General Hospital
Rebecca Herbst Staying Put At General Hospital: Talks Negotiations, If Other Soaps Came Calling, and Enduring Fan Support!
Courtesy/ABC
There’s no place like home and Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber) delighted millions of General Hospital fans today with the confirmation that she is indeed signing a new multi-year deal with the ABC daytime drama series!
After tense contract talks that had Herbst legions of fans in an uproar, the popular star of Port Charles will stay put in the role she has played for almost 19 years. In addition, since Herbst contract was up this weekend, there will be no work stoppage and Liz will not have to be written out for awhile.
In an exclusive interview with TV Insider, Herbst opened up about her contract talks, if she was offered to come over to Days of our Lives, learning what her next storyline will be, and most of all her appreciation of her vocal fans who have stood by her through thick and thin. Here are a few excerpts below!
Herbst on what the contract issues were: “I can’t talk about the specifics, but I kind of equate it to this: When you work together with a company for this long of a period you become a family, and from that you fight like family. And we did fight! But a good thing came out of this. (Executive Producer) Frank Valentini and I had a lot of heart-to-hearts, and I have a newfound respect for him and for how much he loves the show. I walked into his office thinking nobody could love GH as much as I do, but I can see that he really, honestly, wants this show to do well. And he got to know me a little better, as well. We can now see where the other is coming from, and we had never had that opportunity.”
Herbst on if she was in talks with DAYS: “I don’t know if I can comment on that. I will say that other shows definitely showed interest in me. They showed a lot of support for my leaving GH, if that’s what I ultimately chose to do. I just shouldn’t name any one particular show. The fact that I received interest from the other soaps only added to the speculation I was unhappy. Word got around. I guess when you’ve been on a show for nearly 19 years, other shows respect that.”
Herbst on her fans devotion: “They literally got me through the contract (talks) day by day. When I was doubting myself, and thinking that I might not be able to stay on GH, I would read their comments on the Internet and feel so secure in whatever decision I made. I knew it was going to be okay, no matter what. They sent flowers and cupcakes. Everything they did throughout the last two months has been remarkable. I wish I could hug them all.”
So, are you happy to hear it’s a done deal and there will be more Liz Webber and Becky Herbst on General Hospital? What do you think about her comments and thoughts on her contract talks, DAYS, and her legions of fans? Comment below!
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So glad Becky’s staying. To me, she is GH’s leading lady, not Kelly Monaco. It’s about time she got the respect (and salary) and storylines she deserves!
Did Becky really get respect though? Seems like Frank had no choice but to negotiate and give her a reasonable deal. The relationship between a 19 year Vet and hugely important legacy and the EP as described is sad but not at all surprising given how Frank has run GH in four years. The veteran actors put on a good face, especially the one’s that get screentime, but it’s obvious that many are resentful of Frank’s agenda; seeing all the new actors come on while so many Vets are discarded. We’ve seen Steve Burton walk amid reports that Frank wasn’t… Read more »
AJQ, I hope you read her entire interview. It is illuminating. She and FV had NEVER had a conversation about her tenure or her character. That Becky has a “new found” respect for him speaks volumes. What did she think of him before this? She clearly doubted that he loved GH! With a lovely smile, Becky threw at least 50 shades of gray at Mr. Valentini! According to Daytime Confidential’s Jamey Giddens, his sources told him that “brass at ABC” had NO CHOICE but to recognize the fan campaign for Becky. Key phrase, “brass at ABC,” NOT brass at GH.… Read more »
Hi Tristan: I just thought it was so appalling… how Liz life just took a turn… that fast… for the worst, if you will 1. her house exploding 2. Jake in the car accident… 3.. jake having to leave… I thought we weren’t going to see Liz for a certain amount of time…. off screen in the Childrens hospital 4. Jason falling in love so fast with Sam… Sam can keep him.. Liz deserves better I realize that negotiations were upwards of 2 months … and this site posted on February 8, 2015 that a contract had stalled. I truly… Read more »
Well said…i agree with all but technically ME is part of the GH family having played on the spinoff Port Charles…i do have mixed feelings about his return yet again as another character…i liked him as the brooding and somewhat mysterious John McBain but all the other characters he has played has failed…as for BECKY…didnt this happen before under a different regime?-fans protested when she was written off and she returned?…many soap fans turn out for various reasons….one is too many cast changes and too many newbies…for example i watched Another World-started at the beginning when it was mainly about… Read more »
To me it is irrelevant whether or not Frank loves GH. From virtually every business and casting decision the man has made in his four year tenure with the show he is nothing short of completely inept. In what other business or corporate environment could someone make the disastrous decisions this man has made and still be in their job four years’ hence?
Amen!!!……
Maddiehayes, I so agree with you! Enough with Kelly Monaco, already! Rebecca’s character has a long history with the show. I remember when she was just a kid, living with Audrey. When she was raped in the park and Lucky rescued her. Am I the only one who remembers how horrible Kelly Monaco’s character (Sam) treated Elizabeth? Remember when Sam stood by and watched little Jake being kidnapped? She didn’t tell anyone because she hoped with little Jake out of the way, she could have Jason all for herself. How about when she came to town to get even with… Read more »
Judith, of course I remember when Becky first came on the show! Liz&Lucky were such a sweet, innocent romance. Too bad it was ruined so BADLY. I loved Liz&Jason as well. Sam was such a tramp when she showed up in PC, honestly! Bouncing from Jax to Sonny to Jason. I’m sure Kelly Monaco is a very nice person, but her character, Sam, has no class! I have not forgotten her history. Nor have I forgotten that Elizabeth would have married Jason if it weren’t for his “career choices”. And Jason pushed Liz out of his life to protect her… Read more »
Thanks for that back story, Judith. I am not into Sam, at all…..but, many are….have these fans forgiven her trespasses, or completely forgotten or ignoring them?….Miss goody-two-shoes. And Liz is the villain? I am so glad TPTP took Liz off that path of self-destruction and the destruction of others. I love the actress and the new redeemed character. It now seems that Sam is as sainted as Julian, Carly and Sonny. I suppose the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I wonder how Jason will feel about Sam, once he reclaims his ‘Quartermaine’ memories. Jason Morgan knows Sam as… Read more »
Agree, though I put these ladies in a collective leading lady category: Liz, Anna, Laura, Tracy. These are the heavy hitters who interest me. And Carly, when she is not gushing over Sonny.
I don’t dislike Kelly Monaco, but she is not a particularly strong actress, and whatever strength Sam has as a character is diluted the second she sees Jason.
GH has the best female cast in daytime. Male cast is really lacking. Best male cast on daytime is probably Y&R, with heavy hitters in every age group.
It was all turned into a big stink (mainly by the fans, themselves) ..
Rebeca was never on the verge of leaving GH.. it was contract negotiations, that is the way the are making deals..
Soap fans are by far, at times, their own worst enemy LOL with crazy rumors, exaggerations and so on of bunk to start a chain of panics (gotta love ’em all 🙂
I had no doubt Rebeca would stay on..
( she most likely will grow out with GH, like Jane/Tracy <– lots of luv..
It was transparent she would stay…lol
No it was not Jimh. You should read the articles on Daytime Confidential about leaking her contract information, and what insiders revealed — not BH or anyone associated with her — was “an insultingly low-ball offer,” after which receiving she told them she was out the door. It was Nathan Varni PMing her contract negotiations info to anonymous fans — who outed him — that probably got ABC involved, because of it sparked major fan backlash. According to Jamey Giddens at DC, network sources told him that the network itself could not ignore the fan backlash, hence they began renegotiations.
@Tristan.
Lol, Tristan…in Jimh’s defende; he was being sarcastic. Su is wont to use that word quite often.
Most of the time she is right. Jimmy was only parroting her, not necessarily agreeing.
Hey, a Jimmy, I knew what you meant, lickety split.
Defense
Sorry Jim. I get the joke, now!!!! It should have been readily transparent!
LOL
but…. it took one month and 3 days to alert her fandom
if only… GH or DAYS coulda woulda shoulda hire Michael Muhney
I GASP agree with this comment 100% su0000..own worst foot in mouth enemies
And she started the whole stink by her out of the blue “message to fans” on social media to begin with.
You are extremely uniformed! But ignorance can sometimes be bliss.
I agree su. its just like in sports, these guys threaten to leave and may even have other offers but never intended to leave, just looking for a bigger paycheck. Thats life.
Happy to hear she is staying!
She needs a good storyline. The perpetual victim is old, old, old.
Its ok she stays…better than getting a newbie…lol
Oh Jim, can you imagine how many people would be complaining that the new actress was NOT Rebecca!
Depends on the actress if it was me…sometimes recast work better than the original in some rare cases….i always believed Susan Seaforth Hays was the best recast ever when she began on Days as Julie 5 decades ago.
How true, Timmm….how true!
Wonderful, wonderful news!
I am so happy she’s staying in. She’s a great actress and I’m not surprised other soaps we’re interested. Bet ya one was Y & R.
If you read the whole interview, she makes it clear it wasn’t just one soap; in fact , it sounds like all three contacted her. Yay Becky!!!!!!
i have been a fan of her’s since she came on gh – i am elated that she is staying – she has tremendous acting abilities…………….
That is nice to hear.
Glad she’s staying. I like all sides of her GH character (schemer, victim, loser, sweet, motherly, etc.). A really believable actress.
“…she is indeed signing a new multi-year deal ”
Bam ! ’nuff said
Multi-year … is all I need
2015 will forever be the year Liz catapulted
I can’t – wait – to see all the potential pairings… with Griffin Munro and Franco
More Please !
Agree! Looking forward to more Liz and Franco, and anticipating Liz and Griffin! We are on the same page.
Tristain…in my comment to su about it being transparent-that was a little inside joke between me and su who used the word under a different post.
Yes, Griffin and Liz…I think that could work. We shall see, unless Brad gets his hands on him first. Was my imagination working overtime, or does Dr. Brad have the itchy hots for Dr. Munro?
Hey Jim. I finally got the joke.
Hi Ceec: “itchy HOTs” just went in to the annuls of infamy I would imagine… that Brad… considering his playboy “past” was probably reprimanding himself … aghast… but imagination stirred LOL… oh to be emboldened… and “come hither” Griffin Munro leads the pack of lust incarnate oy! GH is certainly taking us with; first w/ Carly next it’s Maxie is it only a matter of time… till Griffin and Liz dance this is dream come true… imagination feast KUDOS to Brad.. evenso… he was chutzpa libidinous appetite GH… I mean really… does every man have to go thru Carly… first..… Read more »
So so so thrilled!!!!!
Happy for her obnoxious fans, maybe they will be less annoying now but more than likely they will just find something else to complain about.
I’m so relieved. Now let’s get her into more scenes with newbie griffin , ASAP !
What I don’t understand is why anyone would be fool enough to even want to risk losing Rebecca. She has always given 110%. There’s never been a time I can even point to where she wasn’t fully present and acting her heart out. Never mind that she is one of the few actors out there that has chemistry with literally anyone and everyone. How many men has Elizabeth been linked to and not one of them felt like a dud pairing – Lucky (all three different versions), Nikolas (both versions), Rick, Jason (both versions), Zander, Patrick (even though they weren’t… Read more »
“RIGHT ON”
???? Frank Valentini…. seriously !?1? it took a month and 3 days.. plus; to renegotiate with your best
“…Never mind that she is one of the few actors out there that has chemistry with literally anyone and everyone. ”
Frank, there would have been a major uproar, had you not did the RIGHT thing
period
Patrick, there WAS a major uproar. It wasn’t FV, but the network that did the right thing. That is how dicey this was.
Thanks, Patrick. But, my phrases pale in comparison to your turn of poetic words.
Yes, Brad has a wandering eye. So sad for Lucas.
I agree. She has chemistry with everyone and always gives 110%. I’ve never seen her phone it in, even if it’s a convoluted storyline. Thrilled she has a multi year contract! Looking forward to seeing her interact with Michael Easton.
So happy – I am a big fan of Becky. She just acts her ass off.
As far as I’m concerned , Becky is the MVP of the show! Now they can give her a house as nice as Carly’s and a good story! I kind of like the friendship between her and Franco. Team Becky!!!
Happy Dance…
like this read and most
MVP ! MVP ! my dear Ms. Herbst
I love whats going on with Liz and Franco !
Part of me thinks: oh that lady is high maintenance; but then I think: girl, squeeze those corporate producers to get more out of the deal..Why not?! Glad Becky’s staying. Now if only they could plug in Rachel Ames once a month in scenes with Becky, it would soften the character and make her more relatable. GH is always on the verge of making Liz as cookoo as Sharon on YR. And that doesn’t have to be this character’s trajectory: she can achieve some integrity. Not with Jason, though. Drive a stake through it. They missed putting Liz and Patrick… Read more »
Glad she’s staying! And I hope there is more Liz/Franco in my future.
No sir I’m not happy she is staying. General Hospital is being held hostage by four actors who get everything they want. She is not respected at all. She should have went to Young and the Restless where everyone is someone and not just the had picked pets. If she got what she wanted, good.
Great, great news. Now let’s give Elizabeth a new home, a new man, and — heck — even a new promotion at GH!
She should move into Robin and Patrick’s old home.
Yeah, I had that thought too!
LOL. It’s probably on the market, right, Timmm? …..Lizzie’s for the taking. Perfect idea you have there, Timmmy. Housing problem for Liz and boys solved.
I agree. Liz (Becky) is essential to the show’s identity, heart and soul. I’m not holding my breath, but it would be great if they did bring back Audrey (at least every now and then), but also Liz’s sister or brother. And it would be good to bring back Lucky, too. I think the Liz and Lucky pairing centers the show, as well.
I would LOVE to see Rachel Ames (Audrey) at least once a month. I adore that woman!!!!!
I am absolutely thrilled! It was a very wised decision.
Maybe they will do a 360 with this florence nightingale has multiple children with different men. when are they going to put her and Nicholas out to pasture at Windemere.
AHHH, Nellie. Isn’t that the motif; the going theme at GH? Most of these women have multiple children with different men….and vice versa. We cannot cast stones on any particular one.
They have yet to put Alexis to pasture; so why Liz? Alexis has twenty years on Lizzie….she’s still hoppin’.
I like Liz more than not, but, I’d rather listen to her speak intelligibly than some others. Her speech pattern is quite decipherable.
Sometimes it has to be about the fans, and when it happens that the character is such a long-term favourite and the actress consistently stellar then the show should thrive.
Wise words, Patricia. I agree.
Okay, I’m assuming she got a pay raise? Now lets trim the fat and cut that weird black guy from Jordan’s past, Jordan, Morgan, Nina, Franco, Sabrina, Nathan and Dante. Sign Ned, Robert, Scotty, Mac, and Dr. Mayes to contracts!
Varni who ever he is needs to be gone to discuss a actors contract on Twitter and no she is not a Diva you absolutely do not know what a sweetheart she is I do! If JFP had stolen her to play Mac I would have been thrilled!
Hey, Kay,
Do you mean Mac, as in Catherine’s granddaughter? (Y&R). Wow! I would have loved that! Never thought about it, but, Rebecca would have made an ideal Mac.
I wish TPTB would bring Mac back as the sole heiress, instead of ‘Dumbon’.
Congrats to Becky for standing her ground and negotiating the contract SHE wanted. When will GH realize the value of this woman ! I’ve waited what seems like forever for them to give her a real meaty storyline. Yes she acted her butt off the last year + and practically carried this dreaded Jason return story, but it never really was about her winning in the end, and that’s what her fans are STILL waiting to see happen. The character of Liz is way over due for a Win, let’s hope that will be in the writing for her soon… Read more »
HONESTLY I was truly ready to bolt… take that Frank Valentini LOL.. much to no ones chagrin… I’d have nested back in Genoa City ps: I don’t even know.. just who… that character was… he was a blond curly haired doctor… in Port Charles I thought… at last… fans should be celebrating this.. Liz has found her own man.. but that didn’t last long.. HE was perfect.. I was smitten he turned out to be a bad guy… so… now… we can only hope.. and insist that Griffin Munro.. or Franco… sweep BEAUTIFUL Liz Hardy off her feet and her… Read more »
ps: the blond curly haired doctor:
Ewan Keenan… as played by Nathin Butler
he was PERFECT
so all the naysayers would stifle… this was Liz first man who wasn’t attached to someone else…. REALLY
Liz will get her OWN … Griffin or Franco
dag! it’s so easy to let go of Jason
Thanks to ABC we get to keep a true CORE family member on the show-NOW just get her a story AWAY from Sam and everyone will be happy and maybe allow Liz to just stay friends with Franco and also Nina and MAYBE allow her to develop a NEW relationship w Griffin or Michael Easton’s DR character.
it seems that fans are reading in to… the last part of promo
their is Michael Easton… w/ Sam and Lulu
Great news. Rebecca Herbst made the right decision in staying with GH and a lot of promising stuff looks to be on the way. This friendship with Liz and Franco really works and it would be a great storyline if he helps her rediscover her passion for painting/art. There is a potential fresh new pairing in the works with the hottest man on the show in the soulful likeable Griffin. I kinda like the idea of Nurse Webber and Dr. Munro being GH’s version of Derek and Meredith from Grey’s. I reallly think they are about to SORAS both Jake… Read more »
I’m THRILLED by this news! I was so sad and ready to leave GH even though I’ve watched it for 20 years. Becky IS Elizabeth Webber and Elizabeth Webber is GH. All that’s left is to make her a lead and give her all the front burner stories she can handle. That’s how you make GH a top soap!
LONG LIVE QUEEN ELIZABETH!