaled’ to the Webers, and Naomi kept Hayden, passing her off as the daughter of Ray Berlin, lol. Another scenario could be that the ‘girls’ are half sisters. Liz is Jeff’s, and Hayden Ray’s. I apologize for being repetitious, but when Hayden and Liz said “Mother?????” at same time, I knew it was no coincidence by the writers. This may all be in our collective heads, Jimmy, but it’s great… Read more »
Agreed. As much as Elizabeth is not my favorite character, she does come from a legacy family (biologically) and that, I think should remain. Hayden seems to be thrown into a lot of scenes and storylines with many actors. I’m sorry, I am just not a fan of the actress or the character.
Yes, dmr. A legacy family whom I would love to get to know, and see Them interact. I like Elizabeth very much; but, I also like Hayden….both Rebeccas. LOL.
Roger is a fabulous actor and I’ve liked him since he first appeared on OLTL. He has charisma and can portray charming as well as devious. On GH, I’d prefer him to be any character but Franco, and to be paired with Nina, but what can you do? Whenever Roger’s on the screen, there is no fast-forwarding permitted at my house!
I so enjoyed seeing the real life Roger Howarth at his GHFCW with Michael Easton! I can certainly see why they are friends, because they are both such genuine and sweet guys!! And so funny!! Wasn’t sure exactly what I was expecting from Roger, but I’d always heard he was a bit shy about doing fan events. It didn’t show at GHFCW!! He was funny and charming, and both of these guys made the event wonderful for everyone!! Very warm and wonderful guys and I hope to see Roger again some time in the future at an event that a… Read more »
Wish I had been there!
I’m loving the heck out of “Friz”. I can’t wait for more and,, preferably, some “Jason Free” Friz storylines.
NO kidding! JaSam FREE, please.
Ratings, schmatings. GH had bottom of the barrel ratings during Frons, Phelps & Guza’s last years. Why do we think those 3 have exited the building? Miss me with how 1 character or even couple can be responsible for ratings when the writing is for an ensemble show. Anyway, Roger is a very charismatic actor in my opinion. He is very good in the multidimensional characters he has portrayed. I would have loved to see him on the stage, also. Franco is “weird” just as the character told Liz but the vulnerabilities of his character do bubble up and Roger… Read more »
I agree with you verbatim!
Rebecca – not a “few thousand” more for GH then than now….. A few HUNDRED thousand. As in, the GH audience during the mega soap experiment has dwindled by what, 35%? 40%? FV has zero vision, zero creativity, and is STILL following a strategic path for the show (i.e., the MEGA soap incorporating stars from every other show) that has cost GH its audience, its essence and its legacy. So, yeah, RoHo, Michelle Stafford and all the others will still have their fans who loll over their acting and support them to infinity. But it won’t up the viewership for… Read more »
I mean, the GH key demo, NOT the audience in total. Sorry about that one.
How many people were in that room with thunderous applause for Roger? 300? 1000? What does that translate to for ad revenues? One thousanth of one percent? Meanwhile the demo has lost hundreds of thousands of viewers and is now bouncing along the approximate low of the key demo that ABC purports to be seeking. Reality is that the MEGA soap idea was that last great brainstorm failure of Brian Frons… and FV has so little artistic creativity that he doesn’t have any better ideas. So relying on the super fans of actors from other shows is the best that… Read more »
But I will be the first to say the writing is much better than it was before Jelly. That was unwatchable.
I wrote to you above but you do realize that GH was about to be cancelled soon after AMC and OLTL? Before any new actors came aboard? It’s still here. That’s not to negate some criticism of the show or the desire for more vets. But apparently the “revenues” are holding their own or we wouldn’t be here debating.
Hi Elizabeth…I know . It’s difficult to reply under the correct post when there’s a lot of responses. Lol, you kinda have to go thru rather comments to figure out the spot to reply and it gets a bit wonky. I understand your points but I still don’t agree. I think back when OLTL and AMC were cancelled everyone was taken by surprise, not just the fans. I also think, regardless of whether the numbers were a few thousand more for GH then they are now (don’t know; haven’t looked it up recently and they always fluctuate) it was still… Read more »
Correction..love the vets and the yesteryear… (Disregard letter p)
Elizabeth…you’re not a happy camper. I get that. The bottom line is GH is still on the air. Period. For how long none of us know, bit that goes for all the remaining soaps. It’s obviously no longer cost effective for the networks. The show will never be the same even if they brought back every original character. The actors have grown up, the characters who were the young set are now middle aged and the middle-aged are now elderly, gone or retired. I’ll repeat..I loved the show and I miss a lot of the characters from Scorpio and Frisco,… Read more »
Thanks, Michael, for the great interview. Roger is one of my all time favorite actors and I’m very happy that he seems to be doing more press these days.
Any day that Franco’s on #GH is always a good day for me. It’s nice to hear about Roger’s process. His choices are always a hit with me. I love his humor and vulnerability. They wouldn’t have the same impact without the questionable things Franco does. He’s definitely not a one dimensional character and Roger makes the most of it.
Roger is an amazing actor who has the ability to portray conflicting emotions and impulses simultaneously. Even during his characters’ worst behavior you can always see the vulnerability just below the surface. He can also leaven the most dramatic moments with an undercurrent of humor. His performances are multi-layered which makes his characters multi-faceted. Also, he acts with his face and body language in the service of the character. Some actors just recite the lines – Roger inhabits the character. He is one of my all time favorite actors in ANY genre. Had he been allowed to continue playing Todd… Read more »
I’ve read this from superfans before and here’s the bottom line, if all of this was true, if he could do all of these things, had so much range, could convey so many emotions and layers, he would be the greatest actor that ever lived and not only wouldn’t he be hanging around GH, no actor in Hollywood would ever get a script before he read it. It amazes me that Tom Cruise has had a career the last twenty years when an actor of this caliber is out there. “Had he been able to continue playing Todd”, that says… Read more »
LOL! love it AJQ.
What you said!
Lol…not what AJQ said…I’m with Mister Media!
“He can also leaven the most dramatic moments with an undercurrent of humor”. As far as Roger’s impeccable role-playing, truer words have never been uttered or written. Your words simply describe who, in my estimation, Roger is. For this thespian to convey his inner turmoil; his joy/happiness; his sadness and confusion etc. so effortlessly through facial expressions speaks volumes. His eyes tell the story. Yes, Roger ‘rises’ to any challenge given him. For him to be compared to others is out of context. Smells of envy to me. Some of us are too big for our britches. I love your… Read more »
@Elizabeth. Now, that’s a good question, Elizabeth. Why, indeed! Why the return of Franco? We must make light of some situations some of the time. So, perhaps it’s to prove that bad people can be redeemed? How about, all criminals should have brain surgery in case they have a tumor embedded there? It’s a soap…and I am enjoying it….as ridiculous as some of the storylines are. Such as, Sam not telling Jason she’s expecting and/or that she may have malaria. In what realm does a woman not share this kind of news with the father of her baby? To protect… Read more »
Roger has been playing Franco for a little over 3 years now, but I honestly don’t think the character came into his own until he started interacting with Liz. Liz has given him a real place and purpose on GH. He’s been a friend to her and has been there for her when others turned their backs on her. Franco has a terrible past, but he had a brain tumor and is working hard now to live a better life. In my opinion, Franco and Liz have off the charts chemistry. I hope the writers keep them together for a… Read more »
I think the new writing team and moving Franco into new interactions has really solidified the character. I really been enjoy Franco lately.
Luvin Roger Howarth /Franco..
The Franco character, now newly created and owned by Roger, is uniquely awesome.
Only Roger could handle the character..
Franco is a unique entertaining interesting character superbly played ..
So glad that Roger is “not breaking rocks at a salt mine” but AM sorry that he has been saddled with a killer persona–even he cannot make much of what he has been given here. Oh, he can continue to do the shtick that he is so good at but it’s a dead end as far as building a character that the audience can empathize with.
hi nancy– I picked this up– James Franco played/acted his Franco very dark crazy and that made him a kickass villian ! Franco was in 12 episodes and never has been forgotten.. BRAVO!!! James Franco ! During his 12 weeks ; When he got out of prison for a crime he did not commit he- killed a man in an alley Killed a mobster in a gunfight Strangled a videographer He did kidnap 6 and terrorized them with his crazy dark chilling mind-games but- he never killed them. LOL pfffft that ^^ is child’s play for GH ..ahaa! 0ooh his… Read more »
Love it, su…..you do put a smile on my face. I love both Franco and Nina. I just wish Nina could go forward and not backward. I have no clue where TPTB are taking her, other than a Cassadine baby.
But, lol, speaking of psychos, there is a FOOL in midtown Manhattan trying to scale the Trump Tower. The natives are so pi$$ed off…..traffic stopped ….rush hour no less. My husband smack in the middle of it.
What was the purpose of even making him the re-cast of Franco?
Great interview! What a “get”! Love Franco and Liz together, though I thought Nina and Franco had a lot of potential that was left unexplored. Roger is always interesting to watch.
Well written but, ridiculous. Roger Howarth is not only a well respected daytime actor, held in high regard in the industry itself but, has a huge fan base outside of soaps, especially in the New York metropolitan area. He has an impressive resume, demographic interest and a Q rating that supports Varni’s high praise . Your command of the English language, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and syntax is impressive and you are clearly unafraid to utilize your writing skills but, that doesn’t make your case. Clearly another disappointed Liason fan with multiple issues.
You had me up until that last, unnecessary, and very misguided sentence. This again? Repeat after me: Not everyone is invested in particular couples to the extent that some fans are. Not everyone who criticizes a particular couple or storyline is doing so because of blind devotion to some past, present, or future coupling. To insist that the only reason someone might not like Franco and Liz as a couple is because he/she is pining away for a Jason and Liz reunion is ridiculous, and it shows more about you than it does about the person you were responding to.… Read more »
Hi, Deborah, Command of the English language? Impeccable grammar and punctuation? I respectfully disagree. And, I am not talking about typos, here. To be truthful, I believe you have a much better command of the English language. Let’s not partake of the drivel. As far as the above poster is concerned, I have had my run-ins with him/her. Therefore, I refuse to address said person directly. This person has a distorted view as to the reason fans choose to be part of this forum. For anyone to stop watching because the storylines are not up to par is problematic. And,… Read more »
Celia, you’ve expressed my thoughts exactly! You stay well too, friend!
Hi Celia ! “Thank You” gaveling your write-up “…By all means, criticize the character. Criticize the writing. We all do it. I complain on a regular basis. Nonetheless, I do not threaten to stop watching!! Who cares, anyway? I love soaps and it gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to interact with all of you on these sites. I care not if I disapprove of the direction the story is taking. I follow the vein wherever it leads. I care not how bored I get. Soaps are part of my life. I will watch to the end. ” rumba cha… Read more »
PS: LOL
Happy Dance still
@Patrick.
Patrick, you are a love, and a dear friend. You always bolster my mood in a most happy way.
Let’s boogie!!!!
Thank you Celia! Well said!
No, no, Abruzzfan. It is I that must thank you; for the compliment. You’re sweet. So, thank you. Later.
Love getting Roger’s thoughts on his character and career. Thanks for sharing! Really enjoy Friz!
I mostly always enjoy Roger Howarth, but I’d have preferred he stayed on as Todd Manning. Something about the Franco connection doesn’t jive with me, maybe because James Franco was SO sexy and sly in the original role. Roger was great as Todd (and had nicer hairstyles) and I just don’t feel that the writers can decide who they want certain characters to actually BE. Is Jason the old Jason or a funnier Billy Miller Jason? Is Franco reverting back to crazy or Not? Is Nikolas evil or Misled? These personality changes leave me confused quite often. I can imagine… Read more »
This is the crux of the problem when FV is more interested in nabbing the actor than he is about producing the show. None of the characters he has brought on have much development behind them at all – and that INCLUDES Franco as much as anyone else.
I agree, Elizabeth….to a certain point. Of course, there is always that ‘residual’ feeling of ‘dislike’ or ‘like’ towards a character from another soap; eg. Roger/Todd; Michelle/Nina. Therefore, sometimes we form preconceived notions of how a ‘new’ character played by the actor(s) should perform….in what guise. It’s human nature to react that way. Obviously, Franco has had a bad reputation in Port Charles…a mean, murderous rapist from what I have learned since Roger came on the scene. But, I can also discern a genuine change in Franco ( whom I did not know….James Franco, in the role). I like his… Read more »
First off I said (and have said, repeatedly,) I thought Todd fit well on the canvas and even though I never watched OLTL I enjoyed getting to know Todd and see him interact with other Port Charles characters. That said, if you didn’t see James Franco play Franco then I don’t think you realize the extent to which FV forced GH to jump the shark with this stupid character transition in the way of “New” Franco. And, yes, it is a soap. But the defining paradigm of a soap was always the element of continuing story. If TPTB wanted RoHo… Read more »
Wow–Mr Fairman how in the world did you snag an interview with the every so elusive, Roger Howarth?
You would have had an easier time getting an interview with Big Foot.
Michael is the best interviewer, and RH seems like middle age, LA, the reality of the existing soap world has softened him. I would have loved to go to that GH party if I’d known. Next year?
Good one Harry!
Until he showed up on GH I had never seen one minute of Roger Howarth’s work, and I was quickly a fan. He has a distinctive on-camera presence – I can’t really put it into words! – and his portrayals are never dull. I definitely see Friz’s odd appeal. Rebecca Herbst has a subtler approach with Elizabeth, but she knows that character inside out and can play her truthfully against anyone. The unlikeliest of pairings feels absolutely genuine.
ditto on not knowing RH work, prior to GH. truth be told… I spend more time reading his face… there’s YUM… can’t deny that the way he expresses himself… there’s never a finality to his character I can’t say I clamor demand or expect more than what he does… I just like him… like you… I can’t really put in to words it’s such a huge cast… and to put all our eggs in one basket and… let the chips fall where they may ? what cast appeal lasts ? I’m just glad that GH is “trying” to keep Franco… Read more »
You put it into better words than I did!
Roger was not tolerable u till he started having scenes with Becky she is a actress that plays it understated she should have a wall full of Emmys you do not know she is acting nothing ott about her! Roger you might want to take her out for dinner she saved your job for me!
While I personally have enjoyed him since he started with GH, I do agree that his pairing with Rebecca Herbst has added some needed dimension to his character. Watching Franco struggle with this relationship has been a good thing. I did find Nina and Franco entertaining at times, and MS is talented, but the combination of those characters and those portrayals was mostly too overwhelming for my taste.
I really love Franco and Liz but I don’t agree with you k/Kay. Roger doesn’t need another actor to prop him up. He’s got a presence and a natural rhythm to his acting. Nothing awkward or self-conscious. His Franco has been very loving, sweet and protective of Kiki; I love their father/daughter type relationship; wish they would start showing that again. He also displayed great love for both Carly and Nina, humor with Dr. O, tenderness with lil Jake. And he completely cracked me up when he “lost” Ava’s baby when he put her down in the bin. He’s poignant,… Read more »
Thanks Rebecca!
@k/kay…..Whilst I’ve always been pretty neutral in my opinion of RoHo (I could take him or leave him, although I was glad to see the back of Todd in Port Charles because I found him off-putting….I think it was that revolting scar….) I must say that pairing his Franco with Liz may finally be the making of this up-until-now wildly meandering, moorless creature. His first coupling with Carly was wholly contrived, totally uninspired and patently ridiculous, and his second chance at lurvvve with the infantile Nina was the equivalent of watching two pathetic halfwits incapable of creating one functioning mind… Read more »
@Shay totally agree their are a lot of actors on this show I just FF thru and Roger was one of them but Becky has brought a different take I don’t find him hamming it up to the camera like a stand up comedian in his scenes with her. As for MS/Nina will not watch just to much OTT which is a shame because when she was first on Y&R I enjoyed her work this character just seems forced like as my husband would say In Your Face Acting. But I know a lot of folks like the character different… Read more »
Yes, k/kay, Rebecca’s “Liz” has humanized (and normalized!) Franco in a way that his odd coupledom with Carly, not to mention, co-starring role in the village freak show with the nuttier-than-a-fruitcake Nina never, ever accomplished. Perhaps Franco’s presence will also bring to Liz a more relaxed, down-to-earth relationship than her previously chaotic, high-drama dealings with Jason and Nik. Both characters needed a new direction and I’m glad that Herbst and Howarth have been given this opportunity to spread their wings and together take Liz and Franco in such an unexpectedly delightful direction.
Roger is amazing! I fell really hard for one of his pairings on World Turns (with a nurse) and it seems the same chemistry is present in the Franco & Liz pairing. Watching for #friz! Still in awe of Roger! Keep them coming GH!
I enjoyed this wonderful peek inside the mind of the always entertaining Roger Howarth .
I really didn’t enjoy Franco’s pairing with Nina but I am absolutely loving Roger and Becky as Friz.
GH has lightening in a bottle with Friz and I hope they don’t mess it up with the tired triangle trope by throwing Nina back into the mix. More Friz please!! They are odd, quirkily, adorable and absolutely the best part of the show for me.
Thanks for the interview Michael.
Back when Tod was the first came on OLTL, and was involved in the rape storyline. I knew there was something very special about Roger. I was one of I am sure many that wrote in the the network to keep him as a regular on the show. I still 25 years later enjoy watching him. He is truly a very talented actor.
I have no interest in a rape survivor like Elizabeth being paired up with a man that sexually assaulted Sam and had a teenage Michael raped in prison, tumor or not. It is gross and to be blunt, Franco/RoHo looks way TOO old to be romantically paired up with Elizabeth/BH, when there are other actresses (Ava, Carly, Nina, Alexis, Olivia, etc) that are in his age bracket. Franco and Ric are stealing Elizabeth’s youth and that makes me mad.
In real life, Roger is 47 and Rebecca is 39. The age difference of 8 years is not that much.
Ummm…. R Herbst is seven years younger than Roger H. And while you consider someone who is 40 as young, most of Hollywood doesn’t.
Their alleged age differential is the least challenging aspect of putting these two together. I agree with your reasoning from a character standpoint.
Maybe she could pull an Ava/Morgan thing with Michael!
I agree.
I wasn’t clear, sorry. I agree with Missy. I don’t find the coupling physically attractive. If I don’t find tou attractive it’s hard for me to watch. And I hated Liz with Ric. That was a very painful time for me, lol. Niz was hot, hot, hot!!! Don’t know why they didn’t let that happen. Liason (with Billy), was equally as hot. Don’t know why the writers won’t let Liz be happy. One thing I can say is that ROHO/Franco is very polarizing. You either really love him or you really don’t.
Roger is an amazing actor. He had great chemistry with Kassie DePaiva and Erica sleazy as his sister. He has great chemistry with Rebecca Herbst but I think his chemistry with Michelle Stafford is off the charts. Two of the best daytime actors of all time…an explosive combination. I hope they eventually reunite them. Super couple stars!
Totally agree with everything you said. Loved Franco and Nina together. Cannot see him with Elizabeth at all.
Loved him as Todd Manning on OLTL, and love him as Franco. Michelle has been one of my favorites forever still miss her as Phyllis on Y&R, glad I get to watch her on GH.
Another Stafford fan. Thank you K. Ross. She is my favorite female soap star EVER!! As I said many times….I have had a girl-crush on Michelle for the past 15 years!!!!!! And, I’m straight!!
Lol, y’all are funny. I’m a fan of Michelle’s, as well 😀
this is a fun post Kassie DePaiva Erika Sleazak Rebecca Herbst Michelle Stafford this is a lot of va va voom STRONG dynamic these ladies are stand alone acts and can all carry show it can read like Roger Howarth is the supporting one… BUT without Roger I have every reason to believe that Franco and Nina will always be in the picture adding Liz and Julian…. and/or (they should go back to Ric Lansing ) to flesh out their characters just ADDS PLUS these are top draw characters … who pay attention to their craft… quality begets LOL PS:… Read more »
Roger brought up all his leading ladies… including Tea Delgado
I fell in love with her
I always smile when I read your posts Patrick!
I as well love the #Friz pairing. I also don’t know how it happened I wanted Lucky for Liz so bad, but then Franco and Liz started connecting and it was like wow that is so intense. I am so in love with my GH and think so much is really good right now. By the way, I am a Kiki and Morgan fan and I prefer Ava off on an adventure. When she bitches at Kiki about Morgan my ears start closing. Can she have a life outside controlling her kids? Otherwise I love Roger Howarth and am very… Read more »
I would love to see Franco make a go of it with Nina.
I loved them together and thought it was wrong to split them up. They were two lost souls who found each other, supported each other, understood each other and truly loved each other. It was a great match. However, I’m interested to see where Franco and Liz go at this point. Their mutual love of art…their creativity (Liz paints too but hasn’t for years), Franco’s affection for lil Jake coupled with the animosity between him and Jason could be interesting. Open to see where it goes….
I’m loving Franco and Elizabeth!!! Can’t wait to see where this goes. I was a big Jason and Elizabeth fan and I never thought I would give up on them but I finally did. I was sick of being disappointed all the time. Now I’m getting mad at Jason for getting in Elizabeth’s face over Franco I know it’s all about Jake but he needs to back up and back off. Lol.
Thank you for the Roger Howarth interview, Michael. I’m a huge fan of both Todd and now Franco. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Franco’s scenes with Heather. I’m a HUGE Robin Mattson fan and the 2 of them in the same room are EVERYTHING! They play so well off each other and are a true joy to watch. I think I’ve been really surprised by my reaction to Friz. Roger & Becky have a talent for milking every ounce of emotion out of every glance, touch, verbal exchange so when they were put together? It’s been Soap Heaven for those of… Read more »
REAL’ly well said about Robin Mattson… she is mega watt presence – lightning always strikes
it’s a unique partnership these two share . Roger gets acting lesson
PLUS w/Scotty Baldwin as his father ? these are big deals
Heather and Scotty
Robin and Roger are GOLD. I so wanted Heather to get a grandbaby from Nina and Franco. No one has a better history with babies then Heather. LOL
Roger has been my favorite daytime actor for many years. I’ve been watching GH since 1981 and I still love it. I happen to love how he chews up those scenes and has chemistry with everyone. He makes it fun to watch him. Part of being a daytime actor with longtime fans is doing little things that pay homage to those longtime fans. Sort of like an inside joke. Roger is great at it and we love him for it. There are other characters on GH need to go, but Franco is not one of them. But the writers definitely… Read more »
In order to create a supercouple I think the couple should be together and overcome some outside obstacles together, in order to make them a solid duo. Franco and Nina had the potential to be a really interesting coupling. These days the writers choose to break up couples and so desperately chemistry check actors that they throw everyone around without creating foundations or real history to draw from. I’d like to see more couples become set in stone before throwing them to the wolves.
Agree with you about the F/N pairing. It was engaging and I actually found myself rooting for them. That’s another element to a successful super couple – the audience cares enough about them to root for them. I’m in the same spot with Pristina, but we’ll see if that one happens. Back to F/N ……they weathered the looney bin together and they had one another’s backs and stuck by one another. They took on the world who labeled them outcasts and still they had one another. They had such potential, but as per usual with GH and other soaps, they… Read more »
These days I actually like Franco then Jason. Think about it, how many people Franco killed since his return in 2013, 0. Meanwhile, Jason has gone back to his killing spree ever since Robin revived him!
Even though I would prefer having him as Todd on “GH,” I love Roger Howarth. He is one of the few things keeping me watching the show these days.
How Roger portrays “Franco” is enjoyable. He’s fun to watch. I don’t really like the Elizabeth/ Franco pairing…but I do love the Nina/ Franco paring.
Also, Mr. Fairman, can you give us an update on the ABC/ Prospect Park lawsuit. I would really love to see some of our old friends from those soaps return before they get too old or uninterested.
I totally second the last part of that comment.
I really enjoy Roger Howarth, not necessarily as Franco, but I do enjoy his acting and comedic skills. I wish that TPTB brought Roger back as a Cassadine, Quartermaine, or an entirely new character. I liked Franco with Nina. They were two misunderstood characters who found supportive partners in one another. Liz, while not my favorite character, I would prefer with Jake (not Jason).
Love you, dmr.
Love my Nina, love my Franco. I was heartbroken when the relationship dissipated, as it were…lol. But, if the fates work against these two and cannot be together; then I don’t mind Franco and Liz as a couple. They are cute and sweet together.
Also, the sparks between Nina and Curtis are electrifying….he “better shape up because she needs a man”… LOL.
Great interview. Have always enjoyed Roger Howarth’s work, but this quirky-odd pairing of Franco & Liz has elevated both to new levels. It works in a very good way.
I think Roger shines with Becky Herbst. The characters relationship is interesting & fun, yet layered & so so complicated. Two broken souls just trying to keep it together. Pretty amazing to watch. Not the typical soap 101 couple. Looking forward to more awesome work by Roger & his new leading lady. More Friz please!! Best part of GH. Again, great interview.
The fact that Friz is very different is really appealing. Love the chem and both Becky and Roger look like they are having fun.
I love Franco and Liz His vulnerability around her is touching. OK let me just say this. I love Roger Howarth and no matter who his love partner is I just love watching him. If I were his wife and I wish i were, I’d move my family to be with him. Don’t be naiive Mrs, Howarth!
Three words sum up Mr. Howarth’s acting ability…..
ONE TRICK PONY
Word!
I think the “gallop” poll would disagree with you.
Thad Bosley, apparently you’ve never seen Roger Howarth doing theater, in Californiaation or in any number of roles that are so not Todd Manning. One trick pony indeed.
Hi Deborah…just thought I’d give a nod to Californication. I loved that show! Brilliant …and Duchovney? Perfect in every way! I fell in love with Hank.
Firstly, let me say that I like ROHO. Secondly, he was the embodiment of Todd, although I liked Trevor St. John better. Just because I think TSJ is a better actor and had more depth and range. But the part was clearly RoHo’s. Roho is playing Todd Manning with a new name and identity, but those are the only things that have changed. Look how many times he, himself interjected the conversation with a remark about Todd. He played the character for a very long time, so I get it. But I think they should’ve given the part to Michael… Read more »
Interesting role switch that you suggested. I didn’t watch Michael as Caleb (though I love sexy vampires so I’d like to find and watch it) but he obviously has the range to play the bad boy…and Roger too has the range to play the good guy. Oh well…when they kill them both off each one can come back as per your suggestion. Lol…
does Franco have a ‘sister’?
how about erica slezak?
that would make the show even better!
lol, you do know that franco biological parents are scotty and heather right? how exactly would that work?
“sister” was in quotes. sarcasm…(erica slezak was his sister on OLTL)
and besides is there ever any definitive parentage on soaps?
so how about erica slezak as heathers’ mother? (or was that already established – definitably)
Mgb357 Robin is 60…not sure of her birthday but could be close to 61. Erika just turned 70. And I think she’s a young 70. I’d like to see her as some friend or distant relation to Tracy and the Q’s…we need to build that family back up.
I don’t think the poor ratings can be blamed on one actor. GH has had rather low ratings for years. It seems as if it is difficult for some of the old viewers to accept the OLTL crossovers. I also like Franco and Liz together. As for the actor, Roger does his job well and he is not a prima donna like some of the other actors.
While I agree with most of your reply, Michael (not Fairman) please understand that, in my experience, fans who criticize a popular and very talented actor usually have an agenda or particular bias. This may, or may not be true of AJQ. It was the virulence of her/his opinion that lead me to my “Liason fan” response. If I seemed to paint anyone with too broad a brush, I apologize. My only reasoning is, like I said, past experience. I’m sure you didn’t mean to make this personal. Either way, whatever your intent, I take no offense. I needn’t have… Read more »
Good show, Deborah. Adore your very subtle, but ‘to the point’ writing. You say it so much better than I.
Fair enough, Deborah (and thanks for the clarification). I just wondered why you went there, when the rest of your post was so solidly argued, and you didn’t need the Jason/Liz angle to support what you were saying. As for why (people might dislike popular actors, including RH)–I think there are multiple reasons beyond the couples wars. Not everybody sees the same things in actors, and I can’t think of a popular actor in 40 years of soap watching who has not had some critics. There have been some very popular actors whom I’ve looked at on screen and thought,… Read more »
Roger is one of the best actors out there. Daytime is lucky to have him!!! I think he is soooooo good – king of the micro expressions! He always brings more to the scene than he even has to, and I just love love love watching him in his craft. He can make us laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. I hope GH utilizes his talent and lets him loose…. maybe even go nuts and kill someone and then die and then come back as another character. Roger can do just about anything. Loved him with Nina (Franina?)… Read more »
I read one viewers comments about the two Todds on OLTL – Roger left and Trevor St. John took over the role. Who did you like better? As for me I thought Trevor St. John did a fantastic job although I always wanted Roger back (the whole time he was on other networks), when he finally came back for the last year and the reboot, I was thrilled. I think they handled the storyline well, as did both actors. So Roger was Todd and Trevor was Victor. I am disappointed the soap was not continued because all these years later,… Read more »
Muchele…If only…it would have been fantastic to have Roger and Trevor on the show with an extended storyline. In reality, even if OLTL had continued we wouldn’t have had Trevor for long. I read an interview with him where he stated he never intended to play Todd as long as he did and is the type of actor who likes playing different roles and genres. (Which is probably why we haven’t seen him on any soap since; I’ve no doubt he was approached). The little he was on the reboot just had him on the run…( man! That online version… Read more »
Lolololol…Michele!
Roger is and always has been a “character” actor who can work well with any other actor. He is so good that he brings out the best in the other actors who are fortunate enough to play opposite him. I really am enjoying his portrayal of Franco. He is softened him and give him real depth. I continue to enjoy his scenes. Especially enjoyable is having the chance to witness someone who also manages to bring humorous aspect to lines that I am not sure other actors would be able to pull off playing a similar character. In my opinion,… Read more »
I have been enamored with Roger since he was 24 & I was a teenager. He’s a fantastic actor! And lately I have seen & read interviews with him & he is SO down to earth & humble, & it makes me think even more highly of him! Love him!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Helps Sonny After Realizing He is Off His Meds
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
Friday’s episode of General Hospital brought the highly-anticipated story around the apparent death of Port Charles iconic, Luke Spencer (Tony Geary), although many fans, and even some of the cast of the show, are not sold that Luke is “dead” dead.
During the show, characters spoke of some of the history of Luke in Port Charles, most especially Luke’s sister, Bobbie played by Jackie Zeman. Throughout the years, Zeman is at her best when she is given material through the writing of the show to connect to the history of Luke and Bobbie. She did so when Bobbie was remembering how Luke came to Port Charles to help her break up Scotty and Laura, in a discussion with her daughter, Carly (Laura Wright).
Photo: ABC
As everyone is gathering at the Haunted Star to pay their respects to Luke, Curtis (Donnell Turner) arrives to support Laura (Genie Francis), Felicia (Kristina Wagner) and Anna (Finola Hughes) arrive together, Nikolas (Marcus Coloma) and Ava (Maura West), as well as Spencer (Nicholas Alexander Chavez also show up. It is through Nikolas’ conversation with Laura that we learn why Luke’s sons, Ethan and Lucky, can’t make the funeral and, of course, we know why Luke’s daughter Lulu can’t make it because she is in a coma!
Victor (Charles Shaughnessy) shows up and snipes at everyone and then leaves. Tracy (Jane Elliot), who has arranged the memorial, is with an urn supposedly filled with Luke’s ashes and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) finds her on the deck of the Haunted Star and talks her into giving her planned eulogy.
Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) finds his dad, Sonny (Maurice Benard) drinking at Charlie’s, and later Scott (Kin Shriner) and Robert (Tristan Rogers) stop in and heated words are exchanged between Sonny and Scott. Victor shows up and instead of Scott and Sonny pummeling each other, they get into a fight against Victor.
Courtesy/ABC
As Scott and Robert are about to be on their way to the Haunted Star, Scott stays behind because of his past with Luke. Then, Sonny tried to patch things up with Carly before they head to the memorial.
Back on the yacht, Anna and Felicia find a note and a flash drive, after hearing a commotion on the yacht. When the note says “play me”, none other than Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers) addresses Luke’s friends and family from apparently the great beyond. As Helena spews her venom against Luke, Laura has enough and pulls the plug on Helena’s video speech. Tracy looks concerned, like she may want to hear whatever else Helena had to say.
Photo: ABC
Next, Tracy does her best in short order to eulogize Luke. That is juxtaposed with Scott trashing Luke. Later, by herself on the deck, Tracy spreads Luke’s ashes over the waters of Port Charles. Back on the pier, Scott relishes Luke being gone, and that he is still standing saying, “You lose you son of a bitch!” Just then Luke’s ashes blow in into his face. When Bobbie arrives, and see Scott full of ashes, she asks what happened. Scott says, “I caught the bouquet,” an obvious nod to the Luke and Laura wedding of the past, where Scott returned at their wedding and caught the wedding bouquet.
Courtesy/ABC
Back on the Haunted Star, Tracy then has a gift in hand for Laura, but she tells Tracy if that’s the Ice Princess she does not want anything to do with it, and tells Tracy to keep it. Spencer sees this go down and his interest on the diamond is instantly piqued.
Back at Charlie’s bar, Victor has an ominous toast to Luke saying, “The good people of your fair city are in for a big surprise!”
At the Haunted Star, dressed in black with black veil, Jennifer Smith reveals herself to a shocked Laura.
So, what did you think of Luke’s memorial episode? Favorite parts of it? Least favorite? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, check out Helena’s videotaped speech and Tracy’s eulogy to Luke below.
General Hospital
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
Pej Vahdat Joins the Cast of ‘Dynasty’ as Dex
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Craig Reveals to Chloe He’s In Love With Another Man
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Helps Sonny After Realizing He is Off His Meds
THIS IS US: Milo Ventimiglia Delivers Heartbreaking Performance As Jack Grieves His Mother’s Death
Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Reels When Hope Says Douglas Saw Grandma Kissing ‘Santa Claus’
FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Helps Sonny After Realizing He is Off His Meds
Lisa Brown to be Honored In Virtual Interview With ’42nd Street’ Co-Star Lee Roy Reams
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Reels When Hope Says Douglas Saw Grandma Kissing ‘Santa Claus’
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Reels When Hope Says Douglas Saw Grandma Kissing ‘Santa Claus’
Remembering One Life to Live on the 10th Anniversary of its Final Episode on ABC
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Michael at a Crossroads; What Did You Think of Christian LeBlanc’s 30th Anniversary Episode?
‘Soapdish’ Series Adaptation in the Works for Paramount +; Whoopi Goldberg to Reprise Her Role
Y&R’s Christian LeBlanc and Michelle Stafford Talk On Their Enduring Friendship, Sharing Scenes & Preview Special Episode
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: A Shocked Brooke Exclaims: “Oh, My God! I Was Drinking Last Night!”
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General HospitalJanuary 19, 2022FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 24, 2022Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
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General HospitalJanuary 21, 2022(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 19, 2022DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 22, 2022All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
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NewsJanuary 24, 2022B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
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General HospitalJanuary 23, 2022GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
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General HospitalJanuary 27, 2022GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Helps Sonny After Realizing He is Off His Meds