General Hospital
Nicolas Bechtel Says Farewell to the role of GH’s Spencer Cassadine: “It’s Been a Great Run … Thank You For All Your Love and Support”
As General Hospital viewers this week become familiar with a new actor (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and a new take on the character of Spencer Cassadine, former GH star, Nicolas Bechtel (Ex-Spencer) took to Twitter to extend his heartfelt thanks to all of his legions of fans and followers.
To say that Bechtel warmed our hearts in the role of the dark prince’s son is an understatement. He was a scene-stealing favorite who could hold his own with all the big name talent of General Hospital. Nicolas’ great sense of comedic timing and the dramatic made him a very sought after young actor in Hollywood. So much so, that he appeared in Disney Channel sitcom Stuck in the Middle, had a recurring role on the Red Band Society on Fox, and has even played young Rob Kardashian in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
In a tweet on Monday, Bechtel shared about his whirlwind run as Spencer: “Spencer suffered third degree burns at his own birthday party, spent time with the spirit of his Mother, ran away, was kidnapped, tampered with an election and broke his legs skiing in the Swiss Alps. It’s been a great run…thank you for all your love and support.” He said in a previous tweet this morning, “grateful everyday no matter what.”
Throughout his run on GH, Nicolas received a Daytime Emmy nomination for his work as Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series back in 2016.
Share your well-wishes and kudos to Nicolas for a job well-done in the comment section below.
Spencer suffered third degree burns at his own birthday party, spent time with the spirit of his Mother, ran away, was kidnapped, tampered with an election and broke his legs skiing in the Swiss Alps. It’s been a great run…thank you for all your love and support ✌🏼#GH
— Nicolas J Bechtel ✰ (@NicolasJBechtel) July 5, 2021
Still don’t get the reasoning behind recasting the character. Especially since he was so well loved by the viewers.
I think the other young people he will be interacting with have kind of outgrown him and look much older.
Exactly, they need to bring him back as Brenda’s son!
That would be fantastic
Because he is supposed to be the same age as Joss, Trina and Cameron and clearly the actor is younger.
To keep Bechtel, they would’ve had to rewrite a little history. Spencer would have to be a few years younger than Joss and Cam – more the same as Jake.
Once Joss and Cam were SORASed with Eden McCoy and William Lipton, there was little choice but to eventually slightly age Spencer, whose long been positioned as a rival for the “townie” Cameron.
Irony there is that Joss & Cam shouldn’t be remotely the same age. Hell, never mind Cam… his little brother Jake should be older than Joss!!
Jake was 4 years old when he supposedly died & his kidney was given to Joss who was still in diapers at the time. Apparently Jake didn’t age at all when he was held hostage on Cassadine island?
Then I guess you haven’t watched soaps much. It was the same when Michael was aged and recast. Everyone loved Dylan Cash who had played Michael for six years, from early school age to early teens. Nicholas Bechtel only played Spencer steadily for a couple of years and then went to recurring status only appearing for very short stints for the next few years. He was excellent as the spoiled entitled prince. But the show wants to bring Spencer back to the canvas and since he’s supposed to be the same age as those in the current teen scene, they had no choice but to age the character. When NB was last on the canvas, he had scenes with both Joss and Cam and they treated him like a little kid, which, compared to them, he was. Just a few years before, they were all the same age. In order to fold the character of Spencer into the current teen scene, the character had to be aged. This is standard soap opera practice. What’s not to understand?
Well, for one, Bechtel is actually only a couple of years younger so its not a major age difference and two, they didn’t have to bring him back to interact with the teens. When he was brought back before, they didn’t interact so why now? This new guy could have easily played a classmate of theirs.
Characters typically need to interact with multiple other characters in order for them to be both interesting for viewers and cost effective for the production. If Spencer only had scenes with Nik, Ava and Laura, he’d be a one-note character.
Had they brought NuSpencer in as a different character, they’d have to create backstory and take time to build up authenticity – something they never achieved with Dev.
I wonder that maybe he has grown to want to go forward in a different direction. In or out of entertainment. I personally think he may need to stretch his leg either on stage or in movies. Look around you can see all kinds of actors that have been very helpful successful after GH.
I totally agree with u♀️
Nickolas Bechtel will always be Spencer to me. Always sweet and loving and now that they are turning his character into a little s–t, I’am glad they are having someone else play the part who will be a different person to me, not Spencer.
Come on! Bechtel as Spencer was beyond a little shit! Always in the adult’s business and screwing with Cam over Joss. Not the sweet little Angel that lived in your own mind.
Why in the world would they recast the role…..there’s only ONE Spencer….I hate when they do this. The only recast that has worked in my opinion is Laura Wright as Carly
Other recasts that have definitely “worked”:
Genie Francis as Laura
Kim Shriner as Scotty
Leslie Charleson as Monica
Wally Kurth as Ned
Kirsten Storms as Maxie
William Lipton as Cameron
And that’s just listing active cast members.
Steve, I’m sure you’re providing new (and accurate) information for many readers. I am old enough to vividly remember the first Laura, Scotty, Monica, and, later, Ned (original actor, Kurt McKinney), whose debut in a hot tub was memorable and who went on to star in other soaps. Thank you for providing this perspective!
Jamesj75
Do you mean the same hot, adorable Kurt McKinny that played Matt on GL? Be still my heart.Crazy old lady!!
Yes, Violet! That same actor. It sounds like your heart’s in the right place. Nothing crazy (or old) about that!
Violet and Jamesj75, how clearly I remember when Kurt McKinney started on GL as Matt, romancing Vanessa — usually while wet and with his shirt off. Dreamy smile, kind eyes, lush hair…now that was a love story! Not these “jump into bed” even BEFORE the first date tawdry tales.
Soaphound
Remember how he built that house for her, with help from friends, way out in the woods where they had been staying? That was one of their best SLs.
You’re technically correct, of course. But Kin Shriner is the only “adult” Scotty (just rarely seen child actors before him) and nobody remembers the first Laura or Monica,
Though I do remember the first Ned… who hooked up with Monica before he realized she was married to his uncle!
Eden M as josselyn
GH was on before the year 2015 you know.
You’re wrong!! Sarah Brown and Tamara Braun were AWESOME AS CARLY!!!
Laura Wright will be the only Carly I will ever remember! It is time for Ava, Nicholas, spencer and the Nelle replacement to be put on a boat a never return.
He will be missed for sure …. Wish he had returned ….
I thought for sure this talented young actor would play Spencer and age normally as done with Kimberly McCullough as Robin.
Exactly, Robin seems like the only child character that wasn’t aged.
What happened with Kimberly is exceptionally rare. For a child actor to segue into the same role as an adult at least 3 things have to happen:
1. Acting quality continues to grow
2. Appearance doesn’t change dramatically
3. The actor must want to continue to act
While Kimberly successfully made the transition, eventually #3 came into play as her career ambitions point to directing.
The character of Robin also had the benefit of GH not having many child characters in the mid/late 80s. AJ and Jason had been sent to boarding school so they never played into story until they came back as teens. Steven Lars was long gone. We didn’t know Nikolas existed until he was a teen. Today, one could argue that there’s been too many children added to the GH canvas over the past 15 years.
Steve
They seem to be keeping the little twins that play Avery. Iam pretty sure they have used them since birth and letting Avery mature normally. I wonder how old the latest child Donna will be if we ever see her again.
Hey Violet
Some of the younger performers (including Avery) might stick around for a while until a new teen grouping is needed. Although rarely seen, Aiden has been played by the same boy for years. However, none of the current child characters are featured as much as Robin was in the 80s.
Donna is definitely one of head scratchers as to why the character was added (especially since LW wasn’t pregnant IRL).
Steve
Thanks for reply.Yes, the Donna thing is really a mystery.Maybey they just wanted another kid in reserve in case they need one in a hurry.
She looks older than the current and gorgeous “Avery’s”
Just bring him back!! He MADE the character of Spencer come to life and was a fun character. You have ruined it.
For me Nicolas Bechtel was simply the best child actor ever on daytime dramas! While I would have loved for him to continue with the role I am looking forward to seeing what Nicholas Alexander Chavez does with the role.
It is sad to see you being replaced as Spencer. You played him (Spencer) superbly. I wish you much success and hope to see you in other shows/films etc. Know that you are irreplaceable. Lots of love.
The show should recast him as Brenda’s son Alec.
That’s a shame—-he is an outstanding character and played Spencer to the letter—-so believable was he.
Spencer has been aged—-I suppose he needs to be en par with the rest of PC’s youth. Spencer needs to “look” the part within that age group—Nicolas would be sort of an outsider looking in……Too young to hook him up with romantically.
It looks as though Trina and nuSpencer are bein manipulated into a liaison?
But, what a way to introduce him!! I don’t like him already—-sneaky and malicious…..Could have introduced him in a sunnier light. I bet the character has turned off a few viewers—-needs to really do his best —-prove himself to be welcomed into the fold.
Please bring back nickolas bethel.GH Always takes away really good characters
They need to bring back Emma as well, she has family in town, and is of college age, so she could go to PC university along with Cameron, Joslyn and now nuspencer. But please don’t recast Emma, bring back Brooklyn Silzer.
Well, I’m glad to see I’m not the only one that hates this recast. Nicholas Bechtel made Spencer a Great character and I always looked forward to his scenes.
Great job, much success
This recast is horrible. Either bring back Nicholas or recast again asap
Nicolas, just know, the more we see the new guy, the more we want you back!
Please bring him back
No one can replace you Nicholas. Good luck with all that life sends your way.
Why is Nicholas so hard on spencer choosing Ava over his son
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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