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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”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

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.

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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

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Mistakes and Cover-Ups Impact the Lives of Drew, Nina, Dante and Brennan

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, several residents of Port Charles are reeling from their actions in the just released GH video spoilers for the week of May 11-15!

First, Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) confesses to Portia (Brook Kerr) that he is a suspect as the other driver who was involved in Jordan’s (Tanisha Harper) car accident that disfigured her face. But as viewers know, Curtis (Donnell Turner) is the one after a talk with Portia that pointed Justine (Nazeen Contractor) towards Isaiah. But is the culprit really Isaiah, or is it Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton), or is Jordan solely at fault for taking her eyes off the road to kiss Curtis?

Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) armed with the information that Rocco (Finn Carr) shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), confronts his ex-wife Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins) at her home. An angry Dante says, “You know it was Rocco who shot Cullum. Why wouldn’t you tell me?” Lulu admits it was Rocco, but how is she going to explain why she kept Rocco’s father out of the loop?

Courtesy/ABC

Then, in the exciting pick-up from Friday’s cliffhanger, Nina (Cynthia Watros) is in a continued panic as now Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) finds himself at the hospital looking unconscious and hooked up to machines. In addition, back at Drew’s house, now that Drew (Cameron Mathison) did not receive his dose of medication to keep him in a locked-in state (since Nina jabbed Jack with it), he is starting to show signs of life and is moving his fingers to try to dial the phone for help.

Later, a series of images are set agains the statement by Sidwell (Carlo Rota), who says, “We have a mess on our hands.” Sidwell is the one supplying Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) with the drug to keep Drew paralyzed and unable to speak. Now that Jack got a dose, how can they control what happens next, and what will Willow do when she finds out that Nina gave Jack the medication meant for Drew? Stay tuned.

Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of May 11-15.

MONDAY, MAY 11
Nina warns Willow. Lulu is in the hot seat. Elizabeth puts the pieces together. Ethan and Ava clash. Ric defends himself.

TUESDAY, MAY 12
Lulu seeks out Britt. Dante has words with “Nathan.” Curtis takes on a mission. Rocco clashes with Danny and Charlotte. Isaiah is in the hot seat.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Ethan issues an invitation to Kristina. Michael lets Jacinda in on his plan. Willow meets with Sidwell. Curtis worries about Jordan.

THURSDAY, MAY 14
Britt weighs her options. Tracy is outraged. Laura explains her actions. Carly has questions for Nina. Dante has a tough conversation.

FRIDAY, MAY 1
Carly stonewalls Cullum. Valentin strategizes. “Nathan” confides in a surprising someone. Elizabeth opens up to Dante. Ric and Alexis come together for Molly.

Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, Mistakes Leaves Traces below.

Weigh-in: What do you think Nina and Willow will do to cover their tracks with Jack getting jabbed with Drew’s medication? Will they continue to somehow keep him in a locked-in state? Will Drew pretend he is still unable to move as he starts coming around to dupe Willow and Nina and eventually get away? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and let us know what story point you are most looking forward to this week on GH.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Asher Antonyzyn Teases When Danny Finds Out Rocco Shot Cullum and Jason Took the Blame, Relationship Status with Charlotte

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On General Hospital, Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn) cannot just sit idly by why his father, Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) was dragged away by the WSB for shooting WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes). As Danny one day will find out, it was Rocco (Finn Carr), his brother, who did the deed, and Jason covered for Rocco to protect him. Thus, Danny feels all alone in this world without his dad.

In addition and in recent scenes, GH viewers saw that Danny is considering and wanting to get into the mafia like his dad. He had gone to see Sonny (Maurice Benard) about it and wound up in a conversation with Ric (Rick Hearst) and Sonny. Afterwards, he overheard the men talking about Sidwell (Carlo Rota). So, Danny knows that Sidwell had something to do with Jason disappearing too.

On Sunday, Asher Antonyzyn joined his TV dad, Steve Burton and Burton’s That’s Awesome Podcast partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) for an all-new episode, where the young actor was able to articulate his feelings and thoughts on Danny’s current emotional state and situation in Port Charles while his dad has been taken away to who knows where.

Photo: ABC

MY BROTHER, MY FATHER

When asked how Danny will feel when he learns Rocco was the person who shot Cullum, and who is dad took the fall for, Antonyzyn shared, “Danny still doesn’t know that it was Rocco who shot Cullum and and all that. He still thinks, ‘Why would my dad do this (and shoot Cullum)?” Then, they take him away. When he does find out, I think he’s going to be pretty upset that his dad is being wrongfully accused, and that this entire time Rocco has just been watching Danny struggle through it all and he hasn’t said anything. I’m super glad Danny and Rocco are eventually going to go at it. They’ve been like brothers and they are so close to each other. I’m excited that they will get a little conflict with each other.”

Asher also also shared Danny’s impulsive nature is a big part of the story. “Right now, I think it’s about the anger that his dad was the only person he kind of had left. In the stuff that will be coming out soon, it seems that his dad’s the only person he can trust. So, he’s just missing that relationship and seeing Rocco with his family, and Charlotte with her family, and just all of that. He is just really upset that his dad was wrongfully taken from him.”

JOINING THE MOB

The young actor also explained, because of Danny’s upset, it’s what drove him to wanting in on the mob. “Danny went to Sonny and Rick not knowing where to start, as he was just so angry. He just wanted ammunition, ans he just wanted to do something”. Asher added, “Danny just couldn’t just stand there anymore. So, I think him hearing the name “Sidwell” gives him like a target to try and do something to get his dad back, just so he feels like he’s doing something.”

Photo: ABC

One of the hot topics on social media a few months back occurred when Charlotte and Danny (Bluesy Burke) shared a kiss. Fans were screaming how they were related. Well, it seems from Asher’s comments, that entire potential romance had been sidelined.

CHARLOTTE AND DANNY BESTIES FOR NOW?

“There was for a hot second (something between them). Danny and Charlotte had those scenes together,” Asher stated. “They (Charlotte and Danny) really didn’t really know how to go about it. I mean, Danny talked to his grandma and his dad about if they were related and they said “distant cousins” like great grandfathers, great-great grandfathers, but at the end of the day, still related a little bit.”

Antonyzyn clarified where Charlotte and Danny are with each other, as of now. “So after that, they had one scene together and they’ve kind of realized that it’a like a Jason and Carly (Laura Wright) relationship where they have so much love for each other that they don’t feel like it’s right to go into something like that again.”

You can catch the full conversation with Asher, Steve and Bradford below.

Now let us know, what do you think Danny will do with the intel when he finds out that Rocco shot Cullum and his dad took the fall for it? Are you glad it seems that Charlotte and Danny seem to be no longer a romantic young teen romance? Do you think Danny will go after Sidwell, and get entrenched at Wyndemere? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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General Hospital

GH’s Dominic Zamprogna On How Dante Plans to Deal with Lulu and Rocco’s Cover-Up After Learning His Son Shot Cullum

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By the end of the Friday May 8 episode of General Hospital, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) with the help of Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) put two and two and realized, that his son, Rocco (Finn Carr) is the person who shot WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) in the back, and was the person who Jason (Steve Burton) was protecting.

This revelation hits the police commissioner like a ton of bricks, especially when he realizes his ex-wife Lulu has been in on the secret and not telling him about it. So, where does Dante go from here? In a new conversation with Soap Opera Digest, multi-Daytime Emmy nominee, Dominic Zamprogna shared what viewers can expect.

Zamprogna expressed on Lulu and Rocco not coming to him for help, “He gets that the reason they probably didn’t want to tell him is because they’re worried that he’s too by the book, but this is his son! He has a lot of anger over them not telling him.”

Courtesy/ABC

KEPT IN THE DARK – COMING INTO THE LIGHT

Armed with the truth, Dante’s caught between a rock and a hard place, “This puts him in a situation where he’s potentially going to do things that he wouldn’t normally do, and that’s a big deal for him. Dante having to confront these people for lying to him is going to be good drama and conflict. There is huge emotional fallout from all of this. It has a big effect on his relationships.”

Next week, look for Lulu (Alexa Havins) to be the first-person Dante confronts, “Alexa is so good in those scenes. She is such a powerful actress. But as far as Dante and Lulu go, I could see it taking them a very long time to heal from this, because of her lack of transparency.”

A THANK YOU TO JASON

As far as what Jason did for his son, and how Sonny’s enforcer was grabbed by the WSB and sent away, Zamprogna knows Dante will have a lot of thanking to do, if and when they connect on-screen when Steve Burton returns from his hiatus this summer.”

“Like we needed another reason to love Jason,” Zamprogna scoff, but acknowledging how Dante “definitely (is) going to be owing Jason big-time when he gets back to town!”

So, the once happy family of Dante, Rocco and Lulu is about to fall apart, but can they all work together to keep Rocco safe? Just wait till Dante finds out that his buddy “Nathan” is really Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) ! Something tells me in the end he is going to save Lulu from the guy.

Now, let us know are you looking forward to Dante confronting Lulu and Rocco? How can he protect his son in his position as police commissioner? Will he just look the other way? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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