General Hospital
Josh Swickard and Laura Wright Talk GH’s 60th Anniversary, Nurses’ Ball & The Loss of Beloved Colleagues
Today, we celebrate the incredible milestone of ABC’s General Hospital officially turning 60-years-old. The soap debuted on this day on April 1,1963.
Two of the series current stars: Josh Swickard (Chase) and Laura Wright (Carly) chatted with Michael Fairman earlier this week for a conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Photo: ABC
Josh and Laura share what it has meant to be part of such an iconic television show, plus the two actors recall their GH ‘audition’ stories, and who took them under their wing when they came to the GH set for the first time.
Photo: ABC
In addition, with the GH Nurses’ Ball returning next week, Josh teases what number he might sing when Chase takes the Nurses’ Ball stage, and if Chase will repair his relationship with Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) during the episodes.
Photo: LauraWrightIG
Laura looks into what the future of Carly’s relationship with Drew (Cameron Mathison) might look like, and both actors express their sadness on the tragic and sudden death of their beloved producer, Nneka Garland, earlier in the week, as well as the recent passing of cast member Sonya Eddy (Epiphany) and the tribute episode that GH just aired in her honor.
Photo: ABC
You can watch the full interview with Josh and Laura below.
Now, let us know, are you rooting for Chase and Brook Lynn to get back together during the Nurses’ Ball? Are you rooting for Carly and Drew to stay together, or would you want Carly back with Sonny? Let us know in the comment section.
Yes, I’d like to see Chase and BrookLyn reunite although happy couples usually translate to “boring”. But he deserves happiness and maybe she’ll step up to the challenge. Carly and Droop? Couldn’t care less; I fast forward their saccharine “love” scenes.
Nice to see this. However Michael has been working overtime celebrating Y&R’s 50th but has given very little attention to GH’s 60th. Puzzling!!
Thanks so much for your reply Michael. I am so sorry, I just assumed that GH was having a big Red Carpet thing. Also,as you said the passing of Nineka Garland was a tremendous blow to the show. I should have thought of that.
Thank you for being such a champion for the daytime world. I really appreciate that! We daytime fans really need and appreciate you!
Carly and Drew are not working. No visible chemistry. That doesn’t mean she should be with Sonny as that ship has passed (and they are NO Alan and Monica).
The writers need to come up with a story for Carly instead of pigeonholing her into those of other characters. Quite frankly, a few months on the back burner can do wonders for this character. Looking back, Elizabeth has been the true lead over the past few months, hoping from one story to another. While some of them may have been duds, it’s nice to see RH front and center.
Despite having chemistry, the writers have kind of ruined any Chase-Brook Lynn relationship. They’ve weakened a legacy character played by a good actress. BLQ needs to be this generation’s Tracy. Be smart and own her mistakes.
Drew is what would happen if Tony Robbins and Pat Boone had a baby together. I agree that they insert Carly into everyone else’s stories whether she’s connected to them or not. I mean, she’s walking around with a picture of Lizzy’s parents in her purse! Then she stumbles upon Valentin on Jason’s bridge of tears, and again, is inserted into a story where she doesn’t belong. The problem is that Carly has not grown or evolved since she arrived in Port Charles over 20 years ago, and yet, she’s written as if she were a heroine. She commits horrible acts while wearing a halo and a perpetual smirk. Carly needs to take a long break and return with a character developing storyline. Right now, she’s unemployed and broke and yet, she hasn’t done a thing to get herself back on her feet. I guess she’s too busy meddling in other people’s lives.
Harry / got a chuckle about Drew’s parentage. He certainly doesn’t come across as the child of Alan Quartermaine and Susan Moore. And, this only applies to the current incarnation as played by CM. Billy’s Drew was a lot more dynamic than Cameron’s. I had hope when they reintroduced the character and he interacted with Liesl and Valentin on Cassadine Island. Not long after arriving back in PC, he turned into a generic character.
The writers are so selective in not addressing the Jason memory issue. He’s a Q when he chooses.
I miss Leslie Charleson’s presence on screen. We need Monica to tell Carly to get out of her house (that Alan gave to her). Hopefully, Tracy’s return in two weeks will right the ship.
I miss Leslie as well. Let’s bring back the Quartermaine’s! Sorry, Mikey, Willow and Olivia, don’t cut it.If Leslie Charleston can’t come back, I say recast Monica. I’d recommend Erika Slezak. She could hold her own going tie to toe with Tracy( reminiscent of Vicki’s battles with Dorian on OLTL).
I will differ with you here. After 45 years, LV is ingrained in the role of Monica. Patty McCormack did well as a temporary recast (as storyline was written that required Monica and LC’s return wasn’t in question then). We had a one-day recast last year and then Monica hasn’t been seen since then (but gracefully heard on the Epiphany tribute).
I love me some Erika Slezak, but she lives in Connecticut and has turned down Frank previously to come to LA for any extended role. We can dream though. Wouldn’t she be a hoot as Austin & Mason’s mysterious boss lady?
I’d like to see Sonny back with Carly
Not me. The never had chemistry nor did they seem have much of a romance together.
Harry,
But I always felt that he and Brenda did and she was right telling Sonny that, “that girl” will ruin your life.
Please Hallmark Drew and Weeping Nina need to go. In my opinion, Billy Miller and Michelle Stafford were fabulous & brought depth to their roles. The two playing Drew and Nina are one dimensional. Reunite Carly and Sonny.
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
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Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
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General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
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