Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Let’s wish Chavez well, congratulate him on his burgeoning career and thank him for making a memorable impact on GH.
Spencer will eventually be recast, but not likely until sometime after Genie returns from her annual summer break. The pressure is on Teschner to find another dynamic young star.
I’m not sure why anyone would thank an actor, as if they were doing us a favor. They make a great living doing what they love. If not for viewers many of them wouldn’t go on to other projects. The more popular an actor, the more opportunities he or she has for more work. They should thank us. lol
Can’t both the actor and the viewers be grateful? Yes, it’s show business (with an emphasis on the business) but talent/skill is involved and Chavez contributed some bright spots in a challenging period for GH.
Agree to disagree. Actors aren’t doing any of us favors. If I like the actor’s work I ‘thank” him or her by watching other things they’re in. Mutually beneficial “relationship.”
I’m speculating here, but my guess is that he and Ryan Murphy got along well enough that Murphy asked him to do his next project. Because that’s how Murphy does things. Just ask all the people who did multiple seasons of “American Horror Story”. Ironically enough, the original Spencer, Nicholas Bechtel, did a season on that show. Now that he doesn’t look like a little kid anymore, maybe it’s time for him to come back to Port Charles? The character is too important to the canvas to leave “dead” (and without a body, so you know he ain’t really dead)
That’s a great idea. I would love to see Nicholas Bechtel return to the role he created. It would most likely change the dynamic of the character in terms of Sprina, so some fans won’t be happy.
Nicolas Bechtel is still too young looking to play the character that Spencer has become. I don’t see him being a fit. There are plenty of 20 something actors out there. Mark Teschner is known as one the best casting directors in the business, he’ll find someone.
Nicholas Bechtel claims to be 6’1″ now. Last time we saw him he wasn’t anywhere near that unless he shot up suddenly. But in all honesty, he’d be 20 if he came back; only about a year or two younger than Tabyana and she looks very young too. Nicholas Chavez looked more mature than any of them; by the time he came back (if he did or does) he’ll be 25 in real life.
I am not a bit surprised and I am happy for him. He will go far. We will see him on primetime for many years to come. He did a great job as Spencer. It may be quite some time before they recast.
I’m not surprise at all, As to why GH allowed him to take outside work on a newbie w/ a 4 year contract and then let him get out of that contract early baffles me, If you look at his IG account he barely shows pictures or promotes GH, yet he’s already promoting his work on this new series, so it was clear he was gonna leave first chance he got.
He seemed to have always had one foot out the door on GH. He didn’t seem to participate in a lot of things with castmates etc. Maybe a bit of ego may have developed…
Or maybe he has his own friends outside of the show. Not everyone wants to socialize with the people they work with. Nothing wrong with that, and isn’t necessarily a sign of ego. Can be just a desire to keep one’s personal life and work life separate.
I doubt many of these people socialize out of work. I think their or GH publicists arrange outside photo shoots or a staged day. That’s not to say some haven’t formed friendships, but I think it’s much less than many think. As for social media, sometimes they give each other a nod or back each other up on their threads, but it’s for the show. Keeps viewers engaged. Cynical view but true.
Lots of talented actors leave soaps and their careers sputter, ask the guy who played Morgan
I think you should look up Bryan Craig who played Morgan. He’s been working steadily since leaving GH in both TV film and series, and has been a series regular on several prime time shows.
Bryan has stated that he would be open to a GH return, so he can’t be that busy
Well it’s true that his prime time gig “Good Trouble” just ended. Now would actually be the perfect time for Morgan to return, considering he and his father share the same mental illness, and Morgan only knows all too well what can happen when somebody messes with your medication.
Ava knows, but she’s not saying. Jason suspects, but he doesn’t have any proof. Morgan would know from experience, so he would definitely say something. He would probably also be quick to point the finger at Ava, since she did that to him, of course. Ava would then have to tell Morgan what she knew about the pills to avoid facing the wrath of Sonny.
Applause. Michael—Agreed.
What I don’t understand is why soaps release popular actors from their contracts instead of simply modifying them.
There may be something I don’t understand, but when an actor needs a soap to, effectively, “do them a favor” and let them out of their contract to do a movie or TV show, it strikes me that it’s a win-win for all concerned for the soap to agree to modify the contract so they can go off and do the film/show, with the actor agreeing to return and finish out their contract once they are done.
It’s a win-win for all because the actor wouldn’t be able to do the film or show at all if the soap didn’t let them out AND the soap can benefit from the free advertising and new fans the actor will get when the film/show comes out.
Unless I’m missing something huge, the actor and their agent wouldn’t really say “no” to a modified contract honoring the remainder of their contract after the film/show because if they did refuse, they’ll have to do it anyway—and never get to do the film (remember when Brad Bell wouldn’t let Jacob Young out of his contract to the Stallone movie? He had to continue playing Rick, as his contract required).
I remember when an NBA prospect (Patrick Ewing?) was at the Naval Academy and instead of the Navy forcing him to serve his contracted years and lose his shot in the NBA, they found a creative solution: he served in the Reserves in uniform when he wasn’t playing, and as an alumni ambassador and celebrity recruitment spokesman. It was a creative solution that allowed everyone to benefit and reinforced the importance of people doing what they promised, fulfilling the obligations they signed on for (not just when it’s convenient).
I am confused as well. Soap contracts are pretty iron clad and a lot a actors miss out on opportunities. They usually do not renew their contracts. All the best to him and to GH.
We might be looking at larger relationships here. Ryan Murphy might have made the request to Disney corporate. As they may want to do business with him down the road, perhaps they granted the release.
Aldo, the project was announced before the strikes. – which went a lot longer that anticipated. That meant there were fewer months remaining on Chavez’s contract, combined with the switch in head writers made Chavez’s return more challenging than a release.
Welcome back, you are very much missed!!
A very talented actor. I wish him the best and know he will go far in his career.
I am sad that he will not be returning to the show but best of luck to him in his other endeavors.
Well I wish him good luck I hope he has a great and wonderful future he will surly be missed he was a wonderful actor
Good for Nick. He is a hell of a talent and I never expected him to stay that long on GH. Since Genie is on her summer break, the show has a couple months to really look for the right father and son tandem of Nickolas and Spencer. I would bring in actors in pairs and test them, not only on their ability to handle the role but look for chemistry between the two new actors they hire to fill those roles. They struck gold with Nicholas Chavez as Spenser but have yet to replace the late Tyler Christopher, who was excellent in the role of Nicholas Cassidine.
RUN FORREST, RUN! This is the smartest thing he could do.
If it’s not confirmed I’m not sure why anyone’s reporting it as if it is.
Deadline is reporting it – they don’t report rumors.
Exactly! Different sites are reporting it, but have yet to hear from “GH”, or Nicholas or his rep. Why not confirm or deny? GH loyal fans deserve to know, a few weeks ago, there were rumors that Cameron Mathison was leaving to host a new game show, he was quick to let the fans that he wasn’t & that the episodes were filmed last year. I guess everyone treats their fans, differently!
It’s not on GH, as a matter of policy they do not comment on contracts unless the performer has done so already.
No surprise there! Knew he would not return. The new head writers have their work cut out for them. Good Luck.
Yes, gold was struck in my opinion with Nicolas and the pairing with Taby. Certainly, GH would insist that this storyline continues at least from the Paris ending to a reunion. You know it will not be the same if he does not return. Actors have multiple jobs that is what having a good agent and manager to make it happen for a win, win for all. Check the ratings GH being the longest running Soap value and reward your hot actors and fan base.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
View this post on Instagram
This week starts with heartbreaking news. Patrick Muldoon, best known for his roles as the original Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives and later as Richard Hart on Melrose Place, died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 57. Reports indicate his death was sudden following a heart attack.
Muldoon’s sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, told TMZ on Monday more details on her brother’s death, “Patrick went to take a shower Sunday morning after drinking coffee with his girlfriend in their Beverly Hills home. His girlfriend decided to check on him after he was taking too long and found him unconscious on the bathroom floor?” Shana added that paramedics rushed over and tried to revive Patrick, but there was nothing anyone could do.
Soap fans first saw Muldoon as Kate’s (Lauren Koslow) son on DAYS back in 1992, where he quickly became a fan favorite during the on-screen love story between Austin and Carrie Brady (Christie Clarke). Patrick left the series in 1995. He later made comeback for appearances in 2011 and 2012.
Photo: JPI
On Melrose Place, he played bad buy Richard Hart from 1995-1996. Patrick launched his acting career while in college landing the role of Matt in the 1990 sitcom Who’s The Boss? alongside the likes of Judith Light (ex-Karen, OLTL) and Tony Danza. Following his graduation, Patrick nabbed a recurring role as Jeffrey Hunter in Saved By The Bell by 1991.
Throughout his decades long career, Muldoon also starred in several motion and TV series including his leading roile in Starship Troopers (1997). He also had parts in Deadlock (2021), Vanquish (2021), Dakota (2022), Marlowe (2022), and Murder At Hollow Creek (2023).
Photo: JPI
Not only was Patrick an actors, but a producer and a musician and singer. He often made appearances and put out music with his band, The Sleeping Masses. Muldoon was the band’s lead singer and guitar player. Patrick was also a producer of TV and film projects.
At the time of his death, Patrick was also an executive producer on a the movie “Kockroach,” which is currently in production.
Taking to his Instagram, just a few days before his death, Muldoon expressed,“So excited to be a part of this amazing project KOCKROACH directed by Matt Ross starring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Edgerton, Zazzie Beetz And Alec Baldwin. Filming now in Australia,” he captioned his post.
Sadly, on April 24, Muldoon can be seen in his 2025 film Dirty Hands also festuring Denise Richards (ex-B&B, RHOBH), which will be released on digital streaming platforms on VOD.
Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart; parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Shana and Ahmet Zappa; and their children, Muldoon’s beloved niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.
Share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Patrick Muldoon via the comment section, which is followed below by the trailer Dirty Hands due out later this week on digital platforms.
All My Children and Hallmark alum, Jonathan Bennett has been cast in the newly-created role on General Hospital as Joe Fitzpatrick.
Look for Bennett to make his debut on the ABC soap opera next month in May. Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans for his work as JR Chandler on All My Children from 2000-2001. Later, he landed the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout role.
Jonathan would go on to star in seven Hallmark Channel movies and then hosting and producing the network’s reality competition show Finding Mr. Christmas, Bennett has also appeared as a contestant on Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars, plus Celebrity Big Brother in 2019, and he starred on Broadway in Spamalot.
Courtesy/ABC
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital shared to Deadline who first reported the casting news, “We’re so excited to have Jonathan joining our cast. He’s a tremendous talent and will be a fantastic addition to ‘GH.’
After the news broke, Bennett took to his Instagram and shared, “There’s a new guy in town…” Meanwhile, the official General Hospital account shared a pic and expressed, “He’s already tired of us telling him his hair looks sexy pushed back. Welcome to the family, Jonathan Bennett.
Bennett is married to Jaymes Vaughan. Back in 2022, they became the first gay couple to appear on the cover of the wedding magazine, The Knot.
So, what do you think of the casting of Jonathan as Joe Fitzpatrick? Is he the new man for Lucas? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
View this post on Instagram
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
-
General Hospital4 days agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
General Hospital1 week agoPaige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
-
General Hospital6 days agoGH’s Giovanni Mazza Performs Violin Version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ at LA Lakers Playoff Game; Co-Stars Heap High Praise
-
General Hospital1 week agoSteve Burton’s Wife, Michelle Lundstrom, Raises Alarm on AI Scammers and Hoaxes, Pretending to be the ‘General Hospital’ Star
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?