General Hospital
The Cast of General Hospital: The Alzheimer’s Storyline – Delivers The ‘Power Performance of the Week’
General Hospital’s depiction of the battle of Alzheimer’s disease and how it affects the dying, and the loved ones they leave behind, came to its heartbreaking conclusion this past week on the ABC daytime drama series.
Led by storyline standouts: Maurice Benard (Sonny) and Max Gail (Mike), who once again acted their hearts out in their final scenes together, the entire ensemble of actors who were part of this storyline each had their moments and each delivered which made Mike’s passing all the more poignant.
In a first since we started giving out our weekly kudos several years ago, Michael Fairman TV is giving our Power Performance of the Week to the cast of GH who participated in last week’s scenes for their riveting work.
From Laura Wright’s beautiful goodbye scene as Carly with Mike, where she dreams of him telling her she is a ‘daughter to him”, to Steve Burton’s all-knowing Jason, who tells Mike he will take care of Sonny and not to worry, to Michael (Chad Duell) and Josslyn (Eden McCoy) picturing how key moments of their life would look with Mike being witness to it, and the advice he would give his grandchildren, to Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) finding out that Mike is dying while being so far away from his family – each of these beats brought even more heart-tugging moments to the ending of Mike’s journey.
Even the actors who played a part in Mike’s care were touching as Vernee Watson’s Stella prepares Sonny on how to help Mike pass before saying her final goodbye to her friend. Then there was Felix (Marc Anthony Samuel), who helped Carly and Sonny through Mike’s last moments at Turning Woods, who was also trying to keep it together through his sadness. Brando (Johnny Wactor) showed up at Turning Woods too, trying to make peace with the death he saw in the war in Afghanistan and now losing Mike.
Of course, there was the surprise moment where Mike is met by his late daughter Courtney and escorted to heaven that both Alicia Leigh Willis and Max Gail played so beautifully without saying hardly a word.
But in the end, it was Maurice Benard who showed us the devastation and acceptance of a son having to let his father go, while trying to make peace with their troubled past that was acting at its best, and perhaps some of the finest in his storied daytime career – and there was Max Gail – the centerpiece of the storyline – who’s emotional heart was seen in all the scenes last week with the actors as the characters visualized moments with Mike. Throughout the entire story, Gail played the tragedy of a human being trapped within this horrific disease with brilliance. He will be missed.
So, what do you think of our choice of the cast of General Hospital for this week’s Power Performance of the Week? Share your comments below.
Dammit, it takes a lot a get the tears flowing, but Friday’s episode got me! Well done!
Everyone but Maurice Benard made me feel something this past week.
Really? You couldnt dismiss your hate for Maurice for one week? He did a hell of a job! You dont have to like the man. BUT, to be a man, step up and say something good when it is earned. Scott, turn off your TV and click onto Youtube and watch ATWT’s reruns!
Evaluating someone’s performance is not “hate.” Scott (ATWT fan) is not wrong and Timmm is not wrong. There is no wrong or right in artistic opinion. Timmm was moved by Maurice’s performance; Scott was not. That’s how art works. No need to get all angry about it and accuse someone of not “being a man.” Sheesh.
Bravo!! Kudos to the writers and actors probably one of the best done story arcs in soap operas in a very long time.
I am a caregiver to family, and this story was written and portrayed so beautifully and true. I am thankful to all
Many tears were shed during this last week. After going through this as my mom slipped away, many tears have been shed throughout this whole story. Sonny, Mike, Joss, and Carly were STAND OUT characters!
Calling it now, GH will win best writing and/or best drama for this week’s episodes. This story was written incredibly well, the acting was on-point throughout, and the conclusion was just as heartbreaking as I knew it would be. Kudos to everyone involved in bringing this story to life, and what a treat it was to see Alicia Leigh Willis again!
It was beautiful but where was Kristina? Her name was not even mentioned. That was only miss to otherwise great story
If Maurice and Mike don’t win Daytime Emmys for their performances then something is very wrong with how the awards are handed out. Heartbreaking story – true to the disease – and told from the point of view of those who are affected.
From the day that Max Gail debuted as Mike, I knew we were in for an emotional journey. He did not disappoint. I wish I had taken out stock in Kleenex, haha. I cried more this week with Mike’s passing than all of my other 50yrs of soap watching. I even cried reading this beautifully written article. A job well done to all… Bravo!!!
Excellent!! A fantastic week! Very heart warming! Felt like it was part of my family!
This storyline was well written and the acting was superb! Max Gail is a wonderful actor and made everyone around him better!
Okay, let me start out by saying the Mike storyline was heartbreaking and sad, but my only criticism was this long weak of stretching it out and as they say milking it, sorry but it just played out to long for me, the only saving grace was the show smartly balanced it out with the spy caper, I don’t know who to give credit to but somebody knew to much air play of mike dying and Neal getting killed off to was to much death in this Covid era, so thank goodness for the spy caper, but even that one was flawed by added Olivia in the mix, It should of been Anna there With Robert, Olivia was just to much if you ask me, and I’ve been hearing that the show Is planning on pairing her w/ Robert, I don’t like that already. oh well, as for mike dying, yes its was sad, performances were great, Maurice made it to real, so kudos to his performance, Jason and Carly were I don’t know just blah for me, she cries over anything anyways and Jason tears up over anything too, so they to me didn’t do it for me.
Did the storyline go on for too long? Maybe, maybe not. But it was certainly an accurate reflection of the reality of this horribly unforgiving illness.
Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t take its victims quickly; instead, it shuts down the organs one by one, slowly, inexorably, unrelentingly. It’s not simply memory loss, but changes in thinking and behavior, organ failure, nerve cell death, and brain tissue loss, and it takes several years for death to occur. In fact, it can take years after the onset of Alzheimer’s before the actual diagnosis is made.
Had the story wrapped up in just a few months, it would have done a disservice to all of the families who are struggling with it. Those families know the agony of watching a loved one slip slowly out of their grasp, knowing that they are powerless to stop this monster.
Teresa
I almost agree with you but your last paragraph changed my mind.I would never want to relive long weeks or months of watching this type of torture to the dying person and their family. Once would be more than enough, and I certainly wouldn’t feel like it was a disservice to not have them drag this kind of thing on.
Thank you for recognizing the storyline they were telling. It was beautifully done, and accurate. Those of us who have lived this Thank GH and all who were involved, and YOU for your praise of this work!!!
I thought this was wonderful. I work at a place like Turning Woods. Going thru this disease is hard enough but going thru with Covid times its crazy. We are all safe and as healthy as can be, Well done
Crystal from Seattle fan since early years. Thank you
I work with a hospice pioneer who publishes end of life materials, so I am aware of how things transpire at the end. Your writers were SPOT ON with everything, and I am so thankful for the knowledge I have gleaned from this work.. The way this was handled was absolutely wonderful. Yes, I definitely cried!!
Clearly Max Gail and Maurice Benard should share the spotlight as performers of the week. They were brilliant . The entire cast performed to perfection, however, and should also be acknowledged in this catergory as well. They showed love and support to both Sonny and Mike as both men journeyed towards Mike’s ultimate end and Sonny’s struggle to let his father go. One of the best, if not the best work on a soap opera.
I think all the actors did an excellent job. They all were so amazing it made me want to cry it was so sad.
AS I’ve said many times before, GH ~ everyone single person involved in front of and behind the cameras ~ did an outstanding job with this story. The only small quibble I have is the “forced” little ending where Sonny and Carly are leaving Turning Woods and they rush out with the bike Mike bought Sonny and the staff “forgot” to give to Sonny sooner. That was way too convoluted for me and left a sour taste in an otherwise wonderfully touching story.
People love to hand out Emmys because of a single performance. Most times I agree but actors are paid to act. Having said that, to get a whole show who is involved in one storyline to put in the work to make the story the BEST story on daytime in many many years, GH will win the Emmy, hands down for best soap at the 2021 Daytime Emmy awards show. It just nailed it! They took the time to write the story and tell it with patience. Nothing was rushed. They didn’t whisk Max in and out to save money and move on to something else, they nurtured the cause and respected families who lived and are living with a loved one who has this. Also, they brought in Courtney to chaperone Mike to heaven. That was unexpected and I appreciate the show putting the work and money into the guest spot instead of just mentioning it off camera. I don’t think they need a funeral. Everyone has said what they needed to say and they did some good flashbacks with Mike and other characters. Max, you get and A plus and more gold is on the way! Maurice, you were right there along side your buddy and you did a wonderful job! GH STILL knows how to put out relevancy!
Love Max Gail. Also, loved Ron Hale as Mike in the 90’s. I miss the 80’s and 90’s so much. I miss going home after school and hoping that Sonny and Brenda would be on. I would watch their scenes over and over on VHS.
Back to Max Gail, he did an outstanding job.
From day one this storyline was brilliant and rang so true, as a person who lost a parent to this horrible disease everything about this was so spot on. I cannot say enough about the brilliant actors who played their roles with so much heart and emotion. Bravo to everyone involved and thank you for bringing to light the effects Alzheimer’s can have on the whole family.
Thank you, GH for shedding light on this very painful subject.
Your casting was just great and really touched my heart.
I’m not a fan of the character of Sonny, I always FF thru his mob scenes, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Maurice Benard is a fantastic actor. He proved it again this week. I loved how they let Max Gail do scenes where he was more coherent, which just amplifies how good an actor HE is. Good point someone made about the absence of Kristina. Yes, the storyline was drawn out and sometimes uncomfortable, painful to watch….just like real life. Handled much better than Dina’s Alzheimer plot on Y & R–love Marla Adams, though. I did shed tears when Mike died. Doesn’t happen often on soaps these days. Kudos to all and a well deserved pick for MF Power Performance which had the added bonus of Courtney!
I was in tears for most of last week’s episodes. Sonny and Mike and The rest of their family and friends were so real in their performances. You could clearly see how much Mike was loved and how much he would be missed:-(( The entire cast gave their best emotions to that very sad situation. I’ve never dealt with Alzheimer’s personally, but these people made me understand how difficult it is for patients And their families…
Dante , Liz , Stella, and Felix…. etc… et al? … “Dante , Liz, Stella, and Felix”
ARE – the 4 characters – who DANCED in the PULL of’ Mr. Max Gail
When Max Gail started … in February, 2018. he was already : lapsing …
we never got to see .. EVER: Maurice Benard.. Sonny’ LIVE with his father, have heart to heart talks, confrontation, denial, giddy discovery, bonding … human nature didn’t grow here
it was a much easier “job” for MB Sonny to wait for the react/response from the script AND Max Gail. it was always “confused” and Sonny would react accordingly …
THE word : “Alzheimers” has a life of it’s OWN . scare the bejeezus out of any one. I don’t recall Sonny or Carly from one end of the spectrum… disbelieve to petrified.. acceptance denial… FEAR !!!! christ
the word; AND Max Gail… was a one man show
I do not think the Corinthos family NEED any nod
every person, in real time… experienced , LIVED, fraught, anxiety, the LOSS
from February 2018, to September, 2020… Max Gail performed with HEART.
the reaction… which was NEEDED to make this RICHER… was pale.. so Sonny shared a song @Nurses Ball…. that WON EMMY
now that this chapter is logged in with Sonny and Carly STAMP ? whats to recall?
“Max Gail”
THANK GOD IT”S OVER !!!! till Frank Valentini throws another storyline their way… which is why I will never let up… okay it’s hardened … give this show a fighting chance !
F E A T U R E – your best cast
haven’t we bellowed … i will soapbox… I want Frank Valentini to know he threw this away
thankfully, a let, for me
Britta, and just the sighting of Nathan Parson … exciting… what’s Brando going to live… his own? or under the fold of Carly and Sonny.
Kevin !!!! WOW !
Mac and Felicia – incredible
Hi Monica AND Bobbi !
my light @Port Charles : Valentin
Happy dance the partay IS OVER !!!!
now that Nelle is “gone”; RIP Mike, Max Gail,you were WONDEROUS amazing AND still zinging IT
what POWERS are left
it’s Sonny and Carly
could you mean any thing
That was the longest goodbye/death in history. Good God I couldn’t wait for Mike to die! What started as a great storyline became so embarrassingly bad. And having Joss, who I couldn’t hate more (SHE IS BORING!), had nearly an entire episode dedicated to her goodbye? Gross. And all of these other “Oh, Mike, thank you for doing so much for me (us)” crap was nauseating. WE NEVER SAW ANY OF THESE PEOPLE INTERACTING WITH MIKE EXCEPT FOR PERHAPS NEAR THE END. As a viewer it’s difficult to get invested and emotional when none of these relationships were ever developed through the years. I’m sure we’ll have to sit through weeks of “I miss Mike” episodes. Hard pass. Hopefully Sonny takes some time to mourn on his own and leaves Port Charles for a few weeks. Or years. It’s all fast forward material.
Now Holly, Robert, Olivia, and Ethan is a storyline I can get behind!
Scott
I have kind of felt as you do but not so strongly. Reading your words actually make me feel embarrassed . I forget there are others that enjoy this type of misery. I have enough of my own, to watch this type of long, drawn out suffering, Hopefully in the future I can be more patient and let others watch what they like without comment.
I loved this storyline from the start, when Sonny and Mike got the diagnosis that Mike had Alzheimer’s Disease. Everyone associated with Max after the diagnosis had Emmy worthy performances… None more worthy than Max and Maurice. I was brought to tears for two years whenever these two took to the screen. I so do & will forever miss Max!!!
Mike will be missed but Max Gail deserves the top award for having to just lay there with just a thumbs up once in awhile, listening to all that stuff added by the writers that never happened. It wore me out. I thought that if my relatives ever do that to me, I’ll come back and haunt them.
Re the Alzheimer’s SL with Alexis. To all the ladies out there unfamiliar with this desease. Please don’t wait until it happens to you. I was just getting up from the sofa while bracing myself on the coffee table in front of me when I head my bones crunch through my lower back. I’ve never fully recovered from this fracture. I wish I had known about this when younger. All it takes is a Bone Density test that they do while lying on the table, and you stay fully clothed. So don’t wait until you are old like me, though I have fallen a number of times but so far haven’t broken any more bones. Lucky me!
You all did the old-timers with grace and dignity God bless you all
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Trina Reminisces About Spencer, Soon After Roses and a Note from Her ‘Biggest Fan’ Arrive
General Hospital fans know red herrings when they see them. That the obvious choices, are usually not the culprit when a soap opera tells the story of an obsessed stalker. The soap trope always cast doubt on a laundry list of potential suspects until one day the actual reveal occurs!
The latest soap obsession is the character of Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali), the young singer who has been performing alongside her recording label mate Gio Palmieri. (Giovanni Mazza). The duo are back for another gig at the Cat’s Eye Lounge on the Tuesday, October 13 episode of the ABC daytime drama series.
After a sound check, where someone is watching Trina through the window, she is greeted by Ava (Maura West) and Trina’s current beau, Kai (Jens Austin Astrup). Later, while talking to Emma (Braedyn Bruner) about Emma’s thoughts on moving in with Gio, Trina admitted she wasn’t ready to move in with Kai just yet.
Courtesy/ABC
ROSES ARE RED …
It’s at that point, for the very first time in a very long time, Trina mentioned the name of Spencer. Trina recalled the time she was ready to move in with him when she and her beloved late boyfriend were going to move to Paris. With sorrow in her voice, Trina told Emma. “Take the leap. Because life doesn’t always give you a second chance.”
In a recent interview on the Michael Fairman Channel, Tabyana Ali had mentioned that while she is being kept in the dark as to who is her on-screen stalker, will turn out to be she loves the idea of turning it out to be Spencer Cassadine, as do many GH fans who have begun to speculate heavily that the story could reveal a very much alive Spencer. In story, Spencer went overboard and into the Seine River in Paris to his presumed death back at the end of January 2024.
As today’s episode continued, Quinn arrived (Jequon Jackson) and questioned Kai, if he was at all bothered by the growing closeness between Trina and Gio. Kai says he is not.
BACK FROM THE DEAD?
After Trina and Gio perform, Emma brings over to the table a bouquet of roses for Trina, that had been left outside from her “biggest fan.” Trina assumed the flowers were from Kai. He says he did not send them. Quinn just stares at Trina.
So, do you think the stalker could turn out to be Spencer, trying to get back to Trina because he loves her so much? How would you feel about a Spencer Cassadine recast? Do you think Trina mentioning Spencer today was a red herring or dropping a hint that it could very much turn out to be him that is the ‘fan’? Let us know in the comment section, but first check out some of the key moments from Trina’s stalker story on Tuesday’s GH below, followed by our conversation with Tabyana Ali.
In a surprise appearance on the Monday, October 12 episode of General Hospital, Parry Shen and Lydia Look returned to the canvas as Brad Cooper and Selina Wu, as the Wu crime family was bidding for the Port Charles piers up for auction!
Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ric (Rick Hearst) are completely floored when Selina strolled into the Metro Court conference room with her nephew and former GH lab tech, Brad Cooper, by her side.
This is the first time GH viewers have seen the character of Selina Wu since back in July of 2025. Previously, Sidwell (Carlo Rota) framed Selena for the firebombing of Charlie’s pun that put Sonny’s daughter Kristina (Kate Mansi) in grave danger. GH fans recall it was the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who saved Kristina from the fire. In story to avoid Sonny’s wrath, Selina fled the country.
Courtesy/ABC
SURPRISE NEW PIER OWNER IS REVEALED
When Selina entered the conference room on today’s GH, she told Sonny the entire Sidwell debacle was “water under the bridge,” and he agreed. “I have no issue with you,” Sonny said in return.
In order to secure her bid for the piers, Selina explained Brad stepped in to make the necessary arrangements while she was trying to get herself get back to the United States. Sonny tells Brad, “You’re not going to get those piers!”
When it’s time for Ezra Boyle (Daniel Cosgrove) to reveal the winning bid for the piers, seated in the room are potential buyers: Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison), Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), and JJE executive, Hudson Parker (Troy Lennon Appel).
Suddenly, Ezra reveals that JJE secured the piers and the winning bid as Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) made a surprise entrance as the new pier owner. How did Josslyn do it? Watch the clip below where prior to the final bids being announced, the WSB agent rigged the computer system!
So, glad to see Brad Cooper and Selina Wu back in action? Do you hope they stay for a bit? What do you think of Josslyn getting the piers? Is this how she sets out to destroy Sonny? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, official spoilers for the ABC daytime drama series, and the just released video teaser, reveal that several women are in serious peril, but in very different ways.
First, Lulu (Alexa Havins) finds out that Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) is suing her for libel! Looks like Willow took Chase’s (Josh Swickard) advice to fight back on these “allegations” levied by an “out-of-it “Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) who now claims everything he told Lulu in their recorded interview was a lie. However, the GH faithful viewers know what Sidwell said is true.
Willow is ready to prove her innocence to the Quartermaines too after entering their home. Will anyone be able to crack Willow and get her to admit to all she has perpetrated, but in a court of law, so she can be sentenced for some of her crimes, or will she continue to walk around Port Charles forever unscathed?
Courtesy/ABC
A SONNY TAKEDOWN
Meanwhile, Josslyn (Eden McCoy) wants to take down Sonny (Maurice Benard). So, she has decided to leverage being forced by the WSB to take the CEO position of her father’s company, JJE, in order to do so.
Sonny contends he has gone straight and is no longer in the mob, but try as he might, he may have to fall back into his old ways so people see the light!
Knowing Josslyn, and everyone else refuses to believe he had nothing to do with the prison beatdown of Curtis (Donnell Turner) and Sidwell, Sonny says, “If Josslyn thinks I’m gonna let her destroy me. She’s dead wrong.”
ROSES AND CAR TROUBLE
Meanwhile, looks like Trina’s stalker is amping up their obsession. Now, at her latest musical gig at the Cat’s Eye Lounge, she receives a card and a bouquet of roses. The card reads, ‘From your biggest fan.”
Later, we see Trina sitting in her car having trouble getting it to start. Suddenly, there is a knock on her car window. Quinn (Jequan Jackson) is standing there with a smile on his face, and says, “Car trouble?” Trina is startled. Is Quinn just there to help out, or is something more heinous about to go down? Stay tuned.
Now below, take a look at more GH spoilers for the week of October 12-16.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
Drew confronts Lulu. Dante has questions for Sidwell. Trina is under surveillance. Emma supports Gio. A winning bid is made for the piers.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13
Carly surprises Valentin. Drew lays out his plan. Dante encourages Lulu. Sonny targets a new rival. Elizabeth wants answers.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14
Jason is taken to task. Tracy voices her concern. Brook Lynn is given food for thought. Michael reflects on his past. Britt defends Lucas.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
Sonny and Ric plot. Joe questions Willow. Josslyn defends herself. Chase ponders his future. Monet advises Curtis.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
Britt is triggered by Jason. Trina is in need of rescue. Ric takes on a new client. Elizabeth and Dante get closer. Gio has second thoughts.
Check out the official GH promo for this week entitled, “Dangerous Obsession” below, followed by our recent chat with Tabyana Ali on her latest stalker storyline and more, via the Michael Fairman Channel.
Now weigh-in: At this point, who do you think will be revealed as Trina’s stalker? How will Josslyn try to destroy Sonny and how will he counter her maneuver? Are you sick and tired of Willow never paying for any of her crimes? Let us know via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Confronts Katie On Her Vendetta Against Her and Claims, ‘It Breaks My Heart’
Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco Welcome Baby Girl, Philomena into the World
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Guillermo Goes Home
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Trina Reminisces About Spencer, Soon After Roses and a Note from Her ‘Biggest Fan’ Arrive
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Zende Quits Forrester Creations in Another Standout Performance by Delon de Metz
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Delon de Metz Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Netflix Canada to Stream Past Episodes of ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62
‘Beyond the Gates’ Fall Preview: Michele Val Jean Reveals Twists and Turns in Fairmont Crest, Teases New Faces
‘General Hospital’s’ Hudson West Wins Big as Contestant on ‘The Price is Right’
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Guillermo Goes Home
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Trina Reminisces About Spencer, Soon After Roses and a Note from Her ‘Biggest Fan’ Arrive
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Zende Quits Forrester Creations in Another Standout Performance by Delon de Metz
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Matt Clark Reveals Himself, ‘Clearly, Hero Time Is Over’
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: ‘From Your Biggest Fan’
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