General Hospital
Jason Cook Set To Exit GH! Would he return to DAYS as Shawn-D?
Courtesy/ABC
Jason Cook’s time at General Hospital is apparently almost up! The actor who has played Dr. Matt Hunter since 2008 has been informed that he will exit the series sometime next month. But would Cook return to Days of our Lives if the opportunity presented itself to reprise the role of Shawn-Douglas Brady?
Tonight at the Days of our Lives Paley Center For Media Panel discussion, members of the DAYS cast were asked by emcee, Alison Sweeney (Sami), what person do they miss the most from the cast? Kristian Alfonso (Hope) said she missed Jason Cook and the character of Shawn-Douglas, her on-screen son. With the new writing regime in place, and Cook becoming available, maybe the timing could be right for a return to Salem!
Cook, on the other hand, spoke to Soap Opera Digest about his GH departure, explaining that even before his upcoming exit, he was planning on doing some of his other projects and was going to ask for time off anyway. Jason stated, “I was going to have to take several months off the show for all these other things I’m working on. One would have been this summer, to do LifeCHANGE (his project with Arianne Zucker, Nicole, DAYS] and other shoots, as well as my new cooking show, Chop This. It’s an on-location cooking show with a different restaurant chef showing us a couple of recipes each week. It’s going to start online at www.chopthis.com. If Genreful (his short film with GH co-star Bradford Anderson) gets funded, I have that to do, too. So, I am stepping away for the time being. There is no talk about me coming back, but I was going to have to take time off anyway.”
So what do you think of Jason being written-out as Matt on GH? Would you like to see him back on DAYS as Shawn-D? Let us know!
Would love him back on Days, but only if Belle, and Claire returned with him.
Please say it is so. I love Jason Cook as SHawn D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would love for Bell and Claire to return and Jason Cook . Jason Cook and Bell made a good pair. I would like them to come back as a couple. Maybe have them get married on the show. They don’t seem to get many young couples getting married on the show. They need to get rid of all the action and get back to more romace sceens.
I’m new at watching DOOL since OLTL left. Really enjoy him sounds like a good idea. Hate to be losing Matt.
Sorry to see this Character depart. But the writing was on the wall, something has to save Maxi! Wish Jason best of luck in his future plans!
GH and Days could do a switch. GH gets Sarah Brown and Days gets Jason Cook.
BTW, what I just said wasn’t met to be pejorative or anything. I have a great amount of respect for both soaps. I just think that the switch could be a great idea that mutually beneficiate both soaps.
Good Idea Heather.
Matt should have hooked up with Elizabeth or at least been given a decent storyline instead of twisting in the wind. Poor Patrick, what is he going to do without his brother? Does this mean Matt is guilty of murdering Lisa and Maxie is going back to Spinelli? Yes, Shawn should return to Salem; Days could use all the help it can get.
his character was not written well from the beginning – it is a shame because there was much potential there for him……………….
i am so happy that he has some major projects lined up!
I agree his role was not fully developed.
Sorry… Jason Cook… but I am Spixie all the way! If your leaving means you are going to jail for killng Lisa Niles and we get Maxie back and back with Spinelli… well than everytthing is great!
I would like to see Shawn-Douglas, Belle, Chloe and Phillip come back. I think they are more interesting than Billie, Austin and Carrie. I think Kim and Shane’s son, Andrew, would be a good addition to the scene. Also, I would like to see “Days” revisit the Nicole and Eric romance. Nicole has become such a great character and it would be fun to actually see her smile again.
I hear Chloe is returning, or at least in the talks. I would love to ese Shawn-D. Maybe it would stop Peter Reckell from leaving and give Bope something else to focus on other than Stefano.
If Matt goes to jail, for being drunk as a skunk and he accidently sent lisa flying overboard Thats wrong, the pcpd knows what lisa did , He should get a award of some kind for finally taking her down she was crazy. If he goes to jail I hope john mcbain goes ballistic and starts throwing every one involved with the mob behind bars that have been in jail for a second then diane or alexis gets them out. He doesn’t remember, He was at a party, In a boat, in the middle of where ever, she was up to no good, oops she goes over who cares, we saw what she did to patrick and robin , He wasnt in a car, he was at a dumb party it was a accident , case closed. And finally Lisa niles is GONE. So let matt leave town not go to jail.
ITA. Besides, Sonny and Jason should pay for their crimes…NOT MATT!
I don’t think Sonny and Jason will ever pay for their crimes, Matt will, the good guys always do , doesnt make any sense does it? Lisa niles tortured patrick and robin, So matt did every one a favor and the pcpd know it, Matt being the good guy that he is will turn himself in. Guess we find out today.
well, this sucks, hope he comes back down the line.
I really thought he was wasted on GH. He has a lot of comedic talent ,is charming, great looking and simply delightful. I really wish they had invested in him. The hospital staff is shrinking fast! WHY???
Nice Read! charming, great looking and simply delightful…. doesn’t he man up and then some…. if given the chance.
I liked the character Matt on GH, but figured he was going to be heading out when I assume he killed Lisa. I really like Jason Cook and loved him on DOOL. It would be smart of DOOL to bring Cook and Kirsten Storms back as Belle and Shawn if Kirsten is well enough to work. Loved her as Maxie, but it seems her time at GH is over.
You’re right. It would be smart of DOOL, but they seem to be doing some dumb things with the veterans that they do have over that. How do you bring back characters like Jack, Carrie, and Austin, then turn around and let the actors go just months later?!? They’ve totally destroyed the character of Carrie to the point that I hope that they kill her off when she leaves. They’ve gotten Jack and Jennifer back together to just to tear them apart again when Matt Ashford exits. Jason would be better served trying to get fully immersed into prime time/big screen.
I agree. I love Jack & Jennifer and Matt Ashford. I’m to the point where I wish Carrie had been blown up in the cabin (no offense to the actress) because they’ve destroyed her character. And I am not loving this version of Austin either. I read on another site that apparently Jason Cook has so many different projects going on that he was going to ask for time off of GH. I doubt he’ll return to DOOL in the near future due to his busy schedule.
This sucks. Jason was SO GOOD with Kirstin on Days, and they just wasted him on GH. I was hoping that the new team would utilize him more on the show. I hope he goes back to Days.
If he goes back to Days, I believe he would end up being underutilized. They’re wasting a lot of talent at DOOL these days too!
I don’t care if he comes back.. Days just needs some good writing.. it has been many, many years since they had any good writers..
His closest thing to a story line was what Matt had with Elizabeth, and it was actually pretty decent but RC was clearly not pursuing that so he would have continued wasting away with Maxie, who’s become intolerable and can’t stop saying the word “selfish”. Way better to quit.
Where is Shawn D, Belle, and Claire Its been way to long
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 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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