General Hospital
Hillary B. Smith Teases How One Life's Nora Winds Up On General Hospital!
Photo: ABC
Circle March 6th when Hillary B. Smith debuts on her short run as OLTL’s Nora Buchanan on General Hospital! TV Line recently posted a chat with the beloved Daytime Emmy winning vet on how it came to pass that Nora will wind up in Port Charles, and just who she might cross paths with.
Smith revealed how she was contacted to reprise her most famous soapy role: “When it first came up, it wasn’t really in the cards. (When ABC cancelled OLTL) we had the whole Prospect Park thing going on, and I went with Prospect Park (and OLTL‘s online continuation). When that kind of ended, I figured that with all of the lawsuits going on, Nora was pretty much retired. But when the decision was made and a judicial answer came forth (in December), it was pretty much the next day that I got the call from Frank (Valentini) — and it was very surprising. I did not expect it at all. It was like, ‘Hey, you want to come play for a little bit?’ I was like, ‘As long as it’s fun,’ and he said, ‘I’m going to tell you something — you’re going to enjoy these people,’ and he was absolutely right.”
As to who Nora will interact with in PC, Smith only would tease: “Well, I can’t get into any of the specifics. All I can say is I was asked to come to Port Charles for some sort of legal thing, and that’s what I went and did!” Hillary added, “You’ll get nothing from me! I’m not supposed to say a word. But there are a lot of things cooking in Port Charles. They were talking me through things and I was like, ‘Really? And that’s going on too? Really?'”
As to if she spent some time with former One Lifers now on GH, Michael Easton and Roger Howarth, Smith expressed: What’s really fun was seeing all these old buddies that I hadn’t seen. The first person I saw was Roger Howarth (Franco; Todd, OLTL). And then Michael Easton (Finn; John, OLTL) came around the corner. “
So, who will need Nora’s legal expertise on GH? Share your thoughts below!
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Training time with the WSB.. Anna & Valentine secrets exposed. Our Nora will help tie things up 4 Anna with her expertise.
That’s a great idea!
How long is her stint? I was hoping she’d be on permanently! I’d like to know how many episodes we will see her on? I would also like to see more OLTL Characters on GH! I would Love for ABC to bring OLTL and AMC Back, put them on for 30min. each, or do a combined one hour show. They both are set in Pa. Cannot wait to see Nora again!
And how would you do it if it were up to you just curious.
Is she not the new DA??
That’s what I thought, but on today’s show , they mentioned a female shark attorney for Valentin’s family court thing. For once I would like to see someone outsmart Diane, because I hate the idea of Lulu getting Charlotte, even if she is her bio mother, which I refuse to believe, yet!
I’m now confused about her role due to the reference of it being short-term. I thought she was taking on the role of DA, which to me sounded like long-term presence. If Hilary’s only going to be on GH for a short time, that’s a huge disappointment. So much hype is created, as was done with Tonya Walker, there is hope for some storylines of greater interest and better acting, and then we hear it’s just short-term. Get the screwball characters like Nelle and Amy off the ABC payroll and retain some good long-term actors. Good grief.
I love Hillary B. Smith and Nora Hanen Gannon Buchanan is a force of nature!!!!!!!!!!!. I’m sure she’ll knock them dead in Port Charles.
Yeah, whatever she does, she’ll be great. Maybe her hubby will have a cameo? I can only hope–Bo, come on down!
I love Hillary, she is a wonderful actress. I wish they signed her to a contract. Maybe down the road, they can bring Tuc Watkins to GH as David Vickers.
I’ll hold out hope that it’s Olivia Jerome, who admits to masquerading as Alex Olanov in Llanview
Steve, what a great idea!
It will be great to see Hillary again–she has been missed.
I like Nora ; I’d love to see Victor Lloyd , Jr. on the show because if the big wigs had been fair, One Life to Live should be the show that survived the ABC AX!
The Mayor of Port Charles should fire
I’m thrilled to see Nora back in action, even though I’ve watched OLTL & AMC, since they began, GH wasn’t one of them. Mainly because as a mom raising a family, I barely had time for the two I did watch. I was hooked & still am! I’ll be checking out GH to see my favs from Llanvuew but I’m still hoping OLTL finds its way back to TV so all of Llanview can be reunited!! (Hoping Bo makes his way to Port Charles to be with Nora!)
It’s funny – I never “really” watched General Hospital or should I say, I preferred to watch OLTL and All My Children, then after a while, I could only follow one, until they went on-line as brief, 30 min inceptions. Due to work and school time constraints, I couldn’t follow 3 shows, except waaay back when, back to the days of ABC’s afternoon line up would have General Hospital, followed by One Life to Live…..and at one time soaps were (for a while anyway) 45 minute shows, which I actually thought was fine. An hour is a tad long for a soap nowadays (don’t yell at me, it’s just my opinion) – In an hour they throw a hundred commercials at you, and I just can’t view them anymore. I don’t think just bringing Nora back will entice me to watch General Hospital HOWEVER if they brought Erica Slezak on as Victoria Lord – I am there.
What I said–bring Bo along.
Can’t wait! Looking forward to seeing her in PC!
All. Of. Them.
The show could be called All My Mobsters and Maybe Others
Right…two mobsters in a cast of sixty people…this line is so 2007.
I JUST NOW WANT AS SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MANY OF US FANS OF THEIRS DO WANT MELISSA(ARCHER) ON GH & RE-UNITED WITH MICHAEL(EASTON)!!!! I MISS THEM SOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! SHE DESERVES SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH TO BE ON GH WITH MICHAEL. THEY ARE PHENOMENAL TOGETHER AS THEY ARE/WERE ON OLTL AS JOHN&NATALIE & CERTAINLY WILL/WOULD BE AGAIN ON GH NO MATTER WHAT CHARACTERS THEY’RE PLAYING. She WOULD be fantastic as Reiko(Finn’s wife) & I’m continuing to read & know that Reiko is alive & that FV ‘S surprise is Melissa will be playing her. FV bring her on board ASAP. Just want Finn(ME) away ASAP from Hayden Barnes(RB)! I cannot STAND HER OR THE ACTRESS never ever could especially when she was on AMC as Greenlee. I always tuned out on AMC when she was on-screen. She gratest on me & is NOT a good actress AT ALL. FV bring Melissa on-board IT IS WAYYYYYYYYYY PAST TIME!!!
I JUST commented below that I can’t stand Hayden-both the actress and the character have got to go.
Hayden is always walking around the hospital wondering who she should fire when the answer is staring right back at her when she looks in the mirror,
She is utterly useless and pointless.
Addison, my thoughts, exactly. It seems as though the actress is just inserted into storylines for no apparent reason, just to try to give her air time and the character some focus and interaction with the alumni. The actress and the character is not working, in my opinion.
& I had to laugh, working at an institution myself and working closely with the Board of Directors and Senior Advisors, in no way shape or form would someone in Hayden’s position be discussing the Board’s plans in an open forum, such as the hospital’s HALLWAY with the staff (Amy, Elizabeth, Finn). The writers are just so lazy and stupid.
Looking forward to seeing Nora on our screens in a few weeks. This is one character I wouldn’t mind staying on GH. Not fond of Nina, Nelle, Amy or Hayden. Rebecca Budig isn’t going anywhere she has a contract. Her character is one of the most obviously propped that I have seen. Walking around GH in her high heels throwing trash away. Is this supposed to endear her to me? Never going to happen. She should be at ELQ, not working at a hospital with her history of embezzlement!
As far as reuniting Michael Easton and Melissa Archer,”HELL YES” Miss them incredibly. FREE FINN!
Marina,
I thought the same thing about Hayden, walking around the hospital in heels throwing away garbage, was that supposed to be comical? It wasn’t. I find the actress/character to be obnoxious. No thanks. Amy has got to go. Kiki, too, in my opinion. You hit the nail on the head, the character has definitely been propped up.
It seems that GH brings on actors without definitive plans and then tries to make actors fit on the canvas by shoehorning them into various stories that don’t make sense. Prop til you drop. The question I always ask is, is the show better with this character?
Love Michael and Melissa! Off the charts chemistry❤️
Seriously though, love that Nora is coming to GH. I hope it’s not all hype for a short stint. Would love to see better actors and stories. Get rid of unnecessary characters: Amy, Nelle, Nina . Don’t like Hayden at all either.
Love love love me some Archer and Easton.
Well guess what? I can’t stand Melissa Archer since I first saw her on DOOL a couple years ago. Her deer in the headlights stare and her body poured into the way too tight clothes she wore, was enough for me. I do hope to never see her in P.C.
This comment was in reply to Kathryn 63. I get the reply thing mixed up!
Nora will be part of the legal battle for Charlotte-Valentin’s lawyer!!!
Looking at that photo of “Nora,” my first thought was that she is simply a sober—and obviously more modestly-clad—version of Port Charles’ currently indisposed ( I mean, drunken….) local legal-eagle Alexis.
Yeah, she can fight with fierce Mama Bear Laura for Lulu’s victory.
I’m REALLY looking forward to see “Nora” again but I’m disappointed that it’s implied it will be just a short stint. Hoping that if it goes well she’ll be a recurring character.
And…I just noticed Hillary B. Smith looks kinda like the actress who plays Carol on The Walking Dead!
GH doesn’t need Nora at all.
We need more of the actual PC lawyers…like Diane Scott Ric Alexis…why is Nora free of the newbie hate all the others get?
GH fans don’t know her or care about her…just like Todd McBain and Starr.
We need Robert back for Anna’s WSB story with Valentin…not this Nora person to pacify fans of a cancelled soap like OLTL.
I’ve just agreed and complimented two of your posts and I like your positive GH attitude. However, I disagree with you on this. I love the character Nora, as do m any others. We don’t “need” her…we “want” her presence…or “welcome” her. While I love Scott and would love to see more of him…as well as Ric (we do agree there) it’s obvious that the soap genre is flailing…and changing. It’s also apparent that OLTL was beloved by millions and many have been hoping either for its return or the resurgence of some of its characters. It seems that the execs are experimenting to see if such casting will increase ratings or be a detriment. There are two different camps. The one that garners the most ratings will be a win/win if it keeps GH on the air. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to see my beloved GH characters like Scott, Mac, Rick find their way back. With more advertising dollars they’ll be more able to afford many of the characters we love….
Scott unfortunately has become a boob–didn’ t used to be. He’s NOT convincing as an effective lawyer; he’s too busy doing his schtick. Should have been a comedian like his father and brother.
Hi Nancy…Scottie has always been portrayed this way to some degree.And, actually, I hated it because I love the character. He “got no respect.” He was the fall guy for a long time and was constantly criticized by much of the town…if I recall he did do underhanded things. At this point he’s brought in for comedic effect…though I like his relationship with Ava and Franco. I’d love for him to be on more regularly and be a real contender for Alexis, Diane, Ric…and Nora!
I’m soooo happy my fav Nora Buchanan ( Hillary b Smith)is coming to GH….
Happy to have her for however long . Enjoy this actress
No Nora…I want Laura.
What story would you pen for Laura?
Laura tries to shoot Valentin but kills Franco instead.
Laura–ALWAYS! And wasn’t she just great today (Thur.) with Tracy–reminding her that it was the PEOPLE that made GH what it was. And Tracy has an idea as a result of that. Good on Laura–and go, Genie. She was a knockout today; how beautiful she looked and how vibrant. Genie is getting her moxie back. HUZZAH!
Can’t wait to see this lady on my screen again!
So now that we have Nora, can we maybe see Bo show up at least for a few days? I’d like that but then I would like all of the characters from OLTL to pop up for a visit. That show was my favorite when it was cancelled and I never understood why when their ratings were better than other shows at the time.
I agree with James. It was the best one on when ABC made that stupid decision to cancel it.
No…GH always had higher ratings than OLTL and was the bigger brand name since 1980….they kept their best and more popular soap.
OLTL got the cancellation bump…only reason they temporarily passed GH.
The obvious choice would be Alexis, but I’m guessing it’s Ava or Julian.
she’ll be the new DA
I suppose it’s too much to ask that we’d get a Bo sighting via skype or facetime… but hopefully they’ll be kind enough to drop a few nuggets of what’s been going on in Llanview.
I am convinced that this is a back door pilot of sorts to see if there’s still interest in the OLTL characters. I plan to watch for the first time in a couple of years.
See? All of us want to see Bo also!
I watched today’s episode while at home for lunch (Tuesday) and it was just awful and absurd. I can no longer take Sonny and Carly. Both characters just need to be retired. Carly, going to the hospital in the middle of a crisis (nurse’s strike) to inform Michael (who is on the hospital board) about Ava potentially being the one behind Morgan’s car bombing-IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HOSPITAL LOBBY. This wonderful mother who claims to love her children more than any mother before her doesn’t take her child to a private place to inform her of this news? Also, tells her son how his “father” broke house arrest and went to pay Ava a visit to kill her. Do the actors look at the script and think, “this is just absolutely absurd!”
Also, Elizabeth and Franco, could they be anymore boring? Elizabeth is like nails on a chalkboard for me. Don’t even get me started on Hayden. Send her back to Pine Valley where they are off the air. Can’t stand the actress or the character.
Why do I even bother watching this show?
I don’t know why you angry haters, chronic complainers, negative nitpickers bother watching or posting either…you all come to this site daily to rant and rave about the cons while ignoring the pros…never point out the stuff that is working but always point out what isn’t working…right now this place has become a sewer of waste to discuss GH on a logical reasonable level….it’s the same repetitive hateful negativity about everything from A to Z every day…even when MF writes a positive column and tries to generate some talk about a storyline it is flooded with the same nitpicking and complaining about every single aspect of the show…even though the ratings continue to rise it’s still nothing but gripes.
GH should always mine its rich history or that of its (former) sister shows, before they plug in characters that we have no vested interest in. Even if for a short run, you get great buzz off of a beloved veteran like Hillary B. Smith reprising her role–it’s a quick win and a treat for viewers and just maybe you catch lightning in a bottle and the character makes sense to remain on the canvas.
As someone who’s followed GH (and ABC daytime) since the 80’s, the current GH regime does a nice job of using the shows history and sprinkling in our favorite characters from days gone by. Keep up the good work!
I think she will be Alexis’ attorney! I can’t wait to see her debut! I loved Nora Buchannon!
Can someone please tell me what or who Nora will be representing. One soarce says she will be the new DA. Then I read she is coming to PC to represent Valentin in the custody battle for Charlotte. Which is it or neither?
She will represent Olivia Jerrome
Nora and Beau would make a wonderful addition to General Hospital!
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