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James B. Sikking, ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Hill Street Blues’ Alum, Passes Away at 90

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: NBC

This weekend has brought the deaths of Shannen Doherty, Richard Simmons, Dr. Ruth Westheimer and now Hill Street Blues and General Hospital alum, James B. Sikking (ex-Dr. Jim Hobart).

Sikking died on Saturday at his home in Los Angeles, due to dementia at the age of 90 surrounded by loved ones. His longtime publicist, Cynthia Snyder issued a statement to Deadline on his passing, sharing, “In a remarkable career, Sikking’s wonderfully exciting face gave us drama, comedy, tragedy and hilarious farse. His career spanned over six decades in television, film and on stage. His talent, integrity and imagination intrigued and delighted audiences.”

While most-known for his role on NBC’s cop drama Hill Street Blues playing Lt. Howard Hunter for seven seasons, and later as Dr. David Howser on Doogie Howser, M.D., longtime GH fans will remember his role of Dr. Jim Hobart. The character was an interloper in Steve Hardy (John Beradino) and Audrey March’s (Rachel Ames) enduring love story.

Courtesy/ABC

Sikking appeared for three years on GH from 1973-1976 and in story, Jim was alcoholic. Audrey was so grateful to him for saving her son, Tommy’s life, that when Jim injured his hands in an car accident and feared his career as a surgeon was over, she felt sorry for him and thus married him, even though she was still in love with her ex-husband Steve Hardy.

Later, Jim began to drink heavier because he could no longer operate and Audrey smothering him, made him drink more.  In 1974, it was Jim who held the key to who killed Phil Brewer. After Diana Taylor was sentenced for Phil’s murder, Jim suddenly remembered he had seen Augusta MacLeod (Judith McConnell) with Phil that night. Eventually, Augusta confessed to killing Phil.

Throughout Sikking’s career he also appeared on TV in guest starring roles on: Starsky & Hutch, The Rockford Files, Brooklyn South, and Curb Your Enthusiasm to name but a few, plus numerous motion pictures including the 1980 Academy Award-winning film, Ordinary People.

Sikking is survived by wife Florine, son Andrew, daughter Dr. Emily Sikking and four grandchildren.

Now below, watch a vintage episode of GH from 1975 (although it’s hard to see) featuring several original GH stars and Sikking. Then, share your thoughts on his passing via the comment section.

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Oh, the memories that episode brings back!!!!!!!!!! I loved him as Dr Hobart and his coming between Steve and Audrey drove me mad. What a wonderful and varied career he had. He was great in so many, many roles throughout the years. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

His Howard Hunter on Hill Street was pure art. Howard was an absolutely gung-ho devoted idiot, who loved his guns, his EATers, but had zero sense of diplomacy or tact. Yet he was also insanely vulnerable. Sikking could make you laugh or cry within the span of an episode … sometimes between commercial breaks. Dementia absolutely sucks, so I am happy he is at peace. But Howard Hunter lives forever!

I really enjoyed GH in those pre Luke and Laura days when the hospital was central. It was the first daytime drama to reel me in as a young teen. So many good stories. The Audrey-Jim-Steve triangle and Phil Brewer murder mystery were winners. Mr. Sikking was among those actors who proved the best are often daytimers.

As I live and breathe… A video of from GH in the 1970s, prominently featuring Valerie Starrett as Diana Taylor (although she wasn’t credited in the text of the accompanying article). She was absolutely terrific! Great seeing her in a scene with John Beradino, and also seeing the characters Lee Baldwin, Cameron Faulkner, Jane Dawson, Jesse Brewer, Audrey Marsh, Joel Stratton, and Jim Hobart, among others.

James B. Sikking was also a wonderful actor, as shown in the clip. No wonder he went on to other roles in TV and movies. Condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing. This was truly a great time in GH history!

Correction of character name above: should be “Lucille March.”

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

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.

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General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

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.

Serena and Jason

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.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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