General Hospital
Lilly Melgar Gives Details On Her Ending Credits GH LIVE Appearance & How The Boston Marathon Bomber Sentencing Altered It!
Photo Credit: Matt Petit/ABC
Fans who watched Friday’s episode of GH Live were in a for a big surprise when during the closing moments, Lilly Melgar (Ex-Lily Rivera) walked out in front of the camera and handled the closing credits for the episode, and told viewers to stay tuned-in for Monday!
Melgar’s Rivera is infamous for blowing up via a bomb meant for Sonny Corinthos, and was joined by her former on-screen love interest Maurice Benard (Sonny) for the final “wink-wink” nod to the audience during GH Live when Lilly saw a bomb and Maurice came to her rescue! However, the gimmick had to be changed for the second live show broadcast, after the breaking news that the Boston Marathon Bomber was sentenced to the death penalty, thus the sight gag of a bomb that happened at the end of the first performance was left out.
On-Air On-Soaps got the Intel from Melgar herself, who first explained how the idea came about to have her included in the final moments of the broadcast! Lily revealed, “In mid conversation, Frank (Valentini) had an ‘Aha!’ moment at the General Hospital Daytime Emmy After-Party. It literally came to him then. He’s quite creative and brilliant. ”
As to what happened when the news broke during GH Live, that the Boston Marathon Bomber was sentenced to the death penalty while GH was having fun with the Lily Rivera bomb spoof, Melgar revealed what went down: “We did the first live show and knew the fans would love the bomb spoof. Maurice and I had a blast with it! Then on a commercial break during the 2nd taping, Frank came in and said there was breaking news on the Boston Marathon bomber, and it’d be in poor taste to do the bomb act. He was right. What are the odds on the timing?!!! However, the first version is out there on You Tube. It was so perfect spoofing our history. Frank was right … the fans loved it, as did we.”
Watch the original version of Lilly Melgar’s GH Live closing credit appearance with Maurice Benard after the jump! Then weigh-in! What did you think of the bomb spoof? Are you glad GH changed it for the next performance? If you watch the GH Live version that is up on Hulu, it has Maurice and Billy Miller (Jason) joining Lilly at the end of the final moments of the broadcast.
It showed great respect not to show it at that time..
I thought it was disgusting. But the Boston channel had already pre- empted the show because the jury was coming in, I just changed the channel. At least they took it out before the 3 o clock show. GH is on at 2 p m in Boston. It was nice to see Lili .
I think all of New England airs GH at 2 pm. Here, in New York, it airs at 3. Programming was interrupted for just a few minutes….so, I didn’t miss much.
I didn’t know who Lily was, myself. That’s why I was a little taken aback….I thought she was just a random person who was hired to turn cue cards? LOL.
I didn’t even know who the woman was!! It was a great spoof, but it went over my head because i didn’t recognize her as Lily!!
Very wise choices all around. I watched the original version live and it was hilarious, but it would have been awful the next hour.
I liked the nod to Lily’s explosive history, and thought it was smart to change it due to the news. Great seeing Likely Melgar on GH again, beautiful as ever.
*Lilly*. (damn autocorrect)
HaHa…’explosive’ history…how clever…great pun, GMob.
I hated Lily and hope they don’t bring her back!! I was so happy when that car blew up with her in it!!
Lily will be back, thats the rumor out there. I loved Lily, she is a terrific actress. Lily is not dead, she is heading home to Port Charles very soon.
What year(s) was Lily on GH? The idea that Sabrina is Sonny’s daughter still wafts in my head now and then. But, Lily looks too young to be her mother.
Lily was blown up in 1996, she was on for a couple years leading up to that. I still wish Carrrlos had been her vengeful brother.
In general, it was a poor choice. It was not part of a scene, and I felt it was pointless. It’s a LIVE event, and some viewers who don’t get the inside joke, might have believed that it was true that there was a bomb on set. It wasn’t classy – at all, thank goodness, ABC had the sense to nix it from the second show. It was not a good decision on a whole.
With that said, I would love Lilly Melgar to return to GH, if everyone can return from the dead on GH, why not Lily Rivera, or she can play Lily’s “twin sister”.
The nod to her was because her character died in a Car bomb. As to why she was chosen as the surprise, She was at the right place at the right time.
hey Vinnie, yes, I do know that. I’m a long-time viewer of GH, so I was watching way back when that happened to Lily. My point was in regards to how the “nod” was generally done in poor taste by the show.
I hope that’s how it went, vinnie…that she was at the right place at the right time. Otherwise, Jeremy is absolutely right….done in poor taste. If it was meant as a joke? It really would have been disgusting. Coincidence is one thing; purposely done , is another. Lives were lost that day…children were maimed…devastation all around, that will last a lifetime.
I doubt the writers would be so insensitive or callous. Besides, how would they have known the episode would air at the same time as the verdict came in? Pure coincidence.
Yes, I do think it was coinicidence
Nothing against newer fans but most of us knew who it was and it was a “Tongue in Cheek” moment. I commend Frank for always being different and being spontaneous. He didnt know the verdict was coming in at that particular time. He did the classy thing and omitted it during the second feed.
Well I wasn’t watching GH when she was on, so I had no idea who she was and the whole bomb thing confused me– I thought it was some kind of teaser on what was going to happen on Monday– well at least I understand it now. Yes, they did the classy thing by changing it– a lot of newer viewers like me, might have thought they were poking fun at being interrupted by the news and misunderstood their intent.
I think GH did the right thing by not showing the bomb out of respect. The timing was really bad for this type of viewing and I believe many fans would have been confused, as I was!!!
I guess I don’t have much of a sense of humor…neither version did much for me. The bomb thing was more mobster tasteless stuff, and the credits were just too much RC, etc self promotion for my taste.
This woman is so beautiful from the inside out, and so glad they squeezed her in somehow. Sometimes shows air at a time that something similar is happening, & it’s not always easy to scramble and do damage control so fast. Glad bomb was changed to bug, but I think “Rat” would have been funnier, involving Sonny.
Maurice, William, Finola, Billy, Kelly great live performances.
Adored the final credits with Lilly holding the cue cards, Maurice
was an added bonus.
Definitely wise not to show it.
Speaking of Lilly, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rosalie turns out to be her daughter…with Sonny. Who knows? Maybe she got out of that car alive and was whisked away by her father…or Carlos…who may just turn out to be Lilly’s brother for real…
rebecca1, fingers crossed, I hope your right!
Could be Timmm…which might be the reason they thought to bring Lilly…out of all the characters no longer on the show…back for the end credits. We shall see!
I have no clue why they brought her on at all. It was pointless. I can think of 10 people right off the top of my head better suited for showing the live credits!
It was a surprise Joe. If they teased us about a surprise guest at the end of Live #1 we would have never guessed Lilly! I liked it. Now if I could dream I would have loved if Stuart Damon had appeared.
It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen her I didn’t recognize her. She looks good. Her delivery wasn’t exactly smooth, but maybe she hasn’t done a lot recently, either. Putting her next to Maurice Bernard certainly showed how much he’s aged, though. And how orange he is.
lol
It was great to see Lilly Melgar again. It’s been almost 20 years. A nice tip of the hat to long time GH viewers. I honestly can’t believe that some people are actually complaining about it, though I’m not surprised at all, since some people will complain about anything.
The bit with the bomb was a tongue in cheek ode to GH’s past, I thought it was a clever idea. And yes, it was the right decision to scrap it from the later airing of the show, after the verdict for the Boston bomber came in.
I agree Dan and basically said the same thing as you. Some people live in a world where nothing is ever good enough! Lilly looked hot and Sonny needs to shake Carly lose and this hot ma ma is just the ticket!
Had no idea who she was (have only been watching 3+ years) but she’s a stunning looking woman and the bit was a lot of fun.
Lilly has a radio show now & Maurice & his wife Paula were on it to promote the Ghost & The Whale.
I watched the 2 pm live show & had such a smile on my face when Lilly did the closing
Credits ! Great Idea kudos to GH.
Frank had incredible class to leave the bomb scene out of the 3pm airing!
Loved the LIVE show & GH for 37 years now!
Great job
Loved seeing Lily – I remember when she was blown-up. I saw the “bomb” version of the live show, but I thought she said “it’s a BUG” LOl. So, I didn’t get it! Having said that, since the Boston Bomber news was out, Ron did the right thing. See what you can do when the show is live?? Looking forward to Monday. It would be great if Lily came back. I do believe Carlos is her brother. What will Sonny do when he finds out it was his former brother in law who shot Duke? what will happen to Carly and Sonny if Lily returns?? Is Rosalie Sonny’s daughter? Stay tuned!
Wouldn’t have mattered to me. This whole article puzzled me because I didn’t realize it was Lily, and , most importantly, I saw the east coast version on Friday, but I thought she said “bug!” I had no idea they were talking about a bomb!
I was confused when I saw the closing credits last night as viewed on Hulu Plus. I knew who she was, but I felt it was out of line with the current storylines. I am not a fan of the mob stories on GH at all. That said I think the original concept as bad taste. However the alternate was acceptable, but awkward. Keep in mind the state of the country since 9/11 when making choices Mr. Valentini. I think it would have been fun to have the kid actors that play Spencer and Emma do the cue cards.
Look, this is entertainment. The world came to a halt on 911. You wouldnt go near any of the 911 material on ANY show until the country heals. Remember even the talk shows and SNL struggled to figure out when the right time would be to be funny again. Its a line and you have to figure it out. You will ALWAYS offend some people because some people are never happy. You have to move on and thats what we do as a country. The azzholes responsible for 911 are not going to bring down USA! We will laugh again, we will cry again and we will blow things up as part of pretending and telling a story on TV or in movies. You have a right to be offended and I’m not being critical of YOU its just that 911 was almost 14 years ago and I have moved on and am thankful that when a bomb goes off, bullets fly are a building crumbles, 99.9 percent of the time it is fictional.
It was great to see Lily. I understand out of respect to the victims you censor the west coast feed BUT it also reiterates that the monster who hurt the people at the marathon yet again by his actions wins by affecting what great privileges we have as Americans. I realize life is a bigger than a soap opera but you look at how much these sick bastards have affected our conveniences in our towns, cities and airports because of their sick definition of being a hero or their sick definition of worshiping their “God!” He will burn in hell.
I am newer to GH and was lost as to who she was and why there was a bomb at first. When Maurice yelled “Lilly” my first thought was “Isn’t that Carlos’ sister, wow what bad timing”, then I remembered she died in a car bombing. Personally I didn’t hear about the sentencing until that night and was able to see the 2pm airing, so even though it was a funny scene it was good on ABC’s part to change the ending credits.
I was horrified to see Lily. But not for the reasons mentioned above.
I was horrified because Lily was a sanctimonious, passive-aggressive, Sonny-enabling bitch with a halo.
And I am glad she’s dead! Glad, I tell ya.
I feel ya! Ugh. I dI’d not want to see her ever again
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.
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‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
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