General Hospital
GH’s Tamara Braun Talks On: Kim’s Plight With Her Son Oscar, Her Relationships With Julian and Drew & Coming Home To Port Charles
When Tamara Braun stepped back on to the canvas of General Hospital back in November of last year, the one-time and wildly popular Carly Corinthos #2 was now taking on the role of Dr, Kim Nero – a single mom of a teenage son (who is very protective of him), top-notch gynecologist in the medical profession, and a woman with a past with Drew Cain (Billy Miller). It was eventually revealed that Drew is her son Oscar’s (Garren Stitt) biological father.
Now as viewers have seen on recent episodes of the ABC soap opera, Oscar’s life looks like it could very well be cut short after the story shocker that now has the young teen diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor from cancer. Kim had kept the truth from her son until he confronted her upon learning the news on his own (with an assist from Cameron) and putting two and two together. This sets the stage for some difficult and heartbreaking moments ahead.
As for Braun, she rose to the top as one of soap operas most critically-acclaimed actresses after having the challenging task of taking over the role of Carly #1 in 2001 from three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Sarah Brown. Tamara not only met this challenge, but made Carly her own scoring an Emmy nod along the way. After departing GH in 2005, Tamara returned to daytime in 2008 in the role of Ava Vitali on Days of our Lives, which indeed earned her an Emmy. Next, she headed to Pine Valley and All My Children to take on the role of Reese Williams, the love interest to Bianca Montgomery (Eden Riegel), who eventually married from 2008-2009. Tamara even came back to DAYS for awhile in the role of Taylor in 2011, and later reprised the role of Ava in 2015-2016. With an impressive resume, GH is lucky to have her back and Braun finally felt the time was right to take on a new role on her first soap home upon her return in 2017. Viewers hope that they get to see more of those emotionally raw, honest performances that Braun is known for as more layers of Kim are revealed,
Michael Fairman TV caught up with Tamara to get her take on: the latest storyline involving Kim, Oscar and Drew, where Kim’s relationship with Julian Jerome stands, and how she feels it’s important to shed light on causes of the day needing our help and how we can all ultimately live in a kinder, more thoughtful world. Here’s what Tamara had to shared below.
In the episodes we saw last week, Kim had no choice but to tell Oscar the truth. What have you thought about this whole story where now Oscar is hating his mother, and upset with her, when she did not come forward with the truth about his medical condition to him, because in her mind she was protecting him?
Courtesy/ABC
TAMARA: Yes, that was reasoning. She did all of this to protect him so that he could have a normal teenage life without all of that hanging over his head. What do I think of it? I think that it has been hard for me, Tamara, to play. It has been hard for me to wrap my head around why a physician would not tell her son that he’s ill. It’s also been hard for me to wrap my head around because the way the writers have made Oscar and Kim’s relationship such a beautiful one that has been seemingly full of honesty and openness, that they can really talk to each other, which is one of the things that I really like. In terms of the storyline, what it does do is create conflict which is what’s needed in shows. Things can’t be ‘happy, happy, joy, joy’ all of the time, so it’s created conflict for Oscar and Kim and now Drew, because Kim dragged him into keeping the secret too for a little bit.
Courtesy/ABC
We just also learned that Kim’s reasoning to come to Port Charles in the first place was indeed because of Oscar.
TAMARA: Like Kim said, she came because she did an ancestry report, and it turned out that he has relatives in Port Charles. So, she wanted for them to get the opportunity to know him and him to get the opportunity to get to know them. I’m sure we will learn something about Kim’s past which would explain why in her mind she felt this was the right thing to do. We know that it seems like a very controlling thing. As a mother, take the physician out of it, I still think that Kim would have shared his diagnosis with him, but I don’t think one ever knows what they would do in that situation. You think you know what you would do, but perhaps she felt that she could control it; she could figure it out. Perhaps, Kim felt that because she is a physician she’ll find some answer, and she’ll be able to fix it. These are the questions, and these are the things that as an actor, I have to put in my head because it’s not what I believe I would do. It’s not even what I believe the character of Kim as I knew her would have done, but it’s what the writers have written. So, they have to have a reason, and I think that it has got to be more than just to create conflict. That’s what stories rely on. It’s soap, and a lot of people on soaps have to do crazy things and find out ways to justify them when they seem out of character.
You’re right. Kim and Oscar had a very open relationship. Yes, she was a “controlling mother,” if you want to say that, but they were honest with each other. Garren Stitt has been very endearing in the role. What can you say about working with him?
TAMARA: I just adore Garren. I have adored him from the minute I met him. I think he’s a lovely, sweet, kind person, and I feel so fortunate to get to play his mom. I really do. I think he’s wonderful, and I’m lucky.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Now as to the situation with Drew, Kim truly did not know he was in town when she got to Port Charles, right?
TAMARA: Correct.
What does she feel towards Drew now, and does this situation ultimately draw them closer together?
TAMARA: I think it absolutely draws them closer together, because now they have to deal with Oscar. Because once Kim accepted Drew back into their lives (she thought he was dead long ago), she opened up her arms to him in the capacity of being a father for Oscar. Kim has had to deal with everything with her child all on her own for fifteen years. It’s just been the two of them. So, I think that at some point it has got to be difficult to allow someone else in to help make decisions, and to lean on, and to co-parent with. I think it was difficult at first, but I think now she is grateful to have him to share it with, even though they may not see things eye-to-eye all of the time.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Do you foresee Kim and Drew, at any point, growing closer romantically?
TAMARA: I don’t know. It’s not looking like that. It’s looking like a nice friendship and one that is very caring and understanding, but as of now, I don’t see hints of it. You never know. As you know, it’s a soap. Anything could happen.
How has it been working with Billy Miller? He has also done some wonderful work as the devastated father.
TAMARA: It’s been great. The last few scenes that we had to do, there have been those special moments you get as an actor where the angels are just with you. It all just kind of connects and flows together. I think we’ve been lucky to have gotten a few of those as of late, and that’s been really nice.
Courtesy/ABC
In story, it was revealed that Oscar could enter an experimental trial that could help his tumor and the cancer, is that what Kim wants her son to do?
TAMARA: Absolutely, because she feels anything that could possibly save his life or give him more time, she wants for him.
I also like that they made Dr. Terry Randolph (Cassandra James), Oscar’s pediatric oncologist.
TAMARA: Yes. Cassandra is really lovely to work with, and she’s just a lovely human being as well. I’m fortunate right now. I get to work with some lovely people.
Courtesy/ABC
Do you think Kim’s going to let Julian (Will deVry) know about what she is dealing with?
TAMARA: Julian does not know. Oscar doesn’t want anyone to know and especially Julian. He wants his mom and dad together, so he’s decided not to let Julian know. I think only for those reasons. Kim really didn’t honor Oscar by keeping this news of him being ill from him, so she has to honor him in his request not to share this with Julian.
Is Kim aware of how Cameron (William Lipton) is trying to maneuver himself into a relationship with Josslyn (Eden McCoy)? Does she understand what’s going on there?
TAMARA: Kim doesn’t know anything about it.
Photo: ABC
Does Kim want Josslyn to be with Oscar?
TAMARA: She does, because she knows that Josslyn makes Oscar happy, and to be happy, is what’s most important right now, because that also can help any type of recovery. When we are happy, or are doing things that make us joyful, or raise our endorphin levels in a positive way, that’s good for health. That’s good for recovery, and she wants her son to be happy. What mother doesn’t want her son to be happy? Especially now, with everything going on.
Kim was having an issue that Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Franco (Roger Howarth) knew about Oscar’s prognosis. Do you think she’ll be more lax about that now, or do you think she’ll be more even intense about people not finding out?
TAMARA: I think she doesn’t want people to know because Oscar now knows, and he doesn’t want people to know. I think that she wants to keep his confidence. I think she doesn’t want anyone else to know because she needs to respect Oscar’s wishes.
Courtesy/ABC
Do you think that it’s possible that Drew’s twin, Jason (Steve Burton) is somehow the bio-dad of Oscar, and not Drew? The character of Jason has a history of brain injuries and trauma.
TAMARA: I never thought of that! (Laughs) That would be a fun kind of plot twist! I don’t think so because there have been lines a couple of times when Kim is with Jason and she says, “You know, you look exactly like him. It’s kind of hard to wrap my head around that, but you act so differently.” You know what? Even if Jason did have a brain tumor, he is Drew’s twin, and Drew is Oscar’s father, so that does still genetically match and run in the family. It’s an interesting twist there that you bring up!
I remember watching the episode where the audience learned Oscar was dying and I was completely shocked! I had no idea where the writers were going with it after the seizure. When the powers-that-be filled you in on what was going on, what was your reaction to that part of the story?
Photo Credit: ABC
TAMARA: Illness in any form on a soap gives you something to play. So, that’s good. When they start saying in the dialogue, “terminal,” you’re like, “What!?” But then you also have people saying, “There’s always hope,” so, you never know where it’s actually going to go, or how the story lines will play. I understand how people keep saying that it came out of the blue and they didn’t even hint at that. So, I will say they did write a scene the day that Michael (Chad Duell) lost the baby, and I believe Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Michael were in the church. There was a scene that I was ready to shoot that day, and it was a monologue in the church. It was after Nelle’s (Chloe Lanier) baby had died and after Kim and Nelle had scenes. Kim goes to the chapel and she has a monologue talking to God, and it was a bit of a hint, but they had to cut the scene because the tape day ran long. I didn’t even shoot it. I think that had they had left it in; people would have been like, “Oh, that’s what that meant.” I think now that I see the reaction of viewers and you’re bringing it up, that would have been the moment you could have gone to and said. “Oh! That’s the moment. That’s what she meant,” or when it happened, the audience have been like, “What’s going on? What don’t we know?” I think had that scene been in there, people wouldn’t have been taken aback so much.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
So, what would you say the audience can look forward to with Kim coming up? Are we going to see her with a lot of stress on her relationship with her son? Do you see her holding it together, or falling apart?
TAMARA: I think probably all of the above… trying to pull it together, falling apart, a rift between them, trying to bring it back together, making mistakes, doing the right thing … I think it’s everything. I think reality just smacked Kim in the head, and her son… but when you’re so closed and tight about something in life, and when you no longer have control over it… you’ve got your best-laid plans, and you know what they say about your best-laid plans. (Laughs). It explodes, and then you have to deal with the aftermath. So, hopefully we will see some nuance in there. I’m hoping for it. Hopefully, we will see Kim and Oscar work through stuff because people make mistakes; people do the wrong things for what they think are the right reasons all the time. If Oscar is dealing with an inoperable, terminal brain tumor here, then time is of the essence for them to get it together and come together.
Well, I hope that it’s hankie-inducing, poignant and does have those beats for you to play, and they don’t kind of skip story beats. As you said, time is of the essence for them and there is, usually no matter what, an unbreakable bond between mother and son.
TAMARA: I hope so, too! We can keep our fingers crossed for that!
Photo Credit: ABC
What attributes of Kim do you like playing?
TAMARA: Kim’s no pushover, which I do like about her. She’s strong, but she’s a quiet strong. She doesn’t come at somebody charging, blazing, knocking things down or with a baseball bat like Carly does. She has strength as a woman, and it’s in a very different way.
Do you think Kim is in love with “Charlie” AKA Julian?
TAMARA: I think she loves him. It’s been a long time since she’s been in a relationship. Her primary relationship, for better or for worse, has been her son all these years. She’s made him her number one and didn’t feel she had time or that there was anyone who was worth that time. So, I think that with Charlie, or Julian, whoever the hell he is (laughs)…
… Wait! She knows he’s Julian, right? (Laughs)
TAMARA: Yes, she knows, but she likes to call him, “Charlie” because of the bar. It was a cute little thing from the beginning. I think that he doesn’t pressure her. It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s light, and that’s what I think she can handle right now.
How has it been playing the mother of a teenager? Is that odd for you? It seems like a bit of a jump.
TAMARA: It seems like a jump from what people have seen me do for a long time. If you think about it, the last time people saw me on General Hospital with a kid, it was Michael (formerly Dylan Cash), and I mean, not in soap terms, but in real life terms, he was playing I think 6 when he was 8, and now he’s 23 so he would have been playing 21 if he had stayed.
Courtesy: TBraunTwitter
Is it ever odd for you that you aren’t the character of Carly anymore when you see Michael and characters that you have shared and played emotional attachments with your first go-round on GH? I would suppose as an actress you can switch that on and off, but what about as a person?
TAMARA: Yes, as an actress you switch it off, but as a person Michael is not the same Michael. I think if he had been the same because we were so close, and we were so connected it might have been more difficult. If it were him on set playing him every day, I’d be like, “Hi honey! Hi my son!” He was so in my heart. I think because it’s Chad Duell now playing the part, who is lovely and wonderful, there’s no history with us, and that made it really okay. I loved Dylan as a little boy. I still love him. He stopped in at my fan event, which was wonderful!
When you think back on all of your soap roles, it’s pretty amazing what you’ve done. Although we hated the end of the Reese/Bianca wedding on All My Children, it was the first same-sex wedding, and was a landmark moment. You were a part of it. Forget what happened afterwards, but that moment was key. When you were on General Hospital, you received a Daytime Emmy nomination for your performance as Carly. And then there was Days of our Lives’ Ava Vitali! You got to play the psycho. You won the Supporting Actress Emmy for your performance. Do you think Ava is somehow still alive?
TAMARA: I think she may be alive. I mean, no one really saw. They put a sheet over her and rolled her out. You didn’t see her dead. I mean, come on now. Joey (James Lastovic, Ex-DAYS) can strangle, but I don’t know that he’s that strong. Ava’s got some fire in her.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Such a great role!
TAMARA: I have been really, really blessed to play very strong or pivotal or interesting, dynamic roles on daytime. I have been very fortunate to do that, and I have been very fortunate to work with people who allow me to do my thing. They don’t hamper it. They say, “Go. Go for it.”
I love your Instagram posts, and I love when you talk about social issues and things that are important to you. Could you talk a little bit about how you’re using that platform to make a difference?
TAMARA: I just like to post things that are important to me. There are a lot of people who are using social media for brand identity. I’m glad that I don’t even know what that is. I mean, maybe I should know. (Laughs) It probably would be better for me, but –
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
You realize on Instagram; if you post a shirtless pic along with a quote from something unrelated and are a guy, or are a very sexy woman, you’re going to get millions of likes.
TAMARA: Yeah, and that’s not my brand. (Laughs) I guess if I had to say what my brand is; it would be “Truth. Real. Honest.” You know, here’s the real deal from me. I think it’s important to bring awareness to what’s going on that touches your heart. I think that if you can shed light on issues in a positive way, to make people think, to make people feel; that is important. I have always wanted to do good things in the world, and you can do that at any place and time in your life as a human being, but when you have a bit of a platform, I believe it is a responsibility to use that to share things of importance to the world for humanity. We’re given this one life. Whether you come back, or whatever you believe this is the one life we have, if we don’t do something good with it, what’s the point? I think there’s too much, “Me, me, me, me, me.” I mean, that’s what this business is, right? But we need to step back, and we need to remember that there is a real world going on out there where people are dealing with issues, and we need to be kind. That being said, I do post stuff of myself, and people want to see it, so I want to give them what makes them happy, but I think that as long as I’m doing that too, I think it also makes people happy to see things good going on in the world, bring light to issues that need light brought on them. I really just feel that we need more kindness. We need more positivity because right now is a really hard time in our world, in America especially. It’s important to be more generous and kind-spirited than what we’re so often seeing these days.
So, what have you thought about the way Kim handled telling Oscar of his cancer diagnosis? Do you hope Kim continues to stay in Julian’s orbit, or would you want her to become involved with Drew? What do you think will happen next in the story … will Oscar survive? What has been your most favorite performance of Tamara Braun of all her soap roles through the years? Comment below.
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Keep Kim far away from Julian please! I miss Julexis!
Me too. They are the only couple with chemistry, IMO.
in ONLY two scenes @Charlies and perhaps that camping expose. we were treated to SEX 101 with spark, fire, palpitation, whet and tremor
more please..
in all the years of seeing Alexis wanting needy self who shirks and is disgusted with herself thereafter… as she black robes and backs to the cross with her high moral virtue
Touche’, Patrick. I love the way you so clearly capture the essence of that ignominious, self-righteous creature called Alexis!
Patrick; really? What exactly are you saying??? I don’t know where you came up with the “high, moral value here other than her “daughters” Kristina and Molly used to say they couldn’t live up to her expectations. Those being; excel in school because she wanted them to be successful. How else, in your opinion, does she display her “high, moral virtue?” This time I really need a translation! 😉
As much as I liked Tamara Braun as Carly (I feel as though she gave Carly her sensitivity and vulnerability; while Sarah gave Carly her anger and resentment), I am not a fan of Kim Nero. The character bores me to tears. I don’t feel or see any chemistry between Drew and Kim. As cute as Oscar is, I don’t feel anything for the character or this storyline. It feels forced, because the writers want to give a “meaty” story to Tamara, to show her talents, and they want to drive Drew towards Kim through heartbreak (IMO). Sorry, not feeling it. #FF.
I never wanted Tamara back on GH without her playing Carly. When I see her on the show I see Carly. I don’t care about LW because to me she’s not Carly. Every single time I hear someone call Tamara “Kim” I keep expecting someone else to walk in because she’ll always be Carly to me. I don’t care if anyone likes it or not, it was a huge mistake bringing her back if not to make her Carly again.
Great actors and an interesting story. I just wished we had more time to really engage and know these characters before their drama comes to the fore. Maybe I am resistant to wholesale changes made in Port Charles in the last 5-7 years but the comfort of top talent in Ms. Braun, Mr. Miller and the young Mr. Stitt help. I hope these characters — maybe not Oscar, considering his story — will be around a long while. If the soaps are to continue, stability is the key. Embrace the legacies and the people, the humanity.
Also, I think the writers are planning on Jason swooping in to save the day (Oscar’s life) somehow.
Tamara Braun is one of the best daytime actresses I’ve ever seen. In fact, when she appears on screen, I start smiling inwardly because I know I’m in the hands of a real pro. I LOVE the Drew/Oscar/Kim relationship. As much as I like Julian, I want this fractured family to unite. I hope sweet
Oscar survives and we get some happiness on this currently very dreary, Corinthos-laden melodrama. Billy Miller and Tamara Braun have real chemistry and are evenly matched in the “enormous talent” field.
“… Billy Miller and Tamara Braun have real chemistry and are evenly matched in the “enormous talent” field ”
delight… each of their character captivate… together… w/ Oscar…. I want this magic… reason i’m so taken with them WOW… just a top draw family
as I’ve already shared… this; these three
we get to delight in : Kevin / Laura / Spencer
we get to delight in : Brad / Lucas / their son…
GH has the acting troupe capable… dang it … it’s been 4 years since Frank Valentini has helmed on his own… with the drag me down Shelley and Chris
there’s simply no reason to mention Roger Howarth… other than that Rebecca Herbst continues to prop… as Franco schmucks panders AND thinks he has his own show and caters to the audience his schtick… Franco and inarguably Roger Howarth has run it’s course… I only ask… take Michael Easton with you… it’s been a sad sojourn… that I am even letting go of Finola Hughes Anna… stuck with Finn and Peter ? bye bye
Amen Soaphound! I love Tamara and I am glad she is front and center. I just think the actor who plays Oscar is overwhelmed! Billy and Tamara are great. I dont mind Kim with Julian but prefer he goes elsewhere and NOT with Alexis! Also, the actress who plays Joss is really turning into a great little actress!
Tamara seems like a really nice person but Kim has been a flop since the beginning. Sadly few even care about the character and this story has done her no favors. She is one of several new additions to Port Charles that were a really bad idea. They just aren’t catching on with the audience at all.
Agreed, Kay.
Kay, I think you should preface your comment with,” I for one”, because you cannot speak for the audience, but sadly for only the few, of which you are one. A lot of us like Kim, and I, amoung others love her with Oscar and Drew, as a family.
As far as her acting like a mother or a doctor, I probably would have done the same thing.I would withold the probability of him dying, as long as possible, hoping for a miraculous cure, that would keep him from ever having to be told such a thing.
I do have to say that as much as I loved Tamara playing Carly, it was exciting to see her playing Ava on DAYS. I thought the work she did towards the end of her run on that show was very well done.
Kim is pointless to me. Julian, who is one of my faves, is totally wasted on her. I hope he is free of her for good soon.
Oscar is Not going to die
there is not even a rumor of the actor exiting GH.
When it’s time for Oscar to leave, in the future, then and only then will he die from his cancer.
This story is empty, empty of intrigue and drama, it is drama free.
Bottom line; it is stale and BORING!
there has not been one, not one, high drama gripping moment, it’s beyond stale.
GH needs to pick itself up and dig up scripts from the late 80’s into the 90’s and redo them by bringing those scripts into the now. because what they have now is stale junk and its not working so go back to what were GH’s glory days and recreate those scripts !
It seems that Oscar has the same tumor that John McCain had. If that’s the case they can’t stretch this out for long and there’s no miracle cure. I think it’d be the height of insensitivity if they gave a “soap” cure to a real cancer that is incurable. The only out for Oscar is if he was misdiagnosed.
Mikes’ story is gripping. Couldn’t be more so. One of the most emotional stories they’ve told in ages. Hard to deal with because most have fallen in love with him.
As for Oscar? I’m hoping they’re not trying to recreate teen love and loss like they did years ago (before your time) with Robin and Stone. That story was phenomenal and gut-wrenching. No desire to go through that again; enough loss in real life.
There was so much depth between/with Robin and Stone. I can’t see that being recreated today, not with these actors, and with these writers. I didn’t think of that, however. Perhaps that is what they are planning on doing-hope not.
Ya; the story of Robin and Stone had to be the most heartbreaking story that I personally ever saw on a soap. I can still see Stone lying in bed, his face pale, tears in his eyes, saying, “Robin…” Chills! The acting, the bond they shared; I could literally cry now thinking about it. (But not sure you can go by me; I cry at sappy commercials. 😉 )
If they do kill off Oscar I have no doubt I’ll be going through a box of tissues. Not because the Joss/Oscar story comes close to the Stone/Robin one; there is not a fraction of the depth and feeling; it could never compare. But, still, I like Oscar. A lot. And whether he dies alone or with the recreated Joss on his bed, I’ll be a mess. I really hope he’s misdiagnosed. It would seem ridiculous that everyone was wrong and he really doesn’t have that hideous tumor but ridiculous has been done before. This is one time I think they should ridiculous the heck out of it.
I’m sure every cancer is different.Plus John McCain was older and he might have had other health problems which might have made it harder for him to be treated.
Hi Andrew; no. Nothing to do with age. This is a deadly tumor and he’s at stage 4 which is the worst. I have no idea why they’re doing this experimental treatment story as there aren’t any for this in real life as far as I know.
If they wanted to make it “dramatic” a “will he live or dies” they could have given hims some rare disease or at least something that has a high percentage rate of survival.
Curing this “tumor” would be like curing Mike’s alzheimers. These are real conditions. I think the story (while poignant and well done) sucks. I really don’t want to watch his heartbreak, fear, hopelessness and perhaps death. Not the “escapism” I look forward to.
I also don’t think Oscar’s going to die because IMO the show is laying it on a little thick that there’s no hope for Oscar
Typical of GH to cut an emotional beat where Kim is talking to God. Lord knows they’d never cut a redundant scene of Sonny or the played out Mob Squad.
I agree with Tamara that so much of this story makes no sense. Sadly that’s typical of GH = beats missed, ship shod planing, horrible pacing, plot point vs character writing, etc.. For months we’ve seen Kim happy & laughing. She’s been camping with Julian, laughing & flirting with Julian with what looked like not a care in the world. Now GH pulls this story out of the air & expects us to believe a mom would behave that way knowing her child only had a few months to live.
EXACTLY. That’s why many of us do not feel much for these characters or this storyline. Well-said!
I agree with you about Kim seeming carefree. On the other hand, one could say she was in denial; he’d been doing well for the last two years with just a few blips. She reacted very strongly when he was locked in the storage and if we look back, even to when he was having lunch with Drew Oscar was hesitant to eat certain things because she encouraged him to eat healthy. Oscar even asked Drew not to tell Kim he was eating fries. So, I think there were hints that she was trying to keep his immune system up and stress levels down and in so doing was able to convince herself that they both needed to live.
I’m not saying that’s how I’d react; I’d be obsessing/worrying constantly and it would effect my spirit so much that I wouldn’t be able to escape even within my mind. But there are those who could.
I also think Kim was a little in denial about Oscar’s condition and maybe she was even hoping the tumor would shrink on its own.
Can I just say that even as soapy speculation, Jason as Oscar’s biological dad would be ridiculous! a) Jason’s brain damage was a result of injury and multiple surgeries, not cancer. b) Jason would have very much been on the PC canvas when Oscar was conceived (even with the show’s crazy-ass SORAS-ing.
Yeah, I shook my head on that one. On another site they were talking about Jason really being Scout’s father and now in this interview the subject about Jason also being Oscar’s father is being brought up? Drew is Scout and Oscar’s father period. Jason has two great boys Danny and Jake. He doesn’t need anymore kids and certainly he doesn’t need to take over his twin brother’s children as well…..
Good interview. Tamara always comes across as intelligent, down-to-earth and lacking superficiality. She’s insightful and obviously has given her character and story line a lot of thought. I personally don’t agree with her though regarding if one would tell their son they were dying. I would have done what “Kim” did. Let him be a kid as long as he can without a sense of doom hanging over him; a sense of hopelessness and despair. If there was a treatment at the time that could have helped I could see the point. With nothing to do and him feeling basically healthy I wouldn’t want anyone I love to live with that knowledge.
Now, that it seems to be catching up to him and there’s a clinical trial seems to be the right time. I guess we all handle that kind of tragedy differently.
I’m glad she’s back. Loved her as Carly. Although I like Kim; I’m not emotionally invested in the character. Something’s missing.
I truly, wish… the writers would capitalize on the BFF between Liz and Kim… this is where they would truly shine.. especially since they both work @ the hospital.. and just develop these two as friends… lord knows… it’s trying and what not to see Franco all over the place and what few scenes Liz does get.. may as well show her with Kim. ADD in Terri.. and you’ve got REAL talented women… here comes another woman who has always acted with every one in the cast… Britta…she doesn’t have to be besties with Kim and Liz… at least she’d be a general hospital employee. these 4 women , if written could truly turn GH. I am so over and tired of Carly, Sam, Alexis, and even Anna. they are not being realized to their full potential or have simply just run their course… throw in Franco and Finn..Sonny and Michael… just “boring” why?
for all intent and purpose.. whatever the heck is not happening in Shelly and Chris imagination… dang don’t they lack. I truly must chalk it up to as mentioned.. the writers and lackey Executive producer make money on the newbies and it’s so easy to write for the dullard troupe because most of them are mob acquainted ? why tax their stimuli.. Shelly and Chris are stale
“THANK the soaps” this is thee – only – story that works
couldn’t agree more on Tamara assessment… she is surrounded by excellent cast mate… Billy Miller… my Oscar… and even… Terri. so this .. with the dire script is what GH is hanging on
WITH the RETURN of Britta – I hope she is full time… you hang on to Kim, Liz, Terri, and now Britta… and you’ve got thee NEW resurgence of GH LEADING LADIES
for the millionth billionth time… what is the sole purpose of Carly and Sam. they have no depth… nothing to draw on… and just pure dead on arrival dull. they stink and suck up all the air time. they have to go. at least Sam looks dead… Carly for all the meandering she culls… oh god give up
WRITE… Frank VAlentini is killing the show
LISTEN ! even watching Max Gail wind up his story… as Sonny and Carly put the nail in this. Shelley and Chis with Frank and Sonny and CArly have RUINED this story… this story at the start has spoken volume , just reading the posts from Max Gail “press”. okey dokey
anyway: WHAT ??? is GH doing !!!!! if Tamara doesn’t see anything YET … in the future with Kim and Drew ???? AND it looks like Kim and Julian have hit the skid !!!!! brakes ??? I don’t get it… because Tamara’ Kim is a surefire hit… GH nosedives and gives an in and/or let to drag this out… and it’s back to Margo ??? and Alexis… to further drag out much ado about nothing ???? Margo and Drew and Alexis and Julian and oh wait for it.. Sam and Jason … It gets worse…. Finn el stupido and bunny hop Barbie Anna. in hell with Peter and Maxie… heard that Lulu and Chase may be getting it on.
GH ^^^^ the sorriest bunch of couples EVER led by the sorriest feature of all time… Sonny and Carly
wait it could stink … if Michael is paired with Maxie. who is ready to barf whenever Michael is given EVERY opportunity to hold Lucas and Brad “son”. his ever loving mug shot of dead is bile
it’s been a year since Steve Burton has been back on his show. who says it’s time for “him” to make love to the audience
John Lindstrom “dark” side just amped up his mystique tantalize me out…. argh! has it already hit the skid with ms. rainbow back in town forever
the thing is…. Kevin/Ryan have no time to themselves… they are being bombarded and smothered by the whole cast as it were…
first by Laura surprise return: LOL sharing with Lulu that Kevin slept in the guest bedroom… wanting nothing to do with her… as she’s gushing over him
okay we get it… Laura’s been without as well
2ndly : Peter august is wanting his services because no one else will talk with him outside of Lulu and Maxie
3rdly: Carly !!!! ??? screech… wants mental aptitude and searching for acuity. LOL.. oh god.. I give up on the corinthos’ . as she tells “kevin” for the 2nd time.. he was sharing SOS morse code signal… blech! whatever Carly…
you know what Shelly and Chris… delve in to some downtime and seek out what ticks w/ John Lindstrom take on Kevin/Ryan…
this is Jon Lindstrom time to shine… WRITERS jeezus… let’s get some intrigue surprises and psychological twist of his own.. aside from already just playing with his ties and ??? cable wire for strangulation… he’s ready to turn us
^^^^^ my post : GH NEW leading ladies.
the writing is so bad… what is going on with Nina and Ava writing is disgust…because Shelley and Chris have no imagination or depth … they are wasting away Nina and Ava. who needs this retread with Kiki. I no longer care … that Kiki and Griffin are naked … NAKED
we’ve come full circle.. and I am still delighted in James Patrick Stuart talent.
PS: I took an instant liking to her presence… the girl that may be Nina’. she was smoldering and had an instant camera connect… I have to throw this in…. Chase girlfriend ????? NO ? absolutely
I truly am sad to see all of the sublime talent of Max Gail… just meander off… the audience knew this was going to happen… as we see the lame aim of Sonny and Carly w/Jason… just wasteland this excellent story that already made it’s mark. it was pure disgust watching Sonny “ACT” all that and sneer at Margo knowing he killed her father. as Jason tells Carly it just got worse for them. oh well… la de da… as the dullard’ of GH continue their ruination
ie: Nina’ daughter – Sasha Gilmore as played by scene stealer Sofia Mattsson. from what little we’ve seen… I just hope … truly HOPE.. that she is a love interest for Harrison Chase…. I would truly hate to see him wasted on either Maxie or Lulu… they both lack sophistication and these ditzy chicks are not up to par
AGREE about Maxie and Lulu. They are Tuesday and Wednesday filler.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Tamara Braun subtlety nuanced delivery… leaving no one out.. as she creates supports and spot on her character. it’s so refreshing and stoic to see.. as we ALL could use a break from Laura Wright ‘ Carly and dare I say it.. because the writers suck and are not using.. Maura West’ Ava. Sam stinks period. ALexis is on the sideline grasping… Finola Hughes ‘ Anna is doa… yeah, dead on arrival with the like of Frank Valentini catering to his dullard casting choice… Michael Easton and Wes Ramsey. so yes… it’s been a TREAT to watch Kim / Drew / Oscar – AND – Julian.. w/Terri… this is acting 101 catch it
oh wait let’s waste more airtime.. back to Peter August, Lulu , and Maxie… who didn’t get creeped out with Wes Ramsey “naked” performance in the elevator… creepazoid
jeezus ! Wes Ramsey gets another “story” as Maxie asked him yesterday… why does he want to see Dr. Kevin ? as she jumps to the quick… is he going to ask for an opioid ride . his last stint in the elevator… just got weird
Maybe y’all will get lucky and Ryan will be as annoyed by him as the rest of us, and kill him off.
Of course, then he becomes MY problem for all eternity, but my dragons could always use another chew toy, so I’ll take the risk.
Tamara is so good as Kim I often forget she was every Carly! That takes talent!
I had two… heart beat un momento’
1. w/Anna and Griffin. Kudo’ to Anna telling Griffin… who is aimless in his lack of livelihood. no more priest and no more physician. as Anna tells Griffin: “you have given yourself to the world… RUN to what is the first thing you want”
???? beautiful stroke of genius with the “writers” FINALLY showing these two in a very uplifting moment. MOMENT , right? that they put two characters back together who should be.. and therafter we are held prisoner and suffocating with the likes of Finn and Anna bile of a romance.
2ndly: @the floating rib ? w/Felicia, Mac, Lucy, and “Kevin” as Felicia is telling the BFF’s… while looking right @”Ryan” . he can never touch me again…. as stroke of genius John Lindstrom.. reaches over and clamps his hand over hers… Jon Lindstrom turn as dark comedic beats w/revelations to come… HELP ! here’s hoping Laura just backs off for a whilst and learns to have fun herself… whilst she’s so uptight .. take her candy bars away… cause Jon Lindstrom is WORKING IT . who knows what’s in store… I have no expectations.. because Shelly and Chris have no depth of meaning and imagination.. all their stories start off.. with, enough intrigue… the nose dive and spiral is always being marquee … OKAY time to put Sonny and Carly on
I can’t say enough about Tamara history with daytime. from All My children to Days of OUR Lives to General Hospital, and back. she resonates with a wide audience. her volume, scope, and magnitude .. her presence … that’s longevity… not to mention award nominated… which is just icing on the cake. she’s the best their is on GH. she doesn’t have to be loud histrionic and over the top. think Carly and Ava and the oft missed Nina.. they just never get. alas, I hang my hat on Kim, Liz, Terri, Britta, Monica, Bobbi, Felicia for REEL. for the win, I will take some Laura in small doses. I hope Kim and Julian make a go of it.. despite Oscar protest. outside of committed relationships.. PASSION is to be had. All the menfolk just come to life around her.
NO more Julexis! Alexis saw Julian for what he is; she can’t “unsee.”
Nor can any GH viewer with even a modicum of common sense!
I always enjoy Tamara’s work and any story that has Billy Miller in it is something that I will always watch. Great job Tamara and Billy. 🙂
I have caught-up on the show (somewhat) this week while getting ready in the morning. Garren Stitt is a cute kid; but, the storyline is too big for him to play. The storyline requires a lot of depth and experience to pull off this emotion, and I don’t think that he has the acting experience. Oscar comes off as petulant, whiney, and spoiled, instead of a young adult that is hurting and scared. & honestly, I am not interested in the teen scene.
General Hospital
Cassandra James Set To Appear in Second Season Of GH Alum Vinessa Antoine’s ‘Diggstown’
In another exciting bit of casting on the Canadian drama series, Diggstown, General Hospital’s Cassandra James (Dr, Terry Randolph) will soon be seen alongside former GH star, Vinessa Antoine in the second season of the CBC series.
Cassandra first announced the news on her Twitter, expressing “Surprise! “Shooting DIGGSTOWN with my GH sister Vinessa Antoine.”
Antoine responded in kind sharing a photo fo the two together on the set of the show relating: “Just a couple of gals making history. First black person to lead a dramatic show in Canada and first trans woman on a soap together. Wow! Welcome, sister. So proud to have you here.”
On GH, Vinessa exited her role of Jordan Ashford back in September of 2018, and was later replaced by Briana Nicole Henry, after making Canadian TV history when she landed the lead role of Marcie Diggs on Diggstown. James first came onto the Port Charles canvas as Liz’s childhood friend, back in June of 2018.
Now shooting Diggstown’s second season, no details yet on what role Cassandra will play, or when her episode will air, but MFTV will keep you posted when that Intel becomes available for Canadian fans, and how U.S. fans may be able to view it.
Just a couple of gals making history. First black person to lead a dramatic show in Canada and first trans woman on a soap together. Wow!Welcome sister. @diggstowncbc @cassandrajames_ So proud to have you here. #diggstowncbc #GH56 #GeneralHospital #OGJordanAshford #terryrandolph pic.twitter.com/EmT8IVXA5i
— Vinessa Antoine (@VinessaAntoine) August 19, 2019
So, what do you think of Cassandra and Vinessa appearing together on Diggstown? Would you like to see more of Cassandra on GH? Missing Vinessa Antoine? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GH’s Roger Howarth Chats On Shifting From Franco To Drew & The Stunning Story Twist
In one of the most intriguing plots of 2019, General Hospital’s Franco Baldwin was morphed into Navy SEAL Andrew Cain following a harrowing mind-mapping procedure. In all went down thanks to Shiloh (Coby Ryan McLaughlin) and Dr, Cabot (Time Winters), taking the life and memories of Drew (Billy Miller) from his flash drive and transferring them into Franco’s brain, wiping out his past and his present. That followed the tearjerker moment, when Franco sacrificed himself to free his kidnapped stepson, Cameron (William Lipton) from the twisted procedure; that could have left the teenager with Drew’s memories or even in a vegetative state.
The recipient of this storyline – and who would be taking on another persona in his storied daytime drama career – is none other than Roger Howarth. The Daytime Emmy- winning actor is no stranger to changing fictional identities on GH. Howarth, played OLTL’s Todd Manning over in Port Charles, later switching to Franco (previously played by James Franco) following the legal dispute between ABC and Prospect Park.
Last week, viewers got their first glimpse of Howarth taking on the traits of Drew circa 2012, and in short order, it has caused emotional upheaval for Franco’s wife, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst), Drew himself, Jason (Steve Burton), and Kim (Tamara Braun)… and that’s just for starters.
Michael Fairman TV chatted with Roger as he started his journey transforming his work from playing Franco to Drew and the challenges it presents, plus the ripple effect the change will have on the canvas for many of the characters. In addition for One Life to Live fans, Roger chats about his appreciation for his time on that iconic series in a candid, self-effacing, and special conversation. Here’s what Howarth shared:
Courtesy/ABC
When you were told that they were going to put Drew’s memories into Franco, what was your initial reaction to learning that news? Did you think it was a great twist?
ROGER: Yeah, I think it’s a great idea. I really do. Good story needs a lot of things, and this checks a lot of the boxes. It brings people together; it provides obstacles. There are a lot of places this could lead to. I just think it’s really smart and interesting. I look forward to it a lot, and I can already tell by what I have shot thus far that it’s going to be fun.
If this story is written well, what has happened to Franco will be life-altering and crucial to so many people’s lives in Port Charles.
ROGER: What I like about it, and this isn’t lip service, is that it’s a great story because it affects a lot of people. Those are the good stories. Elizabeth has got to deal with this, the boys have to deal with this, Scotty’s (Kin Shriner) got to deal with it, Jason is confused by this information, and now this person in interacting with Drew, and Kim, and Shiloh. All of the sudden, the canvas is interacting completely differently. So, I think the writers are having fun with this as well.
Photo: ABC
Then, there is also the character of Kim played by Tamara Braun, who Drew shares a past with. It will be interesting to see how that relationship plays out, we already witnessed Franco’s Drew instantly smitten and attracted to her.
ROGER: Yes, the person in this body is running under a certain set of assumptions that no one else shares. So, yes, it’s confusing to everybody, I am sure, including Kim.
Do you see Franco eventually flipping back and forth, and having personality traits of both he and Drew?
ROGER: No. One hundred percent, no, and that provides a real obstacle with a couple like Franco and Elizabeth. They are always looking for obstacles to prove to the audience that these two people really do care about one another, and that’s the purpose of a story like this. I’m guessing and hoping that it will provide the character of Elizabeth with a particular objective because it would be nice to see Becky be able to play all of those beats.
Right, and to have to fight for something…
ROGER: Yes, it’s very tragic. This is a character that is accustomed to tragedy, and to see Becky play the role of Elizabeth dusting herself off, trying to get what she wants is going to be really cool.
Courtesy/ABC
The tragic twist had Franco saving Cameron from winding up with Drew’s memories and being the vessel for Shiloh to use. What did you think about how Franco sacrificed himself in order to protect Elizabeth’s son? It was quite heroic.
ROGER: I think the other beautiful part of this is that this was motivated by love. I don’t see it as heroic. I think as an actor, you’re always looking for the heart of the story, and the writers made it really simple. He does this because he loves this kid. Yeah, they’ve had their ups and downs, and they are struggling to figure out how they can get along, and they have a lot of things that they feel about one another, but push actually did come to shove, and I think that the character of Cameron is going to be deeply affected by that.
Courtesy/ABC
This now puts Franco deep within Shiloh’s storyline and past with Drew, because Shiloh desperately wants a key piece of information locked in Drew’s memories. So, in theory, this kind of ranks among one of the better stories you’ve probably ever gotten to tell in your daytime career. Everyone is hoping that it lives up to its expectations in the execution of it on-air.
ROGER: It is certainly a high concept story. It’s asking a lot of the audience. So far, we’re all in. It’s a good cast. I work with really good actors, so I’m not worried. It is asking the audience to suspend disbelief for sure. The good stories do. I think Erika Slezak (Viki) on One Life to Live, getting to play Dissociative Identity Disorder as Niki and Viki that was a large ask. She never blinked. She did everything that was asked. I’m trying to follow her example.
Exactly, and she played more characters. She had more alters after that.
ROGER: (Laughs) Yeah! She’s better at this than I am. I’m having trouble with the one. (Laughs)
Photo: ABC
What do you think about how Scott and Franco’s relationship will be affected, now that he is in essence “Drew”?
ROGER: There’s no part of that relationship that hasn’t changed because there is no Franco. Franco is not around … Franco has left the building.
He is a completely new person for all intent and purposes.
ROGER: For sure. This soldier doesn’t appreciate being called by somebody else’s name. He is not compassionate to the people who mistake him for this somewhat tortured art therapist that he no longer is.
Photo: ABC
What is also interesting is that this should put you right into conflict and scenes with Steve Burton, because now you are essentially playing Jason’s twin.
ROGER: Yes. For me, as an actor, to get a chance to work with Steve, and to play a like-minded person, is intimidating frankly, but it’s exciting.
Also, the audience knows how Franco and Jason are such enemies, and now, he is really in his mind his twin.
ROGER: Yeah, Franco sees in many shades of gray and other colors, and from what I can tell, Franco as Drew sees the world much simpler. He thinks more clearly, he finishes his sentences, he thinks before he speaks, he knows what he is going to say. His point of view does not waiver. He is determined.
Courtesy/ABC
That’s got to be so exciting for you to get to play after all of Franco’s psychological baggage and issues.
ROGER: I’ve got to say, it’s been a bit of a challenge for me to play someone with a different set of speech patterns and who stands differently. Because Drew thinks and feels differently about everything; his body is the same, but his body is behaving differently, and it speaks differently, and he thinks at a different tempo. They’ve been very patient on set giving me chances to do it badly, so far. (Laughs) It’s not uncommon for me to get halfway through a scene and to have to start over. I am essentially figuring it out as we go along. I am very appreciative of the fact that they have been giving me a few extra takes to try and figure out how this guy stands. He relates to people with a different set of space and time. It’s cool. It’s a cool set of puzzles. It’s been really fun. I’m a lucky guy.
When I first learned of the story twist, I was like, “Oh! Roger will be great in this.”
ROGER: I don’t know, man. I could be stinking it up pretty badly. (Laughs) I think there’s a trap as an actor who has been asked to play twins, and the trap is that this guy is only acting the way that he acts. The trap is frankly to act too much because the audience is being told that he is a different person. If I go too far to try to demonstrate that he is a different person, then it slips into parody or overacting. Over the years, I have definitely been guilty of overacting, so, I’m a little frightened of it. (Laughs) I don’t like the way it feels. I know how it feels to go too far. I have been getting notes like, “You could pull it back a little bit.” (Laughs) It’s pretty funny.
Courtesy/ABC
In the past, I have heard you say you’d rather go to work and feel unsettled about what you are asked to play. Does that still hold true?
ROGER: For sure! I’d rather go to work and leave my job knowing that it was terrible and that I get to come back the next day and make it a little better. The best thing about daytime is how much it will stretch you and pull you and ask as much of it as you are willing to put in.
Now speaking of Franco, what did you think about the wedding reception on the yacht with Elizabeth? Did you think that was a nice payoff for Friz fans?
ROGER: Yes, for sure. I thought it was a really sweet culmination to a sweet story about these two people finding one another. I’m glad they incorporated a large part of the cast. It was a really good idea.
Photo: ABC
What did you think of how all of Elizabeth’s boys (Cameron, Aiden and Jake) performed a song for Franco and their mom at the reception, and how Franco relates to all of them?
ROGER: I think it was a really important story point, and it was nice, and it was easy to play. They’re really good kids, and they’re also terrific people.
Franco really stepped up as a stepdad to Aiden, who had been bullied at school. I loved the cooking scene, where Franco was baking with Aiden. What do you think about their relationship? I love that Franco is being very understanding.
ROGER: I think he’s trying to be understanding. I don’t think he’s really great at it. I think he’s a human being just trying to figure out how to make the best use of his time here, just like the rest of us.
Photo” ABC
General Hospital needed a big jolt with an umbrella story like this that turns the canvas a bit upside down. How does it feel to be at the epicenter of it?
ROGER: I really don’t think I’m the center of the story. I’m not even kidding. The story is that this piece of information is worn on the shoulders of Franco, but the people who are most effected by that piece of information are Kim and Elizabeth.
It will be interesting to see what the reaction is like from the GH audience. You’re not on social media. Will you check out what they are saying … or the feedback?
ROGER: I’m not on social media. But, I believe there is a guy whose job it is to track that initial criticism/support. I think it is kind of cool that we will get real-time reviews, you know what I mean? I actually thought about that because with the character of Franco, it took us a while to figure out who the guy was. There was a lot of blonde hair and some missed cues, and we weren’t sure which relationship would be featured, whether it would be Franco and Ava (Maura West), or whether he would wind up in Carly’s (Laura Wright) arena again. It took a while to figure out the best way to put that guy in the canvas, and I imagine that it will happen again. I didn’t dye my hair for this, but I did cut it. (Laughs)
Photo: ABC
How was working with Billy Miller in this storyline twist? Were you there on his last day on set?
ROGER: Yes, I worked with Billy not on his last day, but on his last show. He was remarkable with dignity and with class, and I wish him all the best. He did a great job. He is a good actor. I’m sure he will find somewhere to go be an actor.
Throughout your soap career, has there been a story that you initially pooh-poohed, but when you did it, you thought, “Oh, this is great!”
ROGER: There was a story when Carly and Franco were together, and they wrote a story where Franco gave Carly a gift that wound up being a camera…
Photo: ABC
The evil-eye necklace!
ROGER: Yes, this small seeing rye. I just thought, every time Franco would come in and say something like, “Oh, you’re wearing the necklace. It’s so beautiful,” while we were doing it, I was like, “Wow. The audience is really going to hate this.” (Laughs) However, my real-time Twitter is the subway, and while it was airing, I got on the train and sat next to this really amazing fan, who just told me how much she loved that story, and I was honestly surprised and pleased. I am often wrong, and it doesn’t surprise me now when I am wrong … because I was really wrong then.
You mentioned Franco with Ava which was a potential pairing. I think you and Maura West have always had great chemistry together on screen.
ROGER: Yes, she’s a pretty great actor. She’s great with everybody.
She is. You knew Maura’s work first when she was at As the World Turns, while you were there, also?
ROGER: I didn’t know her well at As the World Turns, but I knew who she was. She’s a hard worker, and Jack (Michael Park) and Carly always had a lot to do. She was pretty focused when she was there, but I spoke to her. I didn’t feel like I got to know her until I got to work with her on GH.
Photo: JPI
Last month on July 15th would have been the 51st anniversary of One Life to Live. I saw a lot of people commenting and remembering the show on social media that day. I put together four photos on a post I made about that show featuring some of the remarkable actors who were a part of it. From there, I received hundreds of comments of how people were just missing the series, the characters, and actors they loved in it, including you. When you look at the list of people from yourself to Judith Light, to Robin Strasser, Bob Woods, and of course Erika Slezak – it’s such an unbelievably talented group who spent time in Llanview. Do you ever think about what an incredible experience that was, and how the fans still miss that show so much?
ROGER: All the time. I mean, I’m a lucky guy. I think it really was a special building to work in, and the people who we are talking about: Erika (Viki), Bob (Bo), Robin (Dorian), and Phil Carey (Asa), and Clint Richie (Clint), and John Loprieno (Cord), the people who made it possible for me to work there set an environment and a tone that made it a really special place. It was a really good cast, like you said, and there was a lot of opportunity for them to write a really cool story. I wasn’t a part of the AIDS quilt storyline, but to realize that they told a story like that and incorporated that into our show was wonderful.
Photo: JPI
Such an amazing story and One Life was telling socially relevant and important issues of our time, always.
ROGER: I can’t say for certain, but I do believe that the original concept of the Todd, Marty (Susan Haskell), and Powell (Sean Moynihan) storyline was kind of supposed to be initially an effort to bring awareness to a horrible, violent crime. That was a long time before the #MeToo movement. I think it was a show where the writers had a social conscious as well and really brought awareness to a lot of different things. That’s a great legacy and something that show should be very proud of.
Once the character of Todd Manning took off on One Life, and how they found ways to redeem him, and how it spoke to how much the network, the show, and the audience responded to your performances, did you ever feel you had a bit of a safety net as an actor, or were you like, “I’m going to be fired tomorrow?”
ROGER: This is truth: I am so grateful to have a job, and I don’t take anything for granted. I don’t think anybody is safe in this business. I just don’t. I just don’t think anybody gets to say that they’ve arrived. I just did a roundtable, and I shared this with people who have a lot more clout and opportunity than I do – that actors are by nature, the good ones, are aware that every day that you get to go to work is a privilege, and don’t waste it.
Photo: JPI
In soaps, for the most part, when someone is stepping into someone else’s role as a recast, or actor who played one role is changing to another, there seems to be this reactionary period of adjustment, and then, there is acceptance from the audience over time … unless you really stink it up … as you say. (Laughs)
ROGER: Here’s the thing, and this is why I think this is such a great idea, it’s not about me playing this part, it’s about how Elizabeth, who has been on this show for twenty-something years gets to react to it, and giving her the ball. It’s flashy that Franco is Drew, but it is really and Elizabeth/Kim story. I may be the one overacting and stinking it up, but it’s theirs. Do you know what I mean? It’s not my story.
Photo/ABC
What do you want to say to the fans about this new “role” you are taking on at General Hospital?
ROGER: I want to say that I really do appreciate the fans. Here is the thing, they’re down for everything. I hope they’re down for this. It’s a big ask, but I really hope that they like it.
So, what do you think of Roger as Andrew Cain thus far and how the storyline is beginning to take shape? Are you excited to see how Franco becoming Drew (through the mind-mapping procedure) shakes up the canvas? Do you hope Drew returns to be Franco sooner than later? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco Looks In The Mirror … And Believing He Is Drew Kisses Kim
This week on General Hospital, viewers have seen that when Franco (Roger Howarth) awoke from his mind-mapping implantation (thanks to Shiloh and Dr Cabot) he woke up saying that he is “Drew Cain”. Thus, as far we know, Franco now carries the life and memories of Drew from 2012 and back, and as of now, has no trace of Franco’s memories.
When Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Drew (Billy Miller) try to make Franco understand in his confusion what transpired, Liz brings a mirror to Franco to see his face, which makes this all the more terrifying for him. Liz insists to him that she is wife, but he tells her that he is sorry but he does not recognize her. Franco insists he is going to leave town and Drew asks him to please stay put, as Liz promises that they can reverse what happened to him. But can Liz really promise that?
Later, Scorpio (Tristan Rogers) fills Sam (Kelly Monaco) and Jason (Steve Burton) in on what happened and how Franco now was implanted with Drew’s memories, which leaves them stunned. That means Franco, who is one of the people Jason loathes most in the world – now believes he is Jason’t twin brother.
Meanwhile, as Kim (Tamara Braun) and Julian (William deVry) prepare to leave Port Charles for Manhattan and start live anew, (so Kim can not be haunted by her life in Port Charles from the recent death of her son, Oscar) things are about to make a shocking turn … for her.
Back at GH, Liz is upset when Franco decides he must get out of his hospital room. Liz is scared he will just skip town knowing he feels he has no ties there. Drew reassures her that because he is a version of him, the pull will be way too strong for him to exit Port Charles.
Courtesy/ABC
Kim is now at the hospital getting ready to turn in her resignation letter and runs into Franco. He recognizes her and calls her “Kim!” You can tell he is quite smitten with her. Kim is not sure why Franco is acting that way. She announces she is leaving Port Charles to which he says he is going to come with her. She sees he has a hospital ID bracelet on, so she thinks something has happened. Just then, Franco tells her about the first time Drew Cain and her met up! This shocks Kim … and the next thing you know … he moves in for a major kiss and lip-lock as Drew and Liz look on.
So, what do you think of the story turn thus far that has Franco now with Drew’s memories and with no trace of Franco? Share your thoughts on the twist via the comment section below!
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General HospitalAugust 18, 2019GH’s Roger Howarth Chats On Shifting From Franco To Drew & The Stunning Story Twist
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RecapsAugust 10, 2019THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope To Steffy, “I’m Taking My Daughter & Don’t You Dare Try To Stop Me”
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General HospitalAugust 13, 2019Kelly Monaco Addresses Billy Miller’s Departure From GH
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Days Of Our LivesAugust 13, 2019DAYS Stacy Haiduk and Eric Martsolf Talk Kristen & Brady’s Twisted Relationship : The Mask, The Deception, The Sex
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Breaking NewsAugust 13, 2019Constance Towers Returns To GH As Helena Cassadine … But Just How Does She Appear?
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General HospitalAugust 11, 2019WATCH THE TRAILER: Dominic Zamprogna Stars In New Short Film, ‘To The Moon and Back’
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General HospitalAugust 15, 2019GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco Looks In The Mirror … And Believing He Is Drew Kisses Kim
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NewsAugust 14, 2019The Bold and the Beautiful Ratings Winner With Phoebe is Beth Reveal