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Michael Mealor Confirms His Exit From Y&R and Shares, “Thank You For Allowing Me To Be Your Kyle Abbott”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: JPI

After various rumor reports, Michael Mealor (Kyle Abbott) has confirmed his departure from CBS’ The Young and the Restless.  The actor who played the son of Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) for more than three and a half years took to Instagram to send out a heartfelt farewell and thank you message to his colleagues and his fans.

A few days back, Mealor’s on-screen Uncle, Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott) had commented on a a fan response when the fans said they would miss scenes between Billy and Kyle on Twitter, which indicated the rumors of Michael’s exit may be true.  But it was not till Monday, that it was for certain with Mealor’s post.  No word yet on Michael’s final airdate.

Previously, Soap Opera Digest indicated contract talks may have broken down for Mealor and Hunter King (Summer) with the series in their latest issue on newsstands now.

Today, Michael expressed:In true Chanccomm fashion, Uncle Billy broke the news first…..my time as we know it on The Young and the Restless is coming to a close. The last three and a half years has been a truly humbling and life changing experience. I wouldn’t have been here this long without the love and support y’all have shown me throughout every inch of this ride! From appearing on national TV in my ‘birthday suit’ to digging up graves for DNA fragments, every engagement and every heart break, whether you were #KOLA or #SKYLE, y’all were along for the rollercoaster. Thank you, The Young and the Restless, CBS and Sony for trusting me with this incredible character. Thank you for allowing me to be your Kyle Abbott. So much love to each and every one of you!”

So, sad to know that Michael is exiting as Kyle Abbott? Share your thoughts and well-wishes to him via the comment section below.

 

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Sony & CBS appear to have blown this one.

They have blown a lot, but the biggest is letting Gina T go from the show. There has not been any fire in acting since Gina T on Y& R. They need her back. I am not a fan of Michelle S, she’s boring as hell. Hunter and Micheal had great chemistry they will be missed.

WAKE UP SONY, AND CBS, and get these all 3 back, get rid of Josh G. he’s awful & crappy.

Denis agree with you totally.

I miss Gina terribly!!! I never disliked Michelle before she left for GH, but I cannot stand her with her return rendition of Phyllis. No storyline and terrible acting. There needs to be a mystery woman to come to Genoa City. And yes, please drop Josh immediately. I was on vacation for 10 days and deleted all of the Y and R episodes on my dvr.

Amen re: Gina T, Denis. I gave up on the show when they pulled that awful move. TBH though, I wouldn’t wish this terrible writing on a gem like Gina T. I’m relieved she was spared this fate.

Never liked him as Kyle, What’s Chandler Massey up to, that would be a great recast.

Massey is a good suggestion. Drew Garrett or (bite my tongue) Bryan Craig might also work.

Steve
Chandler would be a good sub.but a hard no to Byyan Craig. Didn’t mind him on GH, but I think he’s not right to be an Abbott. He looks nothing like Jack, at least M.M was believable.

Too bad. Best Kyle ever. A loss for restless and if hunter king is leaving too it is even worse

Major bummer!
I cant believe the ptb screwed his renogiations up. How do you let the shows most popular younger star go?!
Kyles my favorite and I dont see myself caring enough about the other stories to continue watching regularly.
Michael was soo mature for his years and really carried in my eyes alot of major storylines in the years he was here, alot of them as a leading man. I was always team #kola and felt when Griffith pretended to take the reigns from Mal Youngs awesome Lola/ Kyle/ Summer triangle and threw Theo in the mix it screwed it all up. This Tara / Sally shenigan is really trying.
Hoping this incompetence of letting Mealor get away will piss off enough young and older fans alike and make Griffith and Morina dissapear. …and maybe like Mishael Morgan a new regime will undo this wrong.

I agree, Damien. They finally got a perfect Kyle and now this! Though I didn’t like his Summer pairing, he’s a wonderful actor with talent and charisma (and great hair) to spare. I just hope he doesn’t ride off with that dreadful Tara. That would be insulting to us fans.

this makes zero sense after giving him a front-burner storyline with lots of legs and hiring new cast members to add to the mix

Kyle was ok-
But- the Summer-Kyle- junk got old.
As for Kyles’s other couple of stories eeehhh nothing special.

Sorry for the actor’s situation but the character/Kyle I won’t miss him.
I have no doubts Michael will go onward into new beginnings.

The only watchable; Ashland, Victor, Billy and Adam, the others eeehhh ..
((ahaa no women in there because they are eeehhhh))

Wishing Michael a prosperous journey!

Show going down

Totally agree…Only watchable Male characters are Ashland,Victor,Adam,Nick…Michael as Kyle always came across as weak and meek at best….

Happy to see Summer and Kyle gone! Now get some decent people around Devon.

Not a problem, Y&R’s loss is GH’s gain! Hire him as the new Dylan Q!

Thanks, Timmm. That idea at least gives us hope. And I love the others’ suggestion of excellent Chandler Massey as a replacement for Kyle.

An overhaul is needed in the writing depth for Y&R. Veterans playing background and characters we could care less about: Sally, Tara and I am sorry to say it, Amanda’s extended family. Are they to join the ranks of the Newmans & Abbotts? If so, mix them in with the other residents of Genoa City. Also, PLEASE give Jack a brain!!!!

THANK YOU, Lew! What the he** is going on with Jack? He’s on “brainless dummy” mode, as is Phyllis. In what universe would Phyllis not figure out the Tara blackmail tangle? And Amanda’s family? They seem to have wandered over from an amateur revival of A RAISIN IN THE SUN. This show is in trouble. Where are good stories for Lauren, Michael, Kevin, Gloria, Traci, Ashley, Nikki, Paul, Jill, even clueless Esther. Moses and Faith? There’s more excitement in the phone book.

Soaphound I
Glad I bumped into you here. You can see how much I agree with you in my comment to Lew.Gee, has Jack always been this bad with women? I remember his days with Jill and thought that was bad. I think Phyllis will come through with those two coniving women, just hope it’s not too late. I’ve read other gossip that Tara and Ash may be in cahoots somehow, as a con or whatever but Iam hoping it will get more interesting. Will they replace Kyle or what? All I have is questions, sorry.

Yes, Violet, I do think Ashland is either faking or will get mysteriously better just in time to take control back of NewmanLocke and hand Victoria her walking papers. Not sure if Tara is in on it but either way she needs exposing QUICK, hopefully courtesy of Billy and Phyllis.

Soaphound
I need your opinion on the dissappearance of Mariah. I thought from the beginning it was Stitch, but now, not so much. If he had her, wouldn’t he just stay away from her family and friends, acting all concerned? Now I have a horrible feeling it’s Chance. Am I way out in left field?

Oh Violet, I think Stitch is SO obvious it probably is him. Motive could be compensation for a child (Max) he might blame Abby for losing to madness? It’s wild but it makes “soap sense”. I did read that Chance had been recast and will return but I can’t think why he’d do it. Wait until Victoria hears about; she’ll undoubtedly blame.. you guessed it, Adam. I’m just not too enthused about this either. Right now, I just want Miss Tara exposed PRONTO and for Phyllis to then give Jack the Cher slap — “Snap out of it!”

Oh Violet, even though it’s way too obvious, I think Stitch may be guilty. Can’t think of any other reason for him to be back. Perhaps he blames Abby for his son’s madness and wants a replacement kid? Crazy, but it makes ‘soap sense’. I read this article that said Chance had been recast and will return but I can’t think why he’d do it. I’m not really into this story anyway. I’m more anxious for Phyllis to expose Miss Tara and then give Jack the Cher slap — “Snap out of it!”

Soaphound
It seems so obvious and that’s why I thought/hoped it might be someone else. I like Ben and hate it if he turns physco. Tara needs to be found out and dealt with. She even used Sally to make that video.Although Billy and Phyllis are on her trail Iam afraid it might backfire on them. As good as Phyllis is Iam also afraid they have underestimated Tara and her agenda and capabilities.

Lew S.
He’s got a brain, it just isn’t where it’s supposed to be. He’s always been stupid and gullible where women are concerned but letting these two witches bookend him has got to be the worst.

Meant to write the writing dept.

Both of them have a bright future and good luck to them both

I was not particularly fond of Michael’s Kyle. There was a lack of sincerity in the acting that was a distraction to his storylines. On the other hand, I love Summer’s character and will really miss her.
As a side note, I also miss Phyllis/Gina! Michelle is a great actress, but I preferred her on GH and Gina as Phyllis.

He was the best Kyle. I’m going to miss him and Hunter.

PLEASE bring Hunter and Michael back. These were two of our favorite characters on Y&R!!!!!!!!!!

Wish that he were not leaving. I was just beginning to visualize a fun conspiracy storyline with Ashland/Tara/Jabot and Newman, but it needed Kyle. It is difficult when a new face steps into an established role; especially in the middle of a storyline. His acting has so improved over time. The chemistry with Summer worked for me.

I will miss Michael/Kyle. It’s kind of crappy taking one of the main characters out of a pivitol storyline. I wonder if he sings? He’s got a little Buble going.

What a great idea, Violet! He’s got the sexy confidence of Buble. Rami Malek won every award for BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. Renee Zellweger won an Oscar as Judy Garland. There’s always an audience for these musical biopics. One of my old favorites is LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME with Doris Day playing singer Ruth Etting. We need more music in movies, like the terrific WILD ROSE.

Soaphound
While I love all your comments and ideas, what I meant was that M.M.looks remind me of M.Buble. I would sure love some real music on Y&R rather than that incessant stuff they play in the background, drowning out all the dialogue.Give me the old organ music from the old days.

Violet…A little off topic but bringing back the old organ music from past days also applies to baseball. Major League Baseballs ptb are systematically ruining the game with their changes from the sport’s traditions.

I liked Mealor’s Kyle at first but the writing has been so abysmal & the storylines so boring & repetitive that he didn’t have much to work with and Kyle never grew past the one note he started with. The bad writing on this show knows no bounds. What is Y&R’s endgame here?

Does anyone know when he’s leaving? Will we get a replacement or? I can’t take much more of Tara and wish I could slap her lying face. Sally at least is obvious in all her maneuvers but Tara is so devious while trying to be loving, caring and pathetic.

I thought we were going to see Mariah today. Can’t wait to see if it’s Stitch or someone else holding her. How could they expect to take this baby without getting rid of Mariah and how will they account for having a new baby? Hard to believe he or some other person would want to hurt Abby so much. They must really be sick!

Poor Rey who is once more forgotten while Sharon moons over Adam. She’s supposed to be a therapist but can’t even deal with her own, so obvious obcession with Adam. I see a strong parallel with these two as with Carter and Quinn on B&B.

Violet, I need you to talk me down. I saw something yesterday that I found disturbing, so I replayed it to see if my eyes were playing tricks. But no tricks. I swear I saw something going on between Adam and…. Chloe! There was a bit of playfulness in his teasing her about her office keys. Just some spark. I know, I know I’m probably wrong but what if? Can you imagine after Sharon couldn’t wait to accuse Adam of stalking her and always “changing the subject” back to their unbreakable bond, if Adam moved on to someone else? She’d be back in his bedroom faster than you could say, “Adios Rey!”

Soaphound
I usually catch things like that or think I do but this time I only laughed because it seemed he was just teasing and annoying the heck out of her, knowing how much she hates and distrusts him. As far as Sharon goes, she has said Adios to Rey long ago although neither of them can or want to admit it. I think Sharon likes the idea that she has someone out there that wants and desires her and all she has to do is whistle and he’ll come running. One day they will bring someone in to catch his fancy and she will have to get off that hot tin roof she’s been on.
I am encouraged with what Phyllis has been doing trying to catch Tara and Sally. I don’t usually go along with her scheaming and plotting but his time Iam cheering her on. Jack and his son are blind idiots! Can not wait for those two women to be run out of G.C. I read that Eric Forrester is coming back which will hopefully lend more insight to Summer’s going to Italy. Let’s catch up on Mariah next time.

Violet, I don’t know what’s up with this Mariah tale. For me, unless she’s being held captive by Harry and Meghan, I’ve already lost interest. The only good bit was Tessa practically calling Sharon a lousy mother by not being more concerned. How about Rey’s classic Genoa City detective response: “There’s lots of reasons a pregnant woman would just disappear into thin air with only a trail of odd, evasive texts in her wake. I’m not concerned.” Alright, I’m paraphrasing but you get my drift. Sharon’s coffee shop should be rechristened “CLUELESS CENTRAL.”

Looks like everything is catching up with Tara and Lucy. I guess that’s when Kyle/ M.M will make his exit, probably flying off to Italy to reclaim Summer. Then we will hopefully be enlightened to wether Ashland has another agenda as far as Victoria is concerned. If he is just after her company, that will leave her weak and vulnerable to Adam’s maneuvers, even though daddy has told him they will not do anything to hurt Vicki.

Well, I imagine we are seeing the last of Michael Mealer, once Kyle sees Summer in Italy. Knowing he wouldn’t be leaving Harrison for very long, Iam thinking when he returns to Genoa City, we will most likely have a new Kyle.

Hey Violet, how great was Tara’s takedown on Friday? Vintage Phyllis, and with Lauren in tow for good measure. And Tara is STILL blaming everyone else! My next question is… who’s gonna deal with Sally? Can’t wait! I’m curious about Rey’s apparent midlife work crisis…suddenly seeing new opportunities. Wonder if they’ll lead him, or Sharon, in Adam’s direction. I liked seeing Adam and Nick breaking bread (or tea?) on Friday also. If we could just eliminate the Moses and Faith story, things might start to look up. Oh, and send Amanda’s family packing, too.

Soaphound,
Loved Friday’s show.I got greedy though. I kept hoping for Sally to show up at the Abbott’s. Kill two birds with one stone, you know. I don’t know what to make of Rey. While I like him, they have made him so boring. I think he and Chelsea may hook up one of these days. He speaks of her in such glowing terms. And Amanda and her clan, Adios,who cares?? Speaking of getting rid of the ones you mentioned, I have long had a way to solve that problem I record all my Soaps and than I can just fast forward through the boring scenes.
I would also like to know why Queen Abby and the sit-on-his hands Devon aren’t doing something, anything to find HIS baby? Do they really believe Mariah is that flakey? Do you remember a while back when Esther told Nina about the soundproof suite in the mansion where she could go to work in peace and quiet?The perfect place to hide someone, and the furnishings look like in an old house. Nina has been acting kind of funny, and not overly concerned about Mariah being missing. What do you think?
One final thing. I didnt think even the Abbott Jet could get to Italy as fast as that one did, ha!

Soaphound,
Don’t know if you’ll even see this post seeing as there really isn’t anywhere to discuss the show in general. Anyway, just wanted to say Iam having bad feelings about Adam and Sally getting together, two of a kind. Also I think the rumours of Ashland being a bad guy might be true. With Victoria wanting a lavish wedding, you know there has to be a reason and what better way for Ashland to announce to the guests and the world that he somehow got a hold of Newman by marrying Victoria. I hope Iam wrong.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’

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The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).

Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.

Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.

Photo: JPI

FOR LESLIE CHARLESON

Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”

Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).

Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.

“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”

Photo: JPI

SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?

During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.

Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.

You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.

Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series

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Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.

ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.

Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.

Photo: NATAS

THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …

The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.

This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.

Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.

Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.

Photo: ABC

DAYTIME TALK SERIES

In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.

“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”

The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.

So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Marks Unprecedented 16,000th Episode Milestone with New Cast Photo

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Today’s Monday, July 13 episode of General Hospital marks it 16,000 episode to air on the ABC television network. It is a remarkable milestone. The previous television record was held by Guiding Light which clocked in at 15,762 episodes before it went off the air on CBS in 2009.

To mark the occasion, the cast, crew and creative team of General Hospital celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony on the Prospect Studios lot in Los Angeles back on Monday, June 1, 2026.

In addition, GH has released a new cast photo taken the day of the on set celebration. Pictured in the photo are front row: Rory Gibson, Finn Carr, Kayden Brenna Tokarski, Asher Antonyzyn, Giovanni Mazza, Braedyn Bruner, Dean Geyer and Nathan Dean.

Featured in the back row are: Tabyana Ali, Eden McCoy, Josh Swickard, Kristen Vaganos, Rebecca Herbst, Dominic Zamprogna, Alexa Havins, Cameron Mathison, Brooke Kerr, Cynthia Watros, Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Maura West, Donnell Turner, Nancy Lee Grahn, Tanisha Harper, Kelly Thiebaud, Kristina Wagner, Lynn Herring, Chris McKenna, Katelyn MacMullen and Sawandi Wilson.

In addition, the official GH social media handles shared these sentiments along with some other photos from the cake cutting: “Today’s episode of General Hospital is the 16,000th produced since the show’s inception in 1963. It’s a milestone we couldn’t let pass by without taking some time to celebrate as a family (and, of course… eating some cake). 🍰 We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.”

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE 16,000th Episode?

The 16,000th episode will feature Jason Morgan returning to the town of Port Charles, Anna and Valentin (James Patrick Stewart) reuniting, and a new surgeon, Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) joining the staff of ‘General Hospital.’

GENERAL HOSPITAL HOLDS SEVERAL RECORDS

Now in its 64th year, Emmy Award-winning daytime drama General Hospital is currently both the longest-running scripted American drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production.

General Hospital holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 18 times. Will they do it again and make it 19 in 2026? Stay tuned for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations tomorrow on Tuesday, July 14 to find out if GH will be going for gold in the category, once again.

The ABC daytime drama series was created by Frank and Doris Hursley and premiered back on April 1, 1963. Frank Valentini is the current executive producer with Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten are the show’s co-head writers.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.

What do you think of the new cast photo marking General Hospital’s 16000th episode? What do you think of the accomplishment to have that many episodes of a television show and its still thriving and kicking? Share your thoughts and congrats for everyone in front of the camera and behind the scenes on this milestone airing.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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