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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”

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

Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn

Some very intriguing casting news out of General Hospital. The ABC daytime drama has cast former Santa Barbara favorite, Lane Davies (ex-Mason Capwell), in the role of Fergus Byrne, an attorney who crosses paths with Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn).

According to TV Insider, Davies will make debut the week of May 22nd.  As soap fans know, together with the aforementioned Grahn, they created the Santa Barbara supercouple of Mason and Julia Wainwright. Davies portrayed Mason Capwell family from 1984 through 1989.

Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time in Port Charles for Lane. From 2002-2004 he played Dr. Cameron Lewis and also shared on-screen story with Grahn.  At that time Davies, played Xander Smith’s father.

Photo: NBC

GH fans are wondering about the last name of Davies new character, “Bryne”. If you recall, Alexis got herself involved with therapist Dr. Neil Bryne, who died when Harmony broke into Alexis‘ house and killed Neil by injecting him with opioids.

Photo:

Taking to her Instagram, Grahn shared her excitement at the upcoming on-screen reunion with Davies, “It never gets old. We do 😂…. but it doesn’t 😍. Lookin’ forward to another romp.”

So, what do you think about Lane Davies returning to GH to play an attorney in Alexis’ orbit? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nikolas Gets an Earful from Ava About Sonny and His Meds; Nina and Drew Can’t Seem to Resist Each Other

Ava (Maura West) seems to feel she has a confidante in a jailed Nikolas (Adam Huss) on the Monday, April 29th episode of General Hospital. In story, Ava heads to Pentonville to visit her ex-husband before he is set to get transferred out of state.

When discussing her living relationship with Sonny (Maurice Benard), which Nikolas already knew about, Ava says she is happy about how her relationship with Sonny has been evolving, Nikolas ask if she’s in love with Sonny. Ava denies it, but goes on to say how great it is for her daughter, Avery to be living with both her parents, who are on the same side and not at odds.

Nikolas believes that Ava loves being in Sonny’s inner sanctum and the power that comes with it. Ava fires back that she spent years looking in from the outside and that everyone despised her. When Nikolas brings up Nina (Cynthia Watros), she says Nina never really could understand the true type of man that Sonny is.

Courtesy/ABC

Then, Ava launches in on Carly (Laura Wright), and how she would love to stick it to her, for all the times she blocked Ava from seeing her child and Carly’s attitude towards her. Then, Ava admits to Nikolas that she knows that Sonny has a watered-down version of his bipolar medication, which is making him more vulnerable and she’s capitalizing on it for her own gain. She says she needs to figure out who is responsible, but Nikolas voices concern for Ava’s plan and that if Sonny ever found out she knew about it and did nothing, he would be on the warpath against her. Ava promises she knows what she’s doing. When she says goodbye to Nikolas, he looks upset and sad, as he still seemingly cares for Ava.

Courtesy/ABC

Meanwhile in Drew’s (Cameron Mathison) office, Nina walks in complaining about Carly giving her a hard time about maintenance in her office. Nina wants payback for Jason (Steve Burton) buying Carly the hotel, but Drew is not up for playing games with her.  She says they both want revenge on Jason and Carly, which Drew denies. Next thing you know, Nina grabs Drew and kisses him. Although, it seems he might walk out the door and away from her, he locks it, and the two proceed to have round 2 of their hate-sex.

Courtesy/ABC

Elsewhere, Anna tells Jason about her shooting Charlotte and her concern about Valentin’s (James Patrick Stuart) involvement with Pikeman. Meanwhile, Valentin visits Jack Brennan (Charles Mesure) in Pentonville, where threats are laid out to make Sonny look like the guilty party in eliminating Jason, while Anna is the line of fire, if she doesn’t keep her nose out of Pikeman business, which worries Valentin, who doesn’t want Anna getting hurt in any of this.

So, what do you think about Ava’s plans? Did you like seeing Nikolas back on the canvas? Are you all for a Drew/Nina continued affair? Will Anna get caught in the crossfire only to be saved by Valentin? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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Breaking News

Haley Pullos Receives 90-Day Jail Sentence Following DUI Charge And Wrong-Way Car Crash

Former General Hospital actress, Haley Pullos (ex-Molly Lansing-Davis) is going to be doing time in jail, exactly one-year after her arrest from a hit and run wrong-way car collision.

The crash resulted in bodily harm and damages to the other driver, and now Pullos who pleaded “no contest” to the charges and will serve 90 days in jail. She was taken in custody on Monday, April 29th, after the ruling.

According to Haley’s attorney, Mark Daniel Melnick, the 25-year-old actress struck a plea deal and after her three months in jail will be sentenced on July 29th. As part of that sentencing, she must serve five years probation, 200 hours of community service and pay $8,260 in restitution to Courteney Wilder, the other driver in the crash and her driver’s license is revoked for a year.

Courtesy/ABC

According to TMZ, the plea deal for Pullos has the “no contest” to one DUI, while the judge dropped the felony DUI causing bodily injury and misdemeanor hit and run charges.

Melnick said in a statement to PEOPLE, “Haley is very grateful to the court for a minimum sentence and for recognizing her remorse and the strides she has made in her sobriety.”

Pullos had played the daughter of Alexis Davis (played by Nancy Lee Grahn) on the ABC soap opera since 2009, but after her car crash and DUI she was replaced by three different actresses until the show finally settled on the current Molly, Kristen Vaganos.

Photo: Pasadena PD

Back in April 29 of 2023, and at the scene of the crash, the police found edibles and mini-bottles of tequila in Pullos’ vehicle and that she was intoxicated. As it turned out, this was to be the second hit and run in the evening for Pullos who had an earlier collision with another car.

The courts decision follows a year-long legal battle with Haley’s pleas changing throughout it, ranging from “not guilty” to “no contest”. She sought treatment for her drinking at a rehab following the crash.

Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed Pullos’ on-screen mom took to X on Monday night, April 29th and shared on the sentence and the specific jail, Haley will be serving time: “As Haley’s TV mom I can tell some truths about her as I’ve loved her since she was little girl. She made a HUGE mistake, knows it, owns it & has spent the last yr doing EVERYTHING imaginable to take responsibility 4 it. It’s not that I oppose jail. It’s that I oppose this jail.” The jail in question by Grahn is the L.A. county jail.

So, what do you think about Haley Pullos serving a 90-days jail sentence, and the other rulings that will be part of her sentencing? Comment below.

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