General Hospital
Kristen Vaganos Is New Molly Recast on General Hospital
There has been a turn over in the role of General Hospital’s Molly Lansing-Davis for the third time. All of this, since the departure of Haley Pullos due to her legal troubles stemming from a car crash back in April which has seen the actress charged with multiple felonies.
On Wednesday’s September 27th episode of the ABC daytime drama series, actress Kristen Vaganos has now stepped into the role, previously played by Holiday Mia Kriegel and Brooke Ann Smith.
There is no official word from GH as to the status of Pullos with the series.
Kriegel took over the role in May and Smith took over the part in mid-July. The character of Molly is currently involved in a major storyline, as she and TJ (Tajh Bellow) are having a baby via surrogacy.
According to her bio on IMDb, “Vaganos is an actor, writer, and producer from Philadelphia. She earned her BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Kristen is most widely known for starring in the 2021 Independent Feature, Obsessed with the Babysitter, recurring in the Amazon Prime series, Bulge Bracket; in WongFu’s rom-com series Dating for College, and as the titular ‘Lisa’ in the feature film, I Am Lisa, a revenge thriller which had its world premiere at the UK’s 2020 FrightFest, and for which a sequel is in development. She is also a performer on a house improvisation team at the renown Upright Citizens Brigade.”
So, what did you you think about Kristen taking on the role of Molly? Might she be the right fit for the part moving forward? Comment below.
Well, the episode hasn’t aired on HellCable yet, but at least she looks like she could be the sister of Sam & NuKristina… and is at least within the proper age range for the role.
shes 27
Haley is 25
Satan, I just finished watching her first episode and there’s a feeling of relief. She’s far more of a match, as you say, and her few lines show promise. I’m staying hopeful.
agree
The Brooke Ann Smith was a good actress but not convincing age wise. She could more likely be TJ’s step mom rather than his partner.
I didn’t think she was right for the role at all. There was zero chemistry between her and TB. I don’t think she was a good recast. It’s very hard to recast someone who originated the role. Just my opinion, and I respect yours.
i really liked her
No, no, no. Like this one even less than the last two! What are they doing reaching in the back of the closet for these people?
Specifically, what did you not like? She’s age appropriate, looks like she could really be related to Kristina and barely said anything yet. What’s not to like?
I think she looks like she could be Olivia’s daughter. The resemblance is pretty strong in my opinion.
I think she looks like a young Kate Jackson.
I don’t like the story line,, so I will have to take a break.
She didn’t say much in this episode but I already like her better than the last one. At least she’s not older than the actress playing TJ’s mom!!!
She barely had 4 lines in the show, and Kate Mansi basically owned her because the Molly character has been so mean to Kristina,I’m so glad she just said how happy she was and walked away. The character Molly needs to get over it. I hope the new actress can grab on the story and go for it!!
Yes, couldn’t agree more!
At least she’s more age appropriate. Poor Alexis trying to keep up with all her daughters.
Poor TJ…he never knows what partner is going to show up. LOL
Molly is working with the district attorney whatever..
The one being replaced now did not fit that Carrere..
She came off as too dense to have that job..
Anyways, Molly is a bore no matter who plays here..
And the Seagate story is a total sleeper..
Kill her character off enough of her
Must admit… have been skipping the Molly storyline. It just doesn’t hold my interest
More age appropriate as the last recast was actually ridiculous. The actress was way too old for the part and everybody knew it
Everyone except her brother, who must now be eating crow!
That’s hilarious, Scott. I was thinking the same thing. His sister never was on contract. He led with his heart but also led with false information… perhaps, wishful thinking on his part. Glad his sister is gone; her acting was pitiful and being 40 whatever… did not help whatsoever.
Well, HP is 25 so nununuMolly is age appropriate. She didn’t really have much to do or say. She must have gotten the call to be on set that morning. LOL!!! I guess she’ll be fine but who knew HP would be so hard to recast.
I feel so bad for Brooke Anne Smith. Some of the things said about this poor girl were excessive and vicious. They saw her name tagged in posts and still couldn’t take a break from the venom sent at this actress. GH fans are so nasty on Social Media. None of the other three soaps come close to their level of cruelty. Molly is a minor character. She’s done nothing for years. Why make such a big deal about it? Brooke Anne Smith was a good actress. She didn’t look anywhere close to 39. I hope she is able to shake off the abuse she took about her face, voice, etc and continues on with her career. Maurice Benard will hopefully reach out to her as he did to help Tyler Christopher. Mental health is a daily fight. Brooke Anne Smith must be at an all time low seeing fans pick her apart with gross jokes. It’s a soap. Not elected office. Treating this girl with some common decency isn’t too hard.
Completely agree. Disgusting behavior. And if her age hadn’t been on the internet, no one would even have known how old she is. She certainly didn’t look it.
She STILL didn’t fit the role. She, and her agent, had to know she was a poor match and still embarrassed themselves by taking it on. Desperation is never pretty
I agree with you! I have watched GH since the 70s and in these past years the fans have become very nasty! How about not watching and keep your nastiness at home!
I really think Brooke Smith is one of the nicest people! Years ago, I reached out to her when they had that show too close to home going and she was on. It was one of my favorite shows. I reached out to her to congratulate her and see if she would friend me on Facebook. Bit and I’m just a regular person. I had no idea GH fans were treating her so badly. Was more of just storyline. Her sisters were fighting so much when that wasn’t the case in the past. The writers the temporary writers are the ones at fault! That is totally sad. They’re messing with Brooke. She’s a nice person. I hope she can let it roll off her back.
I totally agree with you. What’s with the social media bullying?!!! Grow up people
Thanks GH comments are so nasty towards the actors/actresses. Cynthia Watros really takes a beaten. I try deleting ALL those comments. They’re so awful. Happy to read someone else agreeing. Please give this young lady a chance.
Apparently, it is.
I couldn’t agree more! She looked YEARS younger than her actual age and the fact that she had that “cutesy” voice for lack of a better word or phase as it escapes me at the moment seemed to make Brooke Anne Smith a good fit in my eyes as the original Molly did as well (and no I’m not one of those fans longing for GH to bring back the original as I believe she did way too much damage not just to herself but more so to other people and then walked away acting like she was blameless so would I take her back if I were GH? NO) so I think it was a big mistake to let Brooke Anne Smith go. I also agree with some others here that have responded that some of the fans here can be some of the nastiest/meanest I’ve seen. I’ve paid attention to other soap show postings and the degree of meanness on GH is unrivaled and the things that people find to be laser focused on is UNREAL like an actors age, lipstick transference on a cup, dirty feet bottoms. I mean when do they ever find time to pay attention to the actual storylines? ♀️ ♀️
All these recasts in such a short time make me think back to the character of Dawn Winthrop. When they couldn’t find the recast that worked the way they envisioned the character, they killed her off. Wonder if this will be the same thing?
Hey James – great minds think a like! I too thought of the revolving Dawns. While I theoretically wouldn’t be opposed to them offing Molly, the difference with two characters is Molly has been part of the canvas since birth. Dawn was introduced and all of a sudden she’s Monica’s never before heard of daughter and involved with Ned. Would’ve been interesting if social media was around back then to see instant reactions to Dawn.
Like you, I’ve been watching this crazy show off and on for over 45 years. Dawn Winthrop is definitely still in my top 5 of annoying characters that received too much focus (Peter August and Courtney Matthews being two others)
Third recast since May… that is insanity. I am hoping Kristen Vaganos sticks aorund, because she seems suited for the role of Molly. Mia Kriegel was a good fit in her final episodes (took some time to find her footing), but Brooke Anne Smith was simply miscast. Her talent was there, but she just… was not the fit for the role, regardless of being 39.
Vaganos seems like a good mix of Haley Pullos & Kriegel, so I’m all for this recast. She didn’t have much dialogue yesterday, so I am hoping that changes soon, so we can really get her vibe.
I don’t like Haley Pullos so I’m good with her never returning. I just don’t understand how they can’t find a good recast. They did a homerun with Kate Mansi as Kristina. Honestly, I thought (as I’ve said many times) Holiday Mia Kriegel, the first choice, was the best and would have been great. I don’t understand why they didn’t stick with her.
Several reports have said Holiday Mia Kriegel “wasn’t available” but it’s unclear why, or if she had another project lined up, why they couldn’t maybe have waited for her? I think at that time they still had hope Haley Pullos might be able to return so maybe they didn’t pursue her strongly? I suppose we will never truly know.
I agree with you
I’m surprised they never considered bringing back Kristen Alderson for the role, given how much GH loves bringing in former OLTL actors in new roles. Although, she likely would have been miscast too…
For the love of all that’s unholy, don’t even put that horrible thought out in the universe.
So glad they got rid of the last girl. She just was not a molly. Her baby voice was to much. I hope she finds another job of course, just not GH.
Haven’t seen her yet but she looks ok. Just hope she has a better voice than the last one. I really think there are way too many storylines & characters on GH. I speed through about half of them.
I have not seen yesterdays episode, I do know that anyone would be an improvement from whoever turned mature, grounded serious woman Molly into the giggly teenager from “gag me with a spoon” school of acting. I FFWD during those cringing screen. And where did all this hate for Kristina Davis come from? I don’t buy the whole makeover of the family.
Good. Hope this one doesn’t talk “baby talk”.
I really wasn’t comfortable with either of the last 2 I will let you regarding #3
I liked Smith playing the role of Molly….
She had many of the Molly mannerisms down pat.
I haven’t watched this week’s shows, usually catch up on the weekend, so I haven’t seen the third new Molly yet. But I will say, from everything I can tell, she seems like she might be a more appropriate actress for the part than the previous actress. I wish her well.
Has there ever been a show that recast the same character three times in one calendar year?
I feel bad for Brooke Ann Smith. She was totally miscast as Molly and it clearly wasn’t working, which is on the show, not her. She did her best to try and make it work. Some of the nasty, derrogatory comments I saw about her on social media and unfortunately on some other soap forums were just way over the line. But that’s the world we live in these days, where people feel emboldened to say whatever they want while hiding behind their phone or computer screens, and not have to face the consequences of those words.
Who is hiring these actors? I am sure they can be quite good but Molly is an extraordinary character and needs a special actress.
Wow
I think she’s gonna be great for the part. I didn’t like the last one much.
She has to be better than the last one, she just ruined that part.
The last Molly was a good actress, but what were they thinking casting someone so much older?
Actually, the writers destroyed the character. The character is now expendable. They totally changed her personality.and made her unlikeable,
I don’t think she’s the one, Kristen.The one before her was good!
I am happy to see Kristen take over the role of Molly as she seems more suited for the role than the previous actress.
Really like this Molly
She’s perfect
So much better so far than the other too. They just fit as Molly
I hope the original can get her job back
Yes..I’m definitely not feeling these Molly recast..I can’t enjoy the scenes..I try..it’s just not working for me..so I fast forward to the next scene
Instead if critiquing the actress why not her story line they wrote for this character. In my opinion I do not like what they are doing with her character and the actors who are only playing the part are catching the flack for the writers horrible storyline.
No one can replace Hailey as Molly if she can’t come back kill off her character.
COOL!!! Philly girl!! GO KRISTIN!!
Doesn’t fit, personality off, no bubblyness, voice off her and TJ not same. I’ve been watching for over 50 years. I have seen comings and goings of the staff. Like the Nicholas actor you have now, don’t think it
is good. Not convincing to me.
No!!! I don’t like that actor in playing Nick
I’m glad to see a different Molly. I didn’t feel the chemistry between her and TJ. She was to skinny for the part a d her nose really stuck out like a sore thumb.
The newest Molly looks more like a Davis sister and seems more age appropriate. She looks similar to Sam, but I must admit I’m still having a hard time with the new Krissy. Kate is very talented but Lexi will always be my Kristina.
I just want to say to those of you that are being rude with your comments about these actresses are uncalled for. If you don’t like them playing a specific roll then all you have to say is that you don’t think that person is right for that specific character and be done with it. There is no need to belittle that person. Think if that was you or your child that people were talking about that way, would you like it? I’m guessing you wouldn’t. You can express your opinion without using hurtful words about someone! Please be a little more respectful when choosing your words because words do hurt and they can do a lot of damage.
Don’t care for her. She’s nothing special
I have been LOVING GH recently. I usually watch 5-10 episodes at a time on Hulu, but lately I can’t wait to tune in everyday!
Yes she is
General Hospital
RATINGS: ‘The Young and the Restless,’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Remain No #1 and # 2, ‘General Hospital’ Only Soap to Lose Viewers
The latest Nielsen ratings data is out for the week of April 27-May 1, and three out of the four network daytime dramas posted gains in total viewers, while one showed a loss in audience numbers, which may come as a surprise.
Let’s take a look at the ratings period with data from Soap Opera Network and then provide some context. The Young and the Restless remained as per usual in the top spot coming in at 3,14,000 on average total viewers slightly up +20,000 more eyeballs for the week.
In story, Y&R served up Matt’s plot to blow up the Newmans inside the abandoned gas station on the outskirts of Vegas, Sienna believing she killed Matt, only for him to be revealed alive with a severe contusion on his head by week’s end, Nick going on a bad drug trip thanks to the fentanyl laced with something else via Matt, and Cane and the Winters family learning that he is a donor match to save Malcolm’s life, while Sally got engaged to Billy.
Photo: JPI
FASHION HOUSE PROBLEMS
Y&R’s sister soap, The Bold and the Beautiful clocked in with 2,795,000 viewers for the week up +38,000 from the previous ratings period. In story, The Bold and the Beautiful gave viewers; the fallout from Katie’s successful fashion show for her new fashion house, Logan. Dylan continuing to be freaked out. This time when doing her work at Forrester Creations, out from the clothing rack comes somebody that scares her enough to have her let out a blood-curdling scream. In addition, Liam suggested to Hope that she consider coming to work for Logan where she will be appreciated, after Steffy tells her that ‘Hope for the Future’ is back-burnered for now.
General Hospital, which many have considered being the most entertaining on a consistent basis with their storylines, most likely lost some viewers for the week because on Monday April 27, the show was preempted for a special report on the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondence dinner. If viewers did not catch it on Hulu, it aired on the network after Nightline on Tuesday at 1am. In total, GH was the only soap to lose viewers for the ratings week. GH tallied -1,809,000 which is down from the previous week by -168,000.
Photo: ABC
PAYBACK AND A SHOCKING REVEAL
In story that week, Carly’s double life with Brennan and Valentin caught up with her, Michael initiated a strategic plot against Willow, and Josslyn found herself in immediate danger after a run-in with Cassius.
Beyond the Gates, while having two days of the week fully preempted for UEFA Champions League soccer games, actually increased its viewership. BTG tallied 1,655,00 total viewers which also boasted the highest audience gains across any soap adding +42,000. In story, the soap opera spotlighted: Ashley stealing antibiotics to keep Grayson alive, Smitty zeroing in on a possible suspect in the plasma ring, Vernon taking over Martin’s debt to Joey Armstrong, while Kate recognized a name tied to Lynette’s finances.
It should also be noted for the ratings week; The Bold and the Beautiful once again topped Y&R for the top spot in the key Womens 18-49 demo and in the Womens 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates once again bested General Hospital for the 3rd spot.
*Nielsen ratings are based on the Live+Same Day Big Data+Panel model.
So, let us know your thoughts on the current ratings picture? Then weigh-in; what soap opera is serving up the best drama right now that is keeping you engaged to catch it every day? Which soap has you the least interested? Drop a comment below.
On the Friday, May 15 episode of General Hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) shared a heartfelt talk on trauma. Dante is so concerned for Rocco (Finn Carr), and how it affects someone for the rest of their life, which is something Elizabeth knows all too well, but got through it.
It all begins when Elizabeth shows up at Dante’s office ready for her date with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). How beautiful she looked did not go unnoticed by Dante. When the talked turned to how Dante told Rocco that he knew his son shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), he admits he is scared for his child, because he lost his innocence with the emotional baggage he now must carry forever of shooting someone.
Dante notices how Rocco is becoming more and more withdrawn and he wants to know how to help him. Elizabeth bring up how she can absolutely relate to trauma at a young age, just like Rocco. However for Elizabeth, her trauma came in the form of a brutal rape by Tom Baker. Speaking from experience, Elizabeth details that it was her friends and family like Lucky and Bobbie who helped pull her through. She encourages Dante to continue to show up and be there as support for his son.
Courtesy/ABC
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Next, an officer delivers to Dante the evidence from the pier shooting, which Dante plans on destroying. Before she leaves for her date with Ric, Liz reassured Dante he is doing the right thing to protect Rocco and she has done the same. She has left no record of Rocco’s hospital visit the night of the shooting. Liz leaves for her date.
THE WRONG SUSPECT
Then, Cullum storm troops in to Dante’s office demanding the evidence that the PCPD must have collected at the site of his shooting. Dante says that the evidence must be misfiled in the warehouse, but they will find it. However, Cullum realizes Dante is stalling and lying. Before heading to Dante’s office, Cullum paid a visit to Carly (Laura Wright) and saw a photo of Danny with Jason, triggering him to now believe that Danny may have been the person who shot him in the back on the pier!
Courtesy/ABC
DINING WITH RIC
At dinner at Café Cherie, Ric handed Elizabeth the folder with the priceless piece of artwork he’d purchased for her through Ava. Elizabeth loved it and went over to Ric and planted a kiss on him.
Will GH move Elizabeth into a romance with Dante? Do you think Liz and Dante make a cute couple? After today’s episode, it’s clear they very much like and admire one another. If so, what happens to Liz and Ric’s burgeoning repeat romance? Share your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
In well-played scenes on the Thursday, May 14 episode of General Hospital, Dante (Dominic Zampogna) finally had a talk with his son, Rocco (Finn Carr) informing him that he knows the teen shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Rocco has dreaded his father finding out, because he is the acting police commissioner of the Port Charles PD and feared his dad will have to arrest him for the crime.
Dante asks Rocco in his own words to recount what happened the night on the pier. He assured his son, he is not going to arrest him and noted there are very extenuating circumstances surrounding the crime.
Courtesy/ABC
FATHER AND SON
Rocco explained how he followed Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) to the pier. Then, how Cullum attacked Britt. Jason (Steve Burton) showed up and fought with Cullum and how the gun came loose.He remembers the other weapon Cullum pulled out to kill Jason and that’s when he shot him.
Next, Dante explained that he was proud of his son for saving Jason and Britt’s lives. He also tells Rocco that he is very concerned in Britt’s involvement in all of this stemming all the way back to the Five Poppies, and feels she is still tied into everything that is happening.
Dante tells Rocco that nobody else can know about this involvement in the shooting. He also touchingly said, that he is his father, he will protect him. However, Rocco is worried that if the truth came out that he shot Cullum, his dad would be in serious trouble for covering up a crime. Dante tells Rocco, he should not worry about that right now, but he needs to stay in Port Charles so he and his mom can keep him safe.
A SHOCKING CALL
Suddenly, as father and son hug it out, Dante gets a call from Justine (Nazneen Contractor), alerting him to the fact that she just met with Cullum and he is looking for the evidence and the file from his shooting. Dante rolls his eyes, knowing things are about to go from bad to worse, and how is he going to keep his son safe from the evil WSB Director?
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Dominic Zamprogna always delivers a nice counterbalance to the often histrionics of other characters in Port Charles in his portrayal of Dante Falconeri. So that, when Dante breaks or gets emotional, it counts. Finn Carr has continually shined in the storyline as Rocco continues to teeter on the edge of knowing what he has done and being wracked with guilt. Next up has to be Danny learning his brother is the reason Jason was carted away. Stay tuned!
So, what did you think of the scenes between Dante and Rocco? How on earth will Dante keep Rocco safe? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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