General Hospital
Maura West Talks Being The Mafia Donna Of General Hospital's Jerome Clan!
Courtesy/ABC
Two-time Daytime Emmy winner Maura West is really getting the opportunity to chew the scenery in her latest soap role of Ava Jerome on ABC’s General Hospital. West who debuted back in May, is getting plenty of airtime and has been integrated into many a story with a bevy soap leading men from Roger Howarth (Franco), to Michael Easton (Silas) to William deVry (Julian)!
In this new interview with Michael Logan of TV Guide Magazine, just as Ava is about to truly amp up her attempt to take over the Port Charles mob territory from Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) on next week’s episodes, she spoke about taking on the delicious role on GH, and that role that kind of went south as Diane on Y&R! Here are a few excerpts below!
Maura on how to navigate playing a character in soaps that the audience doesn’t completely vilify and turn their backs on: “They’re supposed to hate Ava but what you want is that they love to hate her. Still, you can’t worry about it. You play what they give you and, hopefully, let the viewers see that if you scratch that surface there is a heart and soul somewhere under there. In soaps, there’s always room for redemption. (Laughs) Well, almost always. She doesn’t see what she does as bad. Mobsters go home to their families at night and eat dinner, just like you and me. And they have a huge capacity for love. They can bury someone in a shallow grave in the woods and then go to their kid’s Christmas concert on the way home. “
Maura on how her stint on Y&R didn’t last so long as Diane Jenkins: “Honestly, I was at Y&R so briefly that I don’t even think about it! (Laughs) I must have blocked it out! Sometimes I’ll see a magazine article where they’ll say Maura West and in parentheses they have “ex-Carly ATWT” and “ex-Diane Y&R” and I’ll go, “Huh?” I met some wonderful people at Y&R but that experience is not something my heart aches over, not something I miss at all.”
So what do you think of Maura’s Ava Jerome? Are you enjoying Ava’s attempts to be the reigning Mafia Donna of Port Charles? Do you think Y&R misused the uber-talented West? Comment below!
Loving the addition of the Jarome family, and hope they stick around for a long while. Love William and Maura, and hope the writers do more with their characters than just mob related stuff.
Also really hoping that along with Robin, they find Alan Quartermain in that clinic and bring him home. Could just see the fireworks between Monica and Maura if Ava and Alan flirt with each other. Bring back Alan now!!!!
Would like to see a Julian and Alexis pairing also.
I wanted Alan back but he’s made too many ghostly appearance, the last with Rick and Emily…maybe she could make a play for A.J? Julian and Alexis is an obvious pairing…she’ll end up with him b4 his mob ties are revealed! Ava is here to stay so she wont be Connies killer…imo.
There have been many soap characters that have appeared multiple times as ghosts and still came back from the dead. I would accept any ridiculous excuse of why he’s not dead if it meant having him back.
Maybe Casey the alien has him.
Yeah, id accept any explaination too…
I only hope she’s the murderess because I don’t know any other AJ…and I DON’T want it to be Aj! Love him and cannot stand how he’s constantly be torn apart by people less worthy! (Cracks me up when I get all in a tither about fictional “people.”) LOL…
It’s a conundrum. I do enjoy and want the Jerome’s to stay…particularly Julian. Something about the way he plays his role is incredibly sexy! But I don’t know how Alexis would ever reconcile being with him when she couldn’t handle Sonny, Jason or Sean being in the mob…or when she finds out he killed his own sister! (Which I didn’t know till the actress just mentioned that piece of GH history.) To date he hasn’t shown his ruthless side so it’s difficult to reconcile…
As for “Ava” Maura West is the epitome of the old school b&w film mob dames….she’s great at it but I don’t want to see her frame AJ.
As for Alan…there’s not enough Qs on now…big house with no one in it. Should bring back Ned, Skye, maybe Alan could pop in now and then in his ghostly persona…(standing back observing, whatever…)
The whole “mystery” of Robin…it’s obvious it’s her lurking around but they seem to be trying to have us believe it’s Jason…
@rebecca1….We are so on the same page about “AJ”…he has become GH’s convenient go-to “whipping boy,” and that has worn thin….it also does a grave disservice to SK because it makes his character seem too one-dimensional, and he obviously possesses the talent to play far beyond the parameters he has been permitted thus far. As for Julian, I am still not feeling this big “thing” he and Alexis are supposed to be embarking upon…to me, they seem mismatched and not quite of the same equivalent age group, either. Even though the older looking Ms. Davis is behaving like a slobbering, blushing schoolgirl around her first crush, I simply don’t detect a mutual attraction…I would prefer to see “Sam’s Daddy” with somebody else. I am also remaining skeptical on the “Ava Love” that so many here profess….while I do give her major “style points” for her take on the “retro silver screen glam girl,” I’m not yet enchanted with the entire package…her vibe is too much “emotional, quivering whack-job” to really be a credible “Mob Queen.” We require more backstory on her history and how it created her particularly pseudo-sophisticated, yet amazingly declasse’ persona. (I have previously proffered that if an “Ava Mama” is scripted for that purpose, then Gloria Loring would be a perfect choice to fill the role….the physical resemblance is uncanny, and I think the former “Liz Craig” would make a scary hilarious gun moll/mother to MW’s daughter….can picture a lot of friction there!) At any rate, I can live with an empty “Q” mansion for the time being…save for an an occasional ghostly visit from Alan…maybe even to his foundering namesake this time around???? Given AJ’s current demons, he could just think he is hallucinating. Lastly, even though I cannot wait for Robin’s return (and the subsequent annihilation of “Sow-brina’s” pathetic little fairytale…) I don’t believe she is due just yet. It appears the mystery “lurker” is going to be Heather….time to break out those BLT’s!!!! Haha….P.S. I enjoyed and appreciated your latest “Downton” character analysis, and will respond accordingly when time permits…..Thank you!!!!
So sorry for the mix-up, jimh! But I’m glad you liked my casting idea…I can easily envision GL as a former flame/singer from one of Victor Jerome’s nightclubs, and their fling produced Ava….I’ve always felt she and Julian are not full siblings, and that she is an illegitimate offspring of the original don. It would be a nice addition to GH to have a musical performer the caliber of Ms. Loring….even though she would definitely have some competition from our mutually favorite “Karaoke Queen!!!” (Where is dear “mutta” by the way?…Hiding out in those tunnels at Wyndemere???)
I love love love Ava Jerome. Best female addition in ages. She has that special spark that just shines with everybody on Gh.
She is wonderful… love to watch her in action.
I totally disliked her as Carly on ATWT, but I love her as Ava.
LOVE TO HATE AVA!! She’s the greatest!!!! One of the best additions to GH!!!!
Always loved her as Carly on ATWT, and love her now in the role of Ava. She is a very talented actress who brings her whole game every time she’s onscreen. Look forward to many more years with her on GH.
All soaps need a good solid troublemaker who isn’t so evil you cannot allow them to continue, but just evil enough to take the taste of sugar out your mouth, from all those too good to be true, super sweet heroine types. For this reason I like Ava on the canvas– I think she might try to romance Sonny, not for real, just to get inside his head and mess with his business and they stab him in the back– figuratively or literally, which one, I guess would depend on her mood. lol.
Love Maura West ,whatever she’s doing.
I think Maura is a beauty, and a terrific villain. What I don’t see is an ability to allow us to ‘love to hate her’. I don’t see any softness in her character, even with her daughter…. no vulnerability. So I don’t find myself empathizing with her in any way…. much like her Diane character on Y&R.
Wonderful cast addition! RC/FV know what to do with beauty and talent, unlike Y&R’s show runners for the past 7-8 years. Maura was woefully miscast as Diane Jenkins, as she is 15-20 years younger, and it wasn’t fair to put her in that position. Very misguided casting decision on the part of the ailing Y&R. Alas, RC/FV and their revived GH to the rescue. Ava is steaming up the screen with pretty much any man with whom she shares a scene, kicking a$$ and taking names. Loving Maura West and Ava Jerome!
GH struck gold when they cast Maura as Ava Jerome. She’s been nothing, but amazing with her acting. Truly bringing back the gems of the early screen days. I see a lot of old Hollywood in her and always have. Ava is here to stay, as is Maura West! I am loving me Ava every day she is on, and when she isn’t, the show is lackluster. Ava is the star!
Love Maura! She can play anything and this AVA character is a hoot! Hope she’s around for a long time to come. She really livens up any scene she is in.
I am a Jerome fan and hope Franco will become involved in their story..
She was woefully miscast and misused on Y&R, but from her first appearance on GH she has been a breath of fresh air. It’s hard to look away from the screen whenever Ava appears because of the sheer unpredictability of the character–and that can be attributed to West’s nuanced work. She is to be commended, as are the showrunners, for bringing her onboard.
Tom….Just a heads-up here, but you best be careful using the word “nuanced” (or”fashionista” and “concur,” for that matter…) Apparently, these “trigger terms” send certain “people” into an apoplectic tizzy….it must simply be too much for their tiny brains to comprehend or some other pathetic affliction…..LOL!
Shay, had to reply here…your response to Rebecca came to me instead but i do love your idea of Gloria Loring playing Avas mother…perfect casting choice…hope it happens…now if theyd bring back Alan alive…i could overlook his ghostly appearance…Glorias character could make a play for him…would love her in fights with Monica!
Y&R made a big mistake letting her go. She might be the best female soap actress since Beverlee McKinsey.
She’s great!!! Can’t say that I am loving to hate her but she is doing a great job!!!
i never saw her on atwt or yr, but always know of her, and i’m glad she’s now on GH.
Love love love this woman she is a great actor!! She owns every scene she’s in!!:)
Love Maura! Love her as Ava, love her more as a person. She has a child with Autism (as do I) and does a lot for raising awareness. Go Maura!
Love her as Ava, didn’t like her as Diane on Y&R. Kiki is also very believable as her daughter because they sort of resemble each other.
I’m a huge classic film fan, and Maura West is so talented and straight from the same place that created Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Gene Tierney, Myrna Loy, and Lana Turner. If she had been around in their day, she would have been at the top of the food chain at some major studio. She’s a FABULOUS addition to GH, on the caliber of when they added Maurice Bernard. If GH stays on the air for several more years, Maura West can easily be a “top 3” centerpiece, front burner all the time, the way Maurice Bernard, Laura Wright, and when he was still there, Steve Burton are/was.
I love the Jerome family, and DeVry is a great addition. Loved him on AMC. Overall, the Jeromes are an interesting addition because they are equal to Sonny and don’t just work for him. You get the impression they don’t even really care about Sonny. They have their own fish to fry. Even Alcazar and Johnny Zacara operated “in relation to Sonny.” The Jeromes are more like Todd Manning would have been before he left: Independently evil but likeable.
I’ve watched a lot of soaps over the years, but it’s VERY easy for me NOT to watch. I drop shows for YEARS, then watch a few weeks, then leave again if there’s nothing there. I suppose people like me are why soaps got cancelled. But I’ve been watching GH three or four days a week and it’s because when I recently checked in again, Maura West and the entire Jerome storyline grabbed me. I’ll be watching for a while.
Maura is an amazing, talented actress and hopefully the will not let her go. I have watched her since the start from As The World Turns and am just floored by her acting. I’m so glad General Hospital is keeping her. You go Maura! They’re blessed to have you.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
On Thursday, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards revealed nominations in several key categories via four entertainment news programs: Access Hollywood, E! News, Extra and Access Hollywood.
Three of the four announcements were major categories in the field of Daytime Dramas.
The nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series category are: The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Neighbours and The Young and the Restless.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital won this category last year, and has the most all-time wins for a series in this category. For the first time the beloved Australian-based soap opera, Neighbours is now eligible for competition due to its reboot which streams on Amazon Freevee.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Award will be handed out in ceremonies in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th.
Previous categories announced tonight via the entertainment new outlet included: Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
So, what do you think about this year’s nominee for the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series? Who do you think should win? Comment below.
General Hospital
More of the Story on ‘General Hospital’ Star Josh Kelly’s Latest Film Role in ‘The Workout’
We had previously shared that General Hospital’s Josh Kelly was taking three weeks away from his role of Cody Bell to a shoot a role in an upcoming movie entitled The Workout.
Josh originally revealed his role in the film during an episode of GH castmates, Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson’s (Spinelli) podcast.
Now Deadline has filled in some of the blanks, and shared some intriguing intel on the premise of the film and its back-story. The film stars Kelly along with Peter Jae, and UFC Fighter, Ashlee Evans-Smith. Other cast members include The Bay’s Kristos Andrews.
Photo: ABC
In The Workout, two army rangers set out to create a workout video, but their plans are abruptly halted when a mob hit interrupts their filming. Tragically, one of the rangers loses his wife in the attack, sending him on a relentless mission to take down the mob and anyone who stands in his way.
The film from James Cullen Bressack, almost did not get financed. Apparently, ten days before his birthday, Bressack made a post on Instagram about the feature and production, casting, and financing came from the post … illustrating the power of social media. After the post gained traction, a producer provided financing and actors expressed interest in joining the project, leading to a quick production.
Photo: ABC
In a statement, Bressack shared, “As artists a painter paints, a musician makes music, a writer writes, but as filmmakers we have to ask permission to create. It’s time to change that narrative. This film spawned from a necessity to create. We create. We tell stories. We play pretend. I’m excited to take this journey. This is the truest form of collaboration and a community of friends coming together to make something fun. While our industry has had a rough time recently with strikes and a possible strike looming in the future, it’s nice to remind ourselves why we got into film to begin with. To have fun telling stories.”
No word yet on when The Workout will be released.
So, looking forward to seeing this collaborative effort featuring GH’s Josh Kelly? Comment below.
Breaking News
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences revealed on Wednesday via X, that this year’s 51st annual Daytime Emmy Nominations are set to be announced in full on Friday, April 19th at 12 pm ET/9 am PT.
However, four of the top award category nominations will be revealed on Thursday, April 18th across four entertainment news programs to kick things off.
Those include this Thursday episodes of Access Hollywood, E! News, Entertainment Tonight and Extra. Over the past few years, NATAS has often let the syndicated entertainment news program handle the duties of revealing the top actor and actress in a daytime drama series, but we shall see which categories the shows unveil this year.
Photo/AP
As previously announced, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be presented in ceremonies on Friday night, June 7th on CBS (8 – 10 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
The awards will be back at The Bonaventure hotel in downtown Los Angeles, where (the delayed due to the actors and writers strike) 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards were held back in December of 2023.
Look for the full nominations to be posted right here at Michael Fairman TV and you can follow along on Friday on the Daytime Emmys social platforms as well.
Photo: AP
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.
The 51st Daytime Emmy Nominations will honor the work and achievement from the calendar year of 2023.
So, who would you like to see in the running for gold when the Daytime Emmy nominations in the key acting and show categories are revealed? Share your thoughts below.
Let the countdown begin! #DaytimeEmmys nominations are coming this Friday at noon ET, with a special sneak peek tomorrow on @accesshollywood @enews @etnow @extratv! pic.twitter.com/aL5PFYXBCL
— Daytime Emmys (@DaytimeEmmys) April 17, 2024
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Tamara Braun, Finola Hughes, Katherine Kelly Lang, Annika Noelle, Michelle Stafford, Cynthia Watros Score Lead Actress Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Eric Braeden, Scott Clifton, Thorsten Kaye, John McCook and Eric Martsolf Score Lead Actor Nominations
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