General Hospital
Jonathan Jackson Interview: His New Role On Nashville Gives GH Favorite A Chance To Showcase His Many Talents!
Courtesy/ABC
Five-time Daytime Emmy winner Jonathan Jackson will finally debut this Wednesday, October 10th (10PMEST/PST) in ABC’s highly touted new dramatic musical series, Nashville!
After needing a break from playing the day in and day out emotional ringers of General Hospital’s Lucky Spencer, Jonathan decided to leave GH at the end of last year, and quickly was cast in the new ABC primetime series as aspiring singer/songwriter, Avery Barkley! Now anyone who has followed Jackson’s career knows that not only does he act, but he is indeed a singer/songwriter, and has his own very popular band, Enation. So with Jonathan being cast in this most buzzed about of new series, television fans nationwide will get to see the many talents of this young star.
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Jonathan to get his thoughts on: his new character, getting the opportunity to sing in the primetime series, if he will share screen time with another soap alum, co-star Hayden Panettiere, and taking a brief stroll down memory lane to the red carpet at the 39th Annual Daytime Emmys this past June.
Soap fans are looking forward to seeing you and Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes) together on-screen in Nashville. In the pilot episode, you two literally bump into each other! Will the two of you have more scenes together as the first season of Nashville progresses?
Courtesy/ABC
JONATHAN: I think that is somewhat inevitable, and our characters do bump into each other in the pilot. We had shot the pilot a while ago, obviously, and then started filming all-new episodes on August 3rd. But in terms of the long term projectory, I don’t know where the two are headed. It’s pretty mysterious right now.
You have said in interviews that your character of Avery Barkley is not a good guy, nor a bad guy. Any change in that philosophy?
JONATHAN: One of the things that Nashville creator Callie Khouri is good at is character development, and having the characters have complexities and contradictions. I think there are going to be a lot of surprises thrown at us as actors through the season … who are these characters and what is going to come out of them in certain situations and with certain other characters. So I am just really excited to be a part of that. I am interested to see if he is a gray character, and not black nor white, or not!
So I hear you and the cast are performing some Elvis Costello tunes in Nashville?
JONATHAN: Yes. They are all originals. These are all songs Elvis Costello wrote, but they had never been recorded before, and T-Bone Burnett is producing the music. It’s pretty crazy!
Courtesy/Enation
Would you try to get a song from your band, Enation on Nashville, or the soundtrack for the series?
JONATHAN: Well, only God knows, right? But they are open to hearing some stuff. I am trying to schedule a day in a studio in Nashville to record some demos, because some of the songs that I think would fit with the show I haven’t demo’d … ever. I have a lot of songs that I have written that I had not recorded with the band that I could send to them. Hopefully, I will get a couple of days to record some of them and see if something can fit for Nashville!
It has been so cool to watch your career. You started out as a very young boy with this knockout performance on General Hospital as Lucky Spencer, left the show to do feature films, your music, your writing, came back to GH to reprise the role of Lucky and won two more Daytime Emmys for it to add to your collection. Nashville seems, on paper, like the perfect storm for you … acting and music colliding in a big way, where both your passions come together in a role on a major network television series!
JONATHAN: It’s amazing to do this type of show, and for me it’s incredible! I have had conversations with my brother, and even my father who said to me a few years ago, “You know, what if there were a show about a young musician? And you guys should write that!” And I said, “Yeah, that would be great. But … do you have any idea how hard it is to get a show on the air?” And then, this show happened. It’s crazy!
So you and Lisa and the kids moved to Nashville? Everyone is moving to Nashville: Steve Burton (Jason, GH), Scott Reeves (Steven, GH) has home in Music City, etc.
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
JONATHAN: We did make the move to Nashville. We are renting a house, and we are on blow-up mattresses! (Laughs) It’s an adventure.
When I last saw you, it was at the 39th Annual Daytime Emmys and we were on the red carpet doing our interview, and all of a sudden we heard all of this commotion. We turned around and saw an alligator (thanks to Jack Hanna) coming at us, among other things! Have you seen the video interview? It is really quite funny!
JONATHAN: No. I haven’t, but I wanted to see it! I just couldn’t believe how close Jack Hanna was getting to us. He was bringing these animals towards us! And, I am not an animal expert. I don’t know what they are going to do! I am a human being here. (Laughs) I thought, “What the heck is this?” Wasn’t it a porcupine and an alligator that went by us? Oh, man! (Laughs)
So soapers, will you be tuning-in to see Jonathan in his new role on Nashville? Are you looking forward to seeing him sing on the series as well? And, would you like to see him return for a guest stint on General Hospital? Let us know!
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.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
-
General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
-
General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
-
News5 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
-
News5 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!
Awesome interview! But I’m a little confused b/c I read in the Washington Post that JJ did in fact already record a song he wrote for Nashville and they are going to use it on the show. Maybe that happened after this interview took place?
I’ve been very excited about seeing Jonathan on Nashville plus we get the bonus of watching him sing. I’ve been a long time fan of his and have missed watching him on gh so as long as gh gives him a great storyline I hope he’s able to return for a short time. He’s one of the best actors I seen in a long time and he so deserve any success that comes he’s way.
He is an awesome actor. Ever since I saw him in “The Deep End of the Ocean” I have followed him. He was fabulous in that. Can’t wait to see him in Nashville.
Not watching.Boycotting ABC except for GH.Been on another network would have checked it out.Sounds like a copy of Country Strong.
Ditto for me Mary
Jonathan is an incredible actor and singer and the guys in Enation are absolutely sweet and down to earth and their music is inspiring and really really good. I’m so happy that Jonathan finally found something that clicks with him. The people at GH should be ashamed of themselves for not giving Jonathan what he needed. He came back to GH and I started to watch again, hoping that we would get our LnL2 reunion, but was disappointed with TPTB, who ruined it for us, thank God, they have new writers and producers. Thank you Jesus!
Great interview with J.J. I wish him the best on his new acting adventure! “Lucky” him to perform two of his loves, acting and singing in one of this years hot new soaps Nashville.
Johnathan: I love you! I simply love you.
Now listen up. I hope your head doesn’t get to big and you blow up on this show and forget about General Hospital, your historic character and heir to Luke and Laura. Yes, I want you to be a BIG STAR big as they come. In fact, some of the bigger star’s being paid BIG BUCKS you can RUN CIRCLES AROUND, acting. You should have long… gone BIG-TIME in Hollywood. Here’s the deal: Please always save time and space for your role of Lucky Spencer. That character is a ” heir ” to an IMPT legacy on the show-greater than NONE OTHER in Daytimes ” Rich” history. So if Genie Frances comes back, PLEASE PLEASE and PLEASE, come back to the show (even if you have to pre-tap scenes) and complete the Luck, Laura, Lucky, Lulu family. You can do this for along time IF they (the writer’s) know how to make it work with your other job, Nashville. The pleasure as YOU, (a grown Lucky) with Lulu, Luke, Laura, and YOU ALL being on the canvas for a long period of time, hasn’t been. Please Johnathan Jackson, give that to us providing Genie Frances comes back. If we see you as a Spencer ( four ( 4) times out the month, that’s BETTER than NOT seeing you at ALL. We love you Johnathan Jackson. And you will be more loved for this. Good Luck on Nashville and I hope to see on General Hospital (here and there) but as long as I see you.
Thank you in advance.
Michael said: So soapers, would uyou like to see him return for a guest stint on General Hospital? Let us know!
1love says: No Michael, I would NOT like to see Johnathan return for a guest stunt. I would like to see him return on a permanent, less than half time basis. Like 4 times a month. Go to the Gh set twice a month and shoot his scenes for the whole month. Thats what I would like, given Genie Frances return.
Nice interview with Jonathan, Michael. He is one of the most talented actors ever. I hope this show does well by him. I know I will be watching! Good luck..Lucky…
very excited. will definately watch.
It’s so nice to see Jonathan on Nashville. He can do no wrong acting wise. I like the show so far and hope he will be the break-out star as the show continues. Actually, the show is really a soap in night time.It’s too bad GH couldn’t do the same……