Connect with us

General Hospital

57

Hudson West Cast As General Hospital's New Jake!

Courtesy/IMDB

Courtesy/IMDB

The new Jake has finally been revealed!  Following the decision to replace James Nigbor as Jason and Elizabeth’s young son, General Hospital was busy with a casting call behind the scenes.

Now Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Hudson West is the new Jake, and will make his on-screen debut very shortly on the upcoming April 25th episode of the ABC daytime drama series.

And you may have seen Hudson’s most recent television performance in the hit FX series:  American Crime Story: The People V.  OJ Simpson.  In it, he played the son of district attorney, Marcia Clark who was prosecuting the case, played by Sarah Paulson.

So are you looking forward to seeing Hudson take on the role of little Jake?  Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Leave a comment | 57 Comments

57 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

No I’m not looking forward to it. I Love James Nigbor as Jake.

Completely agree. James conveyed joy, sadness, contentment and an undercurrent of menace. Just what the character needed.

I liked Janes – he seemed a lot like Jason, but when he returned he just looked like he was reading lins in a school play. This Hudson is wonderful.

He is a cute kid. I saw him in the OJ TV series and he was a good little actor. GH must have plans to ramp up the part of Jake where James just didnt have the experience to handle the material. This kid probably can. I think they will dig deeper into what happened to Jake while he stayed with Helena and I think him and Franco will get closer.

Yes he is a cute kid, I will give him a chance. He seems like a good nice kid. I saw his acting, he was terrific.

Nothing against Hudson, like the kid in the other shows BUT loved James and will miss him. He was prefect for the role and played it so well 😉

I agree! He was such a cute toddler and when they killed him off, I ugly cried. When they brought him back WITH the same actor I was thrilled. So yeh I’m not happy but will give him a chance.

Too early to judge the replacement…but i liked James and how creepy he played Jake-like Damian from the Omen and those alien children from Village Of The Damn…new kid resembles Danny Cooksey from the old Different Strokes series…now dont say, ‘What you talken about, Jimh’- because its suppose to be’ Willis’-lol

Lol!! He was creepy kind like Joss #1 & #2.

I know, Ces. I assume the role called for creepy and quirky, as in, Joss, at the time.
This new kid has such a sweet , kiss-me, little face. It will be hard for me to make the transition if his disposition turs out to be just as sweet.
Could that be the reason for the recast? TPTB wanted to eradicate that ‘cold stone’ image once and for all?
One could say the same for the Max character on Y&R. The boy is such a good little actor….plays the nasty, recalcitrant brat to high heaven……So much so, the character is not very endearing.

Yeh I wasn’t a fan of children of the corn Joss. Haha!

@CeeCee….Well, at least I can celebrate the fact the GH showrunners have finally cast a new blond male actor….even if he is a few decades younger than I had in mind!!!! LOL.

I liked the eeriness of James Nigbor .. he that special something.
I dont want a Dennis the Menace on GH, I like James Nigbor/lil Jake. ..

CeeCee – yeah, maybe they want to shift Little Jake into a normal child, not that creepy little evil thing drawing horrible pictures.

LoL Michelle!! I thought GH couldn’t top Joss 1 but they came back with an even creepier Joss 2.
Where do they find these kids? Definitely not from the same playground they found Brooklyn & Nicholas from.

Exactly, jimh (I mean, “Willis!”…..LOL.) Like you, I loved James Nigbor’s eerily calm and quiet demeanor….the spookiness of the kid really worked for me, since he was supposed to be a “Cassibot” ala Helena’s handiwork . Until we see what “New Jake” is purported to be about, it would be hard to judge this recast…..yes, he is a very cute little buckaroo, but I just hope he hasn’t been brought in to create another bland child character like Joss 3.0. Her predecessor was soooo good (and bad….) which is what gave her a fun, unique personality that truly made her believable as Carly’s offspring!!!! I’m still missing that bad seed of a girl….

I liked her and miss her too…maybe tptb could r.a.s.(reverse age syndrome) and bring back Child Of The Corn Joss…also, wouldnt it be cool if Charles Grant returned to acting and came on GH as Hayden’s father???

@Jimh….I’d welcome Charles Grant back in any role, even though I cannot stand Hayden and don’t see the point of introducing her family just to further justify her existence on the GH canvas. As far as I’m concerned, she has more than served her purpose, and I’d like to see Nik send her sorry butt back to Beecher’s Corners, pronto!….LOL.

Not happy. This kid is the same age as James. Why not keep the same boy who’s played Jake from the very beginning? Because this kid is a better actor? Doesn’t sentiment mean anything on this show?

Sentiment? Previous Jake couldnt act. Hoping this one can.

Couldn’t act, huh? He won the 2016 Young Entertainer Award for best performance in daytime. Beating out every other kid on every soap. You may think he can’t act, but don’t speak for everybody.

must have been a weak year! LOL! chill …

I agree. He wasn’t a good actor and frankly, most children are not good actors. His timing was terrible. I can’t imagine he won an award unless the rest of the children in the category were just as bad. I am not slamming him but its very unusual to find a child actor who is actually good. Kimberly M as Robin was sensational, the actors who play Emma and Spencer are also amazing (especially Spencer) but most children are very wooden and hard to interact with like the child who plays Cameron on GH or the children who play Lily’s twins on Y&R. Sorry, but I find it surprising that anyone thought James was a good actor.

Well said Tatiana. Very few child actors can act but GH has had some amazing kids as you mentioned. Kimberly was an adorable little actress when she first arrived on GH and so is little Brooklyn. Some kids just have IT from the get go! 🙂

@maddiehayes…..Thanks for bringing to our attention the fact that young Mr. Nigbor won acting accolades for his portrayal as “Little Jake.” I thoroughly enjoyed the character as he was presented by this junior gent, and given the immense trauma that Jake supposedly endured at the hands of Helena, it made perfect sense that he would be mostly subdued and withdrawn with occasional bouts of terrifying behavior, so James seemed just right for the role in my mind. I’ll reserve judgment on the recast until we see what is in store for the character, but I’m still disappointed that young Mr. Nigbor is no longer with GH….same as the previous Joss, even though I know it was her decision to leave for greener pastures!

I agree, Shay. I was certain little Jake was going to be aged; but, the revelation that the recast is about the same age, leaves many of us in a quandary. Why?
I liked the way James played the role, as well. That Damian-like quality lent a spooky aura to him, for which I thought, the character called.
So many strings left untied. Is this when we find out what really went on with Jake in Helena’s hands?
And, speaking of loose strings, what’s happening with the portrait? What say you, Shay? Is it possible that hidden within that portrait of Helena rests a hidden treasure. It’s just a matter of Nik ususing his brains…..perhaps Helena left him mountains of money…..he just needs to look for it in the portrait.
From the beginning, I found the portrait intriguing. The writers would not just throw that in for good measure. That picture houses either the eye of the tiger or Midas. Lol.

Well, CeeCee, I suppose until the new “Little Jake” debuts, we’ll only be able to speculate about his character’s future developments. I do so hope we at least get some answers as to what that poor child endured in Helena’s care…talk about loose strings!!! As for that tantalizing portrait of the “Ice Queen,” I’m all for getting back to the mysterious clues that it so obviously holds. Perhaps now that Laura is back on track in deciphering the “Helena Code” she’ll revisit that spooky painting for further elucidation of the “Dragon Lady’s” message from “the grave,” or hopefully, otherwise “undisclosed location!” LOL.

Very cute, but James is Jake…….. 🙁

Agree, James was fine – but at least GH didn’t age him 5 years like Jocelyn. Still don’t see how GH writers will have her interact with kids who used to be her age. Dumb.

yeah, makes no sense why Jocelyn was aged. Hoping she goes back to Australia and stays there No real point for a character that age that we want to watch on TV.

The original Jake was stone cold like his original dad. This new Jason is not stone cold (as far as the look that Steve Burton portrayed) so I guess they want this new Jake to reflect this new Jason, scary but not as stone cold.

Why the need another kid which no one wanted back anyway!Its time Liason(the ones you are trying to pimp)move on!We want to kno who the hell is this dead kid?How did helena get him and when?Who did Liz bury and who organ do Joss have?GH will not survive you people pimping BH!

I thought bringing Jake back from the dead was such a preposterous plot. And led to oh so many unanswered questions that was completely frustrating for the viewer.

He is cute abd looks more like Billy. I saw him in OJ also, was not really paying attention.
Did not care for James as all, he was stiff. Welcome Hudson, I think you will be fine

Cute kid, hopefully he can act, unlike the other one.

I half expected Jake would be aged… I guess not! interesting that they hired a kid around the same age to replace James. Did they not have faith that James could pull off a storyline? Interesting!!!

At least he wasn’t sorad like joslyn was.!

To me it looks like a case of reverse SORASing. The kid looks about 7 at the oldest.

You have a good point, Elizabeth…..which makes the reasoning of ‘de-aging’ Jake even more weird.

The kid is a cutie. I can’t wait to see him in action.

Why are they changing old jake for a new 1? Whats wrong with the other 1?

Well, some in charge did not like him and fired his lil butt .. 🙁

I don’t think that the original Jake was doing a good job.

While playing Opposite Steve Burton, James was the perfect “mini me.”
I honestly thought they may age Jake’s character, hence needing another
actor to play the part, however that isn’t the case…………

I’ve never seen this kid and will give him a chance.

I am still not thrilled with Jake’s story. The heartbreak of the fatal accident that claimed him and the fallout… only to have it be some scifi silliness by a Cassadine!?!?!?!? Sigh. A GH low point.

I always give a recast a chance even if, as I believe to be the case here, it isn’t necessary.

I will miss James Nigbor playing Jake, but I will certainly support a new actor. I’m glad there will be more story about Jake and what happened to the character while he was gone.

Can’t say I’m looking forward to a new Jake. Todays show was interesting though.
I really thought Sonny was going to be shot and Anna was going to jail.

I will miss James as Jake too. He was perfect for that role. I really don’t understand the decision makers over there at GH. They seem to do everything opposite of what we, the viewer, wants. The value of bringing back the child that originated the role was brilliant, why back peddle now!

James’ parents should have invested in an acting coach for their son. Being cute in Hollywood will only take you so far.

Is this young actor the son of Maura West? (Ava Jerome) I know her other son Joe West was in the NBC LIVE VERSION OF ” The Sound of Music”

Is it me or does Hudson actually look younger than James? That would be a first in soap opera land, but much more believable since I always thought that James looked much older than the character should be. I was actually surprised when I first saw Hudson in a scene with Jason at the hospital, I thought he was playing Danny. James was a great actor, the only up side I’ve seen in the short term is that Hudson physically looks more like Jason and Elizabeth. Good luck to both young actors, they are both great!

Whether he is a great actor or not he is way too young for the part.

I thought that James looked older than the part, but then since they usually age the kids so quickly (like Jocelyn which is ridiculous, before too long she’ll be older than her brothers), it didn’t surprise me. Perhaps its due to the new story line. However, I do think he looks more like the actors playing the parents. Wonder what they’ve done to Danny since we rarely see him anymore. Now that Jason is back, I wonder if they’ll age the heck out of him too.

NO this kid looks younger than Aiden.

This kid is great. A little professional and adorable. Just saw him sing at the nurses ball. And anyone else see a young Ryan Gosling in him?

Hudson West is not only adorable but he is a gooood little actor. I hope he has a very success acting career–looking forward to seeing him ALOT more on the screen.

General Hospital

General Hospital Pays Tribute to Tyler Christopher at End of Episode, ABC Exec Nathan Varni Shares: “You’ll Always Be In Our Hearts”

If you caught the end of the Monday, November 27th Thanksgiving episode of General Hospital, the ABC daytime drama ended the show with a special dedication to Tyler Christopher (ex-Nikolas Cassadine), who passed away on October 31st at the age of 50.

With a very touching title card, and a photo of Tyler from his younger days as the dark prince of the Cassadine clan, it read, “In Loving Memory of Tyler Christopher.”

On Tuesday, November 28th, ABC Current Series executive, Nathan Varni, who oversees Grey’s Anatomy, The Conners, Station 19 and General Hospital for the network, shared on X some additional thoughts on Tyler’s contributions to the GH family.

Photo: JPI

Varni expressed: “This lovely tribute card was shown at the end of yesterday’s episode of GH In loving memory of Tyler Christopher. Thanks for bringing Nikolas Cassadine to life on our screens, you’ll always be in our hearts. RIP.”

Tyler played the role of GH’s Nikolas from 1996–1999, 2003–2011, and lastly from 2013–2016. He also took on the role of Connor Bishop from 2004–2005. The late actor took home the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2016 for his work as Nikolas.

Share your thoughts on GH honoring Tyler at the end of their Thanksgiving episode via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

GH’s Scarlett Fernandez on Charlotte’s Mindset: “She Completely Believes That Anna is Out to Get Her”

Once returning to General Hospital, Scarlett Fernandez (Charlotte) has been involved in a juicy storyline, where an impressionable young Charlotte Cassadine has been persuaded almost brain-washed, if you will, via a letter from Victor Cassadine from the grave.

In it, he implores Charlotte to keep Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) away from her father, Valentin (James Patrick Stuart). So, taking that to heart, Charlotte burned Anna’s house down and much more.  When she gets shot by Anna after intruding into the super spy’s apartment, the stakes get even higher.

Valenin had figured out that Charlotte was stalking Anna and trying to do her harm, but did not inform Anna. That has caused a major rift in their relationship.  Meanwhile, Laura (Genie Francis) and Valentin confronted Charlotte after she returned home from the hospital.

Photo: ABC

In her latest interview with Soap Opera Digest, Fernandez shared on getting to play this kind of story: “It’s definitely an honor because when I was little, I was getting storylines, but this is just crazy! I kind of feel like I’m treated like an adult on the show now, almost, and it’s just been great. I’ve been given great stuff and the fact that Frank (Valentini, EP, GH) and all of his co-workers have trusted me has just been an amazing feeling.”

With everyone confronting Charlotte on her dirty deeds against Anna, and her denying it, Fernandez weighs-in on just where Charlotte is at this point in her mind: “I think that she definitely realizes that the people around her don’t believe her and don’t trust her and I think that really frustrates her because she completely believes that Anna is out to get her. So that (the adults in her life don’t believe her) is hard for her.”

Photo: ABC

There is also burgeoning chemistry between Jake (Hudson West) and Charlotte! So what does Fernandez think of that? Is she using him, or could be the beginning of young love? She expressed: “I think it’s definitely a little bit of both. I think that maybe she and Jake are partners-in-crime, but I also think that Jake has or will have a good influence on her. She just really needs someone to be there for her and for her to be able to confide in and I think that he has been that.”

So, have you been enjoying Scarlett’s performances as a troubled Charlotte? Would you like to see Jake and Charlotte have a ‘date’? Do you think Charlotte needs deprogramming to help her out of the grip that Victor has on her; as she believes Anna is the cause of all the trouble that will come her father’s way, if she doesn’t find a way to get rid of her? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

Soap Stars and Notables Participate in the 91st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade (Photos)

Sunday night in tinseltown, it was time for the 91st anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, which has become an annual tradition featuring soap stars and other celebrities from primetime, movies, music, and sports as thy drive down famed Hollywood Boulevard amongst floats and musical performances.

While many attended the live event, viewers around the country will be able to see the taped version of the parade on Friday, December 15th when it has its first airing on The CW in a two-hour special starting at 8 pm ET/PT.

Taking part in the festivities were: General Hospital’s Tajh Bellow (TJ), The Bold and the Beautiful’s Kimberlin Brown (Sheila), Ashley Jones (Bridget), Denise Richards (ex-Shauna), and Naomi Matsuda (Li), Days of our Lives stars, then and now, including: Deidre Hall (Marlena), A Martinez (ex-Eduardo), Stephen Nichols (Steve), Brant Daughtery (ex-Brian), and Jen Lilley (ex-Theresa), The Young and the Restless’ Kate Linder (Esther) and former star Tatyana Ali (ex-Roxanne), The Bay’s Kristos Andrews (Peter/Adam) and Maxwell Caufield (Sir Thomas Kenway), plus As the World Turns Ming Na Wen (ex-Lien) and more.

In addition, iconic dancer/singer and choreographer, Paula Abdul was the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year, while Dean Cain, Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Montel Williams along with guest host, Elizabeth Stanton, called the Sunday-after-Thanksgiving tradition from different locations around the parade route.

Now below, check out some of the snaps from the 91st annual Hollywood Christmas Parade featuring some of your soap favorites.

Photo: JPI

Wow! Marlena and Sheila together for the first time! Imagine if Marlena as the MarDevil met up with Sheila Carter and caused all sorts of havoc from Salem to Los Angeles? Crossover? Here’s Deidre Hall and Kimberlin Brown getting into the holiday spirit.

Photo: JPI

Reunited and it feels so good? Remember when Daytime Emmy-winner, A Martinez came to Salem to play Eduardo Hernandez, father to Gabi, Rafe and Dario? Now, A can be seen in The Bay. Meanwhile, Stephen Nichols continues to keep on keepin’ on as Salem’s “Patchman”.

Photo: JPI

GH’s Tajh Bellow with his lady love actress Lauren Speights.

Photo: JPI

Giving us some Christmas wrapping vibes, The Bold and the Beautiful’s Naomi Matsuda (Li).

Photo: JPI

Always ready for the holidays is former Days of our Lives star, Jen Lilley (ex-Theresa).

Photo: JPI

Former ‘Bold and Beautiful’ star, Denise Richards (ex- Shauna) dressed in the holiday spirit.

Photo: JPI

There is no doubt! Our pick for ‘Best Dressed’ has to go to General Hospital’s Josh Kelly (Cody). I mean, how can you top that for being in the ‘Christmas Spirit’?

Photo: JPI

Humanitarian of the Year recipient, Paula Abdul.

Photo: JPI

Former As the World Turns Star Ming-Na Wen (ex-Lien Hughes) ready for the holiday season.

Photo: JPI

Brant Daughtery brought along his young son, and wife Kimberly, who is expecting their second child.

Photo: JPI

Maxwell Caufield who will soon appear in the latest season of The Bay, looking ‘Christmas’ dapper.

Photo: JPI

Ready for winter, and dressed in holiday white, Y&R’s Kate Linder.

So, who’s holiday outfit from their appearance in the Hollywood Christmas Parade, did you think was the best? Let us know via the comment section.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Kim Coles as Whitley

Days of our Lives

Airdate: 7-24- 2023

Popular