Breaking News
Jonathan Jackson Returning to General Hospital as Lucky Spencer
The big return that General Hospital’s executive producer Frank Valentini teased after the show won Outstanding Drama Series at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards has turned about to be, as promised, a true fan favorite and beloved actor for longtime fans of the ABC daytime drama series.
Five-time Daytime Emmy winner, Jonathan Jackson is on his way back to the ABC soap in his signature role as Lucky Spencer, the son of the iconic supercouple, Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis).
According to Deadline, Jackson’s on-screen return will happen later this summer and is expected to be for a “long run.” This announcement comes on the heels of yesterday’s GH casting news when they revealed that two-time Daytime Emmy winner Bryan Craig was coming back for a one-day appearance in the role of Morgan Corinthos.
Photo: JPI
As for Jackson, he began his GH career at 11-years-old back in 1993, winning viewers hearts and captivating the audience with his brilliant performances. In fact, his on-screen dad, eight-time Daytime Emmy winner, Tony Geary, has many times said that Jonathan is his all-time favorite scene partner.
Jonathan stayed with GH until 1999. The role was then recast with Jacob Young and later with Greg Vaughan. Eventually, Jackson returned to the role of Lucky for another run in 2009 to 2011.
After his GH departure, Jackson went on to star in ABC’s country music soap opera, Nashville in the role of Avery Barclay for six seasons playing opposite another soap alum, Hayden Panettiere (ex-Lizzie, GL). Jonathan returned once again to GH for a limited run back in 2015. Jackson has won five Daytime Emmys for his work as Lucky in 1995, 1998, 1999, 2011 and again in 2012.
Photo: JPI
When Valentini told ABC7 ‘s On the Red Carpet at the Daytime Emmys, “A former cast member is coming back, and I think that the audience will go crazy for him,” speculation was rampant of just which male actor was coming back to the show. Many fans hoped and many predicted Jackson, and now they will get their wish. Could Lucky finally reunite with Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) when he returns to Port Charles? Stay tuned.
Recently, Jonathan has appeared in the film Unsung Hero about the family back-story of the hit Contemporary Christian/Pop duo For King and Country, plus has appeared in numerous other TV, film and music projects.
Photo: JPI
Jackson continues to perform as a musician around the world with his band Jonathan Jackson + Enation, plus several tours with cast members from Nashville, and is also an accomplished writer penning the theological prose, The Mystery of Art.
So, are you excited for Jonathan Jackson’s long-awaited return as Lucky Spencer? Comment below.
Thank you my prayers have been answered
Mine two – he was my 2nd guess. Have been waiting for this for years.
This is the best news ever and the best return possible. Yeah, he could reunite with Elizabeth. But if you remember last time he had chemistry with Maxie so this could put a wrench in her relationship with Spinelli. I think they really had good chemistry together.
Yeah, this is perfect all around for story lines. Lucky will easily fit right back into the scenery.
im so happy i have been waiting for years please let him be reunited with elizabeth his first love and his son they were alway my favorite couple.
Now, that is a shocking surprise!! Lucky &, Elizabeth!
Yay! Yay! Yay!!!! Yesterday when news broke that Brian Craig was returning, I was disappointed because I was hoping it would be Johnathan Jackson. I am beyond excited to see JJ is returning. This is the best news in years!!! While part of me was rooting for a Liason reunion, I would 100% be excited to see Lucky and Elizabeth back together.
Yesterday news that Morgan was returning was anti climatic only because it was gonna be for one episode especially the way Valentini hyped it up it didn’t make sense but Lucky returning for a longer run makes more sense for the hype, now I’m a little more impressed, now imagine if Frisco whose been mentioned pops up for a visit then too, that would make GH must see tv for the summer. As for Jonathan Jackson long term return , I hope the show do right to Rebecca and lets her have high drama with Finn, Jason and now Lucky, if freaking Carly can have all these men drooling over her then so can Liz.
Great news! Frank delivered on his hype, Jonathan returning is something the fans will indeed go crazy for.
Lucky has been conspicuously absent for some major happenings in the Spencer family in recent years, the supposed death of his father Luke, and the death of his aunt Bobbie, not to mention being an absentee father to his son Aiden, so it will be wonderful to have him back in town for many reasons.
Would love for him to come back and reveal that Luke is really alive, that the whole thing was a fake death ruse on the Cassadines, just to tie up that story that most fans have never accepted, that Luke died off screen in a nothing story. But I have a feeling they won’t go there, unless Tony Geary is returning, which is very highly unlikely, since he seems pretty happy being retired and living in Amsterdam.
Now that’s more like it GH! An actor we can sink our teeth into who didn’t tease us for days on the internet. Yes most of us can possibly “Go Wild” for this return. And Laura finally gets one of her kids back! Too bad Lucky wasn’t a Doctor – General Hospital needs more of those.They may need to rename the show to PCPD. There are more cops than Docs.
I have been wanting a Lucky comeback for years – and I would have taken it in a re-cast but this is so much better.
So happy Valentine’s teaser didn’t stop with Morgan – that would have been a total letdown.
hey lucky been off screen for 9 years so who knows maybe he became a Doctor.
It’s about eternally damned time! Welcome back Lucky! Time for a full on revival of the Spencer family. Next step: Bring Lulu back from VeggieLand.
And yeah, they need to resolve the ridiculous Luke fake death storyline too, though I’m not expecting Tony Geary to make a long term comeback. Would be cool if he came back for a few weeks.
Jonathan Jackson welcome, back to General Hospital. He is a wonderful actor. Jonathan is on contract. Now please bring back Lulu.
Can’t wait for JJ return. Been hoping for this to happen.
Great news! Just wonder what GH had to give Jonathan in order to persuade him to return as Lucky. I hope the writers don’t blow it.
Maybe a flexible schedule to do other things like Cameron Mathinson has
I maybe saw 2 days of J.J on GH before he left , but I do remember that I liked him on Nashville, it was a good show.
I can see I’m in the minority here but I’ve always found Lucky a bore. However, I’m usually happy whenever a legacy character returns. Let’s hope the writers treat him better than Y&R treated Tucker McCall.
I totally agree! They wasted Trevor St. John.
Trevor St John and Michael Easton are besties, so I’m guessing they have other logs in the fire once they both potentially depart. Both have incredible talent but were not properly written for on YR/GH.
I know what you mean. He’s a great actor whose character (in my opinion) was written poorly in the past. Also, and I’m nit-picking here, it annoyed me how the make up department often had him with bloodshot eyes. Toward the end of his run, his scenes were often so dark and draining. It just seemed like overkill much of the time and I can understand why he left. None of this was his fault. I’m just saying I hope it’s better for him this time around.
Balls of fire…NOW we’re in for some great story!!
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Alice Halsey Returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Rachel Black – Find Out How Long!
-
News2 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
-
Previews3 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
-
General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
-
Days Of Our Lives6 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital6 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
-
News5 days agoB&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor to Guest Star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
-
Interviews1 week agoRoger Howarth Reflects on Daytime Emmy Win, 32-Year Record Gap, and Embracing Matt Clark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ (Exclusive)
