General Hospital
GH's Tyler Christopher & Rebecca Budig Interview: From Nikolas & Hayden's Twisted Romance, The Jason Reveal, To Their Co-Stars!
Photoredit: HutchinsPhoto/ABC
Who knew that two characters that have wanted to seemingly just rip each others clothes off and hit the sheets, and who have done despicable things to others, and each other, could fall head over heels in love! But that now appears to be the case between the dark prince, Nikolas Cassadine (Tyler Christopher), and the cunning Hayden (Rebecca Budig)!
This week on General Hospital, it’s been a big week of reveals, as finally after more than a year, Port Charles learned that Jake Doe is actually the beloved Jason Morgan (Billy Miller)! Chief among the list of conspirators, who kept the true identify of Jason hidden to his loved ones and family has been Nikolas. Then there was the plot that brought Hayden to Port Charles in the first place … pretending to be “Jake’s” wife for money, and duping him. After Hayden’s plans were foiled during the Nurses Ball she ended up staying at Wyndemere, and thus began her twisted relationship with Nik. When Hayden learned of Nikolas and Liz’s (Rebecca Herbst) plans to keep “Jake” from knowing he was really Jason, she planned to meet up with the man who can’t remember his past, and Sam (Kelly Monaco) and divulge the truth! But alas, Nikolas ordered a hit on Hayden, and stopped her in her tracks. And, for weeks Hayden then languished in the hospital in a coma, and with “amnesia” when she awoke. But bombshell! This week Hayden reveals she remembers quite well that Nikolas knew about Jason’s identify this whole time! Now Hayden has her own co-conspirator in a revenge plot against Nikolas, while trying to learn more about the night she was shot. Meanwhile, Nikolas has his hands full with Jason coming after him, and navigating Liz, Laura (Genie Francis), and Hayden all knowing the truth and being part of Jason’s identify cover-up.
On-Air On-Soaps chatted with two longtime daytime favorites and MVP’s, Tyler Christopher, and Rebecca Budig to get their thoughts on: the complicated relationship that is developing between Nikolas and Hayden, what will happen when and if Nikolas finds out that Hayden knows he ordered the hit to silence her, and what revenge plot is Hayden concocting with Tracy (Jane Elliot) to bring down Nikolas. Will she help Tracy get control of ELQ again? In addition, Tyler and Rebecca dish about working with their co-stars: Billy Miller and Rebecca Herbst. Always the consummate professionals who deliver compelling performances, and who definitely bring the heat into their scenes with one another … here’s Tyler and Rebecca:
Fans of General Hospital witnessed that after Elizabeth’s busted up wedding to Jason, and that once back at Wyndemere, Hayden reveals that she knows that Nikolas has known “Jake” is Jason all along; etc. Clearly, there is a lot of double-crossing going on. Next, there is a moment where there is this push/pull seduction happening between them, and then Hayden stops it. Ultimately, she leaves the room and makes a secret phone call. So, Tyler: where is Nikolas at with her at this point? Worried she knows too much, while falling head over heels for her?
Courtesy/ABC
TYLER: I think at this point, Nikolas has already fallen for her and given her a long leash. There are so many secrets going on between them that he is just trying to figure her out from his perspective. In the interim, he didn’t expect to have these sorts of feelings for her. Nikolas thought that once he tried to have her killed that would be a means to an end. Once that didn’t come to fruition, now he is being forced to rethink his position. He didn’t expect to fall for her, and that is kind of where he is at right now.
Rebecca, is there this questionable fine line that she is just using Nikolas, developing her own revenge plot, yet she is smitten with the dark prince?
REBECCA: She is angry for what he did, and she does have another motive, but at the same time she can’t help falling in love with him. I think she is conflicted. It’s a constant conflict for her.
Do you think it’s that these two are truly “in-love”, and not just about, “I’m so attracted to you, I just want to jump your bones?” (Laughs)
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REBECCA: Well, I think there is that. (Laughs)
TYLER: Then, why don’t you already? (Laughs)
REBECCA: (Laughs) I know! I think she wants him, but not just for sex.
Next week, Hayden is about to try to gather more information on happened to her the night she took a bullet, thanks to Nikolas.
REBECCA: Yes, she does. Hayden already overheard Nikolas talking, and so she knows he ordered the hit, and so that is why she wants revenge on him. However, she is falling for him in the process.
What have you thought about the Jason (Billy Miller) reveal, and the scenes that viewers began to watch play out this week on the air shows? Are you glad that the secret of his identify is finally out?
TYLER: Oh, thank God!
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REBECCA: Oh, hell yes!
TYLER: If I had to say “Jake” was Jason one more time, I was going to shoot myself. (Laughs)
It was very interesting watching Tyler’s performance when the truth came out at the wedding. Nikolas looked pretty calm and cool when “Jake” revealed to Elizabeth and Sam (Kelly Monaco) who he truly is. Then, of course, Jason attacked him. What are your thoughts on how you played Nik’s reaction to it all?
TYLER: We can’t get into this chest-bumping contest, if Nikolas is going to lose every time. That is just not fun to watch. My take on the whole thing is … its ‘Batman Vs. Joker.’ If Nikolas is going to come up against Jason every time, let’s at least make it interesting, and have it be wit against brawn, money against Jason’s relationship with Sonny, and make it about something else. For lack of a better phrase, “a pissing contest” is not very fun to watch.
When we talked several months ago, and Nikolas had turned more to the dark side, and became more Cassadine-like, you were trying to find the motive behind some of his behavior. What are you then playing into the scenes now to justify it?
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TYLER: I am playing that Nikolas is baiting Jason into all of these confrontations. As history would dictate, the Cassadines don’t need to go around and beat people up. They have enough money, and power to influence things in their direction without having to do that.
On Monday, Jason is going to confront Nikolas at Wyndemere. He wants to have it out with him once and for all, for Nik’s duplicity, and his lies. It could become quite an explosive situation for Mr. Cassadine!
TYLER: Well, I got my ass kicked two times already. The first is when he puts me up against the wall outside of Wyndemere. The second was at the church. And now we will see if Nikolas’ ass gets kicked again! (Laughs)
It looks like Nikolas always is able to side-step any real collateral damage thus far from his showdowns with Jason.
TYLER: Nikolas has to come out OK. He has got to have his strategy, too. Jason’s strategy has always been to go take it by force. Nikolas has always used his family legacy, power, and money to get what he wants.
Courtesy/ABC
Also, fans don’t remember Jason and Nikolas being at odds back in the day. So, is it strange to be playing that, given the character’s history?
TYLER: They were not enemies. They were friends. They were good friends, actually. This is something that is definitely a turn.
Rebecca, Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman are the new head writers of GH, and you have a long history of working with Jean on All My Children, especially since she created the Leo (Josh Duhamel) and Greenlee love story. What are you noticing in the scripts and the dialog under their tenure, so far? Are you still enjoying what’s happening with Hayden? Will we ever learn more about her background?
REBECCA: I am still having fun, and I would love to do more, and learn more about my character. I feel with Shelly and Jean writing the show there is a little less exposition. I know we have to do that as part of the medium, but I have noticed a little less of that now, which has been nice.
On Friday’s episode, viewers learned just who Hayden has been talking to during her mysterious calls, and thus who she is working with in a plot against Nikolas. When you found out that it was going to be Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) that Hayden was conspiring with, what did you think?
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REBECCA: I was excited about who she was working with, and who I got to work with in the story. I don’t know how the fans will feel about it, but I like it. (Laughs) Hayden is working on a plan against Nikolas.
Tyler, you had a touching scene with your long-time co-star Rebecca Herbst shortly before Liz wedding started. In it, the two mentioned Nikolas’ late wife, Emily, who was also Liz’s best friend. They relate that no matter the steps they took to ensure their happiness, they deserve it. You see that Nikolas truly and deeply cares for Elizabeth. What were your thoughts on those moments?
TYLER: We sometimes forget to mention things that have gone well in the past. It was nice to murmur Emily’s name. We have not done so in quite some time. For fans who have been long-time viewers, you just say someone’s name who was a big part of the canvas ten years ago, and they go, “Oh, that’s right! That was so great!” It brings them right back. I know from speaking with fans, that they love those kind of moments, and mentions of characters.
Can Nikolas continue being this ruthless? Will viewers get back to seeing the tender side of him?
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TYLER: I think you are starting to see it now, and in the week coming. You will start to see that Hayden is the one person that can bring him out of his “evilish funk”, if you will. And through that, you will see the softer side of him that you have seen for the last 20 years. I don’t think characters that are just pure evil, or pure villains, are that interesting to watch. I don’t think that kind of behavior really exists. So it’s at least nice to have it 80/20, where he is out manipulating the world in business, and with Jason. But, when he comes home he has this woman who he can’t wait to be with, and she is holding this thing over him, and he can’t quite figure her out.
REBECCA: She keeps him on his toes, too!
TYLER: There is a tit-for-tat going on. They want each other so bad, but they can’t really figure out if one is playing the other, and that’s kind of interesting.
REBECCA: Hayden and Nikolas really don’t trust each other yet.
Rebecca, is it hard for you coming into this iconic daytime drama with not much to go on with the back-story of Hayden? Did you get any more information that you can keep close to the vest about what Jean and Shelly’s plans are for her, and how they will integrate her more into the PC canvas?
Photo Credit: ABC/Paley Center for Media
REBECCA: It is hard and challenging to know where I am coming from sometimes. Like Tyler said, it’s not interesting to just be sassy or mean, or whatever your personality is. There is a reason behind everything. Our head writers: Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman did give me some idea of Hayden’s background, but you know that can always change. However, I don’t know if that’s changed since I met with them (laughs) so I will just have to wait and see if it comes out in a script.
Fans are hoping that Hayden will be tied to a family in Port Charles. Would you like that?
REBECCA: I would love to be tied to a family, and become a Cassasdine … and become Nikolas’ wife!
Every General Hospital wedding over the last several years falls apart dismally at the altar … when someone walks in with a secret, there is a shooting, or there is a wife or husband who returns-from-the-dead. Would the two of you like to be the on-screen duo that gets hitched for real, and see the consequences of that marriage reveal itself after the “I do’s”?
TYLER: It would be nice. For years, we have been playing this royal wedding, and it’s never happened. She who takes the throne has some control, much like Helena (Constance Towers). There is a lot at stake there. It would be kind of nice if we actually pulled it off.
Rebecca, now that you have worked with Tyler a bit more, what can you say it’s been like working with him, and was there anything you were surprised to find out about him in the process?
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REBECCA: There is an easiness with Tyler that you don’t get with everybody. I don’t know if he feels the same way. But, I feel very at ease, and that we both want the same things. Oh, and he’s hot, and he’s funny!
TYLER: I do feel the same way. I put it this way: at the speed in which we work it’s difficult to try and have fun. That’s why I got into this whole thing to begin with, to have fun. Since we have both been around, between us like 40-plus-years in the business, we know what we’re doing. We spend less time trying to figure out what we want from each other in the scene, and more time having fun. That’s why I love it.
REBECCA: Right! That’s a very good description. Also, Tyler is smarter than me. It was just weird, because I worked with Cameron Mathison (Ex-Ryan, AMC) for so long, and Josh Duhamel (Ex-Leo, AMC) for so long., so it’s a new leading man for me to work with. I only knew Tyler from ABC Super Soap Weekends, and I never talked to him!
TYLER: I was much more reserved then.
REBECCA: That’s right. We didn’t ever have a conversation. So coming to GH to work with him; I did not know what to expect. I thought Tyler was very serious, and I was a little intimated. But then I got to know Tyler, and I thought, “Oh, my God! He’s amazing!”
What can the two of you say about working with Rebecca Herbst? Nikolas has this enduring relationship with her, and was so in love with her. Has Nikolas truly moved on from Elizabeth romantically, and put that behind him?
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TYLER: I think Nikolas has conceded that, and he held on to that for so long. I think he started to look quite foolish; like he was following Elizabeth around like a lost puppy. That is why I was so excited about the turn in the character, because we should have done that a long time ago. I think he has conceded their relationship to friendship, but still it’s at the point where he would do anything for Elizabeth. Our characters have the oldest history on the show right now. Rebecca Herbst was 19 when she started, and I was 22, and here we are in 2015. So much has happened since then, and for long-time viewers they get jazzed about that, because they remember everything. People that watch every day, and have for years, they remember everything. We go to fan events and fans will say thing like: “Do you remember when ….?” And I will go, “No.” (Laughs) And then they will continue to let me know how they remembered it letter by letter. It’s fascinating.
Rebecca, you get to play this antagonist to Becky’s Liz … that must be fun!
REBECCA: I have known Becky for a long time since “Super Soap” going back to 1999/2000, and it’s great to work with her. I love that Elizabeth and Hayden are so different. I like that my character can ruffle the Elizabeth character!
Do the two of you want the secret to come tumbling out about Jason, so everyone knows about all of it once and for all, and so we can get to another part of the story, or something else?
TYLER: Yes, it is out. We either move on, or dwell on it. I certainly hope all the characters state their positions and deal with it, and deal with the consequences, and move on. I think it’s time.
Courtesy/ABC
Tyler, you had some terrific material, and performances throughout this year. What scenes did you decide to submit for the pre-noms for Daytime Emmy competition?
TYLER: I am submitting the scenes following when Spencer (Nicholas Bechtel) went a blaze during the fire at Wyndemere. When you have children of your own, it’s not difficult to draw on the terror one would go through feeling that you are about to lose your son. That was a hell of a day to tape. Certainly, no one was going to slow down and wait for me to prepare myself to do the scenes. That was a pretty difficult day to come in to, and then later to step away from.
Speaking of Spencer, how has it been for you Rebecca, coming in to the show and working with little Nicholas Bechtel?
REBECCA: Ah! Nicholas Bechtel is like a 40-year-old man in a 10-year-olds body. I know I have said that before, but it’s so true! (Laughs) He’s a piece of work, and so cute.
Courtesy/ABC
If you were to place your bets: What do you think is coming up next in the relationship between Nikolas and Hayden?
REBECCA: I would say consummating the relationship again.
TYLER: We will get back there!
REBECCA: Yes, that’s the goal. (Laughs)
TYLER: It can’t be the same now. We have been there, done that. It’s like, that’s great and the fans loved that, and now it’s time to move the relationship into something different. Thinking of the circumstances, it’s gotten to be different. For God sakes, Nikolas tried to have the woman killed! In order for us to sell that we are in fact in love, and I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but there has got to be some incredible level of forgiveness and trust that the fans are actually going to believe, or they are going to think it’s b**s.
You do understand for some viewers it will be hard to fathom how Nikolas and Hayden would get together in an ongoing love match when he had her shot. Even if she has the “hots” for the guy, why would she forgive such a horrific moment in her life that he was responsible for?
Courtesy/ABC
TYLER: Here is our defense: the greatest soap love story of all-time is Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis), and that started as a rape. I would argue that it’s worse than what Nikolas did to Hayden. Laura fell in love with her rapist. You can fast forward 30 years, and we are still talking about it, and nothing until the soaps die will ever top that. So, that is how I justify it, and if the fans can get past that – and at the beginning they were outraged at the Luke and Laura story – but Tony Geary and Genie Francis were so powerful together that slowly they began to win the fans over. Time is the only thing that made that story work. So, if we rush ourselves into this, because we want to hurry up and get this Jason stuff over with and move on, and have our story, and all that stuff, then it’s going to fall flat on its face no matter how good of actors we are.
Tyler, you have worked with Steve Burton (now Dylan, Y&R) as Jason, and now Billy Miller. How has it been to work with Billy, and his compelling interpretation of the character?
Courtesy/ABC
TYLER: It’s a completely different energy than Steve Burton. I hate to compare the two, but I have to. They are the only two people to play the character of Jason, and Steve played it for over two decades. Billy has a more aggressive approach, which is an adjustment. I am not saying if that is a good, or a bad thing. Steve had a more subdued approach to this Jason Bourne type identity story that was going on for a long time. It’s nice to have contrast: Billy is a great actor. He has won Emmys, and Steve has won an Emmy. You have to respect what each of them gave the character, especially Billy, no matter how long Steve has played the character. Steve was great. He made Jason who he is. When Steve first played Jason he was wearing reindeer sweaters at Quartermaine Christmas parties. Back then, he was a back-burnered character, and no one cared about him. Steve was itching and chomping at the bit to do something of substance. Then they gave Jason the memory loss, and the character was born. We then saw what a great actor Steve was. So, he planted the seed, and now Billy is doing it his way. We all have to adjust to the way Billy is doing it, and respect what Billy has accomplished as an actor, as well.
And Rebecca, you worked with Billy on All My Children. It must be cool to have him around, and to play in scenes with him on another soap, no less.
REBECCA: I did work with Billy on All My Children. I enjoyed his company then, and I enjoy it now. He is definitely very playful, and he’s Billy … I love him.
Courtesy/ABC
In closing Tyler, another iconic character is back on the canvas as Kimberly McCullough makes another return as Robin. I know the two of you are close. What can you say about her being back on GH?
TYLER: Kimberly was part of the crew when I first came on the show. We had a great story way back when, where my character had a stroke, and had to relearn how to speak. Those are the kinds of stories I really want to get back to, where it’s not just some insane outside influence trying to break-up a friendship, or a relationship. It was simply about two friends looking to help one another get through a very difficult time. It was great for me as an actor, and probably great for as well. Robin is a legacy character who can come back, and then we do get to have scenes together, it’s wonderful. Those types of characters are so important to the canvas of this show. I don’t know if Kimberly will creep into Rebecca and my story, or not. I sure hope so. Kimberly and I have remained friends, even for years after she left GH. I am so excited to have her back.
So, what do you think about the relationship between Nikolas and Hayden? Are they the perfect match for each other, or will they fizzle? How do you think Hayden will exact her revenge on Nikolas for ordering the hit on her life? Who do you think will be the first character to admit, or be forced to admit, they knew “Jake” was Jason all this time? Do you hope Nikolas returns to his kinder self … or do you like the current darker version of the Cassadine prince? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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I love Nik and Hayden. I hope they never lose the passion between them, and I’m not talking about the sex only. There is something dynamic about those two that I just love. And yes, can we see Nik knock Jason on his ass for a change? Lol
thank you I am so tired of seeing Sam and “Jason” break in to Windemere… and berate Nicholas because “his” loyalties are not up to par what they once were… he readily admitted the Cassadine fortune is not what it once was… and if he readily justifies his care for… albeit who gives a hoot! Tyler Christopher is acting ! oy! i’m so sick of Sam , when you are ready to be my cousin again.. I will judge you accordingly seriously! she’s one of the dullest characters on GH it’s so obvious.. that Billy Miller, the actor, is not… Read more »
STFU.. you used a lot of words to say nothing, take off your fandom glasses and watch the story for what it is
Billy and Kelly are dating from what I understand, so I doubt he’s sick of her. And Liz is a self-righteous, slimy gold digger who bounces from Quartermaine prince to Cassadine prince depending upon who’s writing her. She’s going to lose, and she knows it, because whether now or later Jason and Sam will reunite. Hayden was right about that, and that’s why Liz wanted her to shut-up.
Venting readily, and brilliantly. I am on board your soap box.
Patrick…I follow your poetic heart completely. That’s saying a lot for a Physics teacher, where my only concern should be matter and energy…LOL. We are kindred spirits, Patrick. However, Jason is on a mission. He knows Nik holds the key to something….not sure what. Sam is as dull as heck, but, regardless of that, she does feel a kinship with Jason. We cannot blame them for breaking into the Cassadine mansion looking for anything that might be a beacon to Jason’s identity. So, I think this will take time for him to come to know himself; then he can start… Read more »
wow ,a lot of words to say absolutely nothing of importance.Sam is not dull that is word one would use to describe Liz..excuse me for a moment I am yawning here just at the mention of her name.Oh and maybe you should pay more attention when you watch the show and then when you post/comment you will have something to give your words substance.
So, you want Nik to overtake Jason physically, Lia? You can’t be meaning mentally since he already has. Nik’s knowledge is holding Jason hostage. I am sorry, I don’t follow. For a change? Should it not be the other way around? Nik is the perpetrator, not Jason. Make me understand the logic, please, Lia. I’m a little slow. Lol. Furthermore, what does Hayden’s and Nik’s physical attraction/passion and ‘other’ things have to do with Nik kicking Jason’s arse? Yes, admittedly, these two sizzle, in bed and out…..more fool Nik for not realizing Hayden’s rivalry. She measures every breath she takes.… Read more »
Well said, Cee Cee.
I like it when Lizzy and Hayden go toe to toe. Those two have some kind of rivalry going on which sparks a sistrance (the girl version of bromance).
What I am liking is that Hayden brings out the real Lizzy, not the sweet little domestic Madame Ovary she has been pretending to be for the last ten years or so.
When we were first introduced to Lizzy, she was a fun, scheming bad girl who had an ear for mischief. Hayden brings out that side of Lizzy and it’s fun to watch.
@Harry.
Lol, Harry….and so it goes, my friend. Rebecca is playing the bad girl to the hilt. Her beauty makes my distaste for the character that much more poignant. It is such a laborious process for me to dislike her for copious reasons. But dislike her, I do. Something is inherently wrong for anyone to be this monstrous. Later.
@Harry. Hi, Harry, I apologize for Post Scripting you, but after rereading my comment, I realized that it is not clear to whom I am referring. I am talking about Rebecca’s Lizzie, as the bad girl. I think there is so much more to Lizzie’s rivalry towards Hayden. There exists all kinds of jealousy and interwoven with that, the fear of being discovered. I wish I knew these characters (the vets) as well as I would like. Case in point, Liz. I had no clue she’s always been this devilish. Also, it is not clear to me ( or it… Read more »
Nikolas and Hayden have what it takes to be a super couple. However; super couples died in the late 80’s, now it’s simply an amazing couple. I really like their lust.. lust can play better than sappy love at times. I will be very disappointed and mad as can be if they mush up Nikolis, again.. I love love love the bad boy, and Tyler brings Nik to life when his Cassidine DNA is dominate ! He is soooo hot and alluring when he wears his Cassidine hat! I need some hard drama, an intriguing plot is badly needed to… Read more »
you make me laugh
LOL
I couldn’t love your para… #2 any more
the three leading ACTS GH; has…
Tyler Christopher, Rebecca Buddig… and Rebecca Herbst…
’nuff said
Hello again, Su…sigh….
The term super couple, relating to soap couples or other popular couples, did not “die in the 80s” along with other elements and characters of-in soaps that you keep informing us did. You can see the super couple description still referred to in many types of media as they discuss TV and film couples from the past to the present. Have a “super” or “amazing” day! 😉
Heh, Rebecca. You’re funny.
Super couples still exist in soaps–it’s just the terminology has changed.
Awesome couples?
A rose by any other name…
i agree su0000 – super couples did die in the 80’s & early 90’s – tptb/tiic don’t keep couples together long enough to be considered “super”……………………jmo
Lol, Su. Agreed. But, lust and love are irrevocably interchangeable. Lust is good; very good. A little lip-licking never hurt anybody. But love, …oh, su….love makes it all worth while: the closeness, the intimacy; the whispered sweet-nothings……unabashed passion.
I hope that after all is said and done, Hayden and Nik will come together sincerely….without subterfuge and ulterior motives, yes? Later, susu.
Hey, Su,
I must agree with you here. Although the infatuation of the ‘super couple’ still exists in Primetime; Daytime has lost its luster of the ever-so-venerated notion of the ‘super couple’. And, I quote, “The ‘super couple’ started vanishing in the early 2000’s, around the same time the genre itself began its next phase of deterioration.”
That is exactly the time I started watching Y&R avidly….as a freshman in High School. So the notion never took root with me. Good call, susu.
Above quote taken from…..RETHINKING THE SOAP OPERA SUPER COUPLE.
Hi Harry…I try… 😉 Well, my response regarding the super couple is twofold. Yes, a rose by any other name us still a rose, but there are specific terms used to define aspects of a genre. The term super couples is still used when describing longstanding couples viewers love and root for, both in primetime and soaps. And while you can find an article that states the super couple is dead, you can find another that points to couples thAt fit the bill…or couples that COULD do so. I’m not so into Patrick and Robin…but shrubs fans might dub them… Read more »
Scrubs not shrubs! Lol…
Rebecca, you know I like and respect you which is why I am going to have to go now before I say something we will both regret.
I am going to go scream into my pillow now.
I can hear your muffled cries Harry but alas and alak, I must reiterate…I LIKE FRANCO AND NINA! 😉
I would like to see a kinder, gentler Nicholas. I like him and Hayden.
I actually like Hayden and Nikolas together. Super excited KMc/Robin is back!!! I feel the same as Tyler. I hope Robin & NIk have some scenes together. He needs a true friend right now.
yeah… with all the coniption… all of Port Charles denizen are firing… toward
the best acts… going… @ Nicholas and Liz
Hayden! I’ve been ready to smack you upside the head!
YOU are IN love with Nicholas… get with the program
take over!
take over Port Charles… feature the Cassidine empire.. and lead with… the hottest man that snagged your heart…
Nicholas and Hayden need to support Liz
i’m over all the coniption…with the denizons of…
fire away my threesome… take not prisoners…
And Genie!
This couple has SEX APPEAL. It’s raw, Kent. I always loved Rebecca Budig; en par with Michelle Stafford for me. Rebecca as Greenlee brought the AMC audience to its knees with Josh as Leo. Now she is doing it again with Tyler as Nik. This fact only proves that when you’re good, you’re great. It does not happen often that an actress/actor can find her/his perfect counterpart multiple times.
They work in perfect accord; in unison…sing like violins. What body language!!!!!….to die for…..very rare!!
“well said”
“…It does not happen often that an actress/actor can find her/his perfect counterpart ”
If I could wish Kelly thiebaud… and her mom Dr. O… a return and more airtime
heck ya
lightening struck and passion reignites the Cassadine
come on, Laura… don’t be perfect
@Patric.
Thank you, my friend.
That’s very philosophical of you…..”come on, Laura…..don’t be perfect”.
I must return the compliment, Patrick. I, myself would like to see the mysterious femme fatale emerge from Laura’s bosom.
Thanks for a great interview!! Would love to see Nik come out on top for once–he’s a legacy character, and Laura’s son!! For Pete’s sake!
LOL
I’m just so happy
because these are the best actors portraying all that serial begets
the best show going… ( with Liz)
Nicholas ! steer Laura… she even admitted she has corporate experience… ie: with Edward Quartermaine
lead with; backbone stamina mindset… you and yours… an alignment that takes
Laura… Nicholas, Hayden, and Liz
force and magic…
Patrick, we are totally on the same page. The scenes with Laura, Hayden, Liz and Nick were gold! Luscious cat and mouse with crackling dynamics. Laura can’t trust Hayden as far as she can throw her. The dynamic between the four was great. Becky and Tyler totally underrated! Hayden is upping everyone’s game. And Genie Francis!!! A soap queen if there ever was one! Sam and Jason? Zzzzzz.
I agree, Tristan and Patrick.
I love that the mothers, Laura and Monica, are back on the canvas administering their tough love to their grown children. They are needed!
“…Tyler and Rebecca dish about working with their co-stars: Billy Miller and Rebecca Herbst. Always the consummate professionals who deliver compelling performances, and who definitely bring the heat into their scenes with one another … ”
magical read
“I don’t think she’s conflicted”
“…she can’t help falling in love with him. ”
’nuff said
pure stuff
I am going to be so done.. if the writers act… Sam and jason… all that and self rigteous… how boring! aren’t they what a funny poignant response : “..We can’t get into this chest-bumping contest, if Nikolas is going to lose every time. That is just not fun to watch. My take on the whole thing is … its ‘Batman Vs. Joker.’ If Nikolas is going to come up against Jason every time, let’s at least make it interesting” i’ll take that pissing contest any ole time : Nicholas wins by a handful I don’t know about Rebecca Buddig… Read more »
I have no idea why you love Jason and Liz together. She’s been so duplicitous I can’t even watch them together and feel anything but frustrtion. Perhaps the beginning…before Liz knew the truth j felt a gravitAtional pull between them. Haven’t for a while. Its been obvious for some time that “Jake” and Sam are drawn to each other, whether each admitted it or not. From the time he rode her o. The back of his motorcycle, to their meeting together to solve his identity, to his being with het at their place e on their anniversary…the way they looked… Read more »
I just wish Lizzy had never known about Jake’s true identity. What I hate most about Lizzy’s actions is that she sacrificed her ethics for a man.
She lied time and time again and emotionally blackmailed Laura into keeping her silence and withheld telling Monica that she does have one remaining child still alive.
How can a girl that beautiful be so desperate to keep a man?
Yeah I love NIkolas but him and Hayden make zero sense. Unfortunately GH ruined it with him having her shot. Yeah I know about Luke and Laura but that would not fly in 2015 IMO. It’s a different time and different morality. I can understand a really strong sexual attraction but love NO just No lol. I love Rebecca Budig. I was a huge Greenlee fan but Hayden just seems all surface and no depth so far. So there is edge and sometimes humor but no heart. I want to see her show some layers, I guess. So far I… Read more »
Lol, Crimson (is that your real name? I looove it!). Of course Nik and Hayden make no sense. It’s done to rile us. To make us shake our heads in disbelief….but, ahh, what a gift this couple is. This love and hate relationship is so sexy, so hot, so salivating, we can’t help but root for it. Reminds me of the movie, WAR OF THE ROSES.
Great interview. Interesting answer regarding Steve Burton vs. Billy Miller’s Jason. I never completely understand comparisons that are made under these circumstances because the actors are acting their lines as well as getting direction of how the character should be played. Much of Burton ‘s Jason was the product of his brain trauma from the crash. Supposedly his ability to feel, relate, was greatly diminished. He had to have emotions and appropriate reactions explained to him for a long time…and thus his “strong, silent” type was played brilliantly. Little by little his Jason opened up as he fell in love… Read more »
Rebecca is Killing It! If she wasn’t so Good, I’d be inconsolable. Reason- Hayden is a Gia Campbell knock off. Her whole storyline with Nikolas is uncomfortable to watch having been such a Huge NIA fan. Its literally Nik & Gia (NIA) minus the sincerity & magic. Check the receipt. GH circa 2000-2003. Keep Hayden around, but recast Gia’s charmed & fly character with like Meghan Markle already, and stop this Imitation NIA #SideEye .Gia made Nikolas a better man, and he needs that balance about now. Lies & games with Hayden were a good transition from Brit. But only… Read more »
I do like Nikolas and Hayden together but I am still missing the ‘how’ part after he tried to have her murdered. Tyler compared it to Luke and Laura’s history, which is has always been hard for me to buy also. At least Luke showed many times how sorry he was. Nikolas has shown no remorse for having Hayden shot. I think he needs to do this.
And as for getting ‘beaten up’ by Jake? A real beating would have landed him in the hospital.
That’s a good distinction between Luke & Nikolas – remorse. Also, Luke put his own life on the line many times not just for Laura; but for the citizens of Port Charles. He & Robert risked a lot to bring criminals to justice while Nikolas IS the criminal – rigging elections, putting hits on people, blackmailing board members for their shares, etc. As much as Christopher would like to think Nikolas is an anti-hero, right now he’s acting more like the Cassadine who wanted to freeze Port Charles than Luke, who was risking his life to save it.
I absolutely Love Hayden and Nicolas sparing. I’ve watch Rebecca on All My Children, loved her than and now. I am 67 yrs old and have watched General Hospital since I was in High School in the 60’s ugh !!!!!!!!! I am addicted. Tyler is a good partner for her, the tit for tat is fun to watch, and their chemistry is awesome.
Love Nik and Hayden as a couple!! I look forward to the slow burn of passion they have between them but want to see deeper feelings develop than just wanting a physical connection!! Hayden will need to expose his sins and then forgive……that will be quite the task for both. I will enjoy their journey together as they except each other’s flaws and still fall in love!! Rebecca and Tyler definitely have the onscreen chemistry for their characters to be quite the force in good ole PC!! Can’t wait for more with these two!!!!!
Absolutely, positively love these 2 together. They are truly the first couple I have been excited for in years. Their chemistry is off the charts. There is a darkness and dysfunctionality to them, but also, an underlying sweetness between them. That being said I need to see Nik truly fall for Hayden and most importantly start feeling some guilt and regret on his part for what he did. I just feel I cant properly “ship” those 2 until that happens.
I still,wish us viewers could receive a plausible reason for turning so evil. I know that Ron Carlivati was not much for plausible, but overnight, The Nikolas we had watched for 18 years just disappeared and was replaced by some deranged would be murderer. Him being a Cassadine was a weak motive….I have weird hostile materialistic people in my family, and I am not like them, and I dont feel tormented or conflicted to become like them either.
Great interview. I really loved these two together and think they have good chemistry. I’m still a bit confused by Nik’s transformation to the dark side, I think it could have been explored more and done more gradually, but it is giving Nikolas some of his most meaty material in years so I can’t complain much. I think RB’s Hayden is an amazing fit on the show and look forward to learning more about her character.
I personally like Rebecca Budig but I don’t see the need for Hayden. She was brought on as angst for Liz/Jake and that was exposed by Carly. Then I thought she would expose the Jason lie but Carly did that too. Now she’s suppose to be in the ELQ story. Why? All they have to do is get Lucy to change her vote and that story is over. I’m still hoping for Nik and Elizabeth because they truly have everything it takes to be a real couple and I finally want to see that instead of the constant teasing I’ve… Read more »
John you must be watching a different show! Hayden has her prints all over the show. Friday we saw her being a thorn in Liz’s side and that will only get worse. Plus, her and Tracy are working together. Hayden is a newer character, one of the few, who actually is fitting into the show!
Timmm….Now that Liz and Sam have renewed their vicious rivalry over Jason, Nurse Webber will need no other “thorn in her side!” All of her energy shall be devoted to hanging on to her “fiancée!” Just another reason that Hayden is superfluous……
I’m with you, John! I also see no good reason for Hayden’s continued presence….she was bad enough with her limited initial appearance….when she was shot that should have left this character done and dusted, end of story. Along with too many other superfluous “newbies” like Nina, Sappy, Jordan, Val-Chops, etc. there is no true justification for her to be hanging out in Port Charles….these roles simply do not integrate in a naturally seamless manner within the tapestry of the show. She especially looked very much out of place in this past week’s scene with Liz, Laura and Nik…it could have… Read more »
Hey, Shay. I agree that I loved Britt and Nik much better. But, Hayden’s appeal is undeniable. Plus, Nik turned sleaze all on his own ( not talking sexually here) when he decided to criminally take over ELQ. I do not like this transformed Nik….so, I want to see his head roll (figuratively speaking) from Wyndemere to the ELQ offices; just as much as I would love to see Sonny’s roll to AJ’s crypt. Yes, Hayden is brazen, but she must be affiliated with the Q’s somehow. Hence her purpose. Where did this ‘sisterhood’ with Tracy come from? Is Hayden… Read more »
Oh, CeeCee, I do hope you are wrong that Hayden could somehow be aligned with the Q’s in a familial sense….such a link would permanently connect her to the GH canvas, and that just will not do, because along with my arch-nuisance Sappy and your beloved Nina, I am counting the days until Ms. Barnes is finally banished….she’s quite simply another character that I find completely insufferable, not to mention, highly dubious in terms of actual value and importance to the scheme of things. (The current Port Charles landscape is rife with such people…..) Moreover, the way this chick initially… Read more »
Shayster, I cannot believe your lumping Hayden in with the Sapinator! BUT, I do see your point with Liz having enough problems WITHOUT Hayden BUT I am intrigued by Hayden and Tracy’s meeting on Friday.
Yes, John. I agree. Elizabeth and Nik make the perfect couple. They both share the same low moral and spiritual values.
I was so proud of Sam today. The kitty’s stuck her head out of the bag, in full regalia and form. …so glad how Sam put Elizabeth in her place. The gall of Nurse Lizzie, turned Borden, defies all sense of dignity and decency. I wonder where she keeps her axe. You go Sam!!!!! I love it when she shows spunk. The tides are turning for me. Keep it up.
I like Hayden up to a point, but I clearly remember this actress dominating the last years of AMC.
And while I can fast forward through Nina, Franco and Ava (OH MY!) I cannot fast forward through Hayden scenes because she seems to be connected to every character I care about.
I hear ya, CeeCeeGirl! I was also thrilled by Sam’s dramatic, energized emergence as a woman in love fighting to regain her marriage and resume her rightful place beside her long-lost husband. She was forceful, passionate, yet still displayed a delicacy and fragility beneath her steely, determined exterior. And she totally obliterated any argument Liz could lamely muster as to her claim on another’s already spoken-for man…..it was a divine contrast between two very different types of females….the fallen angel of mercy vs. the one-time bad girl turned well, almost good! It were almost as if these two vets had… Read more »
Loving Nikolas and Hayden… The next GH SuperCouple 🙂
Big fan of this couple. I wasn’t happy that GH hired another actor on the show but pairing Rebecca with Tyler has been golden!! Their chemistry is crazy magnetic – as a couple should be – and they look like they’re having fun with each other.
I don’t mind them both being little troublemakers as long as they do it together!
They are a lot of fun to watch!
Thanks for the interview Michael! 🙂
Tyler is the best! He has so much respect for the show, his character and the fans. It seems he wants to tell stories again and not be so over the top. They both seem happy with the new writing team and that works for me. He gives a lot of credit to Steve Burton and seems to be warming up to Billy Miller. Oh yeah, I like how he asks the fans to open their minds about him and Hayden, reciting the history of the show. Class act, great interview.
TC/RB say Nik/Hayden are already in love? GMAFB! I’ve seen nothing but Nik once again being governed by his penis. Hayden just Britta #2. I really resent new characters who come on with biased dialogue against long established characters. Hayden doesn’t know jack about past history yet she tries to slut shame Liz ? Take a damn seat. Hayden came on this show lying and pulling a scam while selling her hoohah to the highest bidder yet she hypocritically bad mouths Liz? Nik needs to off the bitch and get it right this time.
You are oh so right, Scoma60! Hayden is nothing more than a cheap little gold digger whose instant living arrangement with Nik and intrusion into GH’s established history and order of things just plays completely wrong…..she does need to be dispensed with tout de suite! About the only place we part company is on our view of Britt….despite her mucho mistakes, Dr. Westbourne was still a professional career woman, surrogate mom for Spencer and in a genuinely loving relationship with Nik, plus she had family in Port Charles. She was an established favorite in the Port Charles landscape. The character… Read more »
Hayden is not in love with Nik. I think she may fall for him against her own will, Scoma. Hayden makes no excuses. She is what she is and admits it; just as she did, in a roundabout way, to Jason. I do not adhere to her cheating, deceiving heart, but I do admire her telling it like it is…..unlike our gorgeous, but thorny rose, Miss Lizzie. I know Hayden is the kind of character we want to hate, lol. I just can’t . I actually get a kick out of her nonchalant attitude. Shay and I go at it,… Read more »
I will take Hayden over Nina. My feeling is Stafford is trying so hard to be anti-Phyllis, that her performance meanders between being child like and insane. Last time I saw her she was flapping her arms like a bird around that black colored apartment with FATHER Franco chasing her with a net. And Franco? He is trying so hard to be anti-Franco that he ends up acting like one of the dads from Full House to both Nina and Kiki, Kiki is growing on me, however. I enjoyed her sardonic, yet, bored expression, when Dillon played the confession scene… Read more »
@Harry. I tried replying earlier, Harry. But, I seem to be having ‘technical’ difficulties. I am in transit. Lol, you depict the perfect Kiki picture. In my mind’s eye I can see that nail file you mention going, back and forth within her fingers, as Kiki looks askance at her surroundings in haughty tedium. I am starting to like this new Kiki. She enforces this almost assumed ennui as smoothly as butter on toast I see her languor, her lackadaisical attitude as a silent sign of rebellion. This girl is developing a style of her own which both surprises and… Read more »
Corrections: there should be a period after ‘toast’; He has a dark; two gems, not tow gems; recognizable.
As we all seem experience, autocorrect takes our words and runs with them.
I am curious as to why the character of Liz is getting so much hate when it was Nikolas who knew before her and ordered a hit.
As for Sam , has everyone forgot she didn’t blink an eye when she slept with Liz’s husband, Lucky?
nik and hayden have zero chemistry. i don’t get it. they barely have caught the attention of the gh audience. and the constant need for the actor who plays nik to push them shows that something is clearly wrong with this couple. if they were organic, there would be far more response to them, than mostly apathy, disgust or just a simple meh. nik was interesting as he went dark, but hayden has actually ruined the progress the character made. he is a fool now, and the cat and mouse game isn’t working because the actors don’t have the chemistry… Read more »
Hayden and Nick are currently the best couple on GH. And, heaven help me, Finola Hughes and Richard Burgi have real chemistry. So…why did they make this male catch a murderer?
You know, Tristan? You are so right! I saw that myself, but did not put too much stock into it. The constant bickering is a tell-tale sign….there is current there. Anna doesn’t know it yet, but Paul does. Unless I am completely naive and off the mark, I agree.
I see it, too, CeeCeeGirl! Paul and Anna sizzle….she’s got that love-hate thing going with this virile power player and he’s turned on by the fact he (temporarily?) has the upper-hand over this usually formidable alpha-esque woman. They make a visually-arresting couple, that’s for sure! Much better than Paul’s current alliances—sexual and otherwise— with Tracy and Ava!!!!
I have to say that I am loving General Hospital right now! It has been a long time since I was able to say that. I am thrilled that Becky Herbst is top billing as she should be. I love the chemistry she and Billy Miller has on screen. I don’t know if the show is going back to Jason and sam but I pray not as that would be a waste of both Becky and Billy. I’ve woven so many story ideas for them to play out once the rest of JasonReavled is out in the open. I am… Read more »
I miss Britt and Nicholas.
The Britch. Funny how Nick rode her out of town for being a baddy and now Nick is walking in those same shoes! Yeah, bring her back and let her and Hayden fight it out!
Well, you know what they say about karma, baby!!!! LOL. Oh, how I would love to see Britt return to reclaim her prince—if she’d even still want the sleazy loser Nik has become! Perhaps just a triumphant “I told you so” from “The Britch” would do!!!! She was clearly the one for this Cassadine and he was just too stupid to know it! My how the mighty have now fallen…..maybe the current Nik deserves no more than a trashy trollop like Hayden!
Well I’m a HUGE Tyler and Becky fan and was hoping that Nikolas and Elizabeth would be the next big romance. I’m a long time viewer and believe that the history of Liz and Nikolas is what makes them the best romantic pairing. I also like Rebeca, Hayden, but she is not the woman I want to see with Nikolas. Now that the Jason reveal has happened, it looks like we will get jasam as a couple and Nikolas and Hayden as a couple. What about Elizabeth ! she is one of my favorites outside of Tyler, and these two… Read more »
This is the most watchable interesting couple on any show right now. The cat and mouse game, the push and pull game, and the big stuff that will soon hit the fan. It certainly helps that they are really hot together and can be funny together as well. I beleive this storyline has some good potential and will give this couple so many layers so they will be even more entertaining in the future.
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 14, 2020James Scott Comments: “I Will Never. Never. Never. Never. Never, Go Back to Hollywood Let Alone DOOL”
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General HospitalOctober 20, 2020ABC Previews General Hospital’s Halloween Episode
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InterviewsOctober 16, 2020Marla Adams Talks Her Final Scenes As Dina Mergeron, The Alzheimer’s Storyline, and Her Touching Farewell
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General HospitalOctober 14, 2020Gregory Harrison Is The New Gregory Chase On General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 14, 2020Kristian Alfonso Bids Farewell to DAYS as Final Episode Airs Today Sharing; “Thank YOU From The Bottom Of My Heart For Welcoming Me Into Your Homes All Of These Years”
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General HospitalOctober 18, 2020GH’s Ingo Rademacher Shares Insight With His Son On Parenting & Anger On Maurice Benard’s “State of Mind”
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InterviewsOctober 19, 2020Y&R’s Peter Bergman Talks On Dina’s Death & How It Will Impact Jack, His Final Scenes With Marla Adams & Taping During COVID-19