General Hospital
Ron Carlivati Interview – General Hospital – Paley Center For Media
General Hospital head writer, Ron Carlivati spoke with Michael Fairman at the Paley Center For Media in Beverly Hills GH 50th celebration about crafting the shows 50th anniversary episode, bringing back all-time favorites and The Nurses’ Ball. In addition, Carlivati gives a tease and some insight into the complex returns of Michael Easton, Kristen Alderson and Roger Howarth. Plus, the story behind resurrecting Stavros Cassadine, and ushering in the new Lulu!
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
General Hospital
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
With the Melrose Place revival the talk of the town, now Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, GH, ex-Nick, B&B and ex-Peter Burns, MP) has weighed-in on it and if he would show up in the new series if it should find a home.
Currently, CBS Studios is developing a reboot starring Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton. But what is Dr. Peter Burns were to show up alive?
As those who saw the end of the original MP know, Peter and Amanda (Locklear) faked their deaths and then tied the knot with Peter on a beach, supposedly in a “happily ever after” scenario.
Photo: Fox
Speaking with PEOPLE, Wagner expressed, what we all know who watch the soaps, that no one is never, ever really gone for good. Jack expressed, “You never really die on a soap, right? How they unfold those two characters (Peter and Amanda), it’d be fantastic how they sort of tell that story.”
Wagner added, “That was a great finale to be included in, especially with Heather. If I’m asked to come back, I’d absolutely entertain that.”
Photo: Fox
The original Melrose Place aired for seven seasons from 1992 to 1999. The story featured the residents of an apartment complex, whose lives were intertwined. Eventually Wagner and Heather Locklear dated fro 2007-2011.
As previously reported, the new Melrose Place share that some of original neighbors and friends reunite after a death. The loglines add, “The pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”
So, would you like to see Jack Wagner return as Dr. Peter Burns on Melrose Place, or Frisco Jones on GH, or both? Comment below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Have Their Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
On General Hospital, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) both were treated to Bachelorette and Bachelor parties to shake off any of those pre-wedding jitters. At The Savoy, the ladies have a touching and fun time with Brook Lynn.
The bride-to-be gives a speech to thank everyone for coming, while Lois lets everyone know to try the signature cocktail the “Brooklynn Chaser”, which gets everybody eventually and mostly, drunk.
When Tracy (Jane Elliot) questions Lois (Rena Sofer) as to why there is no music for the party, Lois realizes she forgot, and somehow, who does she call to the rescue? Spinelli (Bradford Anderson)! Saving the day, he winds up playing some tunes and later gets on the dance floor to ‘shake it off’ with the gals.
Photo: ABC
Lois makes a speech as the mother of the bride, and shares how proud she is of the woman Brook Lynn has become. Wedding games begin, including one of “hot potato” with a wedding bouquet.
When it’s time for the “Silly Poses” section of the party, Spinelli has now morphed from DJ to staff photographer taking memorable photos of the ladies to remember the evening by.
Photo: ABC
The best part of the event, was when Brook Lynn tries to get her grandmother Tracy out on the dance floor, which, at first, she refuses. After several of the guests bust a move, a tipsy Tracy joins the dance party after Joss mentions that if her grandmother Bobbie was here, she would dance. Tracy says “she agrees” and begins to cut a rug on the floor, much to the delight of the other women.
Photo: ABC
In the final moments, a tipsy Joss and Kristina (Kate Mansi) have a confrontation about Sonny, and Joss lets Kristina in more on Sonny’s behavior, which looks to have clued in Kristina a bit more as to how something is way off about her dad.
Photo: ABC
Across town at the Hatchett Bar, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and the men with the exception of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), all attend Chase’s Bachelor Party where throwing hatchets into a dart board for supremacy is the order of the day. Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ned (Wally Kurth) get into some words over ELQ, while Dante makes a toast to his police partner, Chase.
Photo: ABC
Suddenly Dex (Evan Hofer) shows up. Chase thanks Dex for coming, but Dex gets some dirty looks from other cops on the force. Dante gives Chase his present, which is a signed baseball by the Boston Red Sox.
Ned (Wally Kurth) makes a speech that although no one is good enough for his daughter, Brook Lynn, Chase has come closer than anyone has, so welcome to the family. Running in at the end is Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez), who just left Brook Lynn’s party, and she toasts her singing partner, Chase, and to the great man that he is.
Photo: ABC
What did you think of Brook Lynn and Chase’s pre-wedding celebrations? What was your favorite moment? Comment below.
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
‘Tracker’s’ Justin Hartley on His ‘Passions’ Soap Start, “They’d Have Me With No Shirt Walking Around a Hospital for Three Weeks. It Was Ridiculous, but I Loved It.”
The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
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Days Of Our LivesApril 17, 2024DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
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Breaking NewsApril 17, 202451st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
awesome interview michael!
i agree!
I am totally in love with Gh and cannot wait until he next episode everyday.This show is on fire.
Same thoughts here!
Sorry. His “moment” was a joke to me. And the “Big 3”? Seriously? Guess I don’t share Mr. Fairman’s admiration for this writing team.
I agree, why are they the Big 3?? Who cares if they are there or not/
Big 3? Apparently he means the Big 3 who are gonna hog up all the airtime from the GH actors when they get back? FV/RC fought tooth and nail to get back ME, RH and KA but they didn’t bother to fight to keep Burton. The pets are back.
Big 3 as in the ones Prospect Park is citing in suing GH and ABC for damages, I guess.
Wow. Meow. You may not like them, but a lot of people do. If they weren’t popular, there wouldn’t have been a brouhaha about them or the characters roiling and boiling for the past three months.
The denial, it burns…
Popular? You don’t know that. You know that for a fact? There was a big brouhaha because they are FV’s pets and he likes writing for them, not the GH actors. HA Steve Burton was way more popular than these three clowns so why wasn’t there a fight to keep him? They wanted him out that’s why.
They r suing for the charaters they played…not exactly for the actors! And if pp wants any of these actors…they could keep the characters off the canvas until the actors are avaiable…thats if they want to return to OLTL.
Loved the interview… thank you Michael!!! Loving Ron’s loyalty to GH and that he is a true fan! He sounds like he is having fun!!! He’s doing a great job! Thanks Ron!!!
The big 3? As if those transplants the starts of the show. Disgusted to hear anybody refer to them as the big 3!
Sorry you feel that way…..is it that time of the month? Maybe you should watch something else.
Nasty.
Sorry you’re such a b! tch! I guess I can’t have an opinion of my own with out you making a time of the month comment. I watch for the big 15, You know the actual GH stars, same as 90% of the audience and I’ll continue to enjoy them just fine despite the little 3.
Pay no attention to negative replies like Judys…i may not agree with your reply but i wouldnt include a tasteless remark just because you dislike something and i disagree unless they say it first…
You can’t make everyone happy. *rolls eyes*
Kudos to RC and FV for doing a fantastic job.
If Mr. Fairman were ever to interview Mr. Valentini, could he inquire as to whether there is ever manipulation of posts and likes on Facebook? There have been anecdotal reports of deleting posts and buying likes to support storylines. I wonder if Mr. Valentini has any comment on this.
Yes!! My post about Sabrina have been deleted on facebook. I totally believe they manipulate facebook posts in favor of storylines or characters (sabrina) they like. Also some of the post on facebook about Sabrina, when you click on some of the ppl making these post, their fb page has no information and was just made.
thanks Michael for the interview. the 50th Anniversary episode was the best! I love love GH now. Don’t want to miss even one day
Kelly Monaco fans are not happy. Her airtime has been almost zero on this show since Steve left. I will not count that ridiculous vampire crap. So it looks like Sam is stuck taking care of Rafe to introduce the Rafe/Clay storyline in May with Sam being used as a prop. According to FV/RC, Kelly is okay to be used promoting GH, but not good enough for airtime.
Yep, that’s it exactly. She’s never, ever, ever going to have a storyline again, and will henceforth be used only when the morning shows need a spokesperson.
Give me a break. The writer are rotating storylines so that everyone gets an opportunity to be in the spotlight with their own front-burner story. Right now, Kelly is backburnered, and she will rotate back around again later.
That’s the beauty of soap/anthology storytelling. Everyone gets a chance to shine, and different stories get to be told.
good reply
Agree with most of what you said in your two posts Pen. Glad to hear you think ME will not be a recast for Jason Morgan… there’s been a lot of references to Jason and hopefully it is because he’s a missed character… he and SB! Yes… I am an SB fan and proud of it! I will still keep hoping someday he comes back as Jason Quartermaine… lots of great stuff that could be done with that.
I agree with the back burner / front burner of storylines and characters and that is part of it but setting the table so to speak for new story lines sometimes means stepping back and layering in different complexities and that is what is going on here! Kelly will be back in the midst of a lot of story very soon!
I personally don’t miss Jason or SB, but that’s my personal view; I understand others do miss him. But I don’t think they plan to bring him back anytime soon.
I also think the reasons he’s being referenced now is to allow Sam a final mourning and goodbye, as it were, before she moves on (with, I again devoutly hope, ME’s character, if the story works).
Give me a break…..Everyone DOES NOT get a chance to shine. What happened with Reeves and Barash? Where was their chance? I’m sure their fans were happy that they got squeezed right out of GH. This Clay/Rafe story coming will be about Clay and Rafe not Sam. Easton is one of FV’s pets and apparently FV will try anything to get his pets (ME, KA, RH) back but didn’t bother to keep SB from leaving. The mob is gone but yet Maurice is already whining he wants to see more mob stuff. Hes gonna wait along time for that. Sam involved in TWO stories? Rafe and dad stuff? That’s not fair to the other actors,is it? HA I’ll have to see to believe there will be a Sam’s dad storyline. With ME, KA and RH coming back I don’t see it.
I disagree Betty… the fact that she is taking Rafe is all a part of a new storyline with ME coming back. I am so hoping he is not being recast as Jason Morgan… but someone else that will be involved with Sam and Danny and Rafe. The whole notion that they explored with Steven Clay being Rafe’s real bio father is going to be played out further by ME either as a relation of Steven Clay, or Steven Clay or someone who just looks like Rafe could be his father. She will have a big story very soon!
There’s also the storyline involving the reveal of her father’s identity, as well as the story with ME.
I’ll say right now — he’s not going to play Jason Morgan. For one thing, neither he nor the writers are insane enough to even attempt such a boneheaded move. It would be ridiculous, terrible storytelling. Not to mention, what actor would want to step into a character so closely identified with a certain actor? Not Easton. He had the chance to do that once and (wisely) turned it down. He’s too good an actor for that, and besides, what would then happen if Burton returned (which is unlikely)? They’d have to go through all the character bullcrap all over again.
Anyway, back to Sam: yes, the guardianship of Rafe is setup for at least one frontburner storyline for her that I devoutly hope involves Easton’s character closely. Her paternity will be another.
Frankly Im ticked off and not amused. I do NOT see Michael Easton as all that important nor bringing KA back.
The producer failed however to bring back the most interesting of Cassadines Stefan. Obviously he is catering to his OLTL crew and stomped on the hearts and minds of those who followed this program. Stefan unlike the frozen popsicle is not a cartoon but interesting with good bad and shades of grey. Shame on this producer for ignoring some genuine talent and characters of interest. Nothing was hotter than watching Stefan and Helena intertwine and the story of Helena’s maltreatment of her son was never explored and should be.
Until this is corrected, Im not amused.
What if Micheal Easton came back as Stefan? I doubt he will…but i was wondering ‘what if?’ he did? KA is most likely to play a character with better connections to the show like Scott Baldwins daughter Serena. I think FV and RC liked working with these actors on OLTL and wanted to continue working with them on GH. Id feel the same with people iv liked and would want to work with them again!
I’m sure the production is falling over themselves to accommodate your directive.
FYI, Robert Kelker-Kelly agreed to come back for this short stint only — he’s retired and flies planes now. Perhaps at some later juncture he might change his mind and be available if a Stavros story arc happens, but until and if it does, I think it’s really cool that he was there for the time he was.
At any rate, it’s a story that isn’t going to be told for the moment, and there are plenty of other stories to unfurl. It’s too bad you’ll be unamused, but then…you can’t please everyone, can you?
I have an idea, why not backburn Laura Wright and Maurice for a few months. Right? It’s only fair to give other actors their fair chance. Let’s rotate those storylines. HA, yea, right.
Just watched the 50th anniversary episode again and it truly was perfect!!! Thank you so much RON!!! Thank you so much GH… 50 years looks great and I hope there will be 50 more!!! So well done!!! Emmy worthy for sure!!! Thank you again Michael for having ths episode here for us to come back to again and again!!! Loved it!!!
How come Lulu has amnesia and cant remember her family, doctor, friends and the baby but can remember everything else? She knows she can go to a bar…so does she remember her age? She remembers how to talk, go to the bathroom, put on makeup, brush her hair ect? Dante shouldnt be so desperate! He should be grateful Lulus alive and show some compassion knowing Lulu has amnesia and stop trying to rush her…her memory will not return that quickly…at least not in the soap world!
No where else to say this… but…WELL DONE!!!… RC and other writers on the handling of the Luke and Laura relationship scenes on Tuesday’s show!!! While I am a HUGE Luke and Laura fan… it was really well done!!! Handled beautiflly with so much love and care of two iconic and favorite chracters!!! Now at least Luke can be with Tracy!!! I just wish it weren’t Scottie for Laura… maybe she will wise up someday or maybe somewhere down the way Luke and Laura will fit back together again… we can hope! Again beautifully handled in every way!!! Congratulations RC and company!!!
I love Frank and Ron! They are great, and am a big One Life fan. I heard One Life was nominated for best show for the episode that aired Jan 12, 2012, and if I am not mistaken, current One Life EP, Jenifer Pepperman directed that episode, how come no one mentioned that?