General Hospital
Gregory Harrison Talks His General Hospital ALS Storyline, Battling Addiction, ‘Falcon Crest’ on Maurice Benard’s ‘State of Mind’
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.
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
Beyond the Gates
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
The Set Decorators Society of America has revealed its nominations for 2025-26 SDSA Awards for Television, which recognizes the work of the set decoration and production designers in primetime, streaming and daytime series.
This year, all five soap operas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless all received nominations in the Best Achievement in Decor/Design of a Daytime Series category.
In its official SDSA rule book, to qualify for the category of a Daytime Series, which includes daytime dramas, daytime talk shows, daytime game shows, and daytime children’s programming, all episodes must air before 6:00pm and must have a credited Set Decorator. For daytime dramas, the content must contain multiple plotlines that are carried over from episode to episode.
Photo: JPI
WHICH EPISODES CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPETITION?
The eligibility year for episodes runs June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Founded in 1993, the SDSA is an international nonprofit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence and preserving the legacy of the art of set decoration in motion pictures and television.
Several popular primetime and streaming titles that have wrapped their final seasons also received nods including Euphoria, Stranger Things, Hacks, Outlander, and The Boys. Popular titles such as Bridgerton.
Take a look below at the nominated scenic design teams from your favorite soaps:
Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Daytime Series
Beyond The Gates: Set Decoration by Cynthia Slagter with Production Design by Bruton Jones
The Bold and the Beautiful: Set Decoration by Prim Rosales, Beth Wooke, Prerna Chawla, Charlotte Garnell, Chelsea Mondelli, Michelle Hall, & Linda Louise Sheets with Production Design by Lou A. Trabbie III
Days of Our Lives: Set Decoration by Adele Caine & Sarah Holmes with Production Design by Tom Early & Dan Olexiewicz
General Hospital: Set Decoration by Jennifer Elliot with Production Design by Andrew Evashchen
The Young and the Restless: Set Decoration by Jennifer Haybach, Justine Mercado, Maria Dirolf, & Monica Lowe with Production Design by David Hoffmann
So, which soap opera from the calendar year of basically June of 2025 to a week ago in 2026, do you think has had the best looking sets? Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, or The Young and the Restless? Make you pick and drop it in the comment section below.
The Thursday June 4 episode of General Hospital paved way for the end of the line for Jenz Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) butler/fixer, Pascal (Marc Forget).
In the pick of the June 3 cliffhanger, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) was the hero and stopped the evil-doer from fleeing Port Charles for his part in aiding and abetting his boss with the cover-up of the murder of Professor Henry Dalton (Daniel Goddard) among other crimes.
Today’s episode did indeed mark the final appearance of Marc Forget who joined the ABC soap opera when he debuted back in July of 2025. Viewers met met Pascal when Kelly Thiebaud returned to the soap opera as Britt Westbourne and she was being blackmailed to work on Faison’s final project while at the Five Poppies in Dalmatia.
Courtesy/ABC
A General Hospital rep confirmed to Soap Opera Digest, that the June 4 episode, “Will be the last viewers will see of Pascal for now, but notes that in the world of Port Charles, comebacks are always possible.” So, how did Pascal get written-off the canvas? Here’s what went down:
PASCAL GIVES LUCAS KEY INFORMATION BEFORE BEING DRAGGED AWAY
After Sonny intercepted Pascal on his desperate attempt to get out of town, Sonny informed him hat Sidwell would stop at nothing from trying to get retribution for whoever killed his son, Marco, and promptly turned around and said that he would help Pascal flee the country, only if he turned on Sidwell.
An absolutely terrified Pascal had evidence for Sonny that he could use against Sidwell. However, he feared he would get killed on sight if he tried to retrieve the incriminating photos of Sonny and Laura from the safe at Wyndemere. So instead, Pascal gave the combination to the safe to Lucas (Van Hansis), so he could get the blackmail photos himself. But, did Pascal just set up Lucas to be killed since he loathes him for being the man to win the heart of the late Marco?
In the end, Sonny had one of his henchmen drag Pascal away and whisked off to an airfield to fly away to parts unknown, and hopefully never to be heard from again. But what now? Is Lucas going to end up being pegged as Marco’s killer and taken down by Sidwell if he gets his hands on the incriminating photos for Sonny and Laura? Stay tuned.
So, what did you think of Marc Forget’s run as Pascal? Sad or happy to see the character go? Do you think he will be back down the line? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
In one of the more far-fetched soap opera moments in recent memory, while Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen) are chatting at the Quartermaine boathouse in swimming trunks for him and a bikini for her, the two exes have a heart to heart on Wednesday’s June 3 episode of General Hospital.
The moment was set-up by Michael (Rory Gibson) and Jacinda (Paige Herschell) who want to find a way to push the exes together in order to get incriminating evidence of the two, so Michael can gain leverage over Willow for full custody of their children. once and for all. Jacinda notes how Chase definitely has a savior and white knight syndrome going on.
During Willow and Chase’s chat at the boathouse, the subject turns to how Chase was demoted at the PCPD in his efforts to help get Willow acquitted of attempted murder charges at her trial for the shooting of Drew. He has since gone from detective to patrolman. However, Willow comes up with an idea! Why doesn’t he come to work for her as her chief of staff. Willow feels he would be perfect, because he is only one of the only people she can trust.
Courtesy/ABC
WILLOW LAYS OUT THE BENEFITS OF CHASE ACCEPTING HER JOB OFFER
A surprised Chase, says he isn’t qualified, but Willow thinks otherwise. She urges him to consider the position she is offering, because it would give him a more regular schedule that would be befitting for him being a new father to baby Phoebe.
Chase’s want to know why it was so important to Willow that he take the job, she continues to explain how she trusts him, but Tracy (Jane Elliot) spots the two in a close moment and hides behind the boathouse. Willow exits, but asks Chase to promise he will think over her offer.
Next, Tracy threatens Chase that this is the last time he will cheat on her granddaughter, Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton). Knowing he didn’t “cheat” on his wife, Chase looks pissed off.
So, can you imagine, Chase as Willow’s Chief of Staff? Weigh-in if you think he will be stupid enough to take this job knowing the issues it would cause for Brook Lynn? Will the police officer ever get the clue that Willow is manipulating him like she does to everyone else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie and Brooke Have the ‘Sister’ of All Blowouts! Did Heather Tom Just Secure Another Emmy Nomination?
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
Shemar Moore Makes Another Return to ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Malcolm Winters
How ‘The Young and the Restless’ Mark Grossman Almost Became ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Thomas Forrester
Marc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’
‘General Hospital’ Cast Maxwell Caulfield as Apollo, the Suspicious Gallery Owner in Guest Appearance
‘The Bold and the Unscripted’ New Reality Competition Series Gives Actors a Shot at Role on the CBS Soap
‘General Hospital’ Casts Dean Geyer in the Role of ‘Tristan Roberts’
‘General Hospital’ Alum William Lipton Featured in ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4,’ the Next Installment from Video Game Franchise
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
How ‘The Young and the Restless’ Mark Grossman Almost Became ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Thomas Forrester
Peabo Bryson, Grammy Award-Winning Singer of Memorable ‘One Life to Live’ Theme Song, Passes Away at 75
Daytime Drama Casting Directors Talk Four of the Most Challenging and Important Recasts of Their Careers
‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Crossover Event Preview: A Tornado, Scandal and Dangerous Liaisons
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
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