General Hospital
GH's Tony Geary & Jackie Zeman Reflect On Elizabeth Taylor's Appearance On Anniversary of Luke & Laura's Historic 1981 Wedding!
Courtesy/ABC Photo Archive
“My curse on you Laura and Luke … my curse on both of you!” And with that, fans of General Hospital are still to this day seeing the evil Helena Cassadine continuing her revenge vendetta against the Spencer clan, and almost every one else in Port Charles!
Of course, that classic line was uttered by the late Oscar winning motion picture star Elizabeth Taylor, the original Helena Cassadine, now played by Constance Towers.
Today, November 16th marks the anniversary of the beginning of the two-part episode from 1981 where a record breaking 30 million people stopped what they were doing in the afternoon to watch the nuptials of Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis)!
Now, TV Guide Magazine’s Michael Logan has a chat with none other than Geary, and his on-screen sis, Jackie Zeman (Bobbie) to get a few remembrances of what it was like having a star of the magnitude of Elizabeth Taylor come to the ABC soap opera, and how it impacted the genre. Here are a few excerpts below!
Tony Geary: “I’m sure nobody from the network went to Elizabeth about this unsolicited, because the possibility that she’d do GH was just too crazy to even imagine. Someone from her team must have floated the idea first. This was back when she was married to Sen. John Warner and wasn’t very happy sitting on the farm in Virginia. She told me that GH — especially the Ice Princess story — took her out of her lethargy every afternoon. Luke and Laura’s love story made Elizabeth feel very nostalgic. She said it reminded her of her youth and the great romance films of the old studio system.”
Courtesy/ABC Photo Archives
Jackie Zeman: “You have to remember these were very different times. Show business was compartmentalized. Soap actors didn’t do primetime. Primetime actors didn’t do movies. So (Taylor]) was a big shot in the arm for GH and all of daytime TV. Her guest stint broke the rules.”
Tony Geary: “After her appearance, we suddenly had a glut of big names wanting to be on GH but (then-executive producer) Gloria Monty wasn’t biting. Her attitude was, ‘I don’t need stars. I make ’em!’ It’s a testament to Elizabeth’s star power that her character (now played by Constance Towers) is still with us all these decades later. Helena has died and come back more often than I’ve had a glass of wine. There’s a reason for that longevity — the character was born of magnificence.”
Watch the “I do’s” from Luke and Laura’s wedding, and then the classic moment when Helena (Elizabeth Taylor) puts the “Cassadine curse” on the young marrieds! Then let us know, where were you watching Luke and Laura’s 1981 wedding? What did you think of Elizabeth Taylor coming to General Hospital for her guest star turn as Helena? Was it the biggest shot in the arm for the soaps? Comment below!
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I was a junior at Kalamazoo College in Michigan when this aired. About 30 of us, mostly girls but some guys as well, cut class both days to watch. We smuggled champagne into the lounge, even though we were under age and had cake too. It was a blast!
It was before my time..
I did notice back then GH had a great budget, the sky was the limit in comparison to today when they pinch pennies..
It was fun to put faces to some of the names that still echoing in Port Charles..
It reminded of Mayberry and I thought I’d see Aunt Bee and Opie .. lol
(how young everyone was wow!)
I was a freshman in college but made sure I made it home in time for the fun. Man, it sure would have been so much easier watching GH and going to school if I’d had a video recorder but alas that was still several years in the future…
OMG, i still remember this i was only 5 years old. I was home at my Grandmas house with the whole 25 members of my family watching “GH” my aunts, uncle, grandma, cousin brothers,cousin sisters, my sisters, my mom and grandpa. Wow, we had our turkey that day. Man, so many memories of that day. 🙂 Still a loyal fan to this day.
Freshman in college. Teacher canceled class on the 17th.
Was also a college freshman, at University of Dayton. had a bio lab and the graduate student in charge knew we were all about Luke and Laura. She let us go in time to watch. It was so cool, in memory, that we collectively gathered everywhere for this pop culture phenomenon. I have seen the episodes since and I cringe a little, but even with the outrageousness, GH showed its roots in family and humanity. I miss that on GH and other soaps. Seems it is about moving ever faster and being more shocking. That Luke and Laura played out… Read more »
What a fun piece to read, Michael Fairman. I remember Elizabeth Taylor cursing Luke and Laura as if it were yesterday.
Sadly, her curse was powerful and lasting.
On the day Elizabeth Taylor made her debut on GH ( 11/10/81 ) I gave birth to my son Michael. I left my teaching job and drove to the Dr.’s office and was promptly sent to the hospital. I drove down a Main St. in Boston having contractions. When I pulled into the parking lot of the hospital the attendant said there wasn’t any room to park. I gave him the keys and said I was in labor. Thirty minutes later my son was born. I begged the Dr. not to send me to recovery as Ms. Taylor was making… Read more »
Great story! Now for a BIZARRE question- Is your son, Michael, a musician in Nashville? I ask because I recognized the last name (unique) and I lived in Nashville & worked in the music industry up until I got married a few years ago. My hubby’s job keeps him in Arkansas for now..but nevermind that.. I still talk w/my Nashville friends & somewhere, somehow I’ve come across this name & his music. I just thought that was so strange and it’s such a small world if so!! I was 11 when Luke & Laura got married. I remember it and… Read more »
Hi Laurie, No, my son lives in Boston . The best part of Luke & Laura’s wedding was when Scotty grabbed the bouquet as Laura tossed it. We were totally surprised since there weren’t any hints, social media , etc. at the time. Something funny, I won a guitar at the 50th GHFCW in ’13 signed by Rick Springfield. My grandson is using it now to take lessons. I’m still a die-hard fan. Yes, You Tube is great.
I was a sophomore in high school and skipped class both days to watch at my friend Tipsy’s house. I think Luke and Laura ultimately did more harm than good to the soaps. Other shows attributed The couple’s popularity to their “on the run” adventures instead of their love story spawning a trend that led most soaps astray of their roots. Suddenly Search For Tomorrow’s Travis and Liza Sentell were running all over Hong Kong looking for a jade necklace, Bo Buchanan was driving a car powered by the mysterious alternative power source Solarimide, and Days Of Our Lives’ Bo… Read more »
I don’t know if I agree completely, but yes, most do claim the action was what drove their popularity. I always thought they were popular DESPITE the “on the run” chaos, not BECAUSE of it. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it. I did fall in love with the characters and the show though! Fun times.
I agree in general. Often when something has succeeded on the soaps, TPTB on other soaps have misunderstood WHY it has succeeded and tried to duplicate the wrong elements; Luke-and-Laura-on-the-run isn’t the only example of this. (Not that trying to copy somebody else works very often anyway.)
I wasn’t alive during Liz’s time on GH, nor was I a GH watcher until 2007-08, but I must say, she brought such a regal presentation to Helena, and would’ve loved to see her carry that character more than the appearances she did provide with her. I think the character could’ve been so much more than she has been.
I remember those episodes very well. Those were the days!!!!!!!!
Oh TG get your memory going she was a big fan and called to say when our Luke &Laura going to get married the rest is history!
i I em ember the day well, I had an hour on my first office job at a PR firm on 34th street across from Macy’s in NYC, I took my lunch at 3pm to see the wedding and when I got there I had to turn the channel to 7 and another two fans cam up and we decided to change all of the sets on and to channel 7 by mid show a crowd had gathered and we all watched the wedding together, some of us even met for the next day to see part two.
I remember this storyline so well. Great time in soap history. Thanks for the memories!
Without a doubt Ms Elizabeth Taylor’s appearance on General Hospital changed the ENTIRE way soaps were viewed by the entertainment industry and the general public. No longer was it embarrassing to admit a soap on a resume but became a place where many noted people would now be seen. She was amazing!
I was in high school when the wedding occured, and I ran home to watch it. I didn’t have a VCR yet (the next year I got one), so I used an audiotape recorder to tape the event for posterity- if only I knew about today’s technology! The big shock was Scotty’s appearance and the resulting fight. I’ve always felt that GH should redo the scene with Helena casting the curse with Constance Towers for continuity’s sake, as Taylor’s scenes were filmed separately as inserts. The big problem caused by the wedding was that EVERY OTHER SOAP played “Follow the… Read more »
I do not agree.. it is not true..
guest stars have always brought in viewers and most importantly they are a fun time for the fans to have them in a story..
Bif events also brought in viewers are were a treat to watch..
anything that is grad is interesting, different, and fun ..
Right!!
GH always has been and always will be the ‘modern’ forerunner of the soaps..
GH is truly unique and stand outside the box..
You miss the point I was making- OTHER soaps have tried and failed to follow the formula of GH’s success!!! What works for one soap doesn’t usually work for others. If you were around in 1981-82, you probably remember a LOT of actors on other soaps imitating Tony Geary’s classic “Luke” curly hairdo- Rod Arrants on SFT, Christopher Rich on AW, Allen Fawcett on EON, Wayne Northrop on DAYS. The larger-than-life adventures that worked for GH did NOT work for shows like AW, ATWT. Y&R and AMC, for instance, stayed more-or-less true to form during the next few years and… Read more »
I’m curious how you would know “it is not true,” su0000? You said above this was before your time.
I remember things just as Avatar610 does. The storylines on other shows that tried to copy GH’s “On the Run” storyline were indeed big failures; daytime executives tried too literally to copy what GH had done without understanding why it worked. The adventure stories didn’t fit the other shows that tried them, and it showed—and the effort failed, and actually damaged some of those shows badly.
Thank you, Michael! Those of us who were watching soaps back then remember how things did change for the worse for some shows desperate to grab big ratings to match GH’s unique success.
Interesting, but it would have been more appropriate to hear from co-star Genie Francis on this epic soap event. JZ was a poor substitute.
Breaking News
48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: Presenters, Special Appearances and On-Air Categories
Presenters, special appearances and on-air categories have been announced for the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards to be broadcast Friday night on June 25 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBD, and available to stream live and on demand on the CBS app and Paramount+.
The broadcast will feature talent appearing from the Emmy stage in Los Angeles, individual show studios and homes to accept their awards.
Kathy Lee Gifford, Ken Jeong, Martha Stewart and Robin Roberts will make special appearances and pay tribute to legends Regis Philbin, Alex Trebek and Larry King. The Bold and the Beautiful’s Diamond White (Paris) is scoring and performing the song for the touching “In Memoriam” segment.
Presenters scheduled to appear include:
• Al Roker (“Today Show”)
• Amy Robach, T.J. Holmes & Dr. Jennifer Ashton (“GMA3: What You Need to Know)
• Bryton James and Brytni Sarpi (The Young and the Restless)
• Deidre Hall (Days of Our Lives)
• Donnell Turner and Cynthia Watros (General Hospital)
• Drew Barrymore (The Drew Barrymore Show)
• Giada De Laurentiis (Giada at Home 2.0)
• Gloria Estefan (Red Table Talk: The Estefans)
• Heather Tom (The Bold and the Beautiful)
• Jackée Harry and Robert Scott Wilson (Days of our Lives)
• Jacqueline MacInnes Wood and Tanner Novlan (The Bold and the Beautiful )
• Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest (Live with Kelly & Ryan)
• Kelly Thiebaud (General Hospital)
• Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight)
• Mario Lopez (Access Hollywood)
• Michelle Stafford (The Young and the Restless )
• Nate Burleson (CBS Sports and Extra)
• Rachel Lindsay (Extra)
• Sean Kanan (Studio City)
• Tamron Hall (Tamron Hall)
Photo: CBS
Categories scheduled to be presented during the CBS broadcast include:
• Outstanding Drama Series
• Outstanding Limited Drama Series
• Outstanding Game Show
• Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program
• Outstanding Morning Show
• Outstanding Informative Talk Show
• Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show
• Outstanding Entertainment News Program
• Outstanding Daytime Special Event
• Outstanding Daytime Non-Fiction
• Outstanding Special Performance by a Lead Actress in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Special Performance by a Lead Actor in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Younger Performer in A Drama Series
• Outstanding Guest Performer in A Drama Series
• Outstanding Culinary Host
• Outstanding Game Show Host
• Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host
• Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host
• Outstanding Writing Team for a Drama Series
• Outstanding Directing Team for a Drama Series
So what do you think about the presenters for the 48th annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Comment below.
Breaking News
48th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: The Stars Return to Glitz and Glamour (PHOTOS)
Now here’s a first in Daytime Emmy history! The red carpet was actually held ahead of its broadcast, all as a part of keeping with a Covid-19 friendly and safe environment to bring back some of the glitz the award show usually brings to its fans.
While last year’s Daytime Emmy ceremonies were all virtual, this year’s brought the nominees and presenters together for a socially-distanced red carpet event to celebrate their nominations and to strike a pose in front of the paparazzi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Most of all the nominees from your favorite daytime dramas took part including: General Hospital’s Briana Henry, Briana Lane, Carolyn Hennesy, Cynthia Watros, Dominic Zamprogna, Donnell Turner, Finola Hughes, Genie Francis, Jeff Kober, James Patrick Stuart, Katelyn MacMullen, Kim Delaney, Maurice Benard, Max Gail, Nancy Lee Grahn, Sonya Shepherd, Steve Burton, Sydney Mikayla, and Tajh Bellow.
From The Bold and the Beautiful attending were: Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, Darin Brooks, Tanner Novlan, and from The Young and the Restless Bryton James, Brytni Sarpi, Melissa Claire Egan, and Courtney Hope, as well as Days of our Lives’ Cady McClain, Deirdre Hall, Tamara Braun, Robert Scott Wilson, Wally Kurth, Victoria Konefal, George Delhoyo, Cady Mcclain, Victoria Platt, Jackée Harry and Robert Scott Wilson.
Make sure to watch the 48th annual Daytime Emmy Awards this Friday night June 25th on CBS (8 p.m. EST).
Check out the images below from the Red Carpet. Then let us know who do you think wore it best via the comment section below!
General Hospital
B&B’s Heather Tom Throws Lead Actress Nominee Luncheon
This year, saw the return of the annual ladies lunch were as is tradition, last year’s winner of the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, throws a luncheon for this year’s nominees.
The reigning women’s champ, now six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Heather Tom (Katie) got this year’s nominees in the category together for a celebration which included: General Hospital’s Genie Francis (Laura), Finola Hughes (Anna), and Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), along with B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) and Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea).
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
On Friday, both Francis and Grahn shared pics from the event on their social media accounts. You can check them out below.
Then, take our poll below: Which actress do you hope takes home the gold next Friday night on the 48th annual Daytime Emmy Awards on CBS? Let us know via the comment section, as well.
.@BBheathertom created the most wonderful event for us! So thoughtfully done. Camaraderie was delightful! 🥰 @finolahughes @NancyLeeGrahn @MClaireEgan #JacquelineMacInnesWood pic.twitter.com/W403fXsOQG
— Genie Francis (@GenieFrancis) June 18, 2021
48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: Presenters, Special Appearances and On-Air Categories
Sean Carrigan Returns to The Young and the Restless
Ted King and Naomi Matsuda Join The Bold and the Beautiful
48th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: The Stars Return to Glitz and Glamour (PHOTOS)
B&B’s Heather Tom Throws Lead Actress Nominee Luncheon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Peter’s On Ice, But Is He “Dead” Dead?
B&B’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood Talks Motherhood, Steffy’s Opioid Addiction and Love Life on ‘Home & Family’
B&B’s Don Diamont Granted Restraining Order Against Alleged Stalker
Soap Veteran Executive Producer Jill Farren Phelps Virtual Interview on Tap
THE BACHELORETTE: Katie Tells The Men To Get Out If They Are There for the Wrong Reasons
48th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: The Stars Return to Glitz and Glamour (PHOTOS)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Peter’s On Ice, But Is He “Dead” Dead?
General Hospital’s Sofia Mattsson Reveals Pregnancy
B&B’s Heather Tom Throws Lead Actress Nominee Luncheon
Ted King and Naomi Matsuda Join The Bold and the Beautiful
Soap Veteran Executive Producer Jill Farren Phelps Virtual Interview on Tap
‘Ryan’s Hope’ Star and Soap Vet, John Gabriel Has Passed Away at 90
48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: Presenters, Special Appearances and On-Air Categories
Sean Carrigan Returns to The Young and the Restless
B&B’s Don Diamont Granted Restraining Order Against Alleged Stalker
WATCH: All My Children Stars Recall Multi-Generational Impact of the Soap & Zany Plot Twists On E!’s ‘Reunion Road Trip’
DAYS Billy Flynn Opens Up To Maurice Benard About His Battle with Addiction on All-New ‘State of Mind’
Greg Vaughan Makes a Return to DAYS; and a SORAS’d Johnny! Watch the New Summer Preview
WATCH: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2021 Replay
THE BACHELORETTE: Katie Thurston Meets the Men in New Promo for Summer Season
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Quinn and Carter Agree to Take Their Secret to Their Graves
GENERAL HOSPITAL Touches on Racial Profiling, Social Injustice and Bias In Key Scenes with Portia and Jordan
B&B’s Scott Clifton and Don Diamont Talk on the Plight of Liam & Bill and Their Cover-Up of Vinny’s Death
PREVIEW: Cameron Mathison Guests On Maurice Benard’s ‘State of Mind’
DAYS Stars Try to Stump Contestants on All-New Episode of ‘Soap Opera Know-It-All’ Game Show
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Breaking NewsJune 21, 202148th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: The Stars Return to Glitz and Glamour (PHOTOS)
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General HospitalJune 17, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: Peter’s On Ice, But Is He “Dead” Dead?
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General HospitalJune 14, 2021General Hospital’s Sofia Mattsson Reveals Pregnancy
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General HospitalJune 18, 2021B&B’s Heather Tom Throws Lead Actress Nominee Luncheon
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NewsJune 21, 2021Ted King and Naomi Matsuda Join The Bold and the Beautiful
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Guiding LightJune 15, 2021Soap Veteran Executive Producer Jill Farren Phelps Virtual Interview on Tap
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Breaking NewsJune 14, 2021‘Ryan’s Hope’ Star and Soap Vet, John Gabriel Has Passed Away at 90
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Breaking NewsJune 23, 202148th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: Presenters, Special Appearances and On-Air Categories