General Hospital
Robert Palmer Watkins & Risa Dorken Preview The GH Nurses’ Ball 2017: Watch The Interview!
Courtesy/ABC
Those those red carpet arrivals, those touching and funny musical performances, those umbrella drama storylines – all are signatures of General Hospital’s annual Nurses’ Ball episodes, and those wardrobe malfunctions of Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring).
Each year, GH takes a break from the usual storytelling by bringing all elements together into the ‘ball’. What is on the docket this year? Well, we know their will be songs originally performed and written by the late David Bowie and George Michael, and one by Billy Joel. We know Kimberly McCullough will be in the house as Robin (the ball started because of Robin’s storyline with Stone when he died of AIDS and then she contracted HIV), and we know Michelle Stafford and Extra’s Mario Lopez will be on the red carpet as Nina Clay Cassadine, and Lopez as “himself”.
To get even more insight into what may go down as the episodes begin to unravel today, On-Air On-Soaps Michael Fairman caught up very early in the morning with two of the singing sensations who will be performing in musical numbers in the ball: Robert Palmer Watkins (Dillon) and Risa Dorken (Amy) during a satellite media tour promoting the annual GH on-air event.
While the duo could not spoil too much for the audience, they did give us some intel on what to watch for and more!
Now after the jump, check out our GH Nurses’ Ball preview interview with the two of the brightest stars on the soaps these days… Robert and Risa. Then let us know what you are looking forward to this week on GH, and if you are excited to see Robert and Risa’s musical numbers in the comment section below!
RPW has really flourished on this show. For long time viewers who fondly remember a young Scott Clifton’s take on Dillon, it was tough at first. RPW’s Dillon is sweet and caring. He’s brought out the best in both Haley Erin and the Kiki character, plus held his own in scenes with Jane Elliott. I wish they’d show more of his emotional side. We never really got to feel Dillon’s recovery from learning Paul was a serial killer.
Risa is a fine actress. Unfortunately, the character of Amy is not needed on the show. Perhaps if they made her one of Lucy’s daughters, that would have been better.
I agree with what you said about RPW. As much as I think the character is somewhat Tuesday and Wednesday “filler,” I think the actor does a good job and did well in scenes with Jane. As far as Haley Erin is concerned, I can’t stand behind her as an actress. I’ve always disliked the character, Kiki Jerome, back when Kristen Alderson played her, and since then, the character has never grown on me. I had to laugh, when Dillon surprised Kiki with a spa package for all of her hard work passing the nursing program. Please. The character has never had a real job, and this is the first time that she’s ever done anything of value. Mind you, she finished the program in lightening speed, haha.
While I think the actress who plays Amy is a good actress, the character just annoys most viewers, and again, is “filler,” IMO.
Completely agree! When Hayley debuted as Kiki…she was awful!! Butbremember….it takes VERY VERY talented actors to sell the crsp material that Ron C. Was writing at the time! Now that most of tje characters are behaving and talking like real people again…and not cartoons….it is much easier for actors to sell the material! And…regarding Amy……WHY was she not made the daughter of long time nurse Amy Vining?? That would have endeared her to fans AND made her a legacy character!!
We’re not sure Amy Vining ever had sex. In the 20 years she was on the show, I think she had one boyfriend. Of course, that could’ve changed when she disappeared without notice from Port Chuck.
It was touching that she was remembered when they revived the NB a few years ago.
I loved Scott as Dillon. He is not available for a good reason. He is a B&B superstar! So we get Robert. He has grown on me. He is finding his way and seems like a cool dude.
Amy Vinning was a legendary character and the actress met a unfortunate early death. I would have left the name “Amy” alone. BUT, we have Amy Driscoll. I dont like the character. I thought Paul should have killed her off. But she is here and they are trying to tie her to other characters now. Whatever. The actress was on Facebook answering questions with Robert and seems a fan of the show. Where the hell is Lucas?
Agreed. Risa is a good actress and plays the character well, in terms of, playing her as an annoying busy body. However, the back story of how Amy and Maxie went to high school together and Maxie was a “mean girl” and a cheerleader…WHO CARES?!?!?!?! It’s not relevant to viewers since it’s a backstory attempt at a current storyline.
I was wondering about Lucas, too.
Apparently, this backstory is a lame attempt to create justification for Nurse Amy’s obvious desire to jump Nathan’s frame.
The back story is a rewrite of history. Maxie was never popular or a cheerleader in high school. How could she with her heart problem. Maxie was there. She was dealing with her and abandonment issues and got mixed up with Kyle who ended up making a sex tape of them and posting it on the internet. The writers are once again rewriting history to make a charcter they created and we can’t stand and shoving her down our throats. Maxie is a legacy character and a character many fans love. Don’t rewrite a long time characters history for the sake of a new character that’s has been on a little over a year.
The subplot featuring Nathan and Amy is just filler until Maxie returns. They are going to pay RP anyway, so they need to give him something to do other than arrest people & listen to Nina complain.
I find the red carpet scene laughingly bad..Mario Lopez interviewing the locals like Sam and Jason and others like they are well known celebs is such a joke…and as for the nurses dance numbers-hope none of them appear on Dancing With The Stars!!!
Jimh, and Nina’s awkwardness made me feel awkward watching the show! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I was rolling my eyes during Mario’s interview with Monotone Sam and Jason. Sam is exhausted having a newborn and toddler at home. Really? She doesn’t work and is the most useless P.I. So, what else does she do, besides talk in a monotone and put me to sleep?
Paging Britt and Brad….STAT! Your presence is required on the red carpet for your clever and scintillating takes on all things NB…
The actress who plays nurse Amy is very good but don’t like the Amy character. I hope Maxie returns to claim her man as Amy is on the prowl.
Exactly, Linda…like I’ve said before, I smell a “Fatal Attraction” storyline for this nosy nursey…There has always been something really unsettling and weird about this character!
Amy probably has an apartment with a secret room hidden behind a closet…inside is a metal human size cage she ordered from Amazon…she will drug Nathan and keep him prisoner in it…she will have him shirtless and dressed with a leopard cloth Tarzan-like outfit…lol
I wish Ellie Trout was still on the show. without Spinelli.
I don’t know, what nurses ball… Ellie and Nathan “dated” to make Spinelli and Maxie jealous. but it worked, for me
I saw a natural and at ease couple who are potential. Nathan West… dreamboat that he is… sparked.. with Ellie.
Adorable interview! I liked Robert Palmer as Dillon immediately…I love his style…whether as himself or as in character he’s just a “natural.” He doesn’t seem put on…he’s got an easy, cool, relaxed, friendly style both on and off screen and (for me) fit effortlessly into the role (even though I, too, liked Scott Clifton “back in the day.”)
Risa Dorken is so cute! Not sure what her background is but I can see her in musical theatre. I already see her in the role of Tracy Turnblad in another revival of HAIRSPRAY. She’s got such an exuberance..she sings/dances…has the cutest voice…and so pretty! I’d hate to see her turn into a Nathan “stalker”, LOL, though I do think they could incorporate her more into the story…find her a cute up ‘n’ coming doctor. (They seem to have dropped, surprise! the story that she had a crush on Dillon since high school and was hoping to have something with him when she found out they’d be working together at the Ball). After all her crushes it’d be nice if they have a sweet new couple. I do think as someone suggested they should have made her the daughter of Amy Vining…then she’d be connected and embraced.
oh…and Robert Palmer Watkins…if I were still at the age of putting posters on my wall of “hot” dudes…he’d be right up there! 🙂
Love RPW and Killon. As for Amy she needs to stay far away from Nathan, Maxie, and Naxie. She needs to go after a guy who isn’t marry.
Theirs were my two favorite performances at the Nurses’ Ball. His number with Kiki was all right, but the number did not suit them as well as last year’s, due to his considerable adorableness with Erin, and the Nurses’ Ball opening and closing numbers with Rita were awesome along wth Robin’s video.
amy and Nathan , are the best ,,they were marvelous ,, the ,, scene that they did to do their act , meeting and getting to make their scene ,, on general hospital , I have watched general hospital ,for years they performed,, they finally found ,,the best ,, scene ,,, thank you , for the best ,,
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
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WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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