General Hospital
James Franco To Be Roasted By Comedy Central! General Hospital-Inspired Francophrenia To Air Immediately Following On Their Digital Platforms!

Courtesy/ABC
Score another new adventure for James Franco! The multi-tasking, multi-talented performer is now being roasted by Comedy Central! Franco will be on the hot seat on an episode that airs on Labor Day for the comedy network’s annual roast.
According to the L.A. Times, “The special, which will tape in Los Angeles in August, will feature stars, comedians and others taking humorous, sharp-edged aim at Franco. “If only James Franco was a more successful, multi-hyphenated incessant creative risk-taker in different media, he’d be the perfect person to roast,” said Kent Alterman, president of content development and original programming for Comedy Central. “Oh well … I suppose we’ll just have to make do.” Said Franco: “I’ve dreamed about this Roast for as long as I can remember.”
However, there is a big perk for General Hospital and soap fans who never got the opportunity to see James Franco’s 90-minute documentary film “Francophrenia”. Now you can get a front row seat to James’ GH experience, immediately following the broadcast of the roast on Comedy Central, when the network makes “Francophrenia” available for viewing on their digital and VOD platforms!
So if someone from GH should roast James, who should that be? Will you be checking out “Francophrenia”? Do you miss James Franco’s portrayal of “Franco” now that he has been recast by Roger Howarth? Share your thoughts below!
Roger Hawthorn is a GREAT actor and love his acting but I still think he would have been better as an Alcazar on GH James Franco made that role and I just don’t believe ANYONE should have taken it over 🙂 Just my opion 🙂
AGREE !
Good opinion! I agree, both are great actors but they shouldn’t imitate the other even if it is flattering!
I spelled Roger’s last name wrong sorry should have been Hawthorne Was thinking of someone else when I was talking about him lol
I agree Roger Hawthorn will always be Todd, and making him blond is soooo stupid.
It’s Roger Howarth. And I agree.
I liked James Franco much better on GH than Roger. Nothing against Roger but it is like night and day. James Franco made him much more darker and freakier
duh .. this Franco is not suppose to be as the old Franco, this is RC’s and RH’s Franco, do not compare them they are not the same and not suppose to be the same as the Franco that was Franco’s.. 🙂
The ‘Q’ Franco does not act like nor do anything the short lived Franco did ..
RH is knocking his Franco out of the park, and much more to come, nobody knows how this Franco will grow and what he will do in the future, nobody knows.. 🙂
i think either Anthony geary or rodger howarth would be candidates to roast james….
LOL I am looking forward to watching it!!!
also; I love RC’s view/creation of Franco played by RH !!!!
The new Franco does not do anything the original did ..
While James Franco put on a great performance as Franco, I hated the character. Not in the sense of “love to hate”…. just simply hate. Wish he never existed, ruined everything kind of hate. He was too dark and too creepy and icky. Roger knows how to make an icky character someone that you want to sorta root for. As in, “Come on dude, you should know better…”
As for who should roast from GH… definitely Steve Burton or Kelly Monaco… maybe even Laura Wright or Chad Duell….
I completely agree with you that I did not like the original Franco character. I love James Franco and think he did an awesome job with what was written but I thought the character was too dark and disturbing, which really is a tribute to James Franco, that he was able to bring that to the screen. The new version of “Franco” played by Roger Howarth is…interesting. I love Roger and think again that he is doing a great job with what he is being given but I am basically looking at them as two different characters, that’s the only way that I can do it without being frustrated.
I enjoy James as Franco, Roger is a great actor, but I miss him as Todd Manning. First person who comes to mind to roast him is whoever plays Carly.
“Todd” is doing a great job as Franco, but I think James Franco originated this role and it would have been even better if he was able to ply Franco!!~ Don’t get me wrong..Roger Howarh is great in any role he plays, but James is “Franco”!!!!
I look forward to seeing this on Comedy Central!! I really, really miss James as Robert Frank on GH… he was such an intriguing mix of dark and creepy and scary and beautiful.. beautiful on the outside, evil on the inside. I thought he died wayyy to easy when Jason shot him.. so I was really hoping he would come back for at least one more really well written round…… when RH took over the role, I had mixed feelings, cause I wanted James back, but I thought maybe they will do something interesting with this character… but THIS isn’t even remotely Franco at all, so I am EXTREMELY disappointed. This isn’t Franco, this is Todd.. and to make it even worste, they are completely re-writing everything and trying to redeem him. I don’t want them to try to redeem Franco.. if RH is going to play Franco, he needs to play FRANCO and RC needs to WRITE Franco.
Want to add I would love for Steve Burton or Kelly Monaco to roast him 🙂
Britt doesnt know him but she was good at roasting a doll…lol
As I have said before, Anyone playing Franco cannot and should not try to be him. Franco is one of a kind. And I do mean James. Roger Howarth is still Todd Manning no matter which way you cut it! Blonde hair and and all does not do it for me! Roger, go back to Lanview where you created an outstanding Todd Manning……
he will probably want his bff steve The liar Burton and JFP.
I think it should be Steve Burton! And I am looking forward to seeing Francophilia!
I am really having trouble with Franco’s return on GH. I love Roger Howarth, but really having trouble accepting him as Franco. Oh well…. I support General Hospital fully and have for the last half century and so as far as the recast of Franco….it’s too late to worry about it now.
Yes, I miss James Franco as Franco, however, Roger Howarth is also doing an amazing job as Franco! They are totally different people and have played this character differently but, I enjoy both! I am hoping to see some of the General Hospital Cast on the Roast.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:

Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80

Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.

PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
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