General Hospital
Roger Howarth Returns to General Hospital and Debuts His New Character
Thursday was a special day for longtime fans of General Hospital and those of fan favorite Roger Howarth. Today, Howarth returned in his new role on the ABC daytime drama series, who’s name is “Austin” and that viewers learn is a doctor, and that is all we know thus far.
General Hospital and Howarth previously noted that even though he was killed-off a few months ago as Franco Baldwin after he was shot in a struggle with Peter August (Wes Ramsey) that he would make his re-emergence on the canvas sometime in May.
Now with summer right around, Howarth is back. When we first see his new soap incarnation of “Austin”, he comes to the rescue of Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms), who has gone into labor and found her way into the woods to escape the clutches of evil Nurse Chloe (Kimberly J. Brown) and Peter’s machinations.
And … as she just so happens to need a doctor, lo and behold there is Austin in the woods from what appears to be a hike, who ultimately helps deliver Maxie’s baby girl. Trouble is, at the end of the episode, it appears that baby Louise might not be breathing.
In a summer preview for GH, in the brand new issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands this weekend, GH head writers, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor teased, “Roger’s new character has an interest in a prominent Port Charles family. He’ll shake up the canvas in surprising ways as summer unfolds.”
So, were you happy to see Roger back on GH today? Do you like that he is seemingly playing a doctor? Share your theories on his new character”Austin” via the comment section. But first check out, Howarth’s debut as Austin in the clips below.
WATCH: Maxie doesn’t have any choice but to accept help from the handsome stranger in the woods. #GH pic.twitter.com/brZjflYin9
— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) May 28, 2021
I don’t get the point of this at all. First he was Todd from Llanview. Then he became Franco from Fruitlandia, and now he’s Austin from the Woods and a dang doctor to boot. The only way this works for me is it becomes a longstanding gag. Kill him every two years and BAM, he’s somebody new altogether. Waiting on that to happen would deffo keep me tuning in just for that.
Maybe he comes back as Austin to take down Peter. It’s going to be confusing to the boys especially Cam
Nope, because the writers made it seem that Austin doesn’t look like Franco to anyone. Franco is gone for good and Austin is a brand new character with no resemblance to Franco. SUCKS!!! However, I’m glad Roger is back. I guess there won’t be anymore FRIZ.
BBWSTL
I have finally convinced myself that only the fans see any resemblance to Franco. Many actors have returned to a soap to play a different part, but usually after a few years, not weeks. The whole thing was totally stupid and uncalled for in my opinion. It looks to me as if it wasn’t only a bunch of viewers that didn’t like R.H’s part but also TPTB, for them to even consider doing this.
I agree! They should have made it at least where the people in Port Charles recognize the fact that he looked like someone they once knew.
Exactly! Could have been an amazing storyline. Now its just weird
I agree !! I love this show, but bringing him back so soon and not even mentioning his resemblance to Franco was, and everyday is, ridiculous. To have Scott and Franco’a wife not see that is just plain stupid writing.
You summed it up perfectly! I totally agree with you!
It would have been more believable if Maxie would have commented on how friggen much he looked like Franco!!! Has she gone blind???
Similar to how Hamilton Finn has never been mentioned as looking like Silas Clay nor John McBain before him, the switch with Howarth’s characters will be handled the same way.
Franco Baldwin bore no resemblance to Todd Manning.
The main difference this time is the extremely short window (less than 2 months) and the fact the previous character (Franco) is still part of an ongoing storyline. Silas was in the ground for many months before Finn came along, and the OLTL characters were never referred to again once they were forced to depart.
Maybe in flashback or photos, they’ll just pretend James Franco was the character all along.
But that was further apart. Franco hasn’t been dead that long
Is John McBain the name of Finn’s character when he was a vampire and Kelly Monaco was his girlfriend way back in the day? I don’t even remember what soap that was on.
John McBain was when he was a cop on One Life to Live.
Diana
You do bring up an interesting twist…
On “Port Charles”, Caleb Morley was the name the vampire went by. He was revealed to be Stephen Clay. The character occurred briefly on GH while Easton appeared as John McBain.
When Silas was brought on, he revealed himself to be Stephen’s brother (I think Lucy mistook Silas for Stephen and threatened him at Kelly’s if I recall).
So, while Silas resemblance to his brother was mentioned, there was nothing said that Silas looked like John or Finn.
That was Port Charles
Yes he was John McCain, OLTL.
No John McBain was on OLTL
And later came to GH when OLTL went off the air. Same with Todd and Star Manning. Micheal dated Star for a moment before the the actress became the first Kiki.
Port Charles
I thought the same thing. At least on other soaps they acknowledge it. But the resemblance doesnt seem to matter on GH at all.
Great point. I wish they would decide to make it more believable by having Austin be Francos long lost twin. Now that Maxie hasn’t recognized him that wouldn’t work I guess.
Perfect solution.
Yeah, but they explained it. With Franco and Silas they have no link between the two characters.
Totally agree. How could Maxie not comment that he looks exactly like Franco. I really thought that they were going to have Franco just play dead to trap Peter
Maxie was in labor…
my thoughts exactly — soon as she SAW him there should have been a mention or a look of confusion at least on Maxie’s face — i LOVE Roger but this is beyond stretching our disbelief
That is so true, I thought the same thing;
I totally agree. I was wondering why she didn’t say, you look just like someone I know. I thought maybe he didn’t die and would claim he was somewhere recuperating.
That’s the first thing I thought! Whenever a new character arrives that’s played by an old actor nobody ever says wow you look familiar!
I was thinking the same thing! I was waiting for Maxie to say, Are you Franco’s twin brother????
I agree! I really think it’s stupid when they bring back a character as someone else. I didn’t like him as Franco and I won’t like him in this roll it’s just too ridiculous!
It’s a soap opera a lot of people didn’t want Franko dead I’m happy he is back now waiting for Sonny to make it home. Don’t read in to it so much
I am happy the actor is back! I just don’t care who he is playing. He is darn good. A Soap is just another genre to escape for a bit. I hope he is related to the Quatermain’s and continues to be a good person.
I think he was great actor as being Franco I think it’s stupid to have him come back as a totally new character
I know. Exactly what I thought. Stupid story lines. You would think she would be shocked
Well they did the same with Michael Easton. He’s been 5 characters
those were my thoughts too, and today Elizabeth reacted the same way, give us a break here!
No one ever told Finn he looked like Silas either. That always bothered me. I mean, when Austin rolls into PC, Liz and Cameron have to feel as if they are seeing a ghost!
This isn’t any different from when Michael Easton came back to the show and made his debut as Finn…after having played Caleb Morley/Stephen Clay, John McBain and Silas Clay. The show knows that the fans aren’t “idiots” and they have faith that we have the capacity to understand the business at hand.
I love this. Ha Haaaa
Leave it alone altogether, it sounds like a bunch of jealous people who don’t know what they want ,or like for that matter!
I was laughing so hard when watching this new Roger with Maxie, but not when Louise wasn’t breathing…Donna
I’m with you Donna..when Austin picked up that blue cloth and put it on Louise, I had a frightful flashback to Roger’s portrayal of pre-tumor removal, Franco! Glad it didn’t play out that way.
I thought he was probably an angel.
Believe me, there are no angels that look like Frodd!
Awesome idea, Roger Howarth FOREVER! Hey GH, run a poll and let the viewers vote what career path we want him to follow.
Roger by far the best actor of soaps. Love that guy
AGREE
nobody seems to recognize him, so he will be easily accepted as Austin. Franco really is dead/done – I think.
Is this all a DREAM???? Who remembers Dallas?????
Can’t be….
Dallas only threw away one season on the “dream” scenario. For GH to save itself, they would have to pretend like all of Port Charles has been asleep since February 2012. That’s one HELL of a long nap.
EXACTLY WHAT THE HECK KINDA OF CONTRACT DOES THAT ACTOR HAVE WITH ABC? Ridiculous! There are plenty of other good actors!
Not Todd and not Frodd. That’s an improvement already.
As to who he IS…. well, what are the odds that a doctor just happens to be hiking through the woods right when Maxie goes into labor (shirtless in May, no less??)
So let’s hope he’s not also on the Whiny Heiny payroll, like the fake nurse is. Though it doesn’t seem logical that Frank Valentini would sabotage the latest incarnation of his pet by immediately tying him to the most hated man in Port Charles (who will be in Hell within a matter of days, given this flash forward scene with the stairs). Based on that, it looks like Austin might be a doctor for real…. and you can bet your soul he’s about to get a job at GH.
Haven’t mentioned his last name yet, but doesn’t “Austin” sound like a name that somebody might give their kid if they were from Texas? And wasn’t Jimmy Lee Holt from Texas?? I’m sticking with my prediction that this new character will be a long lost Quartermaine cousin from that branch of the family tree.
So Dr. Austin Holt, maybe??
Satan…speaking of shirtless, it looks like Roger has been working out. He sure never showed that side of himself as Franco. Also I can’t help but feel there is some fantasy going on since Maxie escaped into the woods. Something otherworldly, not real.
Admittedly I haven’t paid much attention to whether or not he’s fully clothed in all of his characters, but it’s my understanding from reading sites like this one, that Roger has a few tattoos on him, one of which includes his real life wife’s name. Now that could be problematic if two or more characters who aren’t supposed to be related turn up with the same ink. And a whole other problem if that ink has the name of somebody the character shouldn’t know. Maybe that’s why he wouldn’t show “that side” of himself before??
With the presumably clean slate of a new character, you could always write the tattoo with the name in it as part of the character’s back story. And should they decide to pair him up with anybody in Port Charles, the back story could always include the wife’s tragic death. Why not? they wrote two of Michael Easton’s characters with dead wives. Or at least one dead wife and one long term comatose vegetable…. until they decided to wake her up and turn her into Nina.
rose
Sorry, he looks the same to me, then again I thought he looked ok before. He’s still kind of pale skin, not as tan as you’d think someone would be hanging out with Mother Nature and the bears, which he acts like he’s been doing for a while. Can’t wait to see where this leads.
Satan
Right again. Tell us that don’t know the Holts who they were/are. How did Austin find Scotty? They act like they already knew each other. How ironic for Scott to be representing Austin.
Why??? This was the perfect chance to bring him back as Todd.
Hola… it crossed my mind… what an opportune time to see “Franco” return to the fold…. wait for it
Ms. Kelly Sullivan : ex Connie.
I want Franco back for the boys especially Cam
I was having a fit because Roger wasn’t back I was ready after all these years to kick gh to the curb the only thing I wouldn’t like is if there’s no connection from him to Elizabeth they always seem to take her man but I’ll take Roger any way I can have him!!!
I agree I’ll take Roger any way I can see him!
He should have been left with Liz and the kids it’s rare these days to see relationships last
Really sad they ruined the BEST relationship (Franco/Liz) and family in soaps for this!
I agree…the writers should be fired. The writer brought Franco back as Dr Austin now let him expose Peter. Now Cam will have it really bad.
I agree.. Liz and Franco and family were pretty darn special.. guess GH is only partial to gangsters and not ifamilies.
Exactly, I don’t get it. I am getting closer every day to quit watching GH, and I have been watching since I was 9! I am now 52.
I couldn’t stand Franco and Liz glad they ended it
Judy,
I thought I was the only one who felt that way! They need to do a better job of matching couples up. Also so happy that Finn ( who should have stayed John McBain on GH) & Anna broke up, that was a terrible match.
I agree Franco/Liz Made the Perfect couple Couple and turned it in two a family. I think bringing him back as a doctor in the woods is crazy
You know there are many kinds of doctors and maybe he isn’t the obvious kind. Maybe he’s a tree doctor, ha, or a veterinarian, etc,etc.
Agreed. Roger’s one of those actors who can create smoldering chemistry with a freaking brick. He’s always a favorite of mine. I was so excited when he was brought on as Todd Manning. But, I understand that behind the scenes there was ownership conflict between GH/OLTL with the characters. That’s why OLTL actors and their characters were pulled. I think only two returned as different characters. I thought GH writers totally screwed up bringing RH back as Franco. That character is so identified with James Franco as the originator. That’s why I feel our RH should have been allowed to create his own character.
Thank god he’s no longer Franco!
Based on the writers comments, could it be the Q mansion is getting yet another resident? Monica is certainly generous with her house that Alan gave her (because he was an idiot).
One of my favorite Edward & Lila moments had him complaining about “the interlopers and hangers on” that stayed in the mansion. Sweet Lila replied “but Edward I love the interlopers and hangers on”.
It is a bit off-putting how soon they introduced a new character (whose resemblance to two former characters will likely never be mentioned). So for Howarth and Easton, they both have at least Three Lives to Live.
Steve, thanks for that reminder of Lila and Edward moment as well as your other humorous musings.
We once were subjected to a head writer that for the life of him, couldn’t help but kill off members of core families (specfically, the Quartermaines). Now we have head writers that can’t help but introducing new characters that have no familial connections to anyone.
Or even worse, they have familial connections that make no sense at all. As in Chase being the son of Jackie Templeton… who hadn’t been heard of since 1982, and really didn’t need to be heard of again. Let alone the ridiculous idea that Valentini’s other pet is now supposed to be his “father”. Though it’s obvious that Cyrus the Virus had that paternity test rigged (another one of those plot points that seems to have been left out there, unresolved, for months at a time)
You don’t know who he does and does not have connections to… Good Lord, he’s only been on one day! I’m excited to have Roger back on my screen without him being a serial murderer or a rapist. That’s a win in my book!
This just gets nuttier and nuttier. I can almost write this myself. I knew Nina will fall for’Mike’ aka Sonny..jason and Britt got close..”Brook Lynn up to her eye balls
On and on. I only continue to watch is it’s mindless brain fodder to watch before going to sleep.
I have three days of GH stored up to watch this weekend, so I’m excited to see what will/has happen. Glad Roger is back. Not so glad he isn’t Franco ~ I was hoping against the odds, I guess. Now I’m really sad for the Baldwin family. I thought Elizabeth might get a happy reprise. I figure Austin is going to be a Quartermaine. OR, did Heather give birth to triplets and he’s Franco’s brother? Whatever, I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes.
Oh, I have another wild theory! Austin’s a doctor from Nixon Falls who is persuaded to move to Port Charles when it’s discovered that he is a Q or Baldwin. He won’t leave the small town until the clinic is stable and only if Phyllis, his highly values co-worker, (and Lenny) agree to go with him. Nina decides she’s finished her “business” in Nixon Falls and returns to PC. “Mike” gets Sonny’s memories back and decides he can run the small town of NF in a more peaceful fashion and decides to stay there; letting his family continue to think he’s dead. Nina agrees to keep his secret and we all live happily ever after.
Rodd – love your “Mike” theory. If we could only have nice things like that. The characters in PC are so much more vibrant with Sonny out of the picture. Jason (and Britt) are can’t miss soapiness. Heck, Carly as mob queen is interesting to watch.
If Phyllis (and Lenny) move to PC, one of them has to be related to Jordan. On the show for 9 years, we have no idea what Jordan’s maiden name is nor know anything about her upbringing prior to meeting the Ashfords. For whimsy’s sake, I’ve decided her maiden name is Simpson, which means she had two Ashford & Simpson marriages (neither one of which was Solid as a Rock).
Love your remark about Ashford and Simpson. Solid as a Rock was one of my favorite songs by them. Thank you for the reference and the memory!
Steve, loved your comment. I did read somewhere that Phyllis is possibly related to Portia.
Love it!
Steve
Hi, did not understand the Simpson reference but so glad it was cleared up. I thought that you meant O.J.
He could be Rick Webber’s son since you guys made Jason a twin and we know Susan Moore only had one kid. Please stop saying Peter killed Franco, they fought over that gun so he could have shot himself. So much nutty stuff that could make better story lines.So much unfinished story lines.
Are the characters on-screen just not going to address the fact that Austin looks EXACTLY like Franco mere months after his supposed death, while his murderer is still running around a free man? This is lunacy.
At least when Michael Easton kept returning as new characters, it was addressed that Silas looked exactly like John McBain, and Finn looks exactly like Silas. Characters didn’t just glance over this with nary a comment.
Hey Jimmy
The visual similarities between Easton’s characters were not addressed. Once John McBain (and Todd & Starr) was forced off the show, they were not mentioned again. And Kiki worked at the hospital with Finn yet never mentioned how much he and her father resembled each other.
Maybe, just maybe it has to do with the memory transfers?? Jason did start out following in his parents footsteps as being a doctor!? Maybe he will be coming back with Young Jason’s memories? Dr Albright definitely has a hand in this situation if so. Or… Maybe there was triplets! I agree, this is getting a little too weird!
“Young Jason” didn’t have his memories stored on a flash drive. He had them knocked out of his head by his drunken idiot brother.
I think they’re done with the brain mapping nonsense… unless Drew Cain comes back one day, and decides he wants his own life back.
Satan
Per your last sentence, one can only hope. By the way, did that nurse make it to your gates o.k? That sure seemed like that’s where she was headed.
Yeah… she fell down that hole… and kept going!
let’s say; it’s Roger Howarth time to “earn” his keep. he developed’ NOTHING as Franco. WASTED YEARS gone by… at our expense. generated no ratings. his fan base is OLTL leftover. STAR dropped eon ago…. hey
give Michael Easton a hug… how does he manage to belong
I was curious as everyone I’m not sure why they insist on having a actor that they like and keep killing them off it’s like nine lives of a cat I read up on the soap but no I don’t watch anymore not sure why they keep playing musical chairs with him and the actor Michael Easton ?
Yes i am glad he is back. I just want maxie to get away from that nurse.
I was confused. Did Maxie not think he looked like Franco?? Weird.
I was confused did Maxie not notice he looked like Franco?? #weird
First I thought Austin was In Maxi’s imagination, everything was so cut and dried so to speak, even the umbilical cord, did she use her teeth? The whole thing was ridiculous. It says he has ties to a prominent family, the Q’s are the first to come to mind. Austin will probably wind up at GH and meet up with Elizabeth. Do you think she’ll notice the Franco look-a-like sans the scruffy look, Maxi didn’t blink an eye.
Ever since Sam gave birth to Scout without taking off her pants, I’ve given up on the show making childbirth anything close to reality. As Austin was hiking, maybe he had a pocketknife?
They rarely show umbilical cords being cut on TV unless it’s a prime time hospital show with a big effects budget. But most hikers carry knives with them for any number of reasons, and a hiker who is also a doctor would probably have a decent “first aid kit” with him.
It does seem unlikely that nobody would notice his resemblance to Frodd, but maybe that’s a good sign that they’re trying to put that ridiculous character in the past completely. Once his murderer, Whiny Heiny, is in Hell where he belongs (which will be soon, by all indications) there’s not really any story left to be told about a twice-dead serial killer with 666 failed “redemption” stories.
These writers are the worse I just hope someone sees this real soon.they are losing viewers everyday.i would have liked it if somehow they brought him back as Franco.this storyline is ridiculous.
Not losing me. Been watching since 1969, when our son was born.
I don’t know what to make of this yet, its bizarre that they are going in the direction of EVERYONE pretending he doesn’t look like Franco, but I’m jumping the gun here cause I don’t really know how they (GH) is going to play this out. Its hard to imagine why they got rid of Franco and all that history if the rumors are true that the show had to get rid of the character because of his past(serial killer) and couldn’t bring in Todd for his past too(rapist), appearantly Disney put their foot down, surely the show isn’t gonna come right out and say it, but does anyone have a better explanation on why they got rid of Franco the character? The show got some explaining to do, I’m sure there’s a lot of viewers who don’t get on the internet and are just really confuse by the switcheroo. And most importantly where does this leave poor Elisabeth? we can forget Jason, he’s going through a midlife crisis and getting it on with the Hot Britch. seeing horny Jason was gross, this show has a bunch of couple all mixed up, Sonny is all horny and looking like he will need a viagra with Nina(how cute best friend Sonny and Jason are getting it on with the Crazy cousins) Sam is looking all thirsty at Dante, and Michael has been paired with Willow, I don’t get how two hot looking people can be so boring together, get her back with Chase. But back to Roger Howarth new row, I saw on Instagram somebody refer to his new character as Todd Franco Austin, lol, now that was funny and perfect the Todd camp and Franco Camp can dream he’s now both and now Austin too. So here’s to Todd Franco Austin, welcome also three to GH.
I love that Howarth is back and playing a doctor. So glad he was there to help Maxie and her baby. But, please bring Sonny back home to his family.
I will take RH any character they write for him….Todd and Franco were bad guys who were redeemed. Maybe they want to give this new character a clean slate who knows I don’t know I’m not a writer of soaps…. Just glad he’s back… I think it’ll be fun to see what they have in store for him….
No! I wished they would have left his character of Franco alone. Do not understand why they did this.
I hate that they took a good story line with Elizabeth and the boys then tossed it away.
Some i know quit watching.
I am confused as to why they did that? Were the writers tired of Franko? Did Roger not want to play franko?
What is the point.
I’ll take RH anyway I can get him as Todd Franco whoever…. He’s been a favorite of mine since I used to watch one Life to live… This new character has a clean slate so who knows what will happen but I’m excited to see what that is call Roger!
Why doesnt Maxie recognized that the dr looks like Franco? ( confused)
I think Dr. Austin ????? Will be the new chief of staff at G.H.
I’m glad he’s back he will always be Todd to me great actor.
Maxie talked too much its sounded fake. Roger I’m happy to see.
I want Franco back from the dead everyone comes back back from being dead why not Franco plus hecut his hair to shórt . Or you could of brought him back back as Todd . Don’t care for his part now . Still love him though always every since One Life to live he’ll be Todd to me always .
We want Franco back
Not everybody does. I grew to tolerate Franco (mainly because Peter took his place as the main character that shouldn’t be on the show).
As Franco, Roger had great chemistry with the characters around him (Elizabeth, Cam, Scotty, Liesl).
I was surprised they killed off Franco, but appreciate Roger’s talent. Despite the decision not to mention his resemblance to Franco, I’m actually intrigued by how Austin will fit in.
I am going to trust the writers with this new character Austin. I like the look and fact that Howarth is playing a doctor. Hoping he is a good guy. Looking forward to more story line coming. To those upset with this new character Austin in looking like Franco, wake up people in real life have look alikes. Get over it.
Bring back Franco and bring back Sonny. Sonny been gone way too long what up with the writers
I’m so glad Roger is back. But I loved him since Todd. Now he and Maxie are back, Hmmmmmmmm. Can’t remember them together on One Life to Live, but I’m glad they are match. Thank you General Hospital.
I like that Franco is back period. I hated that he was killed off. Maybe he’s a twin after all, to take revenge on Peter, that would be great.
To me, he will always be Todd
Just glad Roger is back. Was that Peter’s hired helicopter shining down on Maxie or did Austin have a real impressive Mag light..lol
I love having RH back and will wait to see how this plays out. Just have another ? –What has happened to Jackie and Finn’s (Chase’s ?) father. With Chase,so ill why are they AWOL? Also re: Sonny. Is the Nixon Falls PD so backward it never occured,to them to take,Mike’s prints to see if he is in a national criminal registry to identify this stranger with no memory or last name.makes no sense, especially since he has been on their radar since he washed up there.Too fsr fetched even for a soap opera. But I still love the show. Nothing against Michael, but I Want Chase back with Willow. Just hope they dont kill off Chase to resolve this.
I know budgets are tight, but unless Kim Delaney and Gregory Harrison were off shooting other projects, Jackie and Gregory’s lack of screen time this past month has been glaring.
That said, if the choice was then or having most of the Scorpio family at Sean’s memorial, I’ll go with the latter.
I want Franco back with Luz and Sonny back with Carly. If you were going to bring back Roger Howarth you had no reason to kill his character off. Not like you were losing viewers because he played Franco. Bring Franco back and bring Sonny back.
I love Jason and Brit togeather YEs
JoAnn
I wondered about that too. This has gotten so coo-coo, I expected to see the three Wise Men.
Violet–
Roger/Austin is Not a doctor-
It’s a bluff introduction.
Roger, will be someone but not a doctor..
That’s totally my take; time will tell.
I will be right or wrong lol
SuOOO
I was thinking that he might be from Dr. Steve Hardy’s family, who you probably don’t know as he was one of the original characters.
Not likely to be a member of the Hardy family, since Elizabeth didn’t recognize him. One would think she would have known one of her own relatives. It’s not like his face was mangled, as it was when she had a similar scene back in 2014 when a badly injured “Jason” (actually Drew) was brought into the hospital.
Satan
Hi there. I posted my idea before Austin was brought into GH, of course you are right, but then again she didn’t recognize her own husband did she? Ha,ha, just being silly. Has Petey arrived yet? And why hasn’t the idiot Finn even questioned the idea that Peter was faking throwing the vial away or that it could still be on him or in his suitcase, etc? One more thing is hearing Peeta, Peeta, Peeta, it’s driving me nuts!
Ridiculous bringing back person that just died.
Bring sonny back expose nina she gets on my nerves real bad, trying to get back at carly.when nina said I’m going home did she mean PC she’s scared sonny needs to remember who he is and for somebody tell him the name he is going is by belongs to his father mike. Portia should be ashamed going after the commissner exs while all the time she’s feeling her out if the commissner is still in love with her ex. Cyrus should die just like peter should but before chase gets the cure he needs .michael and willow should stop playing cat and mice and come out the closet. When is nina going to discover that willow is her daughter never heard how willow became the daughter of the fool that was with shiloh.
Ridiculous bring back person that just died recently
Yes!!!! Looking forward to him shaking up the landscape. -0- unredeemable past! Great actor. Excited to meet the new character.
I don’t like this at all, it’s ridiculous to bring him back as someone else, it so confusing. Franco was a good character and he was good with Elizabeth
I’m just so happy to see Roger back before I stopped watching gh I’ve been watching since it began!
So glad to see Roger Howarth on my screen and curious to see where this goes. Let’s give the story a chance, people!
I don’t really care who Roger Howarth becomes, I’m just happy he is back. Maybe this time he’ll be around forever. He is a very accomplished actor. Even though Austin may have doubts regarding Maxie’s agitation and peril. His expertise and humor shows through. ‘Thank you GH/Roger for introducing us to a new, appealing character.
I see heather paying a visit soon and she will then confess just like her cousin Susan she also had twin(it runs in the family) and this Austin guy will be Franco’s twin. There you have it, and his full name is Todd Franco Austin.
I never accepted him as Franco. It doesn’t work when they bring the same actor back as someone else. I guess uses they were a twin, but they would have to look similar. He did not work as Franco.
I’m so glad Franco is gone because Friz sucks lol but RH is back as a new character Austin Holt Jimmy Lee Holts son which means he’s a Quartermaine according to the rumor mill and he’s playing another cousin of Jason and Drews since Franco is their maternal cousin.
It’s a “rumor mill” now?
That theory started right here on this board. And it came directly from this Devil.
Wrong they originated from several sources at the GH studio.
Hope you didn’t read that over at soapcentral.com That site has been stealing my material for years, after their authoritarian mods on the Di$ney payroll banned me from their site because I dared to criticize the Valentini/Carlivati regime when they attempted to turn GH into OLTL in 2012.
Nobody was saying that before me. You can bet your soul on it.
Its so weird and unbelievable to see Howarth play someone other than Franco in GH. Maxie seems to have forgotten Franco ever existed since Austin has the same face of Franco & she dosen’t see the resemblance. Its going to take a while for me and I’m sure others to get used to him as Austin and not Franco. What were the writers thinking?
No way—
Roger/“Austin” is Not a doctor–
There is something else going on, but no way will he be a doctor..
I’ll be disappointed if he would be a doctor–
but, naww he’s not a doctor.
it’s a fake/bluff introduction..
I’m glad that Franco isn’t there anymore but RH is now a new character Austin Holt Jimmy Lee Holts son which means he’s a Quartermaine according to several sources and he’s Jason and Drews paternal cousin just like Franco was their maternal cousin plus Friz sucked.
YELL YELL YOU KEEP BRING HIM BACK AS A DIFFERENT PERSON! OK!! BUT WHAT ABOUT SONNY CORINTHOS WHEN ARE YOU ALL BRINGING HIM BACK? I WILL STOP WATCHING GENERAL HOSPITAL!, AND THEN YOU LETTING NINA GET AWAY WITH TO MUCH! BEING SONNY HOME TO HIS FAMILY AND BACK RIGHT ON GENERAL HOSPITAL! WE BEEN WAITING ON YOU ALL TO ALL BRING SONNY HOME CARLY NEEDS HER HUSBAND HOME YOU ALL ARE MASSING UP GENERAL HOSPITAL LIL. DO YOU ALL KNOW ” AND I’M GLADE YOU ALL PUT MY JASON WITH DR. BRITT WESTBOURNE BEAUTIFUL COUPLE! SO PLEASE BRING SONNY HOME PLEASE!
It was revealed that cousins Susan and Heather gave birth at the same time at a clinic in New York, Susan had twins, Jason went to the Quartermanes and nurse Betsy took Andrew. Maybe Heather also had twins, nurse Betsy took Franco and a rich family took her other son Austin to replace their baby that was stillborn. Jason and Austin are cousins and will get along. Jason was headed to be a doctor before the car accident, Austin did become a doctor. Of course he will get a job at GH and meet Elizabeth. And Finn, just because it’s awesome watching them all work together
Love to see Roger back on GH, missed him. Love all the characters he played. He’s an outstanding actor. Welcome Roger back. Can’t wait what ur new storyline going to bring exciting.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer.
Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.
As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.
Photo: ABC
A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY
Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.
Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.
Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.
Courtesy/ABC
WSB WAR SCARS
Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.
In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.
Courtesy/ABC
Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”
So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
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