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It's A Wrap For GH's Jason Thompson: After 10 Years Tapes Last Episode & Shares Heartfelt Message!

Photo Credit: Avenue Edmonton/Curtis Comeau

Friday was quite a day for General Hosiptal’s five-time Daytime Emmy nominated actor, Jason Thompson (Patrick).  The talented fan favorite was celebrating his birthday, but also preparing to shoot his final scenes as Dr. Drake and wrap-up his incredible ten-year run.

As previously announced, Thompson had make the decision earlier this fall to leave the ABC soap opera and not re-sign with the show.  Now all that was left was to continue to turn in his usual rich and compelling performances, and wrap up Patrick’s story, and say goodbye to his colleagues that he has come to love.  Not an easy task.

In a touching post today via Jason’s Instragram account, he related the ups and down of his emotional final tape day, and having his birthday all rolled into one! Juxtaposed with beautiful imaginery, Thompson said in his post: “Yesterday morning. Nov 20th. 5:55 am. It was my birthday and also my last day of playing Patrick Drake on GH after 10 years. It was a long, emotional, exhausting, thrilling at times overwhelming day, and I am so grateful for every one of those moments. Change can be exciting and scary all at once. Shake it up..see what comes out. Thank you for the Birthday wishes. Thank you for the well wishes. See you soon.”

So with that said: one of the finest actors of the genre has left the building, which is so bittersweet for many viewers.  While they wish Thompson could always be a part of the canvas of GH, they also know: he deserves good story, is multi-talented, and know that the sky’s the limit for the rest of Jason’s career whereever it may lead him.

Share your thoughts in the comment section below knowing Jason wrapped at GH.   How do you hope, or think, Patrick will be written off the canvas? What did you think of Jason’s sentiments shared in his post?

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Maureen Lynch
Guest
Maureen Lynch

It’s sad to see him go. He was underulitized in his role. Lately his acting has been off the charts. Wish him all the best. Does anyone know if the character of Emma is leaving as well?

KansasGuest
Guest
KansasGuest

I’m sad that the only main character doctor is leaving. GH is supposed to be centered at a hospital. But, only one of its major characters are employed there – Elizabeth. All the others are secondary & rarely seen except for filler moments – Brad, Lucas, Monica, Kevin Collins, the new psychiatrist, Dr. Obrecht. They really need Sarah Webber back. When it was most popular, GH was very progressive. Two of the female leads were doctors (Monica & Lesley) & the hospital had female admins (Gail & Audrey).

Patricio
Guest
Patricio

A loss indeed. This was one hell of an actor! His scenes have run the gamut. He will likely leave the canvas without his much deserved EMMY award, however, with his ridiculous good looks he will be.hesded to the big screen!

Thank you for sharing your talent with us, Mr. Thompson.

KansasGuest
Guest
KansasGuest

He’s a good actor. And being Canadian, he could always go back to his home country which has a very strong tv & movie industry itself. IMO ABC should try to transition him into their primetime lineup.

Patricio
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Patricio

I didn’t know he was Canadian, no wonder I loved him. My mother was Canadian and represented these warmest of people well!

Shari
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Shari

William DeVry (Julian) is also Canadian.

rebecca1
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rebecca1

So is Dominic Zambrogna…Dante.

KansasGuest
Guest
KansasGuest

Vinessa Antoine (Jordan Ashford) – Canadian!

Becky
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Becky

Have come to love the character Patrick Drake and will miss him terribly. Watching him for the last ten years has been the best. Wish him well and will follow. GH loss will definitely be some other venue’s gain.

Ces
Guest
Ces

A fine actor has left the building. I was really enjoying his work lately and sorry to see him go. I quite enjoyed his scenes with Kelly & hope GH doesn’t kick themselves when Jason & Sam’s chemisrty doesn’t hold up. I believe GH is at fault for this actor wanting to leave. Good luck Jason!!

su0000
Guest
su0000

However Jason/Patrick leaves I doubt it will be highly dramatic. The writers have never mastered intriguing exciting drama, but nonetheless I’m sure it will be a tearjerker and remembered..
I will really miss him 🙁
I liked all his scenes, he is a very talented actor and he will do very well.

There is nothing good about his leaving, well one good thing I will never have to see Robin, again lol .. 🙂

I doubt the character/Patrick will be recast.. there is nothing in Port Charles for the Patrick role..

It has been a very good 10yrs with Patrick and Emma ..

su0000
Guest
su0000

FV said they have shot 6 weeks..
Jason’s last scenes will be during Christmas ..

Joni
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Joni

They’ve done lots of block taping w/ some story lines due to actor availability.

Cathy
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Cathy

Robin is GH history and can come back ANYTIME. She didn’t need Jason Thompson as Patrick to return to GH. Many, like myself, love to see the beautiful talented Kimberly as Robin come back . She was on GH long before Jason Thompson and Robin can visit Anna anytime. I wouldn’t miss ANY other GH women characters and specially the new ones brought to GH under RC.

Reen
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Reen

It will be sad to see JT leave. He’s a talented guy but it it will be good for him to spread his wings. Frank et al seemed more focused on giving their hires the meatier storylines, so he languished. Hopefully, he’s off to a better opportunity elsewhere. However, to suggest that Robin, a character with a 20 year history prior to arrival of Patrick, can’t return is foolish. History has shown, on more soaps than just GH, that stories and audience numbers seem to resonate when history is used, provided the writing is good. So I hope that the… Read more »

Timmm
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Timmm

I’m with you. I love Robin and her and Emma can come back if need be. Emma should have NEVER been split up and away from her mother! Kim gets a bad wrap sometimes. She has dedicated MOST of her life to GH!

su0000
Guest
su0000

hey Timmm..
Kim left, her decision to leave.
IF she had taken Emma with her then Brooklyn/Emma would be out of work, no pay check..
That would have been nasty lol

Jennifer Melchionne
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Jennifer Melchionne

im sorry to see him go. I wish him success.

Patrick
Guest
Patrick

yeah!

“LOTS” of success

doesn’t he deserve it after all the “crappy” writing without his leading lady (KM)

and that’s no diss on his talent… he’s a LEADing Man

What a Charmer! PLUS!

Nananes
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Nananes

A class act always and a first class actor…another huge loss for General Hospital.

Mallory
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Mallory

I’m sorry that Jason is leaving but I wish him all the best! I can’t wait to see him in other projects. I hope they give Patrick, Robin, and Emma a happy ending 🙂

Ces
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Ces

well said. me too.

lisa
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lisa

I wish Jason Thompson well in whatever is next in his future.
Please don’t kill Patrick off – let him leave with Robin ( I’m assuming Kimberly is making a brief return for that reason ).
No mention of Emma so I’m going to assume again they’re keeping her on the canvas….just don’t age her.

Ces
Guest
Ces

It would be dumb to leave Emma, he’s attached to that child. GH will have to send her off as well, I think? Oh gawd, please don’t age her!

Michele
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Michele

Love Jason Thompson. He’s a beautiful actor; versatile, thoughtful, and compelling. I’m sad to see him leaving GH, but excited for his future. With talent like his, the future is bright.

evelyn
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evelyn

He’s going to the young and the restless sometime in December l heard

Eileen Hargis
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Eileen Hargis

Best wishes for Jason, hello Billy Abbott!

jbj
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jbj

I really hope not. He needs to at least try to do some prime time work before considering joining another soap. I’ve been dying to see him in a period drama, like Masters of Sex, but he’d totally work on a musical show, like Nashville.

Eileen Hargis
Guest
Eileen Hargis

I agree with you on wanting to see Jason on some primetime too, but u have to look at this reaslistically. He was single for a long time but recently got married. Hes moving into a new home as we speak, just announced they are expecting twins in the spring. Do you really believe he would quit GH with a stable income and go out job hunting? Or take a very lucrative job offer from the no.#1 soap in a main role????

Chrystie_Delancey
Guest
Chrystie_Delancey

I hope you are right, Eileen! You make some very good points. Y&R NEEDS him. I always loved him when he was part of Scrubs. He was the heel that made you root for him because he changed his ways. He would be such a breath of fresh air on Y&R from the stale Billy we have dealt with for way too long. Nothing against Burgess Jenkins, but he was miscast as Billy. Y&R could get rid of the dead weight: Joe, Summer, Kyle (already recurring), Marisa (et al), Sage, Sharon – what on earth have they done to her?!… Read more »

Lin
Guest
Lin

Jason, if you read this, I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your excellent portrayal of Patrick. You made the show much more enjoyable for me. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your story with Robin immensely. Your early romance and marriage before they ruined it. (the original story when Kimberly was there every day. I hate this back and forth nonsense and the stupidity of what they are doing now- but that’s not your doing). There are so many aspects of Patrick’s story and your acting that have made the show. I… Read more »

Jen
Guest
Jen

I’m sad to see Jason Thompson leave. Patrick is a great, fully-rounded character and Thompson truly put his stamp on the show. I have no idea how I’d want to see him written out. I’m just very disappointed he’s leaving. The show underutilized him this past year and it’s a great shame. I wish Thompson well and hope to see him on screen again soon.

Mark
Guest
Mark

I fell in love with the baby-faced dancer in the Gap swing dance commercials in the late 90’s, handcuffed to a bed in “Undressed,” and finally landing in Port Charles! There is something about this man . . . and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to watch him grow and thrive in my favorite of mediums. Many times his portrayal of Patrick Drake brought me misty-eyed, even tearing up. What a fine-fine actor!! I’m sorry to see him go. I wish him the best in whatever he does , but most of all comeback when you’re ready!

Jimh(leave it to beaver)
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Jimh(leave it to beaver)

GH is fast becoming a home of talentless actors…im not a big Patrick fan but JT was a lot better actor than most on this show…the writers just couldnt seem to write a good story for him…Robins comings-and-goings kind of stagnated his character!…mho

su0000
Guest
su0000

hi Jimh..
Jason was built into Robin..
They were written to be not exchangeable ..
When Kim/Robin left she took Patrick with her, the Patrick charters was dead in the water without Robin, what a shame what a waste.

Jimh(leave it to beaver)
Guest
Jimh(leave it to beaver)

i agree

DYLAN
Guest
DYLAN

They were actually never written that way, until Ron Carlivati took over. Patrick was brash and cocky at first. Even after they fell in love, Robin and Patrick maintained very distinct identities, opinions, and personalities. Robin was looking for a sperm donor to impregnate her when Patrick didn’t want children. Even after they were married, Patrick cheated on her. I believe just prior to Cartini taking the reins, Robin’s death from HIV/AIDS was already written. That could have been a ground breaking, epic finale to the character of Robin and their love story that would have allowed Patrick to realistically… Read more »

Shay
Guest
Shay

Robin’s situation may have “stagnated” Patrick, but Sappy’s influence absolutely killed the man….drained every ounce of joy and masculinity from the character. Whilst Sam as a love interest was not a bad idea, in theory, it was simply a case of too little, too late to save Dr. Drake’s image and restore him to his former glory as a leading man on the Port Charles canvas. For shame, for shame, GH….to lose the talent of three major male stars in less than a year’s time certainly doesn’t bode well for the show’s future, especially if the show runners think they… Read more »

Harry
Guest
Harry

You know I agree with you, Shay. Who would have thunk little Miss Sappy could be such a ball buster? After his run with her, he then becomes engaged to Sam whose every other word is Jason, Jason, Jason. “Have I mentioned Jason?” Because Jason, Jason, Jason” says Sam to Patty. Sam actually had the unmitigated gall to ask Patrick if it would hurt their relationship if she chased after Jason. Paul, once upon a time I would have agreed with you about Howarth but as of late he’s just phoning it in like a bad sitcom actor. How long… Read more »

Jimh(leave it to beaver)
Guest
Jimh(leave it to beaver)

You know Sappy didnt do that to just Patrick…she did it to much of the show as well!

Paul
Guest
Paul

A home of talentless actors? Ha. Not so much. There may be a few clunkers but the show is rich with talented actors: Laura Wright, Michelle Stafford, Roger Howarth, Finola Hughes, Genie Francis, Tyler Christopher to name a few. And GH has 2 of the best child actors in soaps right now with the kids playing Emma and Nicholas. Jim, I think you might be confusing the show with another that recently aged all of their kids and replaced them with wooden acting students.

su0000
Guest
su0000

Paul..
I will add- Maura, Maurice, Jane, and the list of phenomenal GH actors goes on, the most talented cast of the soaps.

Timmm
Guest
Timmm

I agree with you Paul, there is far more talent on GH than not. The problem is the show is littered with too many useless or untapped characters! Your a smart fan so I dont have to name names.

Shay
Guest
Shay

You got that right, jimh! And now that the Sapster has shagged her way into the Q Manse, she’s ruining the clueless Mikey, all whilst carrying Carlos’ gangsta sprog. I certainly hope someone in the Corinthos camp–Sonny, Carly? I’ll bet on Carly…..– can actually count and it finally dawns on one of them that Sappy is too far gone in her gestation and trying to pull a fast one over on their gullible son, even though with a certain amount of hesitancy so as not to tarnish the show runners’ insistence on continuing the farce of a notion that she… Read more »

Omar
Guest
Omar

Wow..So much hate for Sabrina here, I just don’t get it, and she is not even a villain..What the hell does she have to do with Jason Thompson leaving and the poor writing his character has gotten in the last year..Geez Shay, you are very passionate about this..It is just a show..Your hatred for this “latina” actress playing a “latina” character might be a reason why this bothers you so much

su0000
Guest
su0000

hey Omar..
The Robin lovers have to hate poor Sabrina, why? well because she is not Robin and how dare Patrick be in love with her, he is Robins..
It’s jealousy stuff lol .. hate the other woman thing..

Shay
Guest
Shay

Hey suuuu!!!! Not all of us were motivated by “Robin love” in our less than enthusiastic reaction to Sappy. I, for one, would have happily accepted Patrick with Britt, Liz, Sam…..or most any other suitable female that crossed his path. For me, it was purely all about the fact that Drake Jr. and “The Sapster” were a ludicrous pairing in a ridiculous storyline. Got it???? Good!!!!

davidevansmith
Guest
davidevansmith

Best exit I can see is that Patrick and Robin are BOTH presumed dead, and Emma is taken in by Anna to raise. It would keep Emma on the canvas to grow up like Robin did (thinking her parents were dead), and would be the only conceivable way Patrick would not be there for his daughter. But no shots of Patrick and Robin trapped anywhere, just a presumed death, leaving them off canvas until one or either of them is willing to return long term. Also forces Anna into a better place, needing to be strong to care for Emma… Read more »

Harry
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Harry

I like that idea, David and I think it might happen,

Chrystie_Delancey
Guest
Chrystie_Delancey

Let Patrick, Robin, and Emma ride off into the sunset or go do humanitarian work overseas.

Save the fabulous actress that plays Emma and, if the rumors are true about Y&R, hire her as a SORASed Katie. Jason and Brooklynn have such a great father-daughter chemistry.

Patrick
Guest
Patrick

“…one of the finest actors of the genre has left the building ”

here ye

ovation

Patrick
Guest
Patrick

Wow!

i’m just trying to absorb the momentous high of all the stimuli going on in Salem (DOOL)

now this?

Annette Li
Guest
Annette Li

I’m also a huge fan of Days. Yeah, I know, right?

Mary Lewis
Guest
Mary Lewis

We have enjoyed watching Jason (Drake Jr.), he will be missed, but wish all the best in his future endeavors

Andrea Dmith
Guest
Andrea Dmith

Wish u well. Loved watching you every day. Miss Patrick n Robin though. Best scenes ever 🙂

Cathy
Guest
Cathy

It is about time that he decided to leave GH. GH stuck him in two horrible pairings. Robin is the one woman for Patrick. GH owes Scrub fans a HEA. That is the least they can do after purposely trying to ruin Robin and Patrick for two horrid pairings of Patrick after Robin.

Ash
Guest
Ash

I can’t blame him for leaving, given the lack of a storyline he’s been given since KMc left. However I am going to miss JT on GH. I loved the friendship of Patrick anx Elizabeth. Loved his relationship with Emma and what a great father Paddy is. I know it will be a hard recast but I kinda hoping GH goes that way in some time. I don’t think it will be the same without Patrick Drake. but if they are not recasting I hope they give us our Scrubs happy ending. cause one things for sure… they better not… Read more »

Annette Li
Guest
Annette Li

I’ve always been a huge fan of #Scrubs! Loved him when he first started. He & Kim had that special connection, and that’s why I loved their story. I’ll miss seeing him as Patrick. Wish him the best of luck in whatever brings him next, and i’ll follow him there. Hope #Scrubs will get their HEA…Best scenes with Robin!! Heck yeah!!!

Karen Shelinsky
Guest
Karen Shelinsky

I’m really sorry to see Jason go, but it’s the writers’ fault for not giving him enough of a storyline since Robin (more or less) left. I agree that Patrick and Robin were better together, but they still could have written him better storylines after she was gone. I wish him much good luck in whatever acting gigs he gets in the future! My big concern with him gone is what will happen to Emma. I hope she stays with Anna; she’s such a talented little actress! Best wishes, Jason.

MissySnow
Guest
MissySnow

JT, good luck in your next endeavors!

IMO, Patrick Drake should have been single for over a year while he dealt with Robin’s death and being a single father to emma. Patrick could have stumbled back into his bachelor days with random hook ups with various women before he fell for Dr. Sarah Webber only for Robin to return during the couple’s engagement party. Sabrina was way too immature for someone Patrick’s age.

Tristan
Guest
Tristan

Such a loss. Truly one of the show’s best actors, sacrificed for Jason and Sam and the mob storylines. JT deserved so much more, and I hope he finds it elsewhere. My expectation is that Scrubs gets its “happily ever after,” which I suspect is a major reason why Kimberly is returning. If that is true, I will be delighted that the ending for Drake Jr. is as meaningful and satisfying as it should be. But why did it have to be? Why couldn’t this show have written for this outstanding leading man? I will never understand the bizarre choices… Read more »

Patrick
Guest
Patrick

beautiful; all, encompassing post

i will dutifully post to the end… how I feel about Jason Thompson

“husband material”

he is the quintessential dream

Patrick
Nicholas
Dante
Ned

you tune it to watch these… menfolk

turn your heart

imagination

admittedly tearing up

DYLAN
Guest
DYLAN

Settle your kettle, Patrick. You’ll be fine. 🙂

Alan
Guest
Alan

I don’t blame him for leaving. It’s pretty clear that the new writing team is only interested in telling stories that revolve around Sonny, Jason, and/or the mob.

dolores
Guest
dolores

wishing him well; there were more twists & turns that his storyline could have taken but he has been under utilized for quite a while on GH — wish he could have stayed around to see what the new writers could have done with his storylines but an opportunity arose and it was time to move on & try something new….don’t look back once decision is made!!!!

Diane Jones
Guest
Diane Jones

It’s really sad he’s leaving,no-one can fill his shoes,if he leaves ,Emma will follow.I want to him the best in whatever he decides to do,great leading man.

betty smith
Guest
betty smith

he will be missed i loved his acted he had his ups and down but he will be missed good luck jason

Keati Morgan
Guest
Keati Morgan

Jason will truly be missed. I wish him all the blessings that God has for him. As far as his character “Patrick Drake”, I think he will leave Port Charles due to his obviously broken relationship with Sam. I think the door will be open for a possible re-cast.

Jeff
Guest
Jeff

Talentless actors??? GH has the best actors in daytime!!

Mister Media
Guest
Mister Media

I think he simply couldn’t bring himself to outlast the Jason story line. The story underscored his relative value to the writers and to the show itself. Another missed opportunity here as Patrick and Elizabeth were the obvious go-to couple when Robin left town. More and more I am preferring the version of the show that I write in my head while I endure the version they are broadcasting. The genre desperately requires new blood in the writing department instead of the endless recycling of failed and fired writers from show to show. Having said that, long live GH!

su0000
Guest
su0000

Well, I really liked Levi Dunkleman !!
He was written very well, I still remember him!
I miss Da`Dunkelman! … wouldn’t mind seeing him again 🙂

Sometime disposable characters are better/more fun and interesting than vets, at times!

Eileen Hargis
Guest
Eileen Hargis

He was a good actor but his character was ridiculous and served no real purpose to the story.

su0000
Guest
su0000

hi Eileen..
And that is one of the reason I luv Dunkleman, he had no involved purpose he was easy fun to watch, entertaining and unusual, no ties.. he came and left..
I miss him 🙂

DYLAN
Guest
DYLAN

It’s official, Su. Now I know you are only on this board to piss people off and mess with their heads LOL. Thanks for making it clear and obvious, and you are very good at it! Any post that includes the words Levi Dunkleman and well-written in the same vicinity as “I miss him”…..LMAO. Ya okay. Keep doing what you do, bro! I can finally laugh at your posts!!!!! 🙂

Patricio
Guest
Patricio

Does anyone know what this means for the great actress who plays his daughter? Is she out of work now?

Linda Z
Guest
Linda Z

I am hoping that he will end up on Y&R as Billy, he would make a fantastic Billy Abbot!

Timmm
Guest
Timmm

JT is heading out of GH and into Jabot! It should be great. He is a really good actor and he has proven if he gets good material he can shine! People are obsessed with JT looking like Billy Miller so he can play Billy Abbott. Its BS, It wont be a distraction when you put him in the room and he goes toe to toe with Amelia, Eric and Peter!

As for his departure from Port Chuck, I see him and his family leaving town happy and content. Little Emma can appear from time to time to visit grandma.

Mzzchin
Guest
Mzzchin

Patrick I’m seriously going to missed u. Sorry it didn’t work out between u and Sam. Jason and Sam belongs together. Liz needs to go. Wish u all the best in ur endeavor.

Mzzchin
Guest
Mzzchin

They should let u leave by making Sam go back to Jason and u go to find Robin. Lol. I don’t know but definitely not killing u off.

Dan
Guest
Dan

I admittedly wasn’t crazy about Jason Thompson or the character of Patrick when he first showed up on GH, but he certainly won me over many times over in the years since. Jason grew into one of the finest actors in daytime, and has really been one of the stalwarts of the show in recent years, in my opinion. It’s a shame he never got any Emmy gold to validate his tremendous work. But to be nominated 5 times is a very impressive accomplishment, no matter how you look at it. He’s definitely leaving a big hole in General Hospital,… Read more »

Kevin
Guest
Kevin

I will miss this fantastic actor. At least, when his character exits, it had better be with Robin and Emma.

Iakovos
Guest
Iakovos

This is a loss for GH. I suppose a recast down the line is possible. Wondering if we will get a happy ending (finally!) for Scrubs and Emma and they will leave Port Charles to save the world with their incredible medical knowledge and experience. I agree with earlier post that notes Dr. Drake is the star doctor and his departure minimizes the hospital which is the center and heart of the show (or should be). I would welcome the return of Tom Hardy now or a new medical team. I do miss the older doctors (Monica, Lesley) that could… Read more »

Shay
Guest
Shay

Even though it’s sad to see Jason Thompson bid goodbye to GH, at least he’s leaving the show on his own terms….unlike Michael Easton, who had no say in the matter of Dr. Silas Clay’s hasty departure from the Port Charles canvas!

Geena
Guest
Geena

I will miss him terribly!! I absolutely loved Sam and Patrick. It really sucked that they spent so much of this year talking of nothing but Jason. I hope Patrick and Robin ride off into the sunset. That’s the best outcome for Emma. That young girl has suffered enough and should be reunited with her parents. She can return to PC later on as a teen or adult.

mark
Guest
mark

he is one of the best actors on daytime and is was underused the last few years in my opinion. its too bad i hope he goes on to bigger and better things.

Engrady Pind
Guest
Engrady Pind

I certainly hope the role is recast. I wish JT the very best and would enjoy seeing him again on another show.

GH needs Patrick Drake to represent the sane aspect of the hospital, heaven knows Dr. Obrecht can’t do it. In fact, the show needs to concentrate more on the hospital and less and less on the criminal elements of Port Charles. Of course, that will mean that the weepy, whiney, clinging Sam McCall will have to become an instant nurse so she can once again be front and center.

Shells
Guest
Shells

Does this mean that Brooklyn is out of a job too?

alyk
Guest
alyk

Just let Emma stay. I can live without Patrick, but not without Emma

evelyn
Guest
evelyn

I said the first time is thompson going to young an the restless to be billy abbott hope the writers don’t mess his acting skills up.

All My Children

Pride Month Celebrating LGBTQ+ Soap Supercouples: Nuke, Kish, Otalia & WilSon … Which Stands the Test of Time?

June is Pride Month, the time when across the U.S and the world there are celebrations and commemorations to recognize all who identify as LGBTQ and their allies.

Daytime soap operas have had a rocky road when it comes to the representation of same-sex couples.  The soaps have been at one time leaders in portraying key social issues of our time, as well as treading lightly on other subjects, as to its concerns to ‘turn-off’ its core audiences.

When you look back at the groundbreaking first same-sex weddings, and the first gay kiss, the soaps have come far in some ways in their representations of gay characters, but there is always work to be done to serve and to shed light on the under-represented.

As we reflect back to the then and the now, which LGBTQ soap supercouple remains your favorite and had made a lasting impact? Let’s take a look at four duos who captivated many viewers.

Nuke  – Luke Snyder and Noah Mayer – As the World Turns

Van Hansis (Luke) and Joel Silbermann (Noah) were a key part of the evolution of, and representation of LGBTQ character on the soaps.  ‘Nuke’, as they were known as, became the first gay male soap couple to share an on-screen kiss back in 2007.  ATWT also became known as the first soap to depict a fully realized romantic male couple as an integral part of the show.  There was plenty of backlash along the way for the long-awaited kiss to happen, but when it did, the show moved forward to tell their love story.

Otalia – Olivia Spencer and Natalia Rivera Aitoro – Guiding Light

When Crystal Chappell (Olivia) and Jessica Leccia (Natalia) began to play the love story of Otalia, they had to show their affection by a kiss on the head, or holding hands.  It took quite some time for GL to move forward to have two women, two moms, no less, share a lip lock. The complicated love story featured Natalia being conflicted to face her true romantic feelings for Olivia, because of her value system and religions upbringing, and that made this all the more riveting and frustrating at the same time.  In the end, the rabid fan base for this duo was so great that Chappell wound up creating her own series, Venice, to honor and serve them, remaining one of the LGBTQ communities greatest allies.

Kish – Kyle Lewis and Oliver Fish – One Life to Live

In 2009, One Life to Live’s Kyle Lewis (Brett Claywell) was an out lab tech in Llanview, who back in college had a relationship with Officer Oliver Fish (Scott Evans).  It imploded when Oliver denied he was gay.  For years, Oliver remained in the closet, before finally coming out to himself and Kyle.

Kish had been a big success with the media and One Life’s gay audience. LGBTQ-advocacy groups honored the couple and the story.  However, Kish was cut short when the network felt that the data showed that the storyline was not resonating with the show’s core audience.

WilSon – Will Horton and Sonny Kiriakis – Days of our Lives

Days of our Lives delivered daytime’s first-ever gay male wedding in 2014, between Will (then played by Guy Wilson) and Sonny (then played by Freddie Smith).

In an interview with EW, Days of our Lives executive producer, Ken Corday shared on the union, “Will and Sonny have been together for a while and it was the natural progression of their love story. We didn’t feel like there was anything we could or couldn’t do, we treated them like any other couple on the canvas and continued to grow their romance as such.”

In addition, the coming out story of Will Horton was critically praised and noteworthy for the performances of Chandler Massey, who won three Daytime Emmys for his work in the Outstanding Younger Actor category 2012, 2013 and 2014.  Freddie Smith also won in the same category in 2015.  Will has been played over the years by Chandler Massey and Guy Wilson, while Sonny has been portrayed by Freddie Smith and Zach Tinker.

There have been several other key LGBTQ couples throughout the course of daytime history including All My Children’s Bianca (Eden Riegel) and Reese (Tamara Braun). These two characters were involved in the first same-sex lesbian wedding on daytime. Problem was … Reese kissed Zach (Thorsten Kaye) before the wedding, making this infuriating for viewers at home.

Other notable LGBTQ couples through the years have included: Bianca and Maggie on All My Children, Mariah and Tessa of The Young and the Restless played bv Camryn Grimes and Cait Fairbanks, Maya and Rick on The Bold and the Beautiful, Lucas and Brad on General Hospital and others.

Which couple do you think has had the most lasting impact on the history of LGBTQ representation on daytime soap operas? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GH’s Nicholas Chavez and Tabyana Ali to ‘Sprina’ Shippers: “Thank You For Not Only Being Fans, But Turning into Family”

The hottest young duo on daytime drama these days belongs to General Hospital.  The couple known as ‘Sprina’ played by Nicholas Chavez (Spencer) and Tabyana Ali (Trina), is being given plenty of non-stop intrigue and drama and romance, much to the delight of their fans, who just can’t get enough of them.

In the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands everywhere Friday, Chavez and Ali weigh-in on all the latest developments and recent airshows including: the reading of Victor’s will, what to do about Esme and baby Ace, the action-adventure scenes in ‘Greenland’ and the Haunted Star, and most notably, that emotional leap from Trina into Spencer’s arms when he turned up alive!

Ali told SOD on her preparation for the moment: “I did a couple of jumps and held a baby, and that was about it!”

Courtesy/ABC

Chavez added, “That is my favorite ‘Sprina’ scene, Spencer is walking toward Trina and Trina breaks into a full sprint towards him, jumps into his arms and they kiss.  I’ve always wanted to do a moment like that, you know what I mean?” Ali said, “I really loved that scene, too. It was just so fulfilling.”

When addressing what each of them would like to say to their lively and constant fan base, Tabyana expressed; “I would just say we love you, we appreciate you, thank you for all of your support and thank you for not only being fans, but turning into family.”

Nick added, “I co-sign all of that. Every single word.”

Photo: ABC

So, if you are a ‘Sprina” fan, what makes this couple so special and swoon-worthy for you? What do you hope happens next for Trina and Spencer in story? Let us know in the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Marcus Learns He’s Not Trina’s Biological Father

On Wednesday’s episode of General Hospital, Trina (Tabyana Ali) opened the DNA test results that would conclude who is her actual bio-dad. Would it be the man who raised her, Taggert (Réal Andrews) or, the man she more recently has come to know, Curtis (Donnell Turner)?

At GH, Marcus, Curtis and Portia (Brook Kerr) gather to learn the results.  It turns out that Curtis is Trina’s biological father, not Marcus.

However, are these results, correct? Are DNA results ever correct on soaps? Did Selina Wu (Lydia Look) have something to do with switching these in favor of Curtis? Are we digging into this too much?

After the revelation, Trina tells Curtis. they will need to take some time need to figure out their relationship.  Trina makes it clear she’s not looking for a replacement father, and hopes he can understand and accept that.  Curtis promises he will let Trina take the lead on things.

Meanwhile, Taggert, who promised Trina no matter what happens that nothing will change between them, decides to take off and breaks down in the elevator.  Marcus is devastated and in tears, and is left using the elevator as a punching bag for his fists.

You can watch the final moments of the scene, featuring a heart-tugging performance by Réal Andrews below.

Now let us know, are you glad Trina’s bio-dad turned out to be Curtis and not Marcus … or were you hoping it would turn out the other way around? Share your thoughts in the comment section. 

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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

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