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!!
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
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