General Hospital
Tony Geary Opens Up About His Iconic Role as GH’s Luke Spencer on Nancy Lee Grahn’s ‘Soaps In Quarantine’
It what was truly the best interview we have seen with the man considered daytime dramas all-time greatest actor, General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) along with her friend and co-host Kaore Bonell, had a virtual conversation with Tony Geary (Ex-Luke Spencer) via his home in Amsterdam on the latest episode of their series, Soaps In Quarantine.
Grahn and Geary who both admitted to their absolute love and admiration of working together in scenes on GH, truly gave the viewers insight into Geary’s triumphs and struggles playing the iconic Luke Spencer. Throughout his run, Geary won a record eight Daytime Emmys for his performances.
Photo: JPI
Throughout the episode, Tony shared more insight into many of the rumors and stories that circulated about him and his approach to the character of Luke. That included: his early years in the soaps and working with legendary GH executive producer, Gloria Monty, why he came back to the show in the early 90’s, his conflict when Luke raped Laura (Genie Francis) in the legendary campus disco scene, being part of pop culture, the pressure and his constant desire to keep the integrity of the character of Luke Spencer though various writing regimes, and his love for working with his longtime scene partner, Genie Francis.
Tony also answers the question, along with Nancy, if they two of them ab-lib their scenes. Nancy and Tony also share to the soap audience their approach to the work, from how they work their scripts to when they hit the set to tape.
Courtesy/BonGrahnYouTube
Later in the episode, Tony shares his love for his home in Amsterdam, and why he has chosen to remain there, and how he finally gained full citizenship in Holland.
Watch the entire conversation below. Then let us know what you thought of Tony and Nancy’s extraordinary discussion via the comment section below.
That was wonderful. I enjoyed it so much. Thank you.
Ahh I like Tony.
He is an interesting guy in the round..
If I were to go to Amsterdam I’d look him up
and light up with him for a great communication/talk.
I miss Tony and doubt that he’d return for a walk-through, in GH.
I’m looking forward to another Tony lockdown Nancy talk.
Did you hear the regret in his voice, Su? He says he would change a lot of things if he could. I, also, doubt that he will return for that “walk-through.”
Jane Elliott’s was ignominious. Bet she regrets HER “walk-through.”
Yes, I think Geary is done with GH–and, as a once-diehard fan myself, I, too, am “done” with him. He behaved abominably toward Genie and his fans. He could have apologized but I didn’t hear it. Arrogance will do one in every time.
And, in the beginning, ironically, he seemed so very grateful for the role of Luke, but . . . that arrogance DID do him in.
hi nancy ) hope all is going well for you during this time-
I know of no one, including myself, that has regrets
over a terrible this or that and wish we had a do-over.
Tony was in GH like half of his life-
many things can go ”not like me” at times.
He does seem to be relaxed and peaceful
of course, that could be due to good weed !
Genie was no angel, either lol
and surely she has regrets and would love a do-over too.
heck- go like Tony get some good weed and pull back LOL 🙂
Hey there, Su! Yes, of course, we all have regrets. We’re “imperfect” beings, after all. But, Tony Geary’s very public rants and hurtful interviews are out there for all to see. And he had to be aware of the ramifications. So, I think he should say something concrete, PUBLICALLY, to, as you say, “pull back,” and make amends. Life is too short, we all kmow. And even TG must know this even as he “disappears” into a weed induced nirvana. 🙂
As for me personally, a good long walk in nature does the trick, “naturally”!
Hope all is well with you, too, as we “hunker down.” Take care.
Just for you Nancy– 🙂
GH’s Anthony Geary No Holds Barred Chat:
This is from Michale Fairman’s board on July 20, 2015–
yes, a good many of us posting back then.
Your posts about Tony&Genie, mine, and many others..
Take a long read–
((talk about a flash-back..))
Thanks so much, Su! I did “take a long read,” and will say that you and I are CONSISTENT! 🙂
Su, thanks for taking me down the rabbit hole with the above link. I followed the thread to several external links and waded through the 179 comments and thoroughly enjoyed the debate and controversy. I’m with you, loved the honesty! There’s definitely a memoir in there somewhere. What’s Tony been doing for 5 years, if not writing it?
MFTV being my only social media indulgence, I don’t seek these people out in other venues to learn about the show or their personal lives, but I must say that I’m really enjoying Nancy Lee Grahn’s “Soaps in Quarantine”—even her drive-by birthday was entertaining. New-found respect and appreciation for my GH family, some of whom I’ve been with since the 80s.
Hi Reed–
you said;
”’Su, thanks for taking me down the rabbit hole with the above link. I followed the thread to several external links and waded through the 179 comments and thoroughly enjoyed the debate and controversy.””
I miss that!!
there was nothing better than Michale Fairmans old black board..
It held conversations, ideas,
it was almost like a coumminty lol
even with high opinions everyone was polite. even if an opinion fight evey was respectful
i miss it 🙂
Su, did you catch “Soaps in Quarantine” with your boyfriend Valentin? James Patrick Stewart and Michelle Stafford’s episode was great fun as well. It’s nice to see another side of these people but I think I’ll stick to my little universe at MFTV. Always enjoy your posts…even when you talk out of your rear!
Why do you believe that Anthony Geary behaved abominably toward Genie and his fans? After 37 years Geary was tired of being Luke Spencer. He was also tired of commuting back and forth between LA and Amsterdam. Geary was not obligated to ask Genie for permission to retire GH. Geary obligated to ask his fans for permission to retire from GH.
Please read my post closely. I didn’t say anything about Geary’s retirement–most especially asking fans’ “permission” to retire. ????
I was talking about his COMMENTS that were hurtful to both Genie and to his fans–and to their loyalty to an iconic story–that of Luke and Laura.
That’s what I remember too, Nancy. I would have to go back and look at the interviews at the time to remember specifics, but I do recall that in interviews as he was approaching retirement, he said things to the effect that Luke and Laura fans “needed to get a life.” I could understand the frustration he must have felt through the years being constrained in his portrayal of Luke by the absolute worship that LnL fans (of which I was not one, because of the rape, largely) felt for the legend and the couple, and I could understand that weighing heavily on my mind as he approached retirement and was looking back on his professional life and its ups and downs, but I really felt he should have shown more respect for those fans, since they had a big part in giving him the kind of retirement he was going to be able to have. He was certainly entitled to feel however he did, but he didn’t have to express it when it was so disrespectful; just talk about something else or say nothing at all. Fortunately he seems much more respectful and grateful in this interview, much more willing to concede he might have handled some things better, and overall much more pensive and much less angry and dismissive of his soap career and iconic status. I did not know what to expect when I clicked the play button, but I ended up enjoying the interview much more than I expected and respecting him more as a person and an actor than I did right as he was leaving. (My appreciation of his phenomenal acting ability never waned.)
Michael, I agree with your sentiments.
I loved this interview with Tony Luke
I have missed him
I am proud of him and his choices
Hope he will come back to visit
Thank you
Well I can play devil’s advocate here. He says it was a rape between L&L, and he had problems with that, and the attention he got, and the writers. Yet 8 years later he didn’t seem to have a problem returning to the show, when he obviously couldn’t get a job elsewhere. So he has plenty to say, yet didn’t back that up with his actions. As far as Amsterdam goes, nobody disagrees with the Cheetoh in Chief more than I do, but people like Geary, Tina Turner, George Clooney etc. who leave the U.S. never have anything nice to say about the country that made them stars. So good riddance. (When was he ever discriminated against? What was preventing him from having transgender, gay, or African Americans as friends here in the U.S.? I say nothing.).
I’d be careful about assuming that because he had a phenomenally successful acting career (by many standards), he experienced no discrimination. Certainly he was denied some of the same freedoms his heterosexual colleagues could take for granted–couldn’t openly have a partner, openly be gay, openly be who he was–and still have a career. It’s considerably different now, fortunately, but he spent most of his life in a *very* nonaccepting society in a profession in which it mattered, so I can’t blame him for embracing a culture that didn’t take so long to get there. I’m 10-15 years younger than TG, and I still find myself not quite trusting all the change and wondering if the pendulum is going to swing back, so as grateful as I am for all the recent changes, I can certainly understand the allure of living in an environment in which it has NEVER mattered and in which one doesn’t have to be concerned that it will all disappear again.
Time marches on. Most things in life get better. Today, we should all be focusing on the bigger picture and treat humans like humans and realize that anyone you may have pointed a finger at in the past, just might be the same person that could save your life.
I can’t say my observations and life experience (across almost six decades at this point) would validate your observation that most things in life get better, Timmm, but I appreciate your optimism.
Geary sounds wistful and filled with some regrets. He admits that he would change a lot of his behavior if he could go back and do so. Wish he HAD behaved better; he alienated a lot of his long and loyal fans, me included, when he treated Genie–and their story line–so badly. That’s unforgivable after all the years they worked together. And Genie has ALWAYS taken the higher, compassionate ground,even when she didn’t win the Emmys she deserved–and he did win, 8 times. He even said he won an Emmy where he and Genie improvised the whole scene. I followed the Luke and Laura story with so much anticipation. It was a saga filled with fun. The least Geary could have done was to let the viewer enjoy the story–and continue to admire his work which was considerable. He used always to praise Genie–and then he just got plain mean and resentful, seemingly of her and of his and her fans. Sigh. Too bad. I suppose he COULD make amends, but I haven’t seen him try. BTW, where is that book he was always saying he was writing??? Would love to read it. But I don’t think he’s written one at all.
What is wrong with you and others who have followed the Luke and Laura story from the beginning? LUKE RAPED LAURA! It was and still is UNFORGIVABLE that the producers/writers further victimized Laura by turning her rape into a love story. As for the viewer enjoying the story, Geary wanted to retire.
Again, please read my comment carefully. I said NOTHING about the rape. And, yes, he DID rape Laura. They were both told by Gloria Monty to play it that way. But, you heard TG say clearly that “the audience felt as much sympathy for the rapist as they did about the victim of the rape–and, expediently, they kept him on the show when he was supposed to have a short 6-wk. or so stint. So, the ACTING of Genie and Tony entralled the audience and “a “seduction” theme was touted–and later, after protests, the writers really did a number trying to take it back to rape–see scene where Luke talks to Lucky about “raping his mother.”
Rape is not now nor will it ever be “seduction”. The acting of Genie and Tony surrounding the aftermath of the rape may have enthralled you and other women my mother’s age but not me. I and other young women look at the endless replays of the Luke and Laura “love story” with both anger and contempt. The scene where Lucky talks to Laura about her rape was/is an unacceptable attempt by the writers to make nice with those of us who protested. Did not work!
Funny. Do you know Nancy D’s age? I see plenty of those comments in the youtube replays stating they are young and watching it for the first time. Many of them admit the story is compelling, and the rape cannot be condoned. The story was well-told (at least in the beginning) and Genie and Tony are theatrically trained. It was interesting to see the story unfold, thanks to all of the above. It was the first time “date rape” (and the victim’s needless feelings of guilt) was given a name and shown to an audience. The writing team should have had more confidence in themselves and in the audience, though. In my opinion, the story was fine running its course as a redemption and forgiveness story. I could not forgive a rape. But, the character of Laura has always been forgiving to a fault, especially when she was young. It was no surprise to me that she could forgive Luke because she was already falling in love with him before the rape. And she had always dealt with feelings of abandonment in previous storylines. She had already spent time in a cult too. Falling in love with Luke was right on par with Laura, in my opinion. I was annoyed and insulted when the writing team decided to change course and make it seem like the rape was more of a seduction. I know Tony claimed in this interview one of the reasons the writers decided to change course was because the audience eventually felt sympathy for Luke. If the audience was beginning to feel sympathy and forgiveness toward Luke, then the writers didn’t need to tweak the story. The writers should have trusted the story as-is. Both characters have their histories with mental illness too, so of course the story was not going to be conventional. Of course the story was going to be dark and gray. At least, in my opinion. Throw in Luke’s alcohol problem with his mental illness and, no surprise to me. Yes, Luke “could” be in love with Laura and still rape her during a panicked, drunken blackout. Abhorrently, husbands used to get away with raping their wives. The character of Scottie told the rape counselor that if Laura didn’t consent to him soon, he was worried he might rape her himself. This story had many ugly layers. The story forced our society to discuss what used to be deemed “improper to discuss.” The writers accomplished controversy for sure: Here we are still talking about it 40 years later.
If we really wanted to pick this apart, there were some other female injustices from that time period which wouldn’t fly today:
-The beloved character of Aunt Ruby was said to have been a former Madame. We later learn Bobbie started prostituting as a teen/child, which would also make Aunt Ruby a child sex trafficker today.
-Bobby was often having to deal with people threatening to expose her past. Yet, she was thrown into the profession as a child.
-Newspapers labeled a very young Laura “Lolita” for seducing her mother’s boyfriend. Today we know this as child molestation and statutory rape.
In spite of all this, I still love vintage GH and the slowly-unfolding, character-driven storylines. 🙂
The great point you made is Laura was already falling for Luke. Still, rape is never condoned. BUT, as a society, coming out of the seventies and into the eighties, the lines were blurred. Critically blurred! We all have grown and learned for the most part. That is the good news.
Carrie, moral conscience has no “age;” it is a constant. If you are interested, or have the time, please read my response to Anne (above).
There is, however, “enlightenment” and “changing mores.” And that’s what the writers at GH ran into re L & L story. I hasten to add, also, that women on GH still are often not portrayed as “equals” or multi-layered individuals.
One last thing: Genie has said: “I have no more interest in playing the victim, the wounded dove; I am through with that.” Brava, Genie!
Nancy, I am sorry if there was confusion. I actually thought I was responding to Anne and how she was certain you, and any LnL fan, must be her mother’s age. ….and how she stated there must be something wrong with LnL fans. I was trying to convey that anyone who stuck around long enough to see the story unfold “could” see how the 2 characters could end up together. Sorry, again, for any confusion caused by my earlier post. I was actually trying to defend you, myself and other LnL fans. Sincerely. 🙂
Thanks, Carrie. 🙂
Hi again Nancy. I love Laura and I think my all time favorite storyline was right after LnL return from Beecher’s Corners and they break up. Laura becomes tough and independent. Months go by before LnL become a couple again. It was so much fun seeing them develop a new dynamic and a new normal. And those scenes brought so much laughter. It was a perfect anticdote to the previous year’s rape story. It was my favorite time and you can really see the creative freedom the actors were given to improvise. And you could sense they were having fun on the set. It was fantastic. 🙂
Yes, in one interview, Genie said they laughed so much that her stomach ached! And both Genie and Tony have stated that the “on the run” story was their favorite. The humor WAS great fun–obviously for the actors as well as the audience.
PS. They hold up today and can be a perfect antidote in these uncertain times. Take care, Nancy 🙂
BTW, this would be a perfect time for TPTB at GH to show those funny scenes on “throwback Fridays,” don’t you think? We need some “comic relief” while we hunker down! 🙂
Yes, that would be great. Maybe ABC is afraid to show episodes exposing the freedom and larger budgets they once allowed. ha ha
And do you sense, as I, the chemistry between Genie as Laura and Jeff Kobe as the character of baddie Cyrus Renault? What to do with THAT???! He has that twinkle in his eye while playing the dastardly evil character. And Genie has that bit of fire in her defiance of him and his evil ways. I see those sparks. Maybe TPTB shouldn’t have made him so BAD. What do you think? Chemistry is something one just cannot predict, isn’t it? (Case in point: the chemistry between Genie Francis and Tony Geary, right?)
I’m not sure. Nothing against Jeff, but so far I think Genie can act circles around most. Jon Linstrom and Tony Geary and Stephen Nichols were good acting matches. Always Tristan Rogers but it’s clear they are going to reunite him with Holly or shift his character in that direction. In Jeff’s defense, he may be forced to hold back since he is new. The GH veterans aren’t afraid to show more fire. I’ll give it some more time. I bet Cyrus ends up being the father of one of the existing characters. Is he old enough to be Valentine’s dad?
Not sure if he is on contract or just recurring, but he has had a lot of scenes that seem ominous with Jordan, Laura, Sonny. And I don’t think he would be old enough to be Valentine’s dad, but I don’t think they’ll take the story that way. But anything can and does happen or seem possible on GH. And, remember, they are always “bending” time. Still, I’d selfishly like to see more “power” scenes between him and Genie, though I don’t know what direction they writers are taking the character–if he will be killed, or will still be on the canvas for a while. BUT, EXPEDIENCY can always factor in a character’s staying or leaving. Witness TG as exhibit “A.” Right? 🙂
I think it might be fun (and funny) to see Michael E. Knight have some Genie scenes. 🙂
Yes, she could have the milquetoast for lunch, couldn’t she?
This interview was awesome! The fact that Nancy and Tony know each other made it even more fun. Say whatever you want about Tony, but he was a fine actor and the humor he added is sorely missed. Great job both Nancy and Tony! Thank you!
Hi Nancy. I thought it was just me, because I can have wild thoughts sometimes. Personally, I think Laura has chemistry of some sort with every male she has contact with, her friendship with Sonny, Robert, Marcus,etc. Ironically I don’t see and never have seen a romantic connection with her own husband. Of course we rarely see them together. I don’t like Cyrus and the way he gets right in everyone’s face or space so to speak. I think he’s offensive and that’s his intention to make the other person feel threatened.
On another note. I am not crazy about seeing a relationship between Ava and Nick, but actually might consider one with she and Franco. I think they are well suited, n’est-ce-pas ? Oh, silly me!
My point exactly, Anne. Expediency ruled the day, unfortunately.
And please read my posts carefully, Anne. Nowhere did I say that “rape” is “seduction” (that would be repugnant)! Neither did I say the RAPE “enthralled” me. Quite the contrary (if you read carefully). I said that TPTB started calling it “a seduction” after the audience’s response. The character of Luke was supposed to be short-term, so what to do, after, as GEARY said, “the audience expressed sympathy for Luke (the rapist) equal to the sympathy expressed for Laura, the victim of the rape (or “survivor)? EXPEDIENTLY, “the powers that be” wanted to keep Tony Geary on the show, so they began to call it a “seduction.”
If you listened to TG’s interview (and he has said it in multiple interviews) that once, when he was opening a mall, and the women/fans began to call out, “Rape ME, Luke!” He said that he said: “Please stop!” and they did. “Soap fans are good people, usually,” he said. But he was uncomfortable, naturally. Still, he had a job and a script, and the writers had a show with soaring ratings.
SO, they did what was EXPEDIENT, because, as I said in previous post, the viewers was obviously ENTHRALLED by the acting of and chemistry between the two actors. And, remember, Gloria Monty was brought aboard to “raise the ratings” of GH before it was cancelled. So “the show must go on,” with EXPEDIENCY.
And it did, and the rest is history. Yet, that pesky question remained: Rape or seduction? So, the writers attempted to deal with in,much later and unsuccessfully, in my opinion. The scenes were uncomfortable and not necessarily good drama–nor good for ratings. The “fix” didn’t work, but GH brass must have felt they had no choice but to deal with it.
A footnote: Genie has said, in her interviews, that the previous writer quit rather than write the story of Laura’s rape. But Gloria Monty had one job to do: bring up the ratings–and she did!
AND SO IT GOES . . . .
Thank you. It was RAPE. I watched it. And although I’ve had my reservations about Mr. Geary through the years, a big BRAVO to him for confirming it in this interview. I got so tired, back in those days, and sometimes in the intervening years since, of being told I did not see what I saw on my screen. It was rape, Tony has now said on the record that it was written as “violent rape” and that Gloria Monty directed it as rape and that he and Genie played it as rape. And that’s exactly what I saw on my screen, and I’m grateful to have somebody say that instead of all the “seduction” BS that TPTB (including Gloria Monty, and shame on her for it) tried to feed viewers after the fact when Luke and Laura became so popular.
Very interesting talk. Thanks for sharing it!
Tony is fabulous and GH misses him! Fans who bitch about his stubbornness or entitlement need to listen to this interview. He explains exactly why he is who he is and explains his behavior in regard to his character, his own integrity and his exit plan.
The interview, like I stated, it was very good. He finally explained his thought process from day one to his last day on GH’s set. The problem I have is Grahn treated this more like a phone conversation than an interview. Here are some questions she could have asked that would have made total sense but she couldnt help herself from just being enamored with the legend.
1. Tony, any thought of ever returning to GH? What would truly bring you out of retirement to set foot at ABC?
2. Do you keep in touch with any of your cast mates?
3. What do you miss most about GH?
4. You signed off long ago about pursuing a movie character. Would you sign on to do a film or even a significant prime time role if it were offered?
5. Is there anything in life that is still on your bucket list?
Thank you Mr. Geary.
I like your questions Timmm.
Thanks Carrie. Tony is reclusive so anything is something but…
I’ve watched all of the episodes (so far) of Soaps in Quarantine. Each one has been interesting in it’s own way but I especially liked this one with Anthony Geary. Especially his thoughts on what it was like in the beginning vs how it is now. Thanks to Nancy Lee Grahn for doing this!
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.
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