General Hospital
How did James Franco fare as Oscar co-host? – Let us Know!

Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Last evening, General Hospital’s recurring superstar, James Franco co-hosted the 83rd Annual Academy Awards with Anne Hathaway. At the beginning of the Oscar Telecast, a very clever opening sequence imposing both Franco and Hathaway inside scenes from the nominated Best Picture nominees was to set the tone for the show. (See clip below). What followed was some straightforward announcements of the proceedings to keep it moving, and some sight gags, ala Franco in drag. The New York Magazine Vulture Column thought Franco and Hathaway did a great job. Still others in this round-up of reviews in this morning’s Hollywood Reporter felt Hathaway was on point, but Franco seemed like he was bewildered at times.
Whatever the case, we ask you, the soapers, what you thought of Franco. Let us know in the comment section below. We have also posted two clips we enjoyed of the night. The opening sequence of the Oscars with Franco and Hathaway and then presentation of the Lead Actor Oscar by Sandra Bullock, in which Franco was a nominees for 127 Hours. Watch the clip as Bullock references Franco’s appearances on General Hospital as part of her introduction of his nomination and clip. It was very cute.
Remember, James re-appears today’s episode on General Hospital!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Shares He Was ‘Happy to Hear’ of The Triangle Storyline Developing Between Dante/Elizabeth/Ric

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) opened up about the burgeoning love triangle forming between his Port Charles alter-go, Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) after recently aired scenes, plus his hopes for the future of a Dante and Liz pairing, during his appearance on the Sunday, April 23 edition of the That’s Awesome podcast with Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli).
On last week’s episodes of GH, Ric has made the decision that he wanted to propose to his ex-wife, only when he showed up at Elizabeth’s front door, he misread the scenario he walked in with Liz tending to Dante’s injured leg from the softball game. From there, the legal eagle’s jealous streak is reemerging which may cause him to act out and do something unforgivable, or will he take the high road? Stay tuned.
Speaking with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson about where Elizabeth stands in the annals of the long-running soap, Zamprogna said, “She’s up there with Steve and Maurice (Maurice Benard) as one of the most legacy-filled people on the show.”

Courtesy/ABC
HOW DANTE AND ELIZABETH CAME ABOUT
Dominic jokes it’s a far cry for where Dante and Elizabeth previously, recalling, “We had some scenes together years ago and we were both laughing. Becky’s like, ‘Well, I guess we’re not going be paired up anytime soon.’ I remember we laughed immediately after they yelled ‘cut,”‘and said to each other, ‘Well, so much for that!'”
Fast-forward to early 2025 and as Zamprogna remembered it, “Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) came up to me at the General Hospital Christmas party, and I think it was a year and a half ago and she said, ‘We’re going to have you in scenes with Elizabeth,’ My internal monologue is going, ‘I’m not with Lulu (Alexa Havins) anymore and Sam’s (Kelly Monaco) gone, so maybe they want to see if this works.’ I didn’t want to get scenes with Becky and try to find the chemistry. I just wanted to play whatever honestly was written and came across for both of us and hope it was what people liked, and I don’t know if it is … or not.”
Knowing how beloved Elizabeth is to the GH faithfuls, Zamprogna added, “She got a big fan base with Ric … and a big fan base with with Jason … and you know, you’re going to piss somebody off. But, didn’t Ric drug Elizabeth and put Carly in a panic room?”

Photo: ABC
DANTE AND ELIZABETH PAIRING COULD STIR UP STORY FOR OTHERS IN PORT CHARLES
In closing, Dominic felt that the wide-reaching tentacles of a Dante and Elizabeth relationship is something he is 100% down for. “The triangle thing; I was happy to hear it was with Ric and her, because I felt it’s important to have her the top of it as opposed to Dante, Lulu and Elizabeth.”
Zamprogna added, “When you get into relationships on a soap, things seem to fizzle out a little bit, The buildup is what’s the fun part, and the getting to know each other, and the people who are affected by this coming together. When with this case it’s going to affect: Ric, Sonny, Lulu. There’s so much more story here. To me, it’s going to be a fun story to play.”
You can check out Dominic’s visit to That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford below.
Now weigh-in: Are you rooting for Dante and Liz, or Dante and Ric at this juncture of the story, or neither guy for Elizabeth? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section.
General Hospital
GH and OLTL Alum Patrick J. Gibbons Reveals the Story Behind Writing Trina’s Song on ‘General Hospital’ (Exclusive)

At the conclusion of today’s August 21 episode of General Hospital, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) sings a lullaby to baby Dez, that went into a montage to close out the episode as her father Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) reports to Pentonville and winds up in his jail cell.
However, in a fun fact, the song entitled, “A Lonely Heart To Give” was actually written by none other than former One Life to Live and General Hospital actor, Patrick J. Gibbons.
Daytime fans first met Gibbons as Sam Manning on One Life to Live. At the time, when he started on the soap, he was just 5-years-old. Gibbons played the part from 2010-2013 on ABC and Prospect Park’s editions of the show. Fast-forward to 2018, Gibbons shows up on General Hospital as Wyatt Hoover, the scout who seemed always be injured, but in the thick of the drama. Patrick had appeared on GH multiple times as Wyatt including: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023.

Photo: ABC
FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER’S DEATH CAME THE INSPIRATION FOR HIS SONG
Now in 2026, General Hospital fans are getting to learn about another side of Gibbons’ talent as a songwriter and guitar player after “A Lonely Heart to Give” debuted today! Michael Fairman TV caught up with Patrick, who is now a senior at Penn State entering his final year as a finance major, to get the back-story of how his song wound up on GH!
Gibbons explained he wrote the song in honor of his grandmother who passed away a few years ago with whom he was, very, very close with. “Randomly, my grandmother had a downfall and passed away during the second semester of my sophomore year. I was in my dorm a lot and I was just playing with my guitar. And at the time, I was really into finger-style playing. I wrote the lyric and music to it (with a little help from my guitar teacher Lou), and my mom showed the rough demo to Frank Valentini (EP, General Hospital). He’s like an uncle to me. Frank loved it so much he said, “Finish that up. I want to hear the whole thing, and I want it on the show.”
MAKING MUSIC FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL
Gibbons and his parents took the next steps! “So now, all we needed was a female voice, because I thought that would fit the song well,” Patrick shared. “At the golf club we go to my parents were at a dinner. They liked the singer that was performing and spoke to her about the song, and she says she would like to bring it to her ‘boss’ who ended up being Eric Bazilian of the Hooters fame!” (Bazilian also wrote the smash hit song “One of Us” for Joan Osborne).
Next, “We went in the studio and recorded it and the song came together and it was beautiful. We loved it. They loved it at General Hospital and now they’re putting it the show and they are coming in with a piano, instead of a guitar. Paul Glass, the GH musical director, has been keeping us updated over the last six months of how it was coming along, and when it would air, and how GH put their own arrangement to it. I can’t wait to see and hear what they did with it.”

Photo: JPI
PATRICK’S ONE LIFE TO LIVE FAMILY
Everyone knows that the One Life to Live extended family share a very tight bond, and Patrick said he does stay in touch with a few of his former One Life to Live co-stars, especially those from the Manning family! “I stayed in touch with Kassie DePaiva (ex-Blair) and sent her little videos here and there. She was like my second mom for five years. We keep in contact with Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr) over X the most, and she can’t believe how big I’ve gotten. Like, none of them can! (laughs). I also loved working with Roger Howarth (ex-Todd) and Trevor St. John (ex-Todd and Victor Jr.), and to me since I was so young, they were just my friends, ‘Roger and Trevor,’ not Todd Manning or Victor Jr.”
It was a trip to California and a visit to Port Charles that ultimately led to Gibbons second soap role of Wyatt Hoover. Patrick explains, “In 2016, Frank Valentini invited us out to Los Angeles to visit the set of General Hospital. I think he heard me say, ‘This is so much fun. I miss being on the set.’ He goes, ‘You should come out. I’ll bring you on the show. We can make you a character.'”
A few years later, Patrick’s dream became a reality! “Then, by the summer of 2018, I was playing Wyatt, the scout, and shared scenes with Wes Ramsey (Peter August), and the best was when I shared a scene with Roger Howarth and Michael Easton (ex-John, OLTL and ex-Silas, Finn et al, GH), it was like chemistry from the old days.”

Photo: PGibbons
IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS
As to his future aspirations, it’s a career in the finance game that has piqued Gibbons’ real-life interest. But never say never to a return to acting. Patrick explained, “I’ve always enjoyed numbers. And on top of that, one of the biggest parts of finance is being personable and outgoing.”
He continued, “That’s one of the greatest skills I developed growing up. I really love the markets. I’m super interested. I’m never going to close the door to acting. I’m always open to that because I just love it so much. It’s such a great art.”
Take note! If there are any investment bankers or private equity folks among the GH faithful looking for a young analyst next year, Patrick’s DMs are open. You can find him on X at @PatrickJGibbons.”
So, what did you think of the song sung by Trina on today’s GH that was written by Patrick J. Gibbons? Did you enjoy Patrick’s performances as One Life’s Sam and GH’s Wyatt? Would you like to see him back on GH at some point? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Admits That He Didn’t Expect the Role of Michael Corinthos to be Recast, and Would Consider Working on Another Soap (Exclusive)

Chad Duell, the Daytime Emmy-winning actor, who stepped away from the pivotal role of Michael Corinthos on General Hospital, opened up about: his previous decision to leave the series after nearly 15 years, where’s he’s at now after time away from the demands of a daytime soap opera, and took a stroll down memory lane with some of Michael’s most-acclaimed storyline during his run, during a livestream chat on August 19 on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Viewers last saw Duell on-screen as Michael in January of 2025, and with his successor in the role, Rory Gibson making his debut at the GH Nurses’ Ball in episodes that aired later in May. It was clear that during the conversation, Chad was a bit surprised that the GH brass decided to recast him when he thought he was just taking some much needed time off.
Burn-out of the daily grind of being on a soap was definitely a part of Chad’s decision to take a break. Duell explained “People know when you’re doing something for so long or your character is kind of in the same place for so long or doing the same stuff over and over again, you do get a a little burnt out, you get a little stiff, stale, a little stiff at times. I didn’t want that to be any sort of lasting impression. I have 15 years of a body of work of I’ve done on that show, which is fantastic.”

Photo: ABC
WHILE CHAD WAS AWAY GH RECAST MICHAEL CORINTHOS WITH RORY GIBSON
Chad shared, his mindset when leaving GH was, “I’m taking some time away, we’ll see what happens.” Then he added, “Obviously, they decided to go in a different direction with Michael when I was gone. I didn’t think they were going to bring somebody back in my place. But you know, it’s the business. You never know what can happen.”
Duell also shared he has not watched a single episode of General Hospital since he left the series, but now feels he reenergized following the loss of his father and stepping away from the GH, “I’m in a place now mentally, where I’m ready to sink my teeth into it again.”

Courtesy/ABC
Even though he is no longer Michael on GH, Chad was very happy with his final storyline where Michael was set on fire when a bomb exploded at Sonny’s (Maurice Benard) penthouse. “It was fun to put him in a dangerous situation, because I was wanting Michael to be in something scary instead of trying to be a hero character or just things happening around him, but to be the center point of tragedy happening to him. (I always saw) Michael as the heart of the (Corinthos) family.”
When Michael was badly burned the show chose not burn his face, which normally a soap does when they are recasting role and switching actors. Chad weighed-in, “They didn’t burn my face because I told Frank Valentini (EP, GH) I’m willing to come back. It was just a little bit of a break. So, I assumed that if they would have burned my face, they could have brought somebody back looking different than me… if that’s what their plan was.”

Courtesy/ABC
MEMORABLE MICHAEL STORYLINES
One of Chad’s most memorable performances was the in the storyline of Michael’s rape while he was sentenced to prison in 2010 and the confession of it in 2011. “It was so well-written and I was very nervous,” recalled Chad. “When I get really nervous about something, it ends up being really good when I do it, because it just means I care a lot about it”
“I have to put a lot of effort and work into it, and I really want it to be good. I was working with Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) and Steve Burton (Jason) a lot during those scenes, and Laura Wright (Carly). It was great working with Steve and Dominic, especially, during that storyline.
A NEW SOAP ROLE FOR CHAD?
As to a future soap opera role, Chad is open to the idea and would love to jump back in to a juicy role, “I know people over at The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Young and the Restless. They know that if they’re interested, I would love to come in for a screen test or something, and they can see what I’m doing.”
Meanwhile, Chad has been busy putting out new music under the moniker Duelly and during the interview he explains how he creates his EDM tracks and much more. You can stream his latest single, Static in the Quiet Room on Spotify, Apple Music and You Tube Music.
You can check out the full conversation with Chad Duell below.
Now let us know: what show would you like to see Chad cast on down the line? BTG, DAYS, B&B, Y&R, or a new role on GH? What did you think of his thoughts on the casting switch while he was away in the role of Michael? What was your favorite Michael storyline during Chad’s 15-year run on the ABC soap opera? Let us know via the comment section.
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sorry he was a little boring ….kept to script…which is fine…but for hosting a live show…you must have some spontaneity to help move the show along……..think this proves he maybe able to be a comedic actor but is NOT a comedian ….any way just an opinion folks
James Franco seemed a little bored to me like he really want to be there that’s my opinion..
I see a lot of negative press and posts. I didn’t think he was that bad. ITo be honest I never watch and he was the only reason I even tuned in.
I enjoyed the show. James Franco and Anne Hathaway did a good job. Considering that they have never hosted an event of this magnitude before, I was impressed. They kept the show moving, and it was only a few minutes over schedule. They were funny and gracious. Hathaway was joyous, and Franco’s “LIVEOSCAR” video tweets were amusing to watch during the commercial breaks. I love that he incorporated new media in hosting.
I don’t really understand all the criticisms. Then again, I enjoyed the show when Letterman and Gervais hosted the Oscars too, and both of them were critically panned. Billy Crystal receives a lot of praise, and he did have his good points, but I got tired of the continuous jokes aimed at creepy Jack Nicholson in the front row. They were certainly better than the time Ellen hosted when the awards were handed out in the aisles to save time, but the show was severely over schedule.
It was nice to see the people in my generation host this time around.
He look bored and then he look high! Poor Anne Hathaway, she tried to compensate but it was a hard job.
Twp thumbs down for Franco!
He looked and acted stoned. He was horrible. The show was a huge bore. I hope I never see this guy again. I thought Anne tried but she should stick to acting. Next time let someone who knows what they are doing host the show.
I thought he did a good job. They really tried to make it light and enjoyable. I loved her dresses but not his. He may be over exposing himself too much but he is handsome and talented.
did not enjoy him or the show at all – they should have selected someone more interesting……………jmo
I think he was exhausted from the coast-to-coast travel. And tired or not, that smile gets me every time.
Thought that it was one of the worst hosted Oscars in my lifetime of watching. When Billy Crystal came on stage, I thought he should have just taken over the rest of the show. Anne at least showed more personality than James Franco! Not surprised the ratings dropped.
I agree. Im a movie fan before a soap fan and watch the oscars every year and watch nearly all the movies that come out. This years hosts were not clicking and I agree that James looked bored and when Billy Crystal came out on stage- that was the first time I heard the audience actually laugh. Bad choice of hosts that had no experience. Congrats to Colin Firth and Natalie Portman though who were awesome in their roles!
He looked spaced out, bored…couldn’t look directly at the camera. He kept looking up and away somewhere. Total BOMB and I like JF, what a shame.
Terrible. He is so handsome and a talented actor. Hosting is better suited for a comedian.
I love him and thought he did a fine job. Would like to see all of you critics pull off a similar hosting gig of this magnitude in front of the same number of people. He is not a comedian and neither is Ann H so lighten up folks.
I’m sorry, I respectfully disagree. Hugh Jackman isn’t a showman, nor is he a comedian, but he was one of the best host the show has had in the last few years. Sunday being no exception. I love James Franco as an actor, always have, always will, but I’m sorry, IMHO, he was not a very good host that night. He was better hosting SNL, which was FILLED with comedy skits. Anne on the other hand, I felt did the best she could with what she was given. But when a number of the viewing audience is still asking if one of the host was on some sort of substance that night, there’s a problem.
To counter my previous post, for the record, they say he wasn’t on anything, but heavily exhausted. I still love James, like I said, always have, always will, but it was clear from his hosting that it was all coming down hard, seeing the heavy load on his back as of late, between GH, school, movies, and hosting gigs.
He looked bewildered! But in fairness Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, & Billy Crystal are hard acts to follow it takes a special gift to host the Oscars!
I thought they both did great, especially considering it was their first time. I really think they were trying to keep on point, not let the proceedings run too long, and they did so admirably. I, for one, appreciated that the usual banter was kept to a minimum. I enjoyed the whole show greatly, and normally I find the Oscars to be a colossal bore.
Loved him –He was a breath of fresh air and adorable! Loved his Marilynn Monroe outfit –saggy boobs and all. Hope to see more of this actor in future films –He’s a keeper!
TERRIBLE IN OSCARS,,,,,WORSE THAN THAT ON GH….I cant say on movies because I havent seen any BUT in these things Ive seen…BEYOND TERRIBLE!!!:(
I thought James Franco looked bored and he was boring. He hardly ever looked at Ann Hathaway. She was trying to keep it interesting and lively, but he just kept dragging the energy down. I don’t understand why he was selected to cohost.
I thought that the acadamy awards show was suppose to be classy, and first rate. In my opinion,having two,not so great actor’s to begin with, who obviously had very little experience in front of a live audience, was a giant mistake. Know matter how many dresses that Anne Hathaway changed into, it did not do anything to change the fact that she was not funny, not all that attractive, and seemed to be nervous and uncomfortable on the stage. I think that” Mr. Class”, Alec Baldwin, who is a great actor, very handsome and funny, as well as extremely intelligent would be a great host.
I thought he was: a, full of himself and smirky, b. over his head and outclassed not only by Ms. Hathaway but Billy Crystal, c. boring, d. done. I’ve had it with his self-centered smirk, his mediocrre acting, and did I say, ego?
LOL right on target
The only thing that is on target is the poster’s need to use Spell-Check.