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Gregory Harrison Talks His General Hospital ALS Storyline, Battling Addiction, ‘Falcon Crest’ on Maurice Benard’s ‘State of Mind’

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: JPI and ABC

Film and TV star,  Gregory Harrison is currently appearing on ABC’s General Hospital in the role of Gregory Chase.  In story, Gregory is trying to come to the terms with the fact he has ALS and is now displaying symptoms of the disease that will ultimately claim his life.

On the latest episode of Maurice Benard’s (Sonny, General Hospital) You Tube series State of Mind, the actor opens up about the challenges of playing a character with ALS, how he has battled addiction, his prime role on Trapper John M.D and Falcon Crest and much more.

In fact, it’s actually the the 40th anniversary of Harrison’s solo TV Guide cover as Dr. George Alonzo “Gonzo” Gates on Trapper John, M.D.

Photo: ABC

Speaking on his General Hospital storyline, and Gregory Chase’s battle with ALS, Harrison detailed: “He’s a complicated character any way, but we’ve added now ALS into the equation and that’s a really fun technical calibration for me. It’s a relatively quick demise – three to five years, generally for ALS, and it moves along pretty quickly. The body deteriorates pretty quickly and things happen, and there is an emotional kind of reaction to those that my character has. My character reacts to the loss of things and that’s what I am starting to be able to play.”

Harrison added, on how he is playing the nuances of ALS in the scripts he is given, “Where am I going to put in that slip and fall? Where am I going to put in that tremor in my hand? Where I am going to put in  the stumble, or the slur of this word or that word? That’s real technical stuff, but I have to layer that on top of emotional honesty of what’s going on. So, for me, it’s a buffet and I love that.”

Benard and Harrison also delved into the fact that Gregory he has been sober for 36 years. Harrison opened about how addiction changed his personality at a time when his career was riding high: “If I was the kind of person who would be regretful, then I would say that during my prime, I was busy using all my acting skills to disguise my addiction instead of building my career. ”

Photo: ABC

As his fame rose, Harrison also started his own production company. He admitted to Benard, that at the time, he was barely getting through jobs and projects: “I could act, but I wasn’t doing as good as I should have been doing. I was just persevering … pouring massive amounts of energy into enduring my addiction … not into the creative artist that I was inspired to be. And then I found my way back.” At one point, Harrison sought help at the renowned Betty Ford Center. Gregory shared that he had to hit rock bottom, in order to build himself back up again.

At the conclusion of the episode, Maurice asked Gregory how he enjoyed being part of the cast of the defunct CBS primetime soap, Falcon Crest, to which Harrison said he loved playing the role of Michael Sharp back in 1990. He compared that character to the likes of Port Charles’ Sonny Corinthos.

Check out Maurice and Gregory’s conversation below.

Let us know, are you emotional invested and enjoying Gregory Harrison’s portrayal of the ALS storyline on General Hospital? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Disappointing; I think his comments about his character Gregory and his disease are completely callous and shallow. He’s playing someone who has learned he has a horrific, fatal disease and when describing how he has to act it out says, “that’s a really fun, technical calibration for me.” What a complete lack of sensitivity to the viewer who might have the disease or their loved one might or who might have lost someone from it. Then he says, “there’s an emotional kind of reaction to that his character has.” Well, yeah, Gregory. There’d probably be an “emotional kind of reaction.” smh

Someone has to nitpick about every goddamn thing on here it is unbelievable I’m not coming on this dumb site ever again

The points I made were valid. If you don’t like my point, and choose to “nitpick” because you don’t agree with me, scroll past it and post your own opinion which I see you didn’t do. And if you choose to leave, all I can say to that is, thank you! lol

I agree with you, Rebecca. I lost my dad to ALS and as I was reading the article I thought the way he spoke of ALS was disrespectful and out of touch with how horrible the disease progression and subsequent death really is.

I lost my Dad also to this disease, but he is acting. It’s hard to imagine what someone actually goes through if it’s not real.
I think he is doing a great job and people should just stop complain about everything.

You don’t seem to understand my comment. It’s not his acting that anyone has a problem with; he’s a great actor. But when discussing playing the role he said nothing other than it was “fun” to play it and all the falls and cramps and emotions. To me and some others, we found that insensitive and callous. On another note, I hate the story; I have no desire to see such tragedy in a soap. The writers have been writing one fatal disease after another. It’s horrible.

I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, Julie. Yes; he came off not empathetic to those who have been touched by it or anything other than the satisfaction he got out of playing the different stages.

Bye, bye!

Bye

Rebecca 1

Rebecca 1
Sorry, but was/am having technical difficulties. You are so right.I was very disappointed in Mr. Harrison’s callous and cavalier attitude to something so devastating and painful, physically and mentally to patients and loved ones alike. I am rethinking my feelings about him.

I know; I was really shocked. I don’t know if you listened to the entire interview or just read the quotes above in Michael’s post, but Maurice had started off the show talking about someone he knew who had it and how devastating a disease it is; he seemed somber and empathetic. So I think when he got around to asking Gregory how he felt playing someone with it he, too, might have expected a different answer. Sigh. Sometimes it’s better if actors don’t talk, lol.

No, I didn’t see the interview. I just read the highlights and your comments. Actually I’ve gotten kind of tired of Maurices interviews as they most always get around to his own
afflictions and or similarities to the guests.

I feel the same. I don’t watch his podcast that often. But when I have? He spends most of the time talking about himself, pretends that he’s fascinated by what his guest is saying, and says “dayam” every other sentence in reaction to what his guest says. Actually, I did watch part of this interview and it was the first time he didn’t interrupt; he let Gregory actually speak! He seemed to truly be interested in Gregory’s answers, maybe because Gregory’s an experienced actor outside of soaps whom he respects. Dunno. I also don’t like how Maurice sort of mocks GH. Whenever he mentions the show it’s in a condescending way. He has no intention of staying with the show much longer, and now that he’s almost done and is no longer enthusiastic about being there, he feels he can mock it. But then what does that say about us? The viewers? It’s like he’s putting us down for watching it.(He wouldn’t have the lifestyle or his podcast if he wasn’t known from soaps; he should be a bit more appreciative.) I find I’m preferring to not know as much about actors; the more I find out the more I don’t like. Sometimes it’s better just to get lost in the characters they play…

His response on how it is to play a character with ALS also made me shake my head.

Thanks Michael. One would think it would’ve hit everyone the same way, unless they didn’t listen to his reply or truly absorb what he said, I mean, even if you didn’t listen to the actual interview, the article above has him quoted as saying in relation to playing all the nuances of the disease: “It’s a buffet and I love it.” Rather shocked how he can be so clueless…especially when he sounded more concerned about taking a life when they were discussing war (he discussed that in the actual interview). Maybe he’s the kind of person that can’t relate emotionally unless he’s gone through something on a personal level. Dunno..hard to comprehend.

Rebecca you missed the point. He was not talking about ALS, he was talking about acting.

I didn’t miss any point, He was asked how it felt to be playing someone WITH the disease. “Fun, is not exactly the response one would expect. “Where I am going to put in the stumble, or the slur of this word or that word? That’s real technical stuff, but I have to layer that on top of emotional honesty of what’s going on. So, for me, it’s a buffet and I love that” missed the point of Maurice’s question which to me, was what does it FEEL like to have such a heavy story and realize you’re playing someone with a devastating disease that has touched many. Gregory is entitled to “love” his work, but should understand that what to him is play-acting is reality to others, and express himself with a bit more sensitivity and empathy.

Gregory is doing a great job portraying a person with ALS, but this means he is going to have to leave GH since there is no cure. I’m not happy about that. Will they give him a different role so he can stay?

What happened if Gregory got misdiagnosed like Marshall. That doctor is no other than the one that is treating Sasha.

Doubt they’re going to go with a misdiagnosis as they mentioned Gregory got a second opinion at The Mayo Clinic. They wouldn’t disparage a real life institution.

The Dr. that treated Sasha will happily be gone soon, either killed or off to prison.

I thought I read that since he’s going for a second opinion it’s going to turn out to be something else. I’m sorry Rebecca that you are hurt so deeply by his answer. I had a cousin that passed from ALS and rather quickly not 3-4 years. Maybe fun was the wrong word to use. The soaps like to bring real life maladies and mobs into the storylines. I appreciate that they call attention to things that happen in the world. Maybe you could find a way to release your anger toward him by writing to him to let him know how you feel. Sending hugs.

I agree that playing the role of someone suffering, dying from ALS should never be taken lightly! I understand that someone ACTING, has no true idea of what an actual person suffering goes through. An actor or actress can only do their research and TRY to make it as believable as possible. I think he is doing the best he can treading through the complexity of such a HORRIBLE disease. I am speaking from experience, I lost my beloved sister to ALS in April 2011.. It came on out of nowhere, it took several doctors before she was diagnosed and the battle for her was UNBEARABLE!!!! She lost all of her bodily functions, she was TRAPPED inside of her body and NO ONE could help her. It still to this day breaks my heart. I will say THANK YOU for trying you’re best to portray something so devastating.

Hi Amanda; so sorry to hear about your sister. I agree; Gregory Harrison is doing a wonderful job. It’s not his acting I have a problem with. (I always liked him as an actor and was thrilled to hear he was coming aboard GH.) Until this interview I had hope that he’d been misdiagnosed because I, personally, don’t enjoy stories about fatal illness and GH seems obsessed with these fatalistic stories. I also think Gregory, the actor and the character is a great addition to the show.

My point was I didn’t like how Gregory responded in the interview when he was asked about how he felt playing someone with the disease. He said it was “fun” for him to go through the different affects/symptoms (as an actor) and to express how his character felt certain emotions because of those symptoms. His entire reply seemed like he was unaware that people in real life aren’t having “fun” with this disease. They’re stuck with the reality of it. I expected him to show more empathy for those who have gone through this in real life, or have lost someone to it… I thought he’d talk about the huge responsibility he felt in portraying someone who has it, and his hope that he and the writers do the story justice… Saying it was “fun” to go through the motions as an actor just really hit me the wrong way…

I believe that whomever Maurice has on his show, they become a target for whatever they say because of the immense hatred that some fans have for both Maurice and Laura. Let it go. Gregory is a talent. He is a wonderful actor who does a wonderful job. Lets celebrate his sobriety instead of looking for something to bitch about!

I haven’t “seen” you for years and you’re just as antagonistic as then. My point was apparently lost on you. Not shocked.

I don’t hate Maurice or Laura, Tim x3.

Very well said Timmm

If viewers are going to take this hopeless and horrendous ALS storyline journey, especially if they have endured, or are enduring, this personally, I don’t think the writers should make it an “oops” storyline just so the character stays on screen. Is this a storyline about rare misdiagnosis for ALS, or is this a story about the hopeless and devastating journey of ALS?

I have also hoped as others have that this horrible desease has been diagnosed, but have no idea what could mimic this horrible illness that has even fooled the GH doctors and The Mayo Clinic, which will be a pretty bad slam to them if they are proven wrong.

It’s so funny
Gregory played an ALS patient in
Touched by an Angel
He’s a great actor

Did anyone else think it was odd the Brit was suffering from Huntington’s disease when she died and ALS is also a neuromuscular disease?

I don’t think it odd; I think it’s the GH writes obsessed with writing devastating, incurable, diseases one after another. It’s way too depressing. I know some GH viewers are stuck on the word “HOSPITAL” in the title and therefor think GH should be full of people sick and dying. I’m not of that mindset. To me, soaps are about escapism. GH never had so many stories like this. Never. And when they did they were space apart. It’s way too dark; depressing which is why I’ve been loving the levity, the music, the warmer scenes that the temp writers have been writing. I WISH they hadn’t mentioned that Gregory got a second opinion from the Mayo Clinic, a real life, very reputable, hospital. They should have never written this story…but once they realized so many people didn’t want to watch this they should have left themselves a way to backpedal..

Very good story line. And add a cure to the story line that he lives

I don’t know if anyone remembers the multitalented actor Michael Zaslow who played not one but two extremely different characters on The Guiding Light (from which he was fired apparently) who actually had ALS and used it as a character on One Life to Live in a storyline. I too thought the wording was odd but I imagine Mr Harrison is very grateful he is acting rather than living with the disease. It would be a very tall order to do the part justice.

OMG, what a wonderful actor he was. I remember crying for days after his death, although he played such a despicable character. I noticed it very soon, something about the way he moved his mouth and than not too long after he made the announcement. R.I.P Michael, your fans will never forget you.

I love his storyline he portrays ALS so well and it actually makes me very emotional watching it, so he’s doing a excellent job pretending so kudos to Gregory Harrison, I think that’s why I love watching This soap opera because they discuss mental illness and not to mention different issues that affect us everyday on a daily basis! I think the storyline I loved the most well actually there were three storylines I loved the most were Mikes Alzheimer’s and Morgan’s bipolar those were absolutely incredible! I love Maurice he plays such a talented character!

In December my health took a turn for the worse I became very weak fast and could not even eat When I say fast I mean going from eating a full plate of food to three days later not being able to drink a a sip of water I went to VA hospital emergency room for dehydration and figure they schedule me for a feeling tube placement They admitted me and two weeks later I woke up to my standing over me in the hospital room this occurred during my second or third drug holiday from Radicava Again no way to know if what I experienced was a side effect When I was discharged I was completely paralyzed So i started on Ayurvedic treatment from Natural Herbs Centre as time went on movement returned to my legs and to my arms and hands Able to hold my head up and strength has returned I give credit to God and NHC for my recovery Almost forgot to mention I was on 24 hours ventilation Now only use vent at night and during naps Was diagnosed in 2021 with ALS, The website name is naturalherbscentre .com We’re a little scared to tell everyone because some people might not believe us, since there’s no cure for ALS. But when I saw this post, I decided to share our story. This treatment is a breakthrough!

I was diagnosed with (ALS) Lou Gehrig’s Disease 2 years ago. Unfortunately, I’m getting worse each day. I keep my faith in God always.

I think it was an unfortunate choice of words for Mr. Harrison – I doubt he meant any disrespect for those who have been affected by ALS (I had a friend who died of ALS about 10 years ago – left behind a wife and 4 children). GH made a questionable choice in identifying the disease, that everyone knows is fatal. They could make it a public service, highlighting current medical research , new treatments, help for patients and families to cope with ALS, etc. Nothing in that direction that I’ve heard – maybe still to come.

ALS is a cruel disease. My mum is 83 and had great difficulty speaking and swallowing much of anything. Food was getting trapped in her throat and blocking her air way was happening more often. she battled for each breath. The riluzole did very little to help her. The medical team did even less. Her decline was rapid and devastating. The psychological support from the medical centre was non-existent and if it were not for the sensitive care and attention of our primary physician, there she would have died. There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. Acupuncture eased her anxiety a bit. this year our primary physician started her on Natural Herbs Centre ALS/MND Ayurvedic treatment, 6 months into treatment she improved dramatically. It has been a complete turnaround with her speech, she no longer needs the feeding tube to feed, the treatment is a miracle. She recovered significantly! Visit Naturalherbscentre . com

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter

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On the Friday, June 26 episode of General Hospital, emotional moments, a new duo on the run, the end of the line for Britt and an eye-opening moment between Anna and Felicia were the order of the day. Let’s take a look at what went down, but first let’s give a round of applause for Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Finn Carr (Rocco) on their goodbye scenes.

In the story, Rocco insists to his parents, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Lulu (Alexa Havins) that he wouldn’t leave Tortola without Britt. Dante is getting impatient because Britt brought all the trouble in recent months to his son. They need to protect him and they can’t if he stays with Britt. Lulu tells Britt she is the only one who can do the right thing, right now.

Britt explained it is too dangerous for Rocco to stay with her. She was very selfish and made a lot of terrible decisions along the way and Cullum is tracking her down because she did not finish the project he enlisted her for. She convinces Rocco to go with his parents and gives him a little token of something that reminded her of when he was a baby which is a bottle to blow bubbles with.

Courtesy/ABC

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Rocco makes Britt promise to take her medication to ward off her Huntington’s disease symptoms and to keep changing locations so she is not caught. The two share a final hug as both are in tears. Dante makes a call. While in the car ready to leave Britt behind, Rocco says he will never forgive himself is something happened to Britt.

Back inside, Britt is ready to inject herself with her medication but is unaware that Cullum has now tainted it with poison! But she is saved from that, when two police officers burst through the door to arrest her for kidnapping charges! Did Dante call the local police? Is he doing this to keep her safe or to pay her back?

In Port Charles, Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) arrives at Crimson, completely unaware that the man in the elevator is following her. Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Charlotte have an argument about Willow (Katelyn MacMullen). Suddenly, Willow calls her mother that she is being questioned by the PCPD, and Nina learns, it is as a suspect for being the other driver that left Jordan and Curtis injured by the side of the road on Route 91.

ARRIVALS AND DESTINATIONS IN QUESTION

Chase (Josh Swickard) comes to Willow’s rescue much to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Justine’s (Nazneen Contractor) chagrin. Willow learns Lucy  and Drew are the supposed witnesses against her. Chase figures out when Joe (Jonathan Bennett) was alone with Drew, he got him to blink in a way that implicated her. However, in a shocking moment, Justine reveals that the trip log from Willow’s BMW SUV placed her at the scene of the accident just second before it occurred.

Meanwhile, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) comes by Crimson to see Charlotte. He says he broke into the WSB office to get info to expose Cullum as a double agent. Charlotte blows a gasket! She can’t believe that he would do something so stupid that it could have gotten him killed. She firmly tells Danny that best thing he can do to help Jason is to stay out of things. Danny storms out, but notices the stranger in the elevator who now steps into the Crimson lobby.

Courtesy/ABC

The man tells Charlotte he is Agent Mark McKay with the WSB and he has orders to bring her in. When she resisted, he was about to chloroform her, when Danny knocked him out and took off with Charlotte.

ANNA PUTS HER TRUST IN FELICIA

In France, after having some private time with Emma (Braedyn Bruner), Anna (Finola Hughes) wants to talk to Felicia (Kristina Wagner). She tells her best friend she was trying to figure out what memories of her past with Faison, she could trust and not trust. Since Felicia knows her best she is hoping she can believe what she is about to tell her.

It is then that Anna says, “Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) is not who he says he is.” Felicia looks dumb-founded. Will she believe her friend … or think she has drummed this all up in her mind? Stay tuned.

So, what did you think about the goodbye scenes featuring Finn Carr and Kelly Thiebaud? Did you reach for the hankies? Do you believe that soon, Cassius will be caught for his duplicity and the truth about Britt’s “illness” will come to light? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below. But first check out the scenes featuring Anna on her road to recovery in France

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‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’

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Last weekend, we shared the news that General Hospital alum and Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos) was releasing his first single today on June 26th and it has indeed dropped! And for those readers who guessed that Duell’s first track out of the gate was going to be an EDM/Dance/House track … you are correct, sir!

The song entitled, “If You Need Me” is perfect for the late night clubs and can be found on Spotify and other major streaming platforms! Duell is noted as the performing artist, but as the composer/ lyricist and the beatmaker of the track. For his music projects, Chad is going solely by the name of “Duelly” which has been his social media handle for years.

Taking to his Instagram on Friday, Duell explained his deep dive into making music, expressing, “I’ve wanted to make music for a long time… I just never did it. It always felt like this huge, overwhelming thing to learn. All the technical side of it, the programs, everything that goes into actually building a track… it was easy to keep pushing it off.  A couple months ago I finally just decided to go for it.”

Photo: JPI

BIT BY BIT PUTTING IT TOGETHER

Chad added, “Since then I’ve been putting in a lot of time learning, experimenting, figuring things out, and slowly starting to find a sound I’m really proud of. This first release is more of a dance/EDM vibe, but I’ve also been working on a lot of different styles behind the scenes that I’m just as excited about. At some point I realized I could keep holding onto everything trying to make it perfect… or I could just start putting music out and grow as I go.”

Stepping out of his own way, Duell firmly says, “So that’s what I’m doing.  My first track “If You Need Me” is out now. More coming soon… this is just the beginning.”

As GH viewers know, Chad made the decision to step away from General Hospital after a 15-year run with the series where his last episode aired in January of 2025. By May of last year, the role was recast with Rory Gibson debuting in the part.

Give a listen below to Duelly’s “If You Need Me,” and let us know what you thought of it via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL: What Did You Think of the Return of Anna Devane, and What’s In the Letter?

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Finola Hughes made her dramatic return on-screen on the Wednesday, June 24 episode of General Hospital. Viewers will see Finola as Anna Devane again on tomorrow’s June 26th episode.

In the story, while in the French mental health facility, Anna has a session with Dr. Laurent. She tell her she now knows she was never kidnapped and that Cesar Faison is dead.

As she continued with her ruse, she went on to say she understands she was enlisted back into the WSB on a secret mission, and through that she relived all the trauma she endured by Faison, which caused her to have a psychotic break. Anna promises Dr. Laurent that her treatment plan had helped her so much in figuring out what was real, and what was in her imagination.

Courtesy/ABC

ANNA’S GOT HER OWN PLAN TO ESCAPE

In a smart move (hopefully) Anna told Laurent if she could talk to someone else who had known Faison that it might aid in her recover. She was given the phone and she called Felicia (Kristina Wagner), who agreed to fly to France in the morning. Dr. Laurent claims she is pleased with Anna’s progress, but that they still have a very long long way to go.

Now by herself, Anna pulled out a packet of letters from a bedside table. There is one in particular that she is fixated on. What does it contain? Is this all a part of her escape plan? Will she warn Felicia that “Nathan” is really Cassius (Ryan Paevey)? If so, will Felicia even believe her?

In a summer preview with Soap Opera Digest, GH co-head writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten shared, “We’ll see echoes of Anna’s earliest incarnation as she returns to Port Charles with deadly intentions.”

So, were you happy to see Anna Devane back on your screens? What do you think is in the particular letter she was staring at? Will Felicia help Anna escape or not believe a word she says? Weigh-in via the comment section.  But first, you can check out some of the scenes from Anna’s on-screen return below.

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