General Hospital
James Franco to appear in multi-episode arc & reteam with Jill Farren Phelps on Nick at Nite’s new soap, Hollywood Heights!
Motion picture star James Franco, who has made no bones about how he admirers and loves working with former General Hospital executive producer, Jill Farren Phelps has signed on to appear in a multi-episode arc on Nick at Nite’s upcoming primetime soap, Hollywood Heights!
The shocking announcement to some, came today at the cable network’s upfront presentations. Heights premieres in June and will air five nights a week, telenovela style, but it’s not clear yet when Franco’s arc starts or what his role entails. Vulture.com made a suggestion for the new soapy role for Franco stating, “If there’s a God in TV heaven, though, it’s someone incredibly sage and hilarious.”
So, how do you feel about Franco going to another soap after his recurring guest-stints on General Hospital as “killer” Franco? What do you think would be a good role for James in this new soap about a shy girl who becomes a pop star after winning a songwriting competition, and who along the way, befriends a mega-rock-star — who is of course her celebrity crush? Do let us know!
General Hospital
Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2024 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.
Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.
When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Photo: ABC
LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES
Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.
In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.
“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS
Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.
Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”
The five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”
So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Everyone Turns Their Backs on Sonny; Can Anyone Get Chase to Open His Eyes About Willow’s Treachery?

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the ABC soap opera picks right back up with everyone turning their backs on Sonny (Maurice Benard), and now the one person he hoped would be by his side appears to be abandoning ship when Justine (Nazneen Contractor) doesn’t believe him about ordering the beatdown of Sidwell (Carlo Rota) in the latest spoilers video.
Sonny screams at Justine, “Someone is setting me up.” She says, “It’s over!” He proclaims, “I didn’t do it!” Little do they know that it was actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) who set Sonny up to take the fall for the Pentonville drama that left Curtis (Donnell Turner) with injuries as well.
Then, Lulu (Alexa Havins) is seen using her voice memo app on her phone to record her discussion with Sidwell while he is recovering from his injuries at the hospital. This moment is intercut with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) saying, “I wish there was someone who could get Chase (Josh Swickard) to open his eyes about who Willow truly is!”
Next, Willow is seen happily waving while at a table at a Metro Court Gardens, while Chase, Michael (Rory Gibson), Brook Lynn and Ava (Maura West) all receive text messages. Tracy (Jane Elliot) punctuates the promo stating, “That’s the real Willow,” while the words “The world knows” comes across the screen.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 5-9 below.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Sonny challenges Justine. Josslyn takes matters into her own hands. Britt and Willow discuss matters of the heart. Jason is taken to task. Serena finds herself in a bind.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Felicia has welcome news for Anna. Brook Lynn confides in Valentin. Hudson tries to talk Josslyn down. Lulu makes a daring play. Willow and Chase discuss his marriage.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Carly asks Anna for a favor. Tracy bites her tongue with Gio. Drew and Alexis go at it. Scout tries to broker peace between Danny and Rocco. Lulu pursues a lead.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Carly supports Sonny. Lulu’s latest article makes waves. Ava pitches a new target to Drew. Curtis gets a shock. Chase throws down the gauntlet.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Britt offers a lifeline. Anna offers her expertise. Sonny reassures Gio. Portia makes her loyalties clear. Dante’s investigation hits a roadblock.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo for the action this week entitled, “The World Knows” below.
Now weigh-in: With everyone disbelieving Sonny, what will be his next move? Will he hit rock bottom, or rise up and fight back and prove his innocence? Will Sonny enlist Jason to get to the bottom of this, even though Jason is out of Sonny’s business? Meanwhile, can this truly be the week that Willow is exposed for her multitude of crimes … or is this all a red herring? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
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i think he has no idea what to do so he does anything, this is just silly of him now, if he only knew what damage phelps had on GH. but oh well, who cares, good for the show i guess? we won’t really know till it airs.
I am happy as long as his tenure on GH is over.
As long as he is a distant memory of GH, I don’t care what he does.
when I first read this my first thought was, Noooooooooooooooooooo please dont come back to general hospital,well I still feel that way,no more finger painting ever in port charles.I forgot her real name but stay away from starrs best friend lanston she going to be in that new soap to.I dont know what kind of character he should be because I hated franco and really didnt see him acting I thought he sucked ,right from the beginning when they showed his so called painting the story never interested me I think abc soaps in depth asked what the fans thought and I said I could care less but I was already so tired of the direction the writers took general hospital as far as Im concerned abc/disney, jill farren phelps ,with the help of on and off james franco helped to destroy general hospital but thanks to ron and frank our soap could be saved,and they are already off to a good start.
Oh sounds like a great show, love Brittany and James!!! I hope that I get a chance to see it. JF, well since she is a singer on the show and not actor.. I was going to suggest acting teacher. But then again she might need a coach. So I say and acting coach.. who is sort of creepy!
Nick at Night is doing a soap opera?? don’t they know it should be OLTL?? hey why have to think of a whole new show when there is a great one waiting for a new station! arg!
I don’t really care about James Franco unless he’s brought back to life on Spiderman!
I had no idea of the dislike of him. And so we move on.
He can stay on her new show forever, as long as he is not available to return to GH…
I feel the same way,he helped hurt general hospital and bring the ratings down,Did you ever see him act?I didnt.
I just don’t know what happened to James Franco. He had so much promise when he had the lead in SONNY. Then he made some poor choices such as PINEAPPLE EXPRESS. He was good in FREAKS AND GEEKS and I have always liked him. I just don’t understand him. And apparently his and Anne Hathaway’s hosting last year’s Oscars will go down in history as one of the worst. Something is not right.
I know this does not answer the question. When he was on GH it was when I was not watching. I think I just missed him when Brenda came back the last time (the last time I watched until now) and then I did not watch again until the last month of OLTL to support both shows and, to hopefully save GH. I know, still not answering the question. I guess I don’t know what to think. I no longer have cable so I won’t be watching regardless. I suppose if it is the greatest thing since sliced bread I will buy a season pass to it through Amazon or something, but I doubt it. I have never heard anything good about Jill Farren Phelps. It is interesting that he sings her praises. Just joking so please do not flame me, but maybe she has some dirt on him and that is why he keeps working for her. 🙂
Franco’s haircut above reminds me of GH’s Jason Morgan. Maybe Franco’s obsession for Jason was more real than we knew.
Just keep him off of GH.
agree,there is nothing special about that guy other then he helped abc/disney kill general hospital.