General Hospital
QUEENS OF DRAMA's Vanessa Marcil Chats On Girl's Throwing Drinks, Donna Mills & The Man In Her Life!

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
When former General Hospital star Vanessa Marcil joined the cast of Pop’s reality series, Queens of Drama (Wednesdays 8PMET), her long time fans were stoked to get to see the woman who played the feisty Brenda Barrett on the ABC daytime drama series from1992- 1998, then returned in 2003 and won a Daytime Emmy for her work, and then returned one more time in 2010 for a longer stint, and followed that up with guest appearances in 2013 surrounding the GH Nurses Ball! Marcil also went on to star in the primetime drama series Las Vegas as Sam Marquez.
If you watched the first four episodes of Queens of Drama, you know that Vanessa along with Crystal Hunt, Lindsay Hartley, Hunter Tylo, and Chrystee Pharris are trying to come up with an idea to pitch to a television network for a new show using their soapy background and expertise. But, they have run up against and joined forces with the formidable Donna Mills, who doesn’t allow anything to get past her, and is trying to executive produce this all-girl creation and steer the gals in a certain direction.
Tonight on an all-new episode, the “Queens”, since Vanessa has made it clear she does not want to act in front of the camera in the girls production concept, but would rather remain behind-the-scenes, they had to Palm Springs for an outing and the drama ensues … and we finally get to the bottom of that promo where Vanessa looks to be the first girl to throw a drink! But where does it land?
Marcil sat down with On-Air On-Soaps to give us some insight into shooting the docu-series, the drama in front of the camera, and gives us the scoop on how her new fiancé, a police officer, swept her off her feet!
What was your overall takeaway from being part of Queens of Drama? Everyone is talking about the scene in the promos, where you get mad saying, “I don’t care what Donna wants” and then we see you throwing a drink. Can you elaborate?

Photo Credit: Twitter
VANESSA: I can tell you this: it was a hilarious good time, and just like with all jobs that I have had there are days when I wanted to punch somebody in the face. But just for the record: I don’t throw drinks on girls … and I don’t call girls, “bitches”. That is not my nature. I am not a mean girl. If you see me do anything, I would act more like a mob wife: punching someone in the face! (Laughs) I am saying this because everyone thinks in Queens of Drama I throw a drink at somebody, and I am saying for the record, I don’t throw a drink at anyone, and I don’t throw drinks at girls! There is one moment where I get pissed and I throw my drink off the table. Now if it was Brenda on GH, she might throw a dinner role at someone, or whatever. Someone tweeted, “Are you going to throw a dinner role at anyone, because Brenda threw one at Carly (Laura Wright)?” I enjoy stuff like that, because I think it’s very funny. Brenda thought that was hilarious! (Laughs) I mean, I would get into a fist fight with somebody if they really hurt someone I loved. All the other stuff is boring to me. I think it’s silly.
When you found out that the premise of the series is that they wanted these “Soap Queens” to create an original new show, and would collaborate to come up with a concept to pitch a network, did you like that part about it?

Courtesy/POP
VANESSA: Yes, and that was the whole pitch to us. I love docu-series, and behind the scenes stuff, and blooper reels. So it really was: you girls are going to get together and create a female production company and create a show and try pitching it – which means – it could happen, or could not happen. And you know me, I am a risk-taker and I love that. And that was a big appeal to me for being in this show – having that underdog feeling to it of: Can we actually pull this off … or, will we tragically fail?
There are some very controlling personalities amongst the women on Queens of Drama!
VANESSA: Halfway through I thought these girls are crazy, and I can’t work with them! I have had that feeling many times at work. You know what I mean? That’s the way you feel at times. It’s not that different than any job anyone has in the workplace. My sister is the CEO of a company and she said it’s the same thing in her work.
Had you ever watched Donna Mills as Abby Cunningham on Knots Landing? You have quite the interesting relationship with her on Queens of Drama!
VANESSA: No. I never watched Knots Landing, and that’s hilarious, and here is where there is six degrees of separation. Donna played my baby daddy’s (Brian Austin Green) mother on the show. I should at some point watch a clip that the two of them are in together. It would be cute to see. Now that I am in Queens of Drama with Donna, the two of them send love through me to each other.
You are now engaged! What about this guy (MC) worked for you to decide to accept his proposal?

Courtesy/POP
VANESSA: Yes, I am now engaged, and we are planning our wedding for next summer. For 20 years I never got married, and I was never the girl that wanted to, and then I decided to marry my last husband because I felt it was the right thing to do. I had known him for 12 years and it didn’t work out. And then I said to myself, “See, it’s not meant for me to be a married girl.” Maybe, I thought it wasn’t meant for me to fit into society like that, because I was thinking I should do this to fit into society! (Laughs) But now this happened! So, I learned to say, never say never about anything! Every time I say, “I’m not doing this. It’s not for me,” look at me now? I am now planning a wedding with an Iraq war vet who is a police officer! I have no secret message, or how you know this is how you know someone is the right one. I just know that when he asked me I genuinely wanted to say, “Yes!” He was on one-knee in his police uniform on the side of the road. I just knew that I meant it when I said, “Yeah! I would like to do this!” But again, who knows? It could turn out to be wrong again, but you got to trust your gut, and follow your heart, and when you fail you learn stuff from it.
And you met you man getting a speeding ticket?
VANESSA: Yes! He pulled me over. You will see more about that story coming up in a new project I am working on.

Courtesy/ABC
Finally, are you staying in touch with your General Hospital people: former cast and crew?
VANESSA: Oh, always! Are you kidding? I have stayed in touch with almost everyone I have worked with, and it’s really meaningful to me, and the best job I have ever had. I grew up in Indio, California working at a Wienerschnitzel, and I cannot believe that I am lucky enough to do this. It’s unreal to me.
So, what do you think about Vanessa on Queens of Drama? Are you enjoying watching how the story unfolds and the dynamics between the actresses? Share your thoughts below, but first watch the promo for tonight’s fifth episode via Pop!
Quit pissing around with this stuff and get your butt back on GH!
I know! I love her as Brenda so much! That show needs her back!
There is no room on GH for any more lead actresses who are over 40 with major storylines who receive a big paycheck to boot. It’s chock full of those kinds of characters. I never thought I would write this – but where is the younger generation on GH? Are TJ & Molly it? Maxie, Lulu, Dante, Michael – believe it or not, they are in their 30s. GH really needs some young adults with character. Kiki & Morgan aren’t cutting it for me. They are unemployed and stupid IMO.
She’s said she doesn’t want to be an actress right now
Thats sad to hear but she needs to me happy. Maybe someday.
I love Vanessa Marcil, she is a wonderful actress. Vanessa needs to come back on General Hospital as Brenda Barrett. I miss her so much. She looks very sexy with her glasses. LOL.
Ok, at first I bought the press that this was a documentary series, but it’s clearly a scripted series. Why are they not honest with the audience that we’re watching a scripted soap opera? In any case, I have been enjoying the show so far–especially Donna Mills.
I knew from the sneak peak it was a bunch of BS!
We need you back on G.H
It definitely comes across as a scripted series – what is the truth about it? I also want to know: do people seriously pitch a series without having worked out the characters, storylines, and even have at least one spec script? Bizarre…. and why, if this is supposed to be about girl power (or woman power) do they have a male showrunner? WTH? Donna Mills is coming across as pure evil – controlling, and infuriating – what’s up with her being “too busy” (???) to go to the Palm Springs meeting? WTH? Ridiculous! It’s my guilty pleasure show right now – it’s so ridiculous and fun fun fun!
I am having fun watching this show! Didn’t think I would like it but it has a very pleasant surprise.
like the show but like the fact that vanessa worked at my favorite fast food place ever der weinerschnitzel. best chili cheese dogs ever.
can’t say I care for donna mills, interesting to see joan Collins. don’t know the other women. hunter tylo – what in god’s name did she do to her face – just awful
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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