General Hospital
Ingo Rademacher Opens About Mental Health Struggles Since Being Fired from General Hospital
Back in November of 2021, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ingo Rademacher was fired by ABC for not complying with their vaccine mandate policy. Until that point, Ingo had played General Hospital leading man, Jasper ‘Jax” Jacks, on and off for over 20 years including runs in: 1996–2013, 2016–17 and 2019–2021.
One month after he was let go, Rademacher filed a lawsuit against ABC/Disney over his dismissal. In June of 2023, a Los Angeles judge ruled in ABC’s favor. However, Ingo is appealing the decision.
Taking to his Instagram, Ingo opened up about his mental health struggles through all the changes and upheaval in his life which included the opportunity to play Jax on a regular basis on the ABC daytime drama series.
Photo: JPI
Ingo expressed, “I apologize for not having posted much in the last year and a half. To be completely honest, for the first time in my life, I’ve been faced with some mental health struggles, that’s not something I’ve ever had to face before. I’m a lot better now but the first year was rough. Being ousted at the show for my political views, my case against ABC/Disney is now in the appeals process. Having to pack up my family from a life that we loved, questioning our move to FL. Having to take the kids out of a great swim team. Taking them away from their incredible jujitsu family and Professor in LA.”
Next, Rademacher shared how he thought he would be at GH for many years to come, stating, “On top of that, I really identified as my character on General Hospital for decades and I could’ve been there and would’ve been there for many more decades to come. This isn’t a boo-hoo me post it’s just honest. It’s where I’m at. Struggling with being not that motivated also comes with the added bonus of extra weight (getting fat)”
Photo: JPI
Although, Ingo says he is not at the body weight he wants to be, he believes things have taken a turn and he has found some motivation to get back into the shape he desires: “I weighed in at 222 pounds a few weeks ago and I should be around 190. Actually 185, let’s not try to soften the blow. Yep. Hard for me to actually say that because it’s embarrassing. Especially for someone who puts a lot of emphasis on fitness. Anyway, I hope to be more vocal again soon. I’m more motivated now. Stay tuned. More to come.”
What do you think about Ingo sharing his mental health struggles since being let go by ABC and GH, and then suing them, plus moving his family completely across the county? Comment below.
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Not to make a joke or anything, because there ARE folks with serious mental health struggles out there. But if you’re a transphobic, antivax MAGAtt, I would say your mental health issues were very present BEFORE you got fired.
I guess being depressed (which is what his description sounds like) because you’ve screwed your life up DOES qualify as a mental health issue (depression), but I can’t get over thinking that it does a disservice to those suffering from mental health issues when we accept someone’s characterization of “I’m unhappy because I made crappy life choices and they caught up with me” as a mental health issue. I’m not a psychologist, and I’m not qualified to diagnose anybody’s anything, but the article sure makes it sound like he’s trying to call what he’s going through “mental health issues” because that sounds so much more sympathetic than “My whole antivax thing blew up in my face, I screwed up my family’s life as well as my own, and my life basically sucks now because of things I did and choices I made, so I’m miserable and have gained weight.” Maybe we need two different terms for two different kinds of “mental health issues,” I don’t know.
And geez, he’s transphobic too? Wow.
Did I understand the article correctly that he moved to Florida? Oh lordy, how absolutely perfect. (Current Florida resident here; cannot get out of this state fast enough. Six more months.)
Oh shut up! I guess you’re perfect!
If by “perfect,” you mean that I know not to (1) whine after my decision to put my costars at risk has adverse consequences for my life, (2) retweet transphobic comments about a costar, and (3) compare Covid restrictions to what Anne Frank (and by extension, other Jews and members of other targeted groups) went through, then yes, I’m “perfect”–guilty as charged. Thanks for calling me out on it!
And now more and more doctors and scientists who no longer fear retaliation have come out and verified the vaccines were dangerous and have caused serious harm to people, especially young men and the elderly. Ingo was right to question the safety of these vaccines. Even Fauci has confirmed that the vaccines were not reliable as millions of people who took the vaccines still got COVID and spread COVID, so maybe you should look into all of the medical community who can explain why the vaccines were indeed dangerous in many ways. Open your mind to learning what so many doctors have reported about the damage the vaccines caused. These are not Anti-Vaxxers!! They were just against the COVID vaccines!
I think it’s interesting that he characterizes his dismissal as having been for his “political views” rather than for his personal choice not to get the Covid vaccine. I’d most likely be sympathetic to what he went through–I find myself almost always rooting for employees over employers, if only because of the enormous power imbalance–but if I were his coworker, I would have expected our employer to take action and would have been glad when they did.
I think his view that he would have been on GH for decades is . . . unrealistic. Jax had gone and come back multiple times already before Ingo was fired, and each time Jax came back, I felt he was more and more peripheral to the story. The fact that Jax’s departure, when Ingo was fired, had practically zero effect on the story at the time suggests that as a character, he had largely run his course. (In contrast, they actually had to write/rewrite a story around Steve Burton’s exit.)
Well said Michael. You covered it all from his misconception about why he was let go to Jax basically becoming a “talk to” character with little reason (other than Joss) to stay on the canvas.
He didn’t get fired for his political beliefs. And continuing to say that will ensure he’ll never work again. The appeal is a loser.
I was brought up to–
Never speak opinions of – politics, religion,..
Excuse yourself from the conversation and say–
I’m sorry I am not informed on the subject, then excuse yourself by
saying I’ll return shortly..
And do not return until the subject has been closed..
Doing that will keep you loveable..
—— Ingo said- he was- ”ousted at the show for my political views”
He should have kept his political opinions to himself-
I have found it works very well 🙂
I’m sorry for anyones struggles,but,many did whatever it took to keep jobs durning the pandemic.Some in the medical field paid with their lives.I will never forget.You stood for your beliefs and took the consequences,others did and have pulled themselves up to a new career.God bless you and yours.
It went further. He was transphobic,which impacted Cassandra.
Good. All for Ingo
It’s almost like the “Drew Barrymore” strike comment…. he making it worse for himself the more he talks about it, spins it, or tries to explain it.
The difference is I don’t believe Drew Barrymore was intending to call off as she did; I genuinely think she was trying to come back as a platform to discuss things… and it backfired on her. This individual, however, continues to put their foot in their mouth.
I’ll say this. While I’m sorry Ingo has been struggling with his mental health, rules are there for a reason, and he chose not to follow them. Choices have consequences,
The “woah is me” attitude is so off-putting. He claimed his decision to not get the vaccine was religious, and now he’s claiming it is political…. so which is it? He is a self-centered, transphobic terrorist, who supporting the terrorist attack on the Capital, and has said some real nasty things about others, who got what he deserved when he fired himself from his job. It’s so off-putting, and not he’s coming off as fat-phobic with his supposed weight gain, as if it’s a genuine negative. That is on HIM not him firing himself. He was terror on that set (as evident on social media by mocking his co-stars) and honestly, the canvas is better without Jax on it. And he won’t be winning his appeal at all, and even if he did (by a small margin), I doubt it would mean he’d be re-hired any way. Roseanne Barr was fired for her racist rants… yet, he was ignored by Disney-ABC and soap media. Should’ve been immediately dismissed.
He had to face the consequences of his choices & actions & is whining abt it now!
EXACTLY! And is unable to handle the consequence. I’m by no means a Steve Burton fan, but he took the decision he made and accepted it. He didn’t publicly whine. He didn’t sue out of spite. He knew the decision he had made would have the consequence it did, hoped for a different outcome, and moved along with his career / life. He did not play the victim card.
Looks like he is having fun to me! Nothing is forever unless you are smart enough to have your own business ! Good luck Ingo move on
He always posts pics of his “good life”, surfing, etc. Meantime, he complains he has no money but had a place in Hawaii (which is VERY expensive) and lives quite the luxurious life. He’s a whiner and relies on his fans to fight for him in the hope he’ll get his job back. I guess his not caring if he gave the virus to others, or how he found a transgender tweet so amusing he had to retweet it, or his moronic, clueless comparison between covid restrictions and the lack of freedom for Anne Frank, a young girl who had to hide in an attic from the nazis but ultimately was found and died in a concentration camp, is something to be supported and applauded by some. Not decent people.
I was a huge fan and as a journalist, I gave him a lot of publicity. I am very disappointed in him for lots of reasons. He trashed his career.
I don’t miss you or the character of Jax one bit since your dismissal. Now you’ve resurfaced because you want money. I would imagine that the cast and crew at GH feel comfortable that your negativity is a distant memory.
I’m sorry for the mental health struggles he’s going through. As someone that battles my own mental health issues on a daily basis, I don’t wish them on anyone. But as others have pointed out, Ingo is a hard person to feel sorry for based on the things he’s said and done. He brought this on himself. He made a big deal about his personal liberties and his personal choices. He made his choices alright.
The thing is, no matter who you are, an actor, an athlete, a musician, a former president, or John Q. walking down the street, there are consequences for the things we say and do, and consequences for the choices and decisions we make in our life.
I honestly don’t miss him on GH. But I do hope for his own sake, for his family’s sake, for his own sanity, that he gets his life back on track.
Time for both sides to make amends cause it’s the best for the show. GH has struggled mightly on Carly’s love life since Jax. Wright only has couple chemistry with Ingo. Drew is Carly’s most boring pairing in 25 years. Cameron Mathison is not working out. Cynthia Watros has been a excellent addition four years in and has lots of couple chemistry with Benard. Nina and Sonny are good together. I cried at their wedding it was so beautiful. Bring back Jax for Carly. Ingo may be ready to see the light and fix his wrongs.
Nah. He burned those bridges. HE did with HIS ignorant words.
No. There is not “making amends” with the things he’s said and done, not to mention he sued ABC and is appealing because he lost. He’s done. Maybe a far right “news” outlet will hire him or some far right show. Who’d want to hire an actor who has sued ABC. Way too many actors to choose from than to risk hiring him. He screwed himself.
What if Ingo had a wakeup call? He tries to win back the trust and respect of everyone as a first step to earning forgiveness. Everyone has a right to learn from their mistakes. You would welcome him back to GH if he saw the error of his ways? I believe in second chances.
He just said he’s going to appeal the lawsuit. He’s STILL trying to blame ABC for his own decision. ABC gave him and others a choice; Steve Burton didn’t take the vaccine but didn’t burn bridges; he didn’t sue them and because of his more professional response, he probably has a door open for him at GH should he choose to go back. Ingo hasn’t changed. He’s in his 50s. He retweeted a cruel transgender insult and he made light of a young girl, Anne Frank’s having to hide from the nazis. She was ulitmately caught and died in a concentration camp. He compared HER hiding from the nazis to covid restrictions, saying covid restrictions were worse. You can’t get much lower than that; he’s despicable.
There’s no return for Ingo to any Disney owned show (and likely most of Hollywood).
Wright also had good chemistry with Roger Howarth as both Todd and Franco.
Agreed with your assessment of Mathison. What started out with good potential while Drew was held captive has segued into an extremely dull partnership.
WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH…Dude let’s ask NLG how she felt while you were bullying her. That alone should have got your fired. Go away..
I was a huge Jax fan back in the day and was always excited when Ingo and the character returned. However, this whole situation and his attitude was a big turn off. He totally uprooted his family from Hawaii to return the last time to GH so it’s not like this should be a big deal. Aside from this, I thought the character Jax had run his course the last time with not much to do. He hasn’t been missed.
He’s obnoxious and way too full of himself. He made a decision. But instead of respecting ABC’s decision to require a vaccine during a worldwide pandemic, he made it about himself. He sued. He went to every media outlet who would have him to complain. He posted crap on IG, Twitter, and FB. He burned bridges which is an understatement, and sued a major entertainment corporation instead of understanding their right to require a vaccine at a time when there was a lot of virus out there, and being in an enclosed work environment posed a risk to all. And, to top it off, at the time it was believed the vaccine would stop transmission. All he had to do was wait out the mandate like Steve Burton did. When/if Steve wants to come back to GH the door is open. Ingo shut the doors on himself by his desire for a big payout… And that’s in addition to his bigoted transgender retweet and his covid restriction Holocaust comparison. He’s not too bright or empathetic.
Don’t miss Ingo/Jax one bit. Good riddance. Good luck to him. That is all.
A trump-humping homo/transphobic anti vaxxer is sad and not taking responsibility for his own actions?
Imagine my surprise!
Cynical Devil that I am, I can’t help but think Ingo’s trying to generate some sympathy for himself among the GH fanbase here.
The recent deaths of Billy Miller & Tyler Christopher and their well documented struggles with mental health issues have had overwhelming response from the fans & GH cast members on this board & others. Maybe Ingo thought he could play that card in some sort of desparate “Hail Mary” play to get back on GH?
Or am I reading too much into this?
Wouldn’t put it past him. But then again he’s big with the anit-vax and/or Trump crowd. But if they couldn’t get enough votes for the Presidency and the midterms, I think he’s barking up the wrong party, lol.
I admire anyone who discloses mental health issues; that includes Ingo. I hope he is able to get the help he needs and lives a more productive, happy, well-adjusted life. And that is where my benevolence towards him ends…
His assumption that he would have been on GH for decades more is asinine.
No it’s not Assinine
Sorry, but timing of this is just sick. Right after the tragedies of Billy Miller and Christpher Tyler. It seems that he is using the fan’s recent, tragic losses as a way to get sympathy for himself.
When I heard him speak in an interview and he gave the reason religious exemption for not taking the covid vaccine when he was at General Hospital to me personally it wasn’t a religious exemption reason it appeared to me to be for health and fitness reasons. When it comes down to it basically if your employed by a company and they require something then if you want to keep your job you do it. If you’re a doctor or a nurse working at the hospital in order to keep your job you have to get the vaccine.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
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.
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.
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’
Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now
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‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
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