General Hospital
Rebecca Budig Chats On Her Departure From GH, Michael Easton, And Her Emotional Final Scenes!
Photo Credit: JPI Stuidios
One of daytime’s most popular actresses, Rebecca Budig, has left the building and General Hospital. Fans of Budig’s were shocked and saddened to learn the news that she had been let go by the ABC daytime drama series, just when it seemed like her storyline with Michael Easton (Finn) was becoming more and more intriguing, while making “Fayden” a new favorite on-screen duo.
Rebecca, who became soap-famous with her roles as Greenlee Smythe on All My Children and Michelle Bauer on Guiding Light, returned to the soaps in 2015 in the newly created role of Hayden Barnes on GH. Through her time in Port Charles, viewers and Budig would learn more about her back-story as it was filled in by the writers.
On emotional episodes over the past few weeks, Hayden’s ex returned to Port Charles attempting to extort money from her, while holding a horrible secret over her head.
Last Friday, Hayden walked out on her relationship with Finn just as they were set to wed. Those moments signaled Budig’s exit from the show. However, in true soap opera fashion, the door has been left open for the character to return, but will she?
On-Air On-Soaps sat down with Rebecca following Michael Easton and Roger Howarth’s (Franco) General Hospital Fan Club Weekend gathering to get her thoughts on her departure. Budig had made a very special appearance, which had the fans in attendance all abuzz and overjoyed. Here’s what Rebecca shared in our candid conversation.
You delivered some powerhouse performances in your final weeks on General Hospital. The episode in which Hayden learned her ex-husband is out of jail and wanting payback was riveting. How was that to play?
Courtesy/IMDB
REBECCA: I had 103 pages that day in the script. Matt Corboy was the actor I was working with who played Jared, Hayden’s (aka Rachel Berlin) ex-husband. Matt is a phenomenal actor, and had never done daytime soaps before. I went to his dressing room, and he said, “I have 57 pages to learn!” I said, “I have 103! So, let’s work on this.” (Laughs) He is like, “Oh, my God! How am I going to do this?” I replied, “We are going to run the lines, and we are going to know them, and then we are going to go out on set and do them! It will be awesome!” He was finally like, “O.K!” (Laughs) We got through it, and he was great.
When you saw in the script that Hayden had hit a little girl while driving, were you shocked?
REBECCA: Yeah, at first. However, I totally believe it was something she could have done. It was painful to think that she did that. So, I connected with it, and it resonated with me. Thank God! It was heartbreaking.
It was great to see Hayden crumble, because Hayden doesn’t usually allow herself to go there. For the audience, it was nice to get to see you have the opportunity to show your acting chops, and play deep, emotional despair. Viewers don’t often get to see you do that kind of work with the characters you have played on daytime.
Courtesy/ABC
REBECCA: With Hayden there just wasn’t a lot written like that, and it was not the fault of the writers. It was just I came on during the writer change, and so it’s been kind of difficult. In the story, she finds out she ruined this kid’s life. Heavy stuff.
Those were some meaty scenes, as well as your final scenes with Michael Easton.
REBECCA: Listen, everything they wrote after I found out I was leaving was amazing. Not that it wasn’t before … but I actually loved what they wrote too, for Finn and Hayden. Maybe I loved that, because it was true for me. I was terrified to have a baby in my real life. I had waited so long until I was older to have a kid, and it’s life-changing. I really loved that in the relationship between Finn and Hayden, because to me it was very honest. I loved that they were characters that were a bit awkward and weird, because people are like that. In soaps, it’s rare that they write something like that, and so I really love that they wrote our relationship in that way.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
You and Michael Easton had developed a special on-screen relationship, and had worked to get it to a place that left the audience rooting for Hayden and Finn as a couple and wanting more. Many fans feel that they invested in the love story only to have it abruptly yanked from them with Hayden’s exit. When the news broke you were leaving the show, you received this outpouring of support on social media. There was this outcry to “Bring Rebecca back.” When you saw that, how did it make you feel?
REBECCA: When I saw that, all I felt was very humbled by it, and incredibly flattered. It felt really nice that people cared so much about me as an actress. There are no words to really describe it. For a longtime, I really didn’t know how people felt. For a longtime I don’t think people really bought Hayden. They didn’t really love her, and I get it. I was struggling with it too, by the way. We were all struggling with it. We were all going, “Who is she? What is she doing here? (Laughs) Why is she on the show?” (Laughs) Even for me, it was hard to find a hook into this character. Slowly, I found a hook for her, especially with those scenes they wrote when I was leaving. I really started to find a hook in her, and so it was the best feeling in the world to feel like people cared, and that they loved us, and it was so nice. The message that Michael Easton wrote and posted on his Facebook page after learning the news of my exit was just beyond. It was almost like a love letter. It was the sweetest thing I think anyone has ever written about me, ever in my life.
When all was said and done, how was it working with Michael Easton?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
REBECCA: Besides, him being the ugliest and most difficult actor to work with? (Laughs) When I found out I was leaving from Frank Valentini (EP, General Hospital), I didn’t want to tell anybody at first, because I just wanted to go to work and not have to worry about anyone. Then I said, “I am going to tell Michael.” He is like my dance partner. I went down to the dressing room and told him. Michael was very surprised to hear my news. He took me to lunch, and bought me a drink … or two (laughs). Michael Easton has changed my life. Our friendship has inspired me to do things in my life, and he is a really great guy. You don’t come around people like that very often.
Would you say working with Jane Elliot was another highlight of your time on GH, and the relationship that developed between Tracy and Hayden?
REBECCA: I love Jane, and I just saw her. She has been nothing but supportive after finding out I was exiting the show.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
There were rumors popping up during General Hospital Fan Club Weekend that you are heading over to Days of our Lives. What was your response to that with the fans?
REBECCA: I had fans coming up to me going, “I know you can’t say anything, but ….” I replied, “I swear on my daughter, and that is my life. I am not going to DAYS.” No one has called me.
What did you think of the writing of the final scenes between Finn and Hayden?
REBECCA: Kate Hall wrote those final scenes between Michael Easton and me, and I have ties to her, because her dad, Peter Simon, played my father on Guiding Light. I just think Kate is really good and really talented. Those final scenes were really real. I texted Kate and I said, “Did you write those scenes? She said, “Yeah”, and I said, “I knew you did.” She is such a good writer.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
We all hope lightning in a bottle strikes twice for us in our lives. With your leading men on the soaps on All My Children, did you ever imagine it could happen again for you in your daytime career?
REBECCA: It was a great time in my life working on All My Children. I never thought I would connect with another actor like I did with Michael, like I did with Josh Duhamel (Ex-Leo, AMC), or Cameron Mathison (Ryan, AMC). It’s very rare when this kind of magic happens, and it’s a bummer when it ends.
So, what did you think of the final scenes between Rebecca Budig and Michael Easton as Hayden and Finn? What are your thoughts on Hayden leaving the canvas and Budig being written-off? W0uld you like to see Rebecca return to the GH canvas sooner than later? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Such heartfelt, gracious words for her onscreen “dance partner”, co-stars, fans, and the show. Rebecca added talent and class to GH. Will miss her. Looking forward to seeing what’s next for her.
Thank you, Michael.
I agree. Rebecca is definitely a class act!
Rebecca is a class act exactly in the way that Michael is. I truly hope that Frank Valentini is going to right this wrong and is already planning on re-hiring Rebecca. It is completely illogical that GH would ignore the loyal viewers’ pleas to bring Rebecca back, as well as the thousands of names on a petition for her. I am so hoping this is not the end of Fayden.
She was awsome, I am really going to miss her. Wish she wasnt going off.
Not a big fan of Hayden but why dump her and bring in a newbie
My thoughts exactly. And, I note that she has chosen her words very carefully about leaving. Hmmmml.
I would guess because Rebecca’s salary was the issue, nothing to do with actual story.
She had a four year contract. She was in year one.
The actors took a pile of c**p and turned it into gold, which is business as usual on GH. As much as I wanted to invest in this “story”, it was 100% contrived and inorganic. When Hayden said, “Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about what I did to that girl”, all I could think was, “except for all the days that you’ve ever been on screen and haven’t thought about it”. File this one under “wasted opportunity”, as the real story here should have been about the family tie with Liz. I just don’t understand… Read more »
Well said, Mr. Media and I couldn’t agree more. Frank Valentini had said that “Hayden’s story had come to a natural end”? With Hayden’s tie to Elizabeth and the Webbers, as well as the future baby with Finn, her story on GH was just beginning. There was nothing “natural” about her end.
@Mister Media….Couldn’t agree with UUUUUUUUUUUU more.
Sophomoric writing at best & that’s on a good day!!! These 2 head
writers R by far the Worst of the lot…It must be quite disheartening
for some of the BEST ACTORS in daytime television to realize..this
is as good as their going to get.. Then again everyone needs to put
food on the table.
It’s very rare when two actors have as much chemistry as Rebecca Budig and Michael Easton have both on and off of the screen. I think GH really made a big mistake letting Rebecca Budig go
Rebecca delivered an emmy worthy performance with those final scenes, as did Michael. We fans are beyond unhappy that this has happened. Thanks Mr. Fairman for giving her the press we fans need to bolster our efforts to get her back to GH. Nothing would make a million fans happier then to see #Fayden back together.
I agree with wanting Rebecca back! However, I felt the final scenes did nothing for giving fans closure. I honestly had no idea Rebecca was leaving. So, as I viewed the scenes, I was expecting that Finn was eventually going to find Hayden. I didn’t take their disagreement and Hayden leaving with a “let me know when you figure it out” as the end of their story. So disappointed in this decision by GH!
Since I did now that Aug 11 was her last airdate, I felt she delivered a powerful exit performance. I agree, this s/l was woefully thrown together & completely out of character for Hayden, Finn & also Curtis. It was a shoddy exit arc which I feel was slapped together to provide her exit. There was definitely no closure. Many fans r constantly tweeting our displeasure at her firing. She is expected on screen 1 more time, not sure when though. Fingers crossed that she and baby Finn will be back to PC.
Forgot to mention what undeniable chemistry Rebecca and Michael have. It shows in every scene they are in. We love you Rebecca. #Fayden Army will not stop
Finn and Hayden such naturals what a wonderful touch to their relationship a pregnancy II was crushed about the exit of Rebecca (Hayden). I heard a rumor that Rebecca, could be returning that would be so exciting, some rumors some rumors come true. How exciting that would be.
My writing on the subject – WHY I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE LOVE STORY OF HAYDEN AND FINN:
who do we need to knock some sense into and bring back Rebecca? i know its something they are going to want to do, lets just hope Rebecca isn’t doing dool or Yr, BB, goodness grief this was one stupid move by Gh, the other one being bringing back Steve Burton and not Christopher Tyler.
Aria, please call the GH Comment Line (323) 671-4583. It’s not too late to fight for Rebecca’s return. I also agree about Tyler. I am very sad that GH would not give in to his contract demands, causing him to accept an offer at DOOL.
Excellent question aria raised.Letting Rebecca go was a huge mistake and disappointment. So much lost potential with a storyline that could include her growing closer to Liz. Further development of her relationship with Finn. All that’s been trashed to bring in Steve Burton and now a female actress newbie. No thanks, GH, I have no interest in either of those two.
I think the writers need a kick. They have thrown away a great opportunity to top the ratings. It could of come close to Luke and Laura. Now no one will top that memory. But, it would of come really close. The ratings, the fans would of watched country wide!!!! Dumb dumb dumb writers!!!!
“…I think the writers need a kick. ”
I copied that they need a bitch slap. just saying….
when the focus is so much Corinthos’ ….. dag! it’s gotten to the point that I am sick of seeing “Sonny ” hogging all the screen time. SO OVER HIM
Michael Easton is no where near the actor Tony Geary was!
@Timmm…BIBLE ‼️‼️‼️
I totally understand what you’re saying however, no one can be an equal to Luke and Laura. Duke and Anna, Robert and Anna and Frisco and Felicia are close but definitely not equal.
That’s true, Connie, but your aforementioned supercouples still rate far superior to the GH pairings of convenience to which we are currently subjected!
As a (former) viewer I as well never found that “hook” with Hayden but I love the actress. I don’t think Hayden was ever needed. I’m hoping that one day RB can return but as someone else. Emily, Sarah Webber, someone who is already connected to the history of the show.
Agreed
Rebecca is such an amazing actor and the chemistry between her and Michael was magical. It is hard for some of us to grasp that there are people on the canvas that do not bring much to the table while Rebecca and Michael keep us interested, intrigued and invested in the storyline. The best thing ABC could do is get through the new stuff and then let “Finn” do a search for “Hayden” and his baby and bring them home. Fingers crossed!
General Hospital (Frank, Nathan, writers, etc) made the BIGGEST mistake in letting Rebecca go. They had a goldmine of an actress and HUGE potential with her character, Hayden. It’s too bad they could not pull themselves away form the fixation on Sonny, et al, to really do justice to Rebecca’s character. The scenes the writers gave Hayden & Finn in the last few weeks is what they should have been writing all along. In fact, it is those kind of scenes, the emotional investment, the story pacing – that moves things along – that is sorely missing from GH right… Read more »
I think they all know we, the majority of the fans, are not happy with Rebecca Budig’s exit from the show. So how do I feel as a fan??? ANGRY!
Since the door has been left open for a Hayden return, I hope it happens soon.
u’m very disappointed the Rebecca was let go….
shame on RC or whomever..
Hopefully, TPTB will bring back Hayden !!! There is so much more of her story to be told and Budig is an amazing actress !!! Thrilled that Ms Jones (Parker) is back !! Can’t wait for her and Kristina’s story to unfold. !!!!!!!!
Love her and her role. The writing team needs to bring her back. Who really cares about Payton and sonnys daughter. Can’t even remember her name.
Thanks for this interview Michael. What a great actress and I was very sad that GH let her go. I would love if GH would bring her back. I didn’t like Hayden at first but she really grew on me. I loved the chemistry of Rebecca and Michael had on screen. I hope to see her soon on my screen and would love her to return on GH.
Very upset that Hayden is leaving just when she got a good SL – becoming friends with her sister, romantically involved with Finn and starting a family, etc. Really wanted Curtis’s wedding gift be to “take care of Jared”! Hopefully, she comes to her senses and returns to Finn (ie TPTB wake up and bring her back!) soon.
If it’s a money thing would rather Steve Burton not come back, Jordan leave, Stella leave, Franco not come back, Nathan move to Portland and stay there with Maxie, etc.
I enjoyed this actress and her portrayal of Hayden. I will definitely miss her presence on the show.
SHE, doesn’t sound like she’s “leaving”. perhaps, after all… because she was hired by Frank Valentini… this is the best way to assuage the audience and or production… that a little stint of a vacation will lessen the blow that she was even given a 4 year contract… while so many others are FIGHTING for 1 year contract. I am a little surprised that all the blow back of her firing .. whilst all the time prior, all the backlash of her being a prop… and YES I seriously will still go their… that she was given every opportunity to… Read more »
Hope so too. Not a fan of this pairing
The actress playing Nina could go. I am sure she is taking up a lot of salary and there is not need or story for her. More viewers favor Hayden/Finn over Nina/Valentin. If it is a salary thing, then get rid of non star actors, Nelle, Jordan, Olivia, the list could go on.
From your lips, amcknots! I detest Nina, and she doesn’t fit in anywhere.
She has no chemistry with the wonderfully mysterious Valentin but guess who does?
Yes, Anna! Anna and Valentin could be GH’s next supercouple–why waste this intensely gifted actor on that drip Nina?
And it’s sad that Michael Eastman finally finds an actress with whom he enjoys a great chemistry and they get rid of her. It makes no sense.
Stafford is a big friend of Franks she is not leaving I hate the show so I gave up soaps are a business and when you start making decisions based on personal emotions you lose
You are right, K/Kay.
Absolutely, k/kay! That’s the sad truth as to why GH is failing big time…this soap has been a refuge for FOF’s for far too long…..it’s not about whom is best for the show or the storylines, but maintaining the spotlight for those favored chosen few of his who have been granted a prime place on the canvas whether their characters warrant such privileges…or NOT!
She absolutely must come back. Talent like hers is rare. Chemistry like she has with Michael Easton is extremely rare. Believing GH is too savvy to let that go for good.
Have always liked Ms. Budig and credit to her for playing this role with grace, talent, and class. To be honest, I just never cared for Hayden and her story. Hayden is one of the many (of late) characters that have landed in Port Charles with tenuous/incredible ties to legacy families and characters and histories. And I understand well that is part of soaps, I would rather see things happen with the core group I have come to know and love through decades. It just seems it takes so long for these new characters to connect or find their place… Read more »
After being in a corporaterate office for most of my career, I have foundd it rare that people are supportive of each other. It seems very competitive to “climb the ladder.” I was told years ago that you never step on anyone to move up. You let your work speak for itselff and you let your kindness and being a team player shine through. This interview reminded me of those words. It seems Rebecca is an epic team player. I love that she has/had such great relationshipsips with Josh, Cameron, Jane and Michael. I would love to see Rebecca come… Read more »
I am a LONG-TIME fan of Rebecca’s and know just how talented an actress she is. I too think it’s GH’s loss for getting rid of her character. With that said, I actually would LOVE to see her land a prime time role or maybe another movie role! As much as I love soaps and loved watching her on the soaps, I think Rebecca deserves and has earned the chance to be on a prime time series. She is just as talented and in some cases is more so than any of the actresses in prime time right now. For… Read more »
I hate how they wrote Hayden out. Hayden and Finn are one of the very few good couples who respect each other. Rebecca needs to come back sooner, Not later!!!
Pleas find and bring her back for Fin
Hayden will be miss! Love the character started off shaky but she played the role well. Her work with Easton was well written. I do believe she will be back! #NoDays
I am going to miss her. She is a staple to Daytime! Why they decided to do this is beyond my understanding. She is my Michelle, My Greenlee, Now my Hayden. General Hospital has made a big mistake.
I’ve already told everyone how pissed i am over this so I don’t mind saying it again. This is a stupid move and GH better wake up and see what they did to a story that was working with alot of people. Having Hayden around meant we got to see alot of Elizabeth who is another favorite of mine. We could have had Jeff Webber back. Hayden was the kind of character that could have had so many ties to Port Charles just for being there. I know there’s more to this than what anyone’s saying.
Bring Hayden back ASAP
This will probably seem like I’m writing a book here, but I’ve been wanting a way to express how I, and so many fans of Rebecca Budig feel, so here it is. Rebecca’s performance in her latest story has been top notch! I am just blown away by her talent! She has been acting her heart out, and I think it’s a huge mistake she was let go! While I do sometimes get frustrated with this story, and feel it was out of character for Hayden to do some of the things she has done, after reading this interview, I… Read more »
Michael, Once again I get the impression you dislike Becky Herbst and or her character Elizabeth. You do an exit interview and fail to ask Rebecca about what went down at GH regarding making Hayden & Elizabeth sisters. We learned they were related 1 year ago yet GH never brought back Jeff Webber to deal with this. We never even learned if he was even told. Then we never saw Elizabeth & Hayden growing close until right before she exits. Instead of playing the beat GH went from 0 to 60 so their sudden closeness rang hollow.. I would have… Read more »
Whilst I am personally pleased to see the character of Hayden exiting the GH canvas, your point about “awful, unneeded” other ones is spot-on. That’s been the major problem with this soap for the past few years…too many newbies and nonsensical players that have nothing to do with much of anyone or anything that came before…..it’s gotten to the extreme of the ridiculous with all the useless people that are populating Port Charles! Both Nina and Amy definitely lead that list, along with a whole slew of filler cast mates who have no earthy reason for being there….the showrunners just… Read more »
As a long time viewer, I love General Hospital!!! It’s the best! The show has turned many directions over the years, some great, others not. I have to say releasing Rebecca ( Hayden) was not a great move. We are finally getting a real and excellently acted storyline and it is dropped. ☹️ I just don’t get how you couldn’t see an incredible path for her and Fin and her and Elizabeth, and on and on. Please bring Rebecca back. It’s a waste if you don’t. Bring back #Hayden.
I haven’t watched the show in a week plus. I was never really invested in Rachel/Hayden or Rebecca as an actress, so I’m not sure what happened during her exit. I tuned in a little yesterday while home, and I heard that she left her engagement ring behind and is nowhere to be found. What a stupid exit storyline-very poorly written. Now, more “newbies” are arriving in Port Charles. Why? It seems as though Rebecca was honest in her interview and had the same frustrations with the character as some of the viewers did.
Seems like a nice lady. I preferred she be with Nicholas. Plus, Spencer bonded with Hayden since his mom was never in his life. What I see here is a classic story brewing where she will be off for a bit, Finn will dedicate his life finding her, Hayden will return next year with little Finny! Everyone is happy.
I think it’s really a terrible thing that they wrote her off GH. I don’t care who they needed the money to bring on ~ if that’s the real reason. RB is a very strong actress and her character and ME’s character were just hitting their stride; there was so much more story to tell; that i wanted to see explored. it all feels so abrupt, so I’m not a happy camper about this. On the bright side, however, I am glad they left the door open for her return. I hope that happens sooner rather than later.
I think they should bring Rebecca Budig back as Hayden!! Her story line was finally growing and everyone was connecting with her. I loved Hayden/Finn!!! They are having a baby!! No way can that storyline just disappear!! The fans are too invested into this couple’s life now, the story cannot end like this. Even Elizabeth and Hayden are acting like sisters now so that has a storyline also!! Please bring Hayden back!!! Rebecca Budig is a great actress, don’t lose her!!
bring her back she is a good actress while others on the show take off every other month
Hayden was not killed-off , so great hopes for her, and baby, return…
Please bring her back!!!! I really wanted to see her and Finn’s journey continue. Loved them together.
I. hope you she is comes back to to want any. gh. and I.finn before. the baby. is. bborn
I would love for Rebecca Budig to come back!!! She is one of my all time favorites. I was and still am so sad that they let her go. I keep hoping that the powers that be listen to the fans and bring back “Hayden”
they need to bring back hayden they wrote amazing story for her finn and roxy its a huge injustice to loyal viewers that she has been wrote off bring her back
General Hospital
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General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate”; Nancy Lee Grahn Gives Masterful Performance In Special Episode
When you combine superb direction, writing, production, and acting in a special episode of a daytime drama, viewers can see and understand the thought and care that went into it.
This was more than on display during Thursday’s highly-anticipated ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode honoring the 25th anniversary of Alexis’ portrayer, two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Nancy Lee Grahn, on General Hospital.
Courtesy/ABC
In the story, symbolism was apparent and used for dramatic impact and it worked beautifully throughout, and best of all, Nancy received a script worthy of her immeasurable talents, and showed us once again why she remains one of the gold standards of our genre. If you have not seen the episode DO NOT read any further as it contains spoilers.
It begins with an emotional Alexis looking at her mother’s watch which was still frozen from the time of her death. While playing one of her mother’s records very loudly, she recalls Mikkos Cassadine kissing and dancing with her mom as a young Alexis (Natasha) looked on from the staircase. When Sam asks her about it, Alexis shares that she sees the watch as sort of a representation for her own life being frozen over the last three years; which has included Alexis’ battle with booze taking over her life and her being disbarred, when being a lawyer was the way she identified herself and what gave her purpose.
Overwhelmed and anxiety-ridden, Alexis hightails it to Kevin’s office for a therapy session knowing she is going to Pentonville in the morning to serve her sentence. She says she does not know who she is anymore. Then, Kevin asks her how she spent her day thus far. She flashes back to lunch with the good men in her life, Finn, Valentin, Jax and Ned. Valentin tells Alexis she is proud of her for honing up to her mistakes.
Back at the therapy session, Alexis she was an attorney who stood for something and her life has derailed, and that she was a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate. She knows she has to find a purpose in prison to make it through the three-year term and asks Kevin to help her find one.
Kevin wants to go back to when she was a little girl and her memories that are flooding back to her of Mikkos and her mother. Just then, the younger version of Alexis is huddled in the corner of Kevin’s office, an image of her from the past. Alexis tries to come to terms with her father and the choice of dangerous men and relationships that have marred her own happiness … recalling Julian holding a knife to her throat like Mikkos did to her mother. She says he was one of the toxic men in her life, but Kevin reminds her all of the men in her life were not toxic.
Alexis starts with Ned as one who was good for her saying he was always stable, but she ruined that by recently sleeping with him and putting a wedge in his marriage to her long-time friend, Olivia.
We then flashback to earlier in the day, where Alexis ends up in an almost confrontation with Olivia. However, Olivia tells her she misses the Alexis Davis she used to be and to get her back.
Now back with Kevin, a guilt-ridden Alexis relays she feels responsible for Neil’s death. Kevin interjects she is not, nor what happened with Julian. When Kevin attempts to bring up Mikkos again, Alexis rejects it and is angry that he is making her problem about daddy issues; like so many other women. She vehemently shouts that the men in her life do not define who she is.
Then, Alexis flashes back to hurtful memories she has buried of a young Natasha witnessing Mikkos calling her mother a “greedy little bitch”. She recalls it was on Christmas Eve and that Mikkos stopped by to give them gifts. That is when he presented her mother with the watch. However, things took an ugly turn when he tried to leave, and she threatened to tell Helena all about her and Natasha. Next, Mikkos slapped her and that is when the watch shattered. As all this was going down, a young Natasha watched from the stairs and was horrified that she couldn’t stop her father from beating her mother and remembers how helpless she felt.
However, Alexis reveals to Kevin she thought this would be the last of Mikkos coming by, but he returned on New Year’s Eve and her mother took him back into their lives. Alexis is beside herself that she could not protect her mother, but Kevin reassures her to remember she was just a child.
Courtesy/ABC
It is then we come to the crux of the story. Alexis looks over in the corner and sees her younger self crying. She goes to her younger self and tells her nothing that happened was her fault, and that their father was damaged and cruel. She tells the young Natasha this shouldn’t have been her burden to carry alone, and that she deserves to be happy. Then in the moment of strength and coming full circle, Alexis introduces herself to the young Natasha, “I’m Alexis Davis, a fighter, an advocate, and an idealist … and I will take care of everything from her on out.” In that moment, Alexis embraced herself, and forgave herself, so she could move on with her life.
Alexis then flashes back to earlier that night, as the Davis girls gather for a faux graduation ceremony so Alexis could see Molly in her cap and gown and they hug. Back in her session, Kevin remarks that Alexis has repeatedly defined herself as a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate, and reminds her she has three daughters who have those qualities, and that all she needs to be is Alexis Davis.
Then, we get a heart-warming montage of Alexis though the years in honor of Nancy’s 25th anniversary with GH.
Courtesy/ABC
As the episode concludes, it is the next morning, and Alexis enters Pentonville and enters her jail cell. There she meets her fellow inmate, who is studying law books to prep for her upcoming parole hearing. Alexis introduces herself as “Alexis Davis” and as someone who can help her. We then go back to her mother’s watch which now begins ticking at Alexis’ home. The show fades to black.
Kudos to Daytime Emmy winner, Phideaux Xavier for his outstanding direction, head writers: Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor and script writer, Scott Sickles for the thoughtful episode, EP Frank Valentini and his production crew for putting it all together, and the one and only Nancy Lee Grahn for a performance that will be remembered as a classic.
Share your thoughts on today’s on Nancy’s ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
One of the most beloved actors in the history of General Hospital, Kin Shriner, currently finds his alter-ego, Scott Baldwin, in a new budding on-screen romance with none other than Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati).
This comes on the heels of Scott learning the devastating news that his son, Franco Baldwin was shot and killed, thus writing-off the ABC daytime drama series, for now, popular actor, Roger Howarth.
Photo: JPI
Throughout his now almost 44-year-run on the ABC daytime drama series, Kin Shriner has brought his unique acting chops that helped mold the character of legal eagle Scott Baldwin into the humorous, at times cutthroat, endearing and many times heartbreaking character we have all come to love.’
In a brand new exclusive virtual sit-down interview with Michael Fairman on You Tube’s The Michael Fairman Channel, Shriner opens up about his history with GH and the times he stepped away to take on roles on Texas and As the World Turns, and then back again to the town of Port Charles and GH.
Photo: ABC
As well, Kin reveals his reaction to learning the news that Roger Howarth would be exiting the show as his TV son and how he shot the key emotional scene where Laura (Genie Francis) tells Scott that Franco had died. Shriner shares that he does not see how when Howarth returns to the show in as a yet-to-be-revealed character, that it would be a stretch if the two were some how related, but that he will miss working with the talented Howarth as a scene-partner.
Photo: JPI
As to the women in Scott’s life, Kin addresses each of them from: Lucy (Lynn Herring), Bobbie (Jackie Zeman), Dominque (Shell Danielson), Laura (Francis), Ava (Maura West) – to which the character could never get that close to – and now Liesl (Gati), and working opposite all the powerhouse actresses who portray them.
Photo: ABC
For fans of General Hospital who have watched the series for decades, Kin also shares memories of working with his late TV parents, Peter Hansen (Lee), Susan Brown (Gail) and his friend and former GH castmate John Reilly (Sean), plus backstage stories with his longtime scene partner, Genie Francis.
Watch the entire conversation with Kin below.
Now let us know, are you all for the Scott and Liesl romance? Will you miss scenes between Scott and Franco? Would you ever want to see Scott and Laura reunite romantically? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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NewsApril 7, 2021Y&R’s Sharon Case Shares Bittersweet Goodbye to Alyvia Alyn Lind: “We Wish You Well with Your New Endeavors & Of Course We Will Love & Miss You Always”
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General HospitalApril 8, 2021GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
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Breaking NewsApril 5, 2021Cameron Mathison Joins General Hospital
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As The World TurnsApril 8, 2021‘Soap Con Live’ Event to Feature Panels from The Doctors, ATWT, OLTL, GH, Plus Virtual Meet & Greets
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General HospitalApril 4, 2021GH’s Josh Swickard and Wife Lauren Welcome Baby Girl!
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General HospitalApril 8, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate”; Nancy Lee Grahn Gives Masterful Performance In Special Episode
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NewsApril 6, 2021Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan Reveals Pregnancy News; She is Expecting a Baby Boy!
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General HospitalApril 11, 2021Lynn Herring Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Her General Hospital Debut; and ‘We Love Lucy’