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Gregory Harrison On GH’s Gregory’s Battle with ALS: “He’s Not Going to be Able to Continue to Keep the Disguise of Being a Completely Healthy Fella”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

General Hospital is known for tackling social issues of our time, and heartbreaking medical dramas. The latest is Gregory Chase’s battle with ALS played by actor Gregory Harrison.

Currently in story, Gregory has not told his sons Chase (Josh Swickard) and Finn (Michael Easton), or anyone in his immediately family, that he is afflicted with his most terrorizing disease.  Thus far, Gregory has only shared the news of his diagnosis with Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn).

But as we have seen on the soaps, keeping health conditions a secret all have a way of coming out at the most inopportune or most riveting time in the storyline.

Photo: ABC

In the current issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, Gregory Harrison spoke on his character’s plight and resolve to not let anyone in. However, as the symptoms of ALS manifest itself, Gregory Chase finds himself conflicted on what to do next and in a scene between his character, Brook Lynn and Chase, he wants to get his son and his girlfriend to get married sooner than later.

Gregory Harrison offered up: “I don’t think he’s thinking ‘I’m going to ask them to lunch and I’m going to try to get them to get married,’ or anything like that. But I think it’s eating away at him, his own eventual demise. Everything for him revolves now around looking down the road and trying to make sure that his family is happy and taken care of and prepared for his departure.”

Photo: ABC

When Gregory has his symptoms show up while with his granddaughter, Violet, (Jophielle Love) it’s a game-changer for him. It becomes a moment truth.  Harrison expressed: “He’s not going to be able to continue to keep up the disguise of a completely healthy fella.”

So, what do you think of Gregory Harrison’s portrayal thus far of Gregory dealing with the onset of ALS? Are you looking forward to seeing how this story plays out on General Hospital? Comment below.

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I think it’s a horrible story and I don’t know why GH feels it has to “teach” its viewers about every horrific disease known to man. It’s not about not caring; it’s not about not being empathetic. It’s knowing that diseases like this exist, can effect any of us or those we love which is why I personally love escapism; to not think about all the horrors that can befall us. These current writers (not the temp writers) have gone from brain tumors to leukemia to alzheimers to brain dead babies to Huntingtons and now this. It’s not what I tune in for and I won’t watch this story.

The hospital was a place for characters to gather; to meet, fall in love, gossip, solve crimes, bring in victims of crime…with an occasional medical story and most of those stories had cures. This is way too much.

I wonder if this is what Gregory Harrison signed up for. Why would they want to write off this very popular actor? Why not keep the door open if the reason was he didn’t want full time soap work? My understanding was he was brought in to be a love interest for Alexis. Instead, he was rarely on, when he was he was taking care of Violet, and as soon as it seemed he and Alexis finally got around to their part of the story we learned of his diagnosis.

Utterly, totally, depressing story. If people enjoy fictional stories on fatal illness let them rent a film. But to keep throwing in suffering and disease on GH means that viewers have to tune out on as show they otherwise enjoy, And to top it off, this was immediately following complaints they got on Britts’ diagnosis.

OMG, you are so right and I totally agree. It’s like they aren’t happy unless they have someone sick and dying from something. This thing with Gregory, I was hoping for a misdiagnosis but we have never even seen him at a Dr’s appointment and yet he tells Alexis he’s getting worse. I have so much sympathy for the guy but on the other hand he’s a pain in the butt with him not doing anything or telling his son’s. We just got through Willow’s illness and now Curtis and poor Sasha which they could have written out for a while instead of putting her through this Gladys and rotten Dr. induced agony.At least Nina is living up to true form, wanting to know all of Sonny’s business and since when was Sonny’s P.House ” our home”? I’m getting off track now and rambling, just too much to find fault with these days.

For me Violet, Willow, Curtis, and Sasha’s stories don’t bother me that much because all of them will have happy endings. Curtis will no doubt walk again, and Cody will probably ride to Sasha’s rescue and hopefully they’ll become a couple (and let Mac know FINALLY that Cody’s his son) and obnoxious Willow, lived. But Britt’s story was never going to have a happy ending. Had Kelly Theibaud stayed with GH we would have watched her deteriorate and die. I guess the writers couldn’t fulfill that dream (sarcasm) so they moved on to Gregory and decided to give him an even more horrific disease.

I can’t watch these types of stories with no hope. I find them too stressful, frightening, and depressing. I’m well aware what could befall any of us, and I don’t need it played out on a show. To top it off, they’re destroying this adorable family: Finn, Chase, Violet, and Gregory, who are so close; they’re always uplifting to see. And instead of that family growing maybe with Finn and Liz, Chase & Brook Lynn, Gregory and Alexis (and her family) OR with Tracy (had Jane decided to stay longer) they’re going to do another gut-wrenching story. As if covid and other diseases and the political situation and just about everything isn’t heavy enough in real life, these writers are brainstorming how many fatal illnesses they can cram in back-to-back.

I like Gregory (the actor and the character). I just won’t watch if we don’t find out he’s been misdiagnosed. From the actor’s comments in this piece I’d assume he hasn’t.

Huntington’s Disease and ALS are EQUALLY HORRIFIC Diseases! I have seen loved ones who have suffered from both!

Rebecca, I so agree with you, I love GH, and I do love that they tackle heart breaking storylines, but its been a couple of bad years for the country, most of us are still affected by how horrible covid has been to the world, and I want escapism. I don’t want to have to see a major character die of the horrible disease of the month or week or year. Leave that for something to tackle maybe every couple of years, and if you want to play doctor with major characters have them do doctor check up to check on their high blood pleasure, or maybe diabetes but enough with killing of characters with these heartbreaking diseases.

Hi Aria; I never watch stories on fatal diseases. I don’t care which show or how many accolades a film received, it’s not something I want to have in my mind. I’m already concerned enough with reality and all the possibilities that can befall me or someone I love. I truly don’t want to get attached to a character only to watch and feel that anguish or that fear. Between the producer (Frank Valentini) & the writers, there doesn’t seem to be a brain cell between them. WHY would they think this is something a viewership still dealing with covid being out there, families having lost loved ones, etc, that people would look forward to a story about yet another fatal illness, loss of mobility, etc. They literally just got through with Britt having to cope with hers, and we, the viewers, who loved the character, having to watch her despair. I can’t… Makes no sense that this is what they’ve come up with for this charming actor and his likeable character. Gregory Harrison may appreciate the intensity and the responsibility as an actor to play the role, but the better he plays it the more it would bring me down.

In response to Rebecca, I understand what you’re saying. If I want an escape I pop in The Sound Of Music. G. H has always been about current things of importance. You’re still watching it.

Idiotic reply. Thanks.

Actually Toni is correct. Just because you don’t agree with her assessment Rebecca1..doesn’t make it valid.

Totally agree!!! I wish they would listen to the viewers just ONCE in a while!!!

GH has been a bitter boring!! Watching since a teenager on n off. Now everyday…we can record…lol. I’d love to see Ned retrieve his memory, Nina get busted n Sonny leave her. In my opinion it will put some suspense n action going. Cannot believe Sonny hasn’t seen Nina for who she really is. Just my opinions n suggestions.

I totally agree with you. Terrible story line.

I complete agree Rebecca. They introduce a new character we all love and he’s going to die. As far as I’m concerned they could have let Willow die and keep Gregory. I live his character so much more than whiny Willow. I am so bored with some of the other storylines. Give Gregory life and let him and Alexis live happily never after.

I agree. Keep Gregory and live happily with Alexis. A great couple. Also Sonny dump Nina she’s obnoxious.

Some of the most memorable stories GH has done have been about AIDS, BJ dying, Monica’s breast cancer, Mike’s alzheimers…it’s been this way since the show started. What you’re asking to see is a sitcom, not a soap OPERA.

You can’t watch The Price Is Right and ask them to stop playing so many games.

I agree and isn’t General HOSPITAL the name of this game? Of course there is gong to be medical story lines.

Wow, your comments capture my thoughts on this topic precisely. I really liked the arc his character had been on and my heart sank when I learned of this development. I won’t be watching this storyline either,lol.

I % agree. Why? He is- fabulous actor and an asset to GH’s cast. Why give him a disease that has no cure. Another great actor bites the dust! Shame on you General Hospital! I am so disappointed at these depressing storylines lately.

%agree. Why? He is- fabulous actor and an asset to GH’s cast. Why give him a disease that has no cure. Another great actor bites the dust! Shame on you General Hospital! I am so disappointed at these depressing storylines lately.

100% agree. Why? He is- fabulous actor and an asset to GH’s cast. Why give him a disease that has no cure. Another great actor bites the dust! Shame on you General Hospital! I am so disappointed at these depressing storylines lately.

What did you expect might happen when he was diagnosed in real life? Fact is, unfortunately, he is really getting worse. I’m praying for him. This was actually an unexpected turn of events. He wasn’t diagnosed til he was already a member of the cast.

I agree with Rebecca. We’ve heard of this awful disease and how devastating it is. I watch soaps to escape to the realities of life. Watching a horribly depressing story line is not an escape. The actor is doing a superb job, but we don’t need to watch this.

Thank you Serlinda. Exactly.

G. H I’m a part of these conversations. Why are you not posting mine. Because I don’t agree with everything that’s said?

OMG!!!! I’m happy they are portraying Gregory with ALS! IT OPENED MY EYES TO THE HEARTACHE THAT THIS DISEASE DOES TO, NOT ONLY THE PERSON AFFLICTED WITH THIS TERRIBLE DISEASE, BUT THE FAMILY!!!! CUDOS TO THE GH WRITERS!!!! I KNOW THAT WHEN GREGORY GETS WORSE I WILL NEED A CASE OF TISSUES!!!!

You needed GH to tell you this? The disease has been around forever. Sandra Bullock’s boyfriend just died of this. Michael Zaslow, the soap actor, died of it. There was the ice challenge a while back which was in the news, celebrities along with non celebrities participated in it to raise awareness. Stephen Hawking was incredibly renowned, had it for years,until he recently passed. It’s a horrific, degenerative, disease that is not “entertainment.” And we don’t watch GH to get informed; (contrary to what a few think). We watch for escapism and for “soapy” problems. When people on a soap get sick they usually get better. In GH’s sixty years they barely had fatal disease; Stone had AIDS when the disease first came around and yes, at the time that was very informative (as well as heartbreaking, devastating, and something that still brings tears to my eyes when I think of the Stone’s death scene) as it was a new disease that was in the news and on everyone’s minds at the time. There was a stigma around it and the story was able to break through for people to understand that it wasn’t “just” a gay mans disease, it touched everyone. It gave the disease a face.

My point is if you and a few others salivate over getting close to a character only to see him physically and emotionally suffer, want to watch him deteriorate, go into spasms, no longer be able to do things for himself, watch him face his own death, his future and all its endless possibilities be taken from him, watch his sons and grandchild go through grief because your life is so tragedy-free that you feel you need a huge does of ongoing sorrow in a daily soap, you’re in luck.

Isn’t the current world situation sad enough we got through the pandemic for the most part. All the other sad stories in GH are still ongoing. When will there be a little excitement with nostalgia, crime, solving, love in the afternoon, intrigue, etc. Why did the riders think we need sad, sad stories with diseases and heartbreak and betrayal. Isn’t there enough of that in real life?

I so agree with all. There have been TOO many devastating illness on this show. Before characters would “die” but they always show back up. I understand they are wanting to show “real life” crisis events, but enough already.

I agree. I won’t be able to stomach it as the storyline progresses. I lost my dad to ALS.

Once Al’s has been diagnosed you have about 5 years to live. It takes its toll differently but quickly. I hope the writers take this serious.

I say, good for this story line! More people should be aware it can happen to anyone, any day, any disease!!! Like this real life connection!!! Keep the story line moving forward…

I watched my brother-in-law die from ALS. It’s real life alright, no one deserves to suffer from this debilitating disease let alone watch your loved ones suffer from it.
I have watched GH since the 60’s and I don’t care to watch an incurable disease storyline. I prefer hope and rehabilitation.

Most people are aware of all the things we can die from at any given moment, heart attacks, strokes, etc,etc. It doesn’t mean we want to watch beloved characters suffer through these things on a daily basis, or maybe some people get off on this kind of sadistic crap., so you enjoy it,o.k?
,

I recently lost a close friend to this Horrible disease very rapidly thru the early Pain in her muscles we lost her in a matter of weeks & Months till she requested Hospice care & went quickly to avoid the suffering RIP Sweet Friend Jennifer Esser// Amen

Yes I really want to see how Gregory handles.his ALS and how he.tells both Finn and Chase about his condition. I really want to see his plight with his medical condition with both his sons. I love Gregory in General Hospital.

You love him yet you want to watch him suffer and die? Great story. (Eyes up in head).

OMG, you are sadistic to say the least.

Some of the best, most well received storylines in GH history have been medical stories. The Stone/Robin AIDS story, BJ’s death/Maxie receiving her heart, Monica’s breast cancer, Mike’s Alzheimer’s, Lulu’s blood disorder when she was a baby that brought The Cassadine’s back to town etc.

The show literally has the word “Hospital” in the title. I don’t understand complaining about medical stories whatsoever. Medical stories have been part of the DNA of GH since day one. Sometimes characters live, sometimes they die. It’s called daytime drama for a reason.

I personally enjoy watching a show like GH because of the variety of stories they tell us, the variety of emotions they can make us feel. They can make us happy, make us laugh, make us mad, make us sad, make us cry, make us think. That’s escapism to me. It’s not all sunshine and roses, it’s not all doom and gloom, it’s a mix, and I think they do a great job maintaining that mix.

Gregory Harrison is a great actor, and he’s gonna play this story for all it’s worth. I’d rather watch him portray a real life, serious illness as an actor than see him sitting in the office with Alexis blabbing about the newspaper, or babysitting Violet. Those scenarios are boring to me. A well told medical story, that’s classic daytime drama!

BJ died from a bus accident. Maxi lived. Monica survived breast cancer. Lulu survived her blood disorder. Watching a 16 year-old Oscar deal with imminent death and die of a brain tumor, watching a 30-something, vibrant, Britt learn she was going to go through a degnerative disease and die, watching Franco run around hoping for a cure for a more fatal brain tumor, watching Sasha and Brando go through grief over a brain-dead baby, and now watching a charming relatively new character go through spasms and degenerate knowing he will soon become dependent and die is not “entertainment” or escapism. The world “Hospital” in the tile was never meant to be a show about fatal disease, death, grief. The hospital was the hub for the doctors, nurses, lawyers, cops, criminals, to gather and cross paths, develop romance, gossip, etc. GH has become a steady stream of fatal illness. It’s freaking depressing,

I’m sorry you feel that way, Rebecca. I usually find myself agreeing with most of your comments here. We just have a strong difference of opinion on this one. I’ll leave it at that.

Sorry if I’m so adamant about this Dan. I just truly abhor stories about fatal illness. We’re all too vulnerable as are those we love. People who watch soaps could be battling illness, be a caregiver, have just lost somone, etc. I don’t see the point or the joy in watching a show that causes sorrow; that’s all this story will be. Poignant moments with the knowledge of what lays ahead. I want to escape into soaps and I in no way agree with people who think soaps shoudl be the place they “learn” about things. A few social issues thrown in; okay. But fatal diseases? No; that’s not escapism. There’s plenty of drama to be had that doesn’t include gut-wrenching loss of life and grief. To top it off, we have to watch a character many of us have gotten close to go through the stages. Not sure WHY anyone would want to watch that. Maybe they haven’t experienced something tragic in their own lives yet and can detach; not so easy for those who know what life can bring.

Very well said

My uncle passed from ALS and as long as long as the story is presented compassionately I don’t have a problem with it . But the LGBTQrstuvwxyz /<×@! story lines are horseshit.

My brother passed away with ALS. Horrible disease. So sad..

I believe that they should bring in a real life ALS actor someone like Kenneth Mitchell who can bring substance to the story line.

I don’t agree with Rebecca at all….
I think that more information you have about any disease is power!!!! I’m glad g.h
Is doing this story about Gregory, just like they did the story of ” stone & Robin about h.iv. and aids ”
Keep doing those stories g.h.
Number 1 fan since 1979
Love you all g.h.
❤ suz

Then ask your doctor or look at an organization online that can give you info. Most don’t want to see a beloved character lose mobility, become dependent, have no future to look forward to, and die. How utterly morbid, sad, scary, and the opposite of what escapism is all about.

I do not like this storyline. I love the actor and would like to see him characterized differently. Very disappointing.

Don’t the doctors at GH know that there is now a medication that fights ALS?

Well, if they do, they are saving it as a last ditch effort to saving Gregory’s life.

There’s no cure for this disease.

I don’t enjoy the storyline ..I wish they bring Sam Dad back. Why they release him for what. Like I said William Defery needs to come back. ..and Jason needs to come back for Sam

General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.

Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.

In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

WHERE IS SCOTT?

On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.

In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”

The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.”  Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.

So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Seeks Answers For Sonny, Drew Gloats, and Chase is in for a Battle

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Chase, Jason and Drew

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, getting to the bottom of truth is paramount for several characters, but who will continue to lie and who might break?

In the latest video spoilers for the week of October 19-23, Sonny (Maurice Benard) needs to prove that he is innocent in orchestrating the prison beatdown of Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner). His girlfriend, ADA Justine Turner (Nazneen Contractor), wants to seemingly turn him to as she is seen saying, “I won’t give up until Sonny is behind bars,” to none other than Drew (Cameron Mathison)!

Meanwhile, it looks like Sonny has pulled Jason back in to to help him clear his name telling him to, “Find out whatever you can.” Later, we see Jason (Steve Burton) posing the question to someone, “Did you frame Sonny for it?” Did he go to Pentonville to confront Sully?

Britt and Jude

Photo: ABC

Elsewhere, Chase (Josh Swickard) and Monet (Blythe Howard) get set to dissolve Chase’s marriage to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) who now has lawyered up with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). Monet tells Chase, “We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” Chase fires back ,“I don’t want a battle!” Is the battle over baby Phoebe, or a down and dirty fight just to get a divorce?

Then, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) is reeling with happiness in the best possible way, after apparently sharing four kisses with mysterious stranger Jude (Wil Traval) at the Brown Dog Bar. Britt tells Lucas (Van Hansis) all about her evening. But, who is Jude and did he target Britt, or is he truly enamored with her? Stay tuned.

SPOILERS

Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 19-23.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Britt makes an intriguing deal. Trina is unsettled. Anna checks in on Sonny. Carly gets the third degree from Lucas. Jason calls out Serena.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Carly puts her heart on the line. Alexis delivers shocking news to Valentin. Sonny has a warning for Jason. Justine makes Drew an offer. Portia is wary of Monet.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Anna seeks out Valentin. Britt’s attitude raises eyebrows. Molly seeks Alexis’s advice. Jason makes an offer to Lucy. Tracy and Cody catch up.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Britt has juicy gossip for Lucas. Chase is thrown for a loop. Emma puts on her detective hat. Michael and Jordan await medical news. Ava is put on the spot.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Ava pitches a dangerous plan to Drew. Jason calls out Josslyn. Ric and Monet go toe to toe. Lulu is discouraged. Sonny dangles a tantalizing deal.

Take a look at the latest GH promo, “Worst Case Scenario” below.

Now weigh-in: Will Jason figure out that Drew and Ava were behind framing Sonny? Do you want Chase to get parental rights to baby Phoebe? Do you like the attraction between Britt and Jude, or is something more nefarious going on with the guy? Let us know in the comment section below.

 

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‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Talks On Where Joe Fitzpatrick is Headed and Soap Opera Shirtless Scenes

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Jonathan Bennett

It had become abundantly clear that roomies Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) and PCPD detective Joe Fitzpatrick (Jonathan Bennett) seem destined towards a romance on General Hospital.

In fact, to get Lucas all hot and bothered (although he does fully let on), during the Friday, October 16 episode, the good doctor helps Joe pick out something less stuffy to wear to a bar to meet people.

However, the moment is met with Joe taking off his shirt in front of Lucas and doing a quick change from sport coat and button down shirt to a more relaxed casual button down shirt. In fact, the ABC soap opera even called out the moment as their clip of the day (see below).

Lucas and Joe

Courtesy/ABC

MAJOR STORY TEASE FOR JOE

Bennett spoke with OUT in a new feature about what may be on the horizon for the by-the-book Joe and the moral Lucas, and how he learned that once the producers and writers on a soap script in a shirtless scene, if it goes over well, said actor, can expect many more in the months to come!

“I’m so excited for the audience to see where my character goes on General Hospital. It’s going to be monumental and I think people are going to love it,” teased Bennett. “I was shirtless in an episode and so petrified to shoot it,” he added. “I wanted to look my best and feel good. I really worked hard to get my body to a good place and I did it.”

STAYING CAMERA READY

However as Jonathan points out, now he is finding himself half-naked in upcoming scenes as officer Joe! “I think I shot myself in the foot! Now that I did it once and it turned out well, every few weeks I read a script and I’m coming out of the shower, changing my shirt, or in the bathtub,” revealed Jonathan.

So, how does he keep camera ready? “I’m in the gym more, I have a better diet,” pointed out Bennett. “You have to stay healthy if you’re going to be shirtless every few weeks! I’m gay, an only child, and an actor. Of course I love the attention!”

While Bennett’s Port Charles story is going to reveal itself in the coming months, you can also see Jonathan back as the host of The Food Network’s Halloween Wars 16th season which concludes on Sunday, October 25.

Now below. check out the scene in question from Friday’s GH entitled, “Lose the Shirt.”

Weigh-in: What do you think will be “monumental” that Jonathan has teased that viewers will find out about Joe in the coming weeks? Are you feeling the on-screen chemistry between Joe and Lucas? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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