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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

Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run

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Antonio Sabato Jr.

Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.

Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU  Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.

The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”

Jack Sabato

Photo: NBC

Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”

He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”

The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”

Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.

Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.

This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.

So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.

 

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A post shared by Antonio Sabato Jr (@antoniosabatojr)

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‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos

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Ayla Bullington

Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.

In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.

She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’” 

Josslyn

Photo: ABC

THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH

Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’

The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.” 

The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.

As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”

So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.

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‘General Hospital’ Favorite Amanda Setton Talks Brook Lynn and Chase’s Divorce, Jude Jacks, Baby Phoebe, and What’s Next (Exclusive)

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Amanda Setton

On General Hospital, Brook Lynn Quartermaine’s (Amanda Setton) life as she knows it has turned upside down. First, she and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed divorce papers while in  the Dominican Republic. As much as they loved each other, they just couldn’t get past all the trust issues between them.

Then, right after that, Jude Jax (Wil Traval) shows up at the Q mansion and demands to see his daughter, baby Phoebe! Brook Lynn is thrown for a complete loop. Is this guy claiming to be the biological father of Delilah Wilson’s daughter, which had been adopted by Brook Lynn and Chase, telling the truth? Brook Lynn is on her way to getting to the bottom of his claims.

Meanwhile, Brook Lynn’s portrayer, Amanda Setton just celebrated her first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination, and in the very competitive Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category. While Amanda ultimately did not take home the gold statuette, that honor went to The Young and the Restless’ longtime veteran, Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott), she was in great spirits when Michael Fairman TV caught up with her on the red carpet.

Photo: ABC

THE END OF THE LINE FOR BROOK LYNN AND CHASE

When asked how she felt about Brook Lynn being the first (between her and Chase) to put pen to paper on their divorce papers, Settton recalled, “She did. But I’m like, ‘Did she or did he kind of?’ They did it (both of them).”

Getting a new co-star and cast member can go one of two ways, great or not so great, but Amanda had nothing but high praise for Wil Traval’s entrance and performance as Jude Jacks!

THE ARRIVAL OF JUDE JAX

“Wil Traval is fabulous to work with. His debut was so amazing the other day, wasn’t it? He was just such a force and everybody’s faces and reactions when he says that he’s, ‘Jude Jacks, Jerry’s son.’ It was so good and well-played! Wil’s awesome. I’m excited for what’s to come. We’re going to have a lot of stuff together.”

Photo: ABC

According to Amanda, Brook Lynn will have her hands full in the months to come: “There’s a lot of stuff coming down the pike with Baby Phoebe. Will Chase and Brooklyn work together? Will they not? Is it really Jude’s daughter? Lots of questions!”

GRATITUDE TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY HER PEERS

For Setton, being an Emmy nominee meant the world to her, and to finally be acknowledged by her peers in a television career that spanned daytime and primetime including her performances as Kimberly Andrews on One Life to Live. But most importantly for her work in 2025 in the emotional rollercoaster of a story where Brook Lynn learns Gio (Giovanni Mazza) is her biological son.

“It means so much to me,” expressed Amanda. “It really does. I keep using this line, but I really mean it. It feels like a big hug. You know, not everybody who votes for these categories works with you. It’s really a very humbling feeling to know that your work actually touched someone and moved someone enough for them to vote for you. And getting to play the storyline that I got to play was such a privilege. It really was, with the actors I got to play it with. To be a little rewarded for it feels so nice.”

You can check out our chat with Amanda Setton on the red carpet at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards below. Then make sure to check out all the Michael Fairman Channel red carpet interviews from daytime’s biggest night here.

So, do you think Brook Lynn and Chase will unite to keep baby Phoebe away from Jude Jacks? What do you think of Wil Traval’s performances thus far as Jude? How do you see this story for the custody of baby Phoebe playing out? Were you rooting for Amanda to take home the Supporting Actress gold? Let us know via the comment section below.

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