General Hospital
OLTL Favorite James DePaiva Coming To General Hospital!
Courtesy/ABC
GH executive producer, Frank Valentini, had a very special surprise in store for fans of General Hospital and One Life to Live at the end of the day on Tuesday.
In a video post on the General Hospital social media accounts, Valentini is seen walking through the halls of the General Hospital set, where he says, “Hey GH fans … just when you thought it was safe to go back to the hospital …”
Next shot is of James DePaiva (Ex-Max Holden, OLTL) with his devilish smile at the nurses’ station desk. In their tweet, GH relates accompanying the video, “Is that Jimmy DePaiva?!? Watch GH daily and you might figure out what his TOP SECRET role will be.”
So that begs the questions … is James reprising the role of Max but in Port Charles, now that OLTL and AMC characters are the property of ABC and that would follow on the heels of Nora Buchanan (Hillary B. Smith) and Alexandra Devane (Finola Hughes)popping up? Could James be playing the role of Jeff Webber, originally played by Richard Dean Anderson? Could it be an entirely new mystery character coming to the canvas?
Weigh-in via the comment section below! Happy to see James joining GH? What role do you think he will play? Let us know.
A good Jeff Webber recast
I agree…
I’m all for the return of Jeff Webber, if such is the case….but not in the form of another FOF/OLTL leftover. Really….this pattern is getting so old…there were how many soaps back in the day with fabulous leading men who would be age-appropriate (mid-late 60’s upward….) for playing the good doctor and all we can come up with is a recent ex-employee from the current GH showrunner’s former soap? There is such a pool of talented males out there from which to choose, a more unexpected choice would have been much more inspired, such as Richard Burgi was when he stepped step into the role of Paul Hornsby. (And is STILL missed, by the way!)
Now that James is on set, they need Kassie (his wife) back as well!!
his wife kassie will be on days of our lives……………….
Never thought of him being Jeff. Great idea!
I also think it is a great idea. He would do well as Jeff Wber.
Max Holden was a terrific character.
I think he’s a little too young for Jeff Webber. I mean, Jeff was Laura’s adult uncle when she was a teenager. Jeff was a contemporary of Monica’s & Alan’s. If the term “TOP SECRET” is a hint about his role, maybe they will recast Robert Scorpio since Tristan Rogers refuses to play the role any longer.
Jeff was supposed to be a bit younger than Monica. It’s stretching it, but I think JdP would pass the test.
I imagine seeing people with flaming pitchforks at Prospect Studios if they ever tried to recast Robert Scorpio. I’m sure there are others, but here are ten characters (not counting actors who died & Scorpio) that could never be recast:
1. Luke
2. Sonny
3. Laura
4. Tracy
5. Audrey
6. Scotty
7. Monica
8. Alan
9. Bobbie
10. Robin
Absolutely, KansasGuest!….To utilize this actor as Jeff would be as ridiculous a proposition as the recast Julian role proved to be, which paired William de Vry with NLG’s much older Alexis….it has NEVER worked for me. This example sounds equally as absurd if De Paiva were to be palmed off as the ex-husband of Monica and Heather!!!! As for somebody—anybody—else portraying Robert Scorpio???? No, no, a thousand times no! There are certain iconic GH characters—mainly from the ’80’s—that never should be portrayed by replacement players, and that super agent is definitely one of them!!!! As far as I’m concerned, it’s Tristan Rogers or no one!!!! (And by the way, if what you say is true about him “refusing” to reprise his role, well, who can really blame him? The last time back in Port Charles all Scorpio pretty much did was fold chairs at Robin’s wedding….)
Robert Scorpio can never be recast. Only Tristan Rogers can play Robert, in my opinion. I don’t recall why he has chosen to not comeback to Port Charles. Was there a falling out with TPTB?
@dmr
TR has complained about the writing for Robert on his last few visits. Perhaps if there’s a new co-head writer who appreciates the history of his character (and some humble begging by Frank), he’ll return somewhere down the road.
Really hard to take any of these “teaser” stories seriously considering they’ve brought some good actors on for such short periods of time. Such as with Hilary B. Smith playing Nora Buchanan. Such has such energy, I love her role. But, what a bummer to see her on the show for only a few days. I think GH just releases these announcements to get ratings up. It works briefly, but when viewers end up disappointed…
I have never heard of or seen a Jimmy DePaiva ..
He will be a newbie to me ..
I can only hope he will be dark guy a real villain..
GH desperately needs a badass, bad to the bone character..
(with Jean and Shelly writing this Jimmy guy most likely will be the understudy of the pope)
You didn’t watch James DePaiva on OLTL as Max Holden? He is a warm and expansive actor. But who knows about him on GH?
Yup, who knows about him on GH? Frank trots out these actors from his old soap and other soaps like they mean something to the audience he should be producing for, GH fans.
The title of this article says it all, “OLTL Favorite JAMES DePaiva coming to General Hospital.”
Think of how ridiculous that sounds in the context of the current state of GH where the majority of the male cast have come to GH on Frank’s watch while the veteran male actors have been purged or given only cameos.
Instead of OLTL favorite coming to GH, how about GH favorite coming to GH?
@MB
More GH vets would be ideal. If DePaiva is playing Jeff Webber, we are getting a long-lost legacy character whose original portrayer, Richard Dean Anderson would not return. Jeff should have returned numerous times after terrible things happened to Elizabeth or Steven Lars.
If he’s playing Max Holden or a non-legacy character (i.e. Raymond Berlin or Frank Benson) then we can add this to FV’s casting carousel.
we need a bad ass since Valentin turned out to be a pussy! [cat]
hi Timmm !
haven’t you noticed that J&S can not write bad guys or bad anything.
GH has never been nor should be sunday school for villains.
They turned the hard interesting intriguing characters into a shell of what they once were.
Now, GH is being written for timid people that like loveins..
I want my GH back, I want thrilling villains!!
hey my neighbor granny that come to talk soaps ets, she likes that, told me if a Ray Gardner ..
I went to youtube and searched AMC Ray Gardner..
wow and WOW! that guy was mean to the bone a true dark demented villain, that Ray character was the real deal.. he made my skin crawl and I wanted to see him destroyed, but I didn’t 🙁
there was another guy too a pimp hillbilly he was a mean one, diabolical from youtube scenes of him.
wish I had been around for his stories!!!
I wish GH had a writer like whoever created those decades past villains!!!
and Timm, I’d like to grab that Pussy!
LOL, su0000…you’re always begging for new YOUNG writers! But now…you’re admiring the writing from the old days…with stories and villains from the OLD days! And you wish “you had been around for his stories…”
See? A good story is a good story… gotcha!
😉
Wow..You really never heard of James DePaiva? Just how old are you ,12, lol!! He was so huge in the 80’s and 90’s and even in the 2ks”…A sex symbol icon with some decent acting skills!!
Agree about Jean and Shelly’s writing, It has just been pussy whip and lame…The character of Valentin has been castrated and Anna has been stripped of all her strong core and respectability..Lulu and NIna are just poor little flowers, dropping their pedals and folding their tents!!
GH sucks!!! I will stop watching until a new writing team comes to the rescue!! Will tune in for Jimmy though, in what ever role he will play!! Been watching since 1981!!
JELLY cannot write adventure if their jobs depended on it!
So happy! I love James DePaiva…
He’d be a great Jeff Webber recast!
I would love for him to be Max but if he was Jeff Webber, it would give Leslie Charleson alot more airtime I hope. After all, I have said how Monica is my favorite character on GH and I don’t want to see the character disappear again now that Jane Elliot’s Tracy is gone.
The interaction between Jeff and Monica would be fun to see. And imagine Depaiva sharing scenes with Robin Mattson (Heather, Jeff’s other ex)
Balls of fire!!! I didn’t think about that one!!! This would be the way to get Robin Mattson on the show on a more regular basis. Give us alot more Heather too!!!
Yes, James. I do not know Jeff Webber, but I am very familiar with Kassie’s husband James.
A few days ago, I mentioned how great it would be for me to finally meet the infamous Dr. Webber, whom has been mentioned on these boards more than a few times.
He has never met his daughter Hayden, so there,definitely,is a suspenseful storyline here, if James plays that role.
I researched most past-GH characters, so I do know the backstory of Monica and her past loves. LOL.
So, yes, I agree with you; as I love Monica , too.
Good post James.
MORE HEATHER, MORE HEATHER, MORE HEATHER.
LOL
I really liked him on OLTL. Was an appealing and warm actor. All bets are off as far as I am concerned re GH.
I am thrill to hear that James will be back in front of the camera again. He was wonderful as Max Holden and I missed him so much after he left One Life to Live. Maybe it’s time for him to come back from Argentina and land in Port Charles.
James would make a great Jeff Webber too. Whatever the role, the viewer are in for a treat.
Congratulations Jimmy!!!!!!!!!
Don’t care, sorry. As it is some characters go weeks of months at a time without being on screen. The show needs to write for the characters they have. If this is a character that will be on for a few episodes, fine
I wrote something similar below.
Loved him as Max on OLTL and haven’t seen him on a soap since! Strong actor…really looking forward to his arrival in Port Charles. He has great range…funny, sexy, snarky, shady, sincere…he displayed it all on OLTL. I can see him in just about any role. If he’s on for the long term he’s a great romantic lead depending on which of our GH ladies are available and looking. Just NOT Carly…please.
James would be great as Jeff Webber, alittle too young, but ok with this fan from 1969. Not Max
The age difference fits Frank (& Mark Trescher’s) pattern of hiring actors 7-10 years too young for their role. William deVry and James Patrick Stuart are both much younger than Julian and Valentin should be.
Not really, Steve. William DeVry is almost 50 in real life and the original actor who played Julian is 56. Not much of a difference. Valentin Cassadine was first mentioned in 2009 and never appeared before James Patrick Stuart. He’s 48 in real life. He mentioned the other day (in character) to Anna that their history goes back 30 years…I think that’s the number he gave. That would make them both close to 50 in the show. Also makes sense. I don’t see anyone being hired who is “too young” for these roles.
@Tamara: As for James DePaiva…he’ll be 60 in a few months; Leslie Charleson is 72. I see no problem with the woman 12 years younger…particularly when they originally married and were both obviously much younger. But I don’t see a new romance for Jeff and Monica if that’s who he’s playing. But ya never know…
@rebecca1
Julian was supposed to be in his college years while Alexis was still in her teens. WdV is 12 years younger than NLG. That’s a stretch, but they have chemistry, so that works.
They hinted that Anna and Valentin were contemporaries at the WSB academy. Show history never implied the age difference between FH and TR (Anna’s first love). JPS and FH are 9 years apart. Again, chemistry helps.
What I’m getting to is that the 10+ years between JdP and LC would not be an issue. However, Jeff and Monica were never a true love story. She was all about his brother, which kind of led him to Heather (btw, RM and JdP are close in age range).
correction: I meant I don’t see any problem with the woman 12 years older than a man…
Hey Steve…I think we’re for the most part on the same page. I don’t see a problem with age difference between consulting adults in real life or in fiction. And, for the most part, I don’t even notice it…ie…Alexis and Julian…they just look good together and it wouldn’t even dawn on me she was older had I not looked it up. Obviously, Ava and Morgan were more obvious!!! As usual, many seem to notice when the woman is older than the man because we’ve been so conditioned to see older men/younger women. Thankfully, that too is changing/has changed in the last few years…in real life and fictioin.
But my point with GH is that, for instance, Alexis was 16 when she met Julian, 20; he’s supposed to be four years older than her. Don’t know…if “Alexis” dressed more youthfully I’m not sure I would question it. She has a young face; he’s incredibly good-looking but has somewhat of a worn face. So, to me…never noticed the difference.. (They’re exactly ten years apart in real life. She just turned 59; he just turned 49.) And, yes, they’ve got great chemistry!
I can’t see James DePaiva and Leslie Charleson as a couple. Not a moral problem…not a condescending one…at all. I really do feel like if you’re lucky enough to find love, lust, happiness…for the moment or for a lifetime it’s no one’s business. But, still, unless there was some REALLY superlative acting involved, I just don’t see JDP and LC. I don’t see Monica in a romantic light. Now if it was JDP and Susan Lucci (Erica)…basically same age as Monica…I could see it. I guess it’s a visual thing…
I don’t think he’s going to be involved with Monica. If they did go that route, I’d be interested to see if they could sell it. I’d be open to it, even if resistant, to see if they could sell me on it. Kudos if they could. (Monica needs to be reawakened!)
Rebecca
One thing we didn’t bring up is that both Julian and Valentin were noted as having facial plastic surgery, presumably a by-product which would make them appear younger.
And you’re right about tradition of accepting the older man/younger woman. No one ever brought up the age difference between Stuart Damon and Leslie Charleson nor Tristan Rogers and Finola Hughes.
Btw, NLG just turned an amazing 61. We accept a lot as soap viewers, but I almost threw stuff at the screen last year when they insinuated Alexis could be pregnant.
I’d JdP is indeed Jeff, I don’t think he’d necessarily be a romantic interest for Monica. If WdV does not renew his contract, the idea of Sam’s mother and Elizabeth’s father as a couple does sound intriguing.
Hey again, Steve…
You’re right! Valentin had surgery so that could work…but I honestly don’t notice an age difference when looking at them anyway. I don’t remember them saying Julian had plastic surgery.
Not sure where you got Nancy being 61. She just turned 59.
I really love WdV so I’m hoping he stays with the show and I’d actually love them to get back together. I know we keep harking back to Sonny and Carly but if they can remain a couple…and Sonny DID threaten to kill her when she shot Olivia F…then the powers that be should write it well enough for Alexis and the viewers to forgive Julian. I already have… But I agree…IF he doesn’t stay with the show Alexis and James DePaiva…whoever he is on the show…would make a great couple. He might do well with Anna, too.
the first thing I thought, with
he has GREAT potential for a romantic lead
with much to spare
extra charge on daytime
this had better – not – be
one of those cases… of guest stars who come and go in a blink of an eye
GH NEEDS… period
lasting appeal. Valentin can’t do it all
Dante has it
Mac and Kevin and even Scotty still
argh!
I wish Robin Christopher was returning… imagine that him us sizzling
If Skye were around, it would make since for JdP to be Max Holden, as they have history. Robin Christopher also played romantically opposite JPS when he was Will Cortlandt.
Steve
i’d get turned on by this stuff
Robin / James / Patrick
lets act
Steve
fans can’t imagine how turned on I feel with ; the truth
sizzle some meat, tenderize the greet.. happy to hop on you, right
Hi Rebecca,
I agree with all those adjectives you use to describe him. Does have great range. But who knows what TPTB will do to him on GH? 🙂
Good GAWD, not Carly. The LAST think a lot of us want/need is more Carly air-time!
I’m happy he’s coming to GH, don’t want him to be Jeff though. Jeff was married to Monica and is Laura’s Uncle. I’d like him to be competition for Kevin Collins. I think he’d make a great partner for Laura/Genie Francis.
Rose, for some reason they chose to put Genie in the background AGAIN!
Right, Timm?
Laura had a brief scene the other day but it was a great moment.
Hayden let Cam and Spencer have sweet coffee drinks with tons of whip cream. Loaded up with caffeine and sugar, the boys were out of control and Hayden was over whelmed. Laura arrives on the scene and snaps those unruly boys to attention using her stern Mommy voice.
I seldom LOL while watching soaps, but I was laughing so hard at that scene. GH needs more scenes like that. It was a funny scene and one which most can relate to.
Loved him as Max. Actually loved his wife, Kassie, on OLTL, too, they could have her koin him. They gave the most powerful lovemaking scene I have ever witnessed on tv while in OLTL. Maybe because in their own lives they had fallen in love. Although what I loved about him as the character there was his smile, his clever, sassy, energetic attitude.
Oh Max Max Max Max Max! Can’t wait! Another character is fine too. But for those who don’t know Max, he was married to Blair (KP, his real life wife), then not and she shot him in the back. Todd helped her cover it up. For a while, Max claimed to be Asa’s son (Blair was also married to Asa for a short time, but just for money). Max was sort of a con man, but he and Asa came to care for each other for real.
What a great memory Gemma! Don’t you miss those greT OLTL stories?
He would be perfect as Jeff Webber!
Not a bad idea!
When is James DePiva coming to GH
I am very happy He is coming to general.I loved him On OLTL
Can’t imagine Max coming to PC, no ties to anyone on the canvas. Could be a good Jeff, tho
I hope Max will be the character..
Any time a OLTL comes back is great news. I think Weber is a great recast, good to see him coming back.
That would be wonderful if Max, was on General Hospital, because I loved him on One Life to Live as Max Holden. It’s been to long since I last saw him on a soap opera. Looking forward to seening him once again. I was and still am a big fan of his!
Oh, I love “Max Holden!” I just hope that by adding ANOTHER new character on the canvas, that Jimmy will not be put on the back burner, like so many of our beloved veterans. We see a character one day, and do not see them for weeks, and then storylines are dropped.
Yes, dmr. Perfect example: Bree Williamson…..and so many others on Y&R ( Michael Knight) and Days ( Melissa Archer), to name a couple. Depressing!
Bree Williamson should’ve been a Lulu recast (or better yet an Abby recast on Y&R).
NO! I love Emmy Rylan. She is the best Lulu. I cannot stand BW…..she is fine making movies for Lifetime. I never liked Lulu until Emme took over the role.
Your opinion, Suzanne. I don’t mind Emme as Lulu. I liked her better as Abby Carlton/Newman. But, I must agree with Alan, Bree would have been a better choice for either role.
To each his/her own.
Emme plays the role as an annoying little sister, IMO. Helena was right when she called Lulu insipid. Dante and Lulu have zero chemistry, IMO, since Lulu was recast. I just don’t see any chemistry or spark with any actors/characters that Emme interacts with..
Bree would have great as Lulu. I like Emmy alright but she was never Lulu to me. I still miss Julie’s Lulu.
You know who would have been a great Maxie recast? The actress who plays Amy. Yeah, I know she’s not the right body type but she has that frantic Maxie essence going for her.
I can see your point on the one hand, Rhonda. The actress who plays Amy is actually very pretty and has Maxie’s old persona. Hate to say it but if she lost weight…she’d probably be a knockout and could fill Maxie’s shoes if need be. But on the other hand I think they’ve matured Maxie. Perhaps it coincided with Kristen’s personal troubles but the old one is long gone. She’s older now so I’m not sure if that “frantic essence” would suit her now. Fun, yes. Frantic…the only character that’s held that role for so long is Lucy. 😉
@Rhonda and @Rebecca1
Yes, Amy does have many of Maxie’s former qualities. However, watching Amy shows how far Maxie and KS have grown through the years. Long time viewers will recall it took a while to accept KS as Maxie, since Robyn Richards had the role since childhood. The character has truly grown through the years. I’m glad they didn’t do a temporary recast this time.
If this show is to continue into another generation, the three key legacy characters are Michael, Lulu and Maxie. Robin will pop in from time to time, and perhaps we’ll see another Lucky someday, but Michael, Lulu and Maxie should be the foundation.
The return of Max Holden? Hope so he was a fun character with multiple layers expertly played by James.
Yes, the GH canvas is quite full of characters over 50, but if JdP is indeed Jeff, may Elizabeth’s never before seen mother please be played by Fiona Hutchinson!
I love Fiona Hutchinson. I quit watching OLTL when she left.
When she returned to marry Asa, with her first appearance under the bridal veil, that was a great soap moment!
I don’t remember who was head writer at the time of Gabrielle’s murder, but she should never have been killed off. That Music Box Serial Killer storyline drained so much energy from the show. On soaps, nothing good comes from music boxes!
Liz’s mom, yeah we need to see her mother, Beth Chamberlin, Kimberlin Brown, are my choices!
I chose Hutchinson since she has proven chemistry with JdP. Chamberlin is good, but maybe a bit young. Frank would never hire Brown.
This is exciting news! I am unfamiliar with his work on OLTL so I’m not sure where or how Max Holden would fit in on GH, but I’ve heard good things about this actor so I’m willing to give him a shot. I hope he’ll play an already established character, like Jeff Webber, or maybe another Cassadine? I could see him as a recast Stefan, back from the dead.
But what I’m really hoping for is GH to scoop up Vincent Irizzary and bring David Hayward to Port Charles! There are so many story possibilities for him, like starting up the Orpheus Project again, and reconnecting with Anna. He certainly has his fair share of misdeeds, and would be a great new villain. Plus, Vincent is a fantastic actor and has just became available after being let go from DAYS. His tenure there was awful because of the writing, and IMO his best daytime character is David Hayward, so hopefully he’ll have a better chance at GH, especially with JP’s retirement coming up.
What a treat! People forget that for years he was the center of OLTL! A gifted actor, mixing comedy with heartbreak. Always wondered why he was never put back on the canvas. Remember Argentina and the falls! Angel square!
Love it. Miss him from OLTL. Can’t wait for Max or whatever character he will plsy. Great actor.
Max was not my favorite but if there is Llanview blood on the set . I will watch GH
James DePaiva is a great actor and was part of some classic OLTL storylines with Tina Lord and Gabrielle Medina when Peggy O’Shea was writing that show.
Unfortunately Jean and Shelly are writing GH so I have little hope that his stay will be a long one which is a shame because the show could use a sexy mature man (with no mob ties) to sweep Ava off her feet.
I really don’t care what role he plays, only that he will be returning to soaps. I simply LOVE James. I hope you give him a LONG role that will keep him in Port Charles. Yayeeeee!
When did he last appear on OLTL? Maybe it was 10 or 15 years before it was cancelled. I know he was popular in the 80s, but I don’t remember him being on the show too much after that. I don’t think this would get many OLTL viewers to tune in.
I remember reading that JdP was disappointed not to be asked back for the final few months of OLTL. With Al, Gabrielle and Luna all killed off, Max’s ties to the canvas were limited.
Max last appeared when he came back for Asa’s funeral in 2007 and tried to convince Blair to go back to Argentina with him where he was raising the twins he had with Luna.
The GH daily post introducing James DePaiva had no audio . I clicked on other daily videos and heard audio.
I’d rather see Robert Newman as Jeff Webber than James DePaiva. However, I’ll keep an open mind.
Here’s a good laugh. I do not have my hearing aids in. No wonder why I can’t hear Frank V. talking. I’ll check back when I have my HAs on.
I know right! Yes. Now how would leave Todd? Franko.?????
He was great as Max Holden and ive missed seeing him. I thought he should have brought in during the last stretch of Oltl. Putting Max in story with Tina and Cord
One question, I see a lot of excitement over this ex-OLTL star, its happened before with other ex-soap stars. Why hasnt the ratings been through the roof? It doesnt work. This is GH. Leave it be GH!
“thank you” Timmmm
because…
I really
want, to
examine
Roger Howarth
Michael Easton
Billy Miller
these guys are dead; lay waste ; dead
come on
move it
recasts or vets or brand name still work
let’s get it worked cause meat SEX most ; worked
Roger Howarth, ex OLTL… famous brand name
Michael Easton, ex OLTL.. famous brand name
Billy Miller, ex Y&R … famous brand name
these men do not generate much sex appeal
Franco is dud… after so many opportunities to appeal to the audience… will never work. I truly could see Todd coming back.. that’s all he has left. I like that fans like Franco and Liz… and that’s because I LOVE Rebecca Buddig.. she works everything.
Michael Easton – the writers cannot salvage Finn and Hayden… who cares that she’s preggers… who can she share that with… that any one will care? is Liz supposed to be the apparatus that will spring Hayden any longevity ??? Curtis ???? that’s where Hayden should be… if Frank VAlentini is still adamant that Hayden is important enough?
Dr. Finn has nothing to hang on to ? he hasn’t even struck up any camaraderie.. at the hospital ! save for Tracy .. and now Dr. O may be let go. this isolated couple are DOA. i’m happy about this. I will be pissed should Dr. O and / or Brad characters be left by the wayside.. at the expense of two characters who have no meaning… and no connection
Billy Miller.. is cashing in
Billy Miller must no longer care about “his” craft. I’ve never seen such lack of care and lifeless eyes… when he’s in any scenes … with Sonny, Carly, and Sam.
just a waste of airtime. REPEAT… Amelia Heinle made him.
i’d add in Sonny and Michael.
just no sex appeal whatsoever
and it has everything to do with imagination and TPTB working together
I think the explanation for the ratings not going through the roof when stars from other shows join GH is because viewers tune in hoping to see their favorites actually being featured in well written stories and instead get The Saint Sonny Hour and tune back out.
Please let it be max. He was sooooo good in that role
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!
In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.
Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.
MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP
Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!
At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.
Courtesy/ABC
BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY
Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”
LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER
In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?
So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.
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