General Hospital
Marcus Coloma On COVID-19 Struggles Towards Final Days as GH’s Nikolas : “I Felt That I Couldn’t Memorize My Lines Towards the End”
As the world has dealt with the coronavirus pandemic, in soap opera land, many times actors were taken ill by the virus, which often times found them to having to be replaced in their respective roles for a short time. As daytime drama fans know, there is no stoppage of work in your favorite soap towns, as episode after episode needs to be churned out.
Marcus Coloma, the former Nikolas Cassadine on General Hospital, had to exit the series a few times due to Covid-19, or an exposure to it, during his run on the series. Being sidelined brought in Adam Huss to take on the role. Huss is currently the most recent actor to continue the story of the dark prince of the Cassadine clan.
Now in an interview with Soaps.com, Coloma is opening up about his health struggles with Covid-19, which kept him from filming his final scenes in the part.
Photo: AHussIMDb
Coloma shared, “I got this brain fog and fatigue. That lasted a while to the point that I felt that I couldn’t memorize my lines towards the end, which thankfully, it’s gone.”
The actor noted that it’s just been recently that he has been able to feel like his old self: “I’m really back to 100 percent. And I’m exercising again. But I was surprised at the length of the after effects of it for me. It seems to hit everybody differently.”
Photo: ABC
Saying goodbye to the role he played for over three years was difficult for Coloma, because he had to sit out his final scenes: “It was disappointing, because I don’t feel like I got to wrap up. It’s kind of like letting somebody else finish a puzzle that you’ve been working on for a while. But I think it was mitigated by the fact that it had happened before.”
COVID-19 had affected so many people, in so many ways. Let us know in the comment section below, if you had a battle with it, or what you thought of Marcus detailing what he endured that caused him to miss taping his final scenes on General Hospital.
In case you missed, Kin Shriner (Scott, GH) and Marcus appeared on a livestream interview on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel talking about their side projects and time on GH. You can check it out below.
Glad marcus is feeling better! Loved him in the role – the charming dark prince with humor and of course amazing chemistry in his Nava pairing – sorry he was ill but as a Nava fan I was glad he wasn’t in that terribly written vile Nik threatening Avery scene- ending his Nik with the scene where he hopes Ava he can earn ava back fit his character as an ‘exit’- we could tell the writers were out to destroy the Nikolas any – probably to prop nonsense. When this GH writing team gaslight a character, it’s brutal to watch and hear about! I miss watching GH but it was a fun Nava ride and nik return ride UNTIL Esme…
DId he get jabbed and boosted?! That caused MANY ill effects.
Oh for Hell’s sake….. is this Q-Anus vaccine conspiracy dragonshit still a thing?
He would have been required to in order to keep his job. ABC Disney mandated it back in 2021 I think. That is why Burton and Ingo were fired.
That’s correct. And Steve Burton thought he didn’t need a vaccine because he had already had COVID previously… Which he actually caught on the GH set!
The “natural immunity ‘ argument may have SOME truth to it. You aren’t likely to get the same strain of the virus more than once. Of course COVID mutates and evolves constantly.. I don’t even remember which letter of the Greek alphabet they’re using for the most recent variant.
Fortunately I am immortal so I don’t have to worry about keeping up with it. But I can sympathize with you mortals as a new surge has kicked in up there. Poor Stephen Colbert got in about one week of shows after the writers strike ended and then he was forced to stay home sick.
Satan
This has nothing to do with COVID, but know you’ll know the answer. Is Victor Cassadine dead or alive? They say his body was recovered in Greenland, but Laura and Valentin act like he’s still alive. Is he there with you, or still out there ready to muck up someone else’s life?
Victor is definitely down here, and we plan on keeping him! Yes, Cassadines have been known to escape once in a while (same with the DiMeras) but we have tightened up security down here in the last couple of years. So don’t look for Victor… or Stavros or Helena up there any time soon. And Mikkos wouldn’t even want to leave… he’s making good money down here installing air conditioning systems, based on his “weather machine” technology.
Laura & Valentin are concerned that Victor is controlling Charlotte, and technically he is, even though he is in Hell and not currently communicating with his granddaughter. You may have noticed Charlotte playing with tarot cards recently and a flashback scene of her wearing a school uniform when she got those cards, and a letter from Victor. You might also remember when Drew was held prisoner on Cassadine island two years ago, there was one tarot card that activated his brainwashing, and another card that turned it off. Of course the “off switch” card was still in Jason’s pocket when he disappeared in the collapsing tunnel, so I’m not sure how Drew was ever deprogrammed. So Charlotte may have been brainwashed in much the same way, when Victor had her locked up in that boarding school. I’m thinking her deck of tarot cards probably has a card “missing” and that would be the one that breaks her programming, just as it was with Drew.
Oh, thank you for all the information I had totally forgotten as I bet others have about the cards with Drew and Jason, but recall it now. I also think you are exactly right about Charlotte and HER Tarot cards, and now I want to know where or who has that missing card.Why didn’t Val get a clue when she was spreading them out before him the other day?
I had covid fog was crazy put deisel gas I n my new car had to have it flushed your not always your self with covid crap .Man I was sick with it in late Summer 2020
I don’t believe he got fired because of long covid while GH brought back Emma Samms… I think the writers wanted to pair Roger and Maura so they fired MC. Too bad because Nava was hot while Ava and Austin aren’t great.
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)
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’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
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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General Hospital5 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
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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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General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
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