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Trans Actress Cassandra James On That Friday Cliffhanger: “I’m So Excited To Go On This GH Journey With All Of You!”

Courtesy/YouTube

Friday’s episode of ABC’s General Hospital brought with it a surprise for Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) when she opened the door and expected the more grown-up version of her childhood best friend, a boy she shared her first kiss with who was her “soulmate”, named Terry.

However, when Liz opened the door, she saw Terry looking quite different than she might have envisioned him.

Enter Cassandra James in the role of Terry. The American-Canadian actress came out publicly 2016 as transgender and has been an advocate for visibility and inclusion of trans people in the entertainment industry, as well as for human rights for all.

In a tweet on Saturday, Cassandra shared: “Thank you everyone for all the love and support after my cliffhanger aired on General Hospital yesterday! I’m so excited to go on this GH journey with all of you!

In the key scene, Liz answers her front door, and asks if she can help the woman in front of her.  The woman says, “Liz, it’s me, Terry.”  Liz is shocked, and hugs her dear friend.

Courtesy/ABC

In story, with the announcement of Liz and Franco’s (Roger Howarth) upcoming nuptials, Terry found the news on social media and went to find Liz.   The question is: where will this story arc go from here?

So, what did you think of the addition of Cassandra James to GH?  Will Liz and Terry have a heart-to-heart about what Terry has gone through in her life since they last so each other many years ago? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Liz will accept Terry for who she is because Liz is an understanding kind person. Yes they will discuss it all .

I’m quite interested in the upcoming journey of ‘Terry’
but– anything concerning Liz will be lacklustre so my hopes are for Franco to bring the excitement/whatever will come from it..
Looks like a PSAwaeness to me of acceptance but acceptance has long been.
Nobody gives a hoot any longer it is no big deal it is simply life and Everybody living it in their peace and happiness.
Then again, there are those that do not and can not accept and I feel sorry for them to be living in a world that no longer exists.

I really hope Franco/Roger can bring his subtle humor into the story.
It will be interesting to watch it play out.

I think you summed it up for me, Suoo. She’s drop dead gorgeous and I hope she can act. I just don’t care for this as a plot device but maybe it will turn out to be interesting. Oh well, welcome to the 90s!! I am going to fax some documents to my realtor now.

Speaking of the ‘90’s, Harry, this is how most women on soap operas used to look…..as you said, “drop dead gorgeous!” And total glamour gals dressed to the nines! If Cassandra’s character can bring back that high standard to GH, then more power to her….it’s been sorely missed! As far as a plot device, isn’t it about time Sonny sows his wild oats again??? With Carly languishing in Ferncliff, he’s bound to be getting lonely and in need of some um, “female companionship!”…Perhaps Terry will stop by Corinthos Coffee and find much more than an iced caramel macchiatto to tempt her!!!!

I have always wanted Sonny and Ava..
for sure there would be drama lol
They are a great match and they both are head of a crime family. fun stuff.
And- they have a child together.

Well, su, a good start toward that end would be if Avery were to call her actual mother “Mommy!” When that precious little girl addressed Carly as such, it was truly a cringeworthy moment!

I watched a transgender on Coronation Street and the story was well done…doubt GH will do the same…remember Amy’s brother who was a vet-crickets!!!!

Agree. & I have no interest in another new character, to be honest.

I think that this will be a very interesting storyline. She’s beautiful.

I believe this is the FIRST in soap opera history to hire a transgender woman in a transgender storyline. Kudos to gh

All my children did it first

AMC didn’t hire a transgender woman. It was a straight guy actor playing a transgender rock star

Wasn’t the actor who played Azure on Loving transgender?

As a young gay man, I’m interested in what Terry’s journey as a transgender woman has been and how it impact her life, family, career, etc. In my opinion, transgender women haven’t got the right representation on tv in many, many years and i feel like 2018, it’s time to educate people who may not have heard of transgender nor not too keen on transgender individuals, it may show some people to learn to respect all different types of human beings and that we all should be treated with respect. Everyone don’t have admire us LGBT individuals nor admire our lifestyle and how we express ourselves but respect us as humans

Do you respect peoples opinions who differ from yours???

Yes, as long as the opinions ain’t coming from a hateful place

Agreed on both sides!

I’m sure AMC, passions, bold and the beautiful and other soaps that have done a transgender storyline, tried their best to make it interesting as possible but general hospital has really made a bigger step to hire an ACTUAL transgender woman to tell the story. Yes it will be some backlash from people who aren’t comfortable or detest transgender individuals but Im glad GH is going for it.

You make good points, Dionta. Thank you for offering us your perspective.
This could turn out to be interesting and I will happily stand corrected if it does.

I’ve been watching GH for over 20 years and Elizabeth has never been lackluster to me. She has a rich history & is a very layered character with quite a few passionate relationships. I am excited to see beautiful Terry visit her friend Elizabeth & hope they share the joys & sorrows they have experienced since they were 12 yrs. old. I am looking forward hearing Terry’s story.

I love Lizzy too, Katie. I think she’s ethereally and eternally beautiful and is a terrific actress who is so good, she makes it look easy. That could be why she is underrated by some.

There’s no one better to tell this important story than a Liz who embodies acceptance & grace. Franco will be blunt & honest as the voice of the audience who may not have been exposed to this situation in their lives. I’m thrilled that GH used a trans actress in this role and look forward to what the gorgeous Cassandra James will bring to the daytime genre.

I love GH is doing this storyline.. Trans are human beings and should have the same rights as everyone else. God Bless Cassandra.

Well if they are starting this story they should explain to us viewers. Did I hear that this was a first for soaps? Bold and Beautiful had a story like this so this isn’t the first, Correct me if I’m wrong. Thanks.

And all my children was first, Bianca had a trans bf

Wasn’t her name Zoey? I loved Zoey.

Previous soaps never hired a transgender woman though so GH is really taking a bigger step

GH is actually the FIRST because GH hired an transgender woman so this will be an authentic transgender storyline told by a transgender point of view

Where will this go from here? Absolutely nowhere. This IS GH after all.

Agree. The new character will either eat away at the show like the parking lot hire, or will be brought out every two weeks like Brad and Lucas, with most of the story being told off-screen.

@dmr….You have a gift for eloquently and efficiently stating the obvious…time and time again, I find your assessments of GH and its many shortcomings so refreshingly honest and to the point! Keep those spot-on critiques coming!

Thanks, Shay. Not sure how long you have been watching the show. I have been tuning-in since 1984. This lackluster writing team (and casting and wardrobe, etc.) could learn from Gloria Monty, Claire Labine, and Wendy Riche. Since I am not able to watch our beloved show, I watch old clips on YouTube and am suddenly transported in time, to great storytelling with talented actors, and social issues featured with heart and dignity. I am on a #parkinglotpeter strike.

You’re most welcome, dmr! I’m a child of the ‘80’s, too, so that decade is pure gold to me in terms of GH and so much else! Nothing will ever surpass the days of Luke, Laura, Robert, Frisco, Anna, et al! Yes, I’ve also viewed some of the old episodes on YouTube, including those which came before my own soap recollections…they are all wonderful! As a matter of fact, when I watch those shows which introduced Frisco, I still get a thrill! Jack Wagner really was all that and a bag of chips…so my memories of his unforgettable debut most definitely served me correctly! Lol…Ditto for the Laura returns from the dead tale….goosebumps galore! As for the anti-Peter, Peter Parking Meter sentiment, I hear you! Since I do love Liesl, I wish she would just dispense with him once and for all….considering her lethal skill set, she’s certainly the right lady for the job! Not only would such a dastardly feat be an absolute pleasure to behold, but Dr. O. would be providing a public service to Port Charles by ridding it of that miscreant! After that, the writers need to obliterate his status as Anna’s son with a mistaken identity storyline, so the once Divine Devane can still discover the real child she left behind….Of course, that most likely will never happen, but we can always live in hope, right???

Shay,
My first favorite super couple was Frisco and Felicia-oh, how I loved Jack and Kristina Wagner-still do. Remember when he used to sing on the show? Oh, how I loved that! I had one of his cassette tapes when I was little, too. The 80’s were so great in Port Charles! I love Dr. O. Kathleen Gati is amazing! I love her. Unfortunately, her talents are being wasted,

Oh, I hear you, dmr! I had at least two cassette tapes by Jack Wagner in my vast ‘80’s collection…and I still have them packed up somewhere…Lol. Just recently, I was watching some of his old videos on You Tube…along with newer ones of him reprising his old songs. (“Too Young” is my all time favorite “Frisco” tune….) As for Dr. O.? I love her, too…Britt and she were the only two new characters introduced by recent GH regimes that really tickled my fancy because they were hilariously dysfunctional and off-the-wall….plus Kathleen Gati is an absolute treasure trove of talent….she can do it all! Not only does her priceless gift for dark humor amuse me to no end, but her musical presentations are unparalled in excellence! Why this gem of a woman is not utilized more fully is beyond me….she truly puts the “character” in the term “character actress!” More Liesl please!

Shay,
I had Jack’s “All I Need” album in tape cassette form. I just adored him as Frisco Jones, and was so upset when he first left the show in the 80’s. Kathleen Gati is a triple threat-acting, comedy, singing, and then-some. Why would they use her more? She actually has talent. Instead, they hire more summer teens, age Liz’s son (who, I am sorry, can’t act), and give ample screen time to the boyfriend of a lead actress (who also can’t act). This is why this show is in the toilet. Oh, and they dedicate air-time to KFC (although, if paired with the Q’s, could be funny). I would rather watch KFC on GH than the parking lot hire. Actually, I would rather watch paint dry.

Congrats GH for ALWAYS staying ahead of the curve taking on controversial social issues with dignity. Been watching 42 years — keeping doing what you’re doing and you’ll have me another 42 plus more.

I’m super excited about this arc for Liz and Franco. I love that Elizabeth has a friend visiting and hope this leads to more family coming to the wedding.

I think Cassandra is great and can’t wait to see what she bring to the role of Terry. I applaud GH for casting a transgender actress in the role and hope she sticks around for a while.

I hope this is light and happier story for Friz after the heavy abuse arc they just finished.

Welcome to GH Cassandra, I already love Terry. Be good to my faves

I love that Liz has a friend from the past! I hope this story is more focused on her and less on Franco. Elizabeth will accept Terry because she’s a kind person. The more I see Elizabeth the better!

Looking forward to this story. Liz is my favorite so I am thrilled they have finally brought in someone from her past. Can’t wait to find out more about Terry’s journey. Hope GH does this justice!

I really wanted Friz’s discussion of family to bring back Elizabeth’s parents. They abandoned her with a neighbor at 15. They never returned for any of the traumas in her life & it’s long past time for Elizabeth to drag them for it.
That being said I’m looking forward to an old friend of Elizabeth’s coming for a visit or longer. I have no problem with her friend being trans, I just hope GH actually uses her more than they do Brucas. GH should be ashamed that they keep Brucas in the closet so to speak. God knows viewers are more interested in their upcoming baby than the horrid Nelle.

Seems like this writing team is making their second attempt at a transgender story. There was the friend of Joss & Oscar who was mentioned a few times, but they seemed to have dropped that one entirely.

Knowing how ABC operates, I’m guessing hysteria from right wing religious groups had something to do with it. Perhaps now that they’re attempting a second story with an adult character, those fools won’t have as many complaints.

Definitely a good move to hire a trans actress for the role, as opposed to the cisgender woman in the B&B story. Or what ever that mess was on All My Children a few years back.

As a rule, I think GH hires way to many newbies, but I’m hoping Cassandra is the exception to that.

Looking forward to a Liz centric storyline. Her character is perfect for it too, as she has always been accepting, compassionate and not afraid to standup for what is right. Rebecca Herbst knows how to draw the audience in and bring a sense of authenticity to a story. Hope the writers do the story justice.

I’m not interested in this story, at all. I don’t have much faith in TPTB to share this journey/story with the depth or sensitivity needed. TPTB constantly bring on new characters and storylines and drop them. So, no thanks. The writing is so disjointed.

I’m excited for this. I can’t think of how the story could play out but yet I see lots of good material coming from it. AND it gives Elizabeth more to do on the show which is always good for me.

Well, Ms. James certainly made a spectacular entrance! She’s lovely, and Elizabeth’s compassion will acceptance will no doubt be evident. But…and it’s a big one…will Terry be given about as much airtime as Brad and Lucas (about 5 episodes per year)? You can’t treat potentially controversial characters fairly without giving them a good story to let them shine. I mean, who’s sexier than Brad (that bad boy pout on Parry Shen really gets me going) and Lucas? The divisions in our country seem to be widening daily, so any attempt to show humanity and equality should be welcome, so I say, “WELCOME CASSANDRA”.

I think it’s great for GH I like the I dear it’s about time good for GH

Love seeing a trans actress on GH. Hoping that no major characters are rude to her. They need to be accepting.

Are you accepting of other peoples views?

No, the question is do you accept people for who they are?

No the question is do you accept people who have different views or beliefs?

As Pope Francis eloquently stated: “Who am I to judge?”

Please get off it nobody is calling ABC and ranting about Franks new toy. All soaps have lost their heart and depth to a story but nobody is calling and protesting frankly everybody does not care anymore they have moved on . Do quit blaming people of faith for your soaps tanking!

Amen to that, k/kay! You are so right that people have moved on from caring a whit what happens on this fourth-rated soap…Regardless of issues generally related to faith and social conservatism, the major focus of everyone I know is making this country safe and prosperous again…that’s what is uppermost in the minds of those usually associated with the right side of the political spectrum, since if we don’t have economic expansion and secure borders to ensure our national security, then nothing else really matters.

Aww Shay we all judge I believe it’s in our DNA hey if Frank thinks it makes a goood story go for it. Please everybody remember the tale of Lucas my understanding most of it off camera . I just won’t come back and be a daily watcher I think the genre is struggling with new ideas and getting new viewers I think it’s a dying vine! It is tough coming up with new ideas .

Well, I actually believe there’s nothing wrong with judgment, k/kay! It keeps people on their toes and having that ability to discern good from bad and right from wrong is what separates humans from lower life forms…but I’m just saying that GH has become so irrelevant that I can’t see any mass group getting their panties in a bunch over this storyline…or any other one, for that matter. Those days are gone for this once top-notch soap…As far as Lucas goes, his journey was originally explored in-depth years ago when he was more than a cameo-character. That’s why he remains popular now….he has history on his side, even though his current existence with Brad is rather slapdash at best…I cannot imagine a baby changing that fact,,, but we shall see! In terms of coming up with new ideas, perhaps it would prove more successful to emphasize the old ones which worked pretty darn well….getting rid of most of the favorite legacy players and introducing an endless parade of newbies certainly doesn’t ingratiate longtime fans to stick around, and it doesn’t seem to be attracting much of a new audience either. The tanking ratings demonstrate that!

Right-on!

To be honest, [Are we allowed to do that anymore?] I was disappointed. I was hoping Terry was a made up name Liz made to surprise Franco that she decided to bring Sarah to town after all. Man, women or child, I am tired of all the new characters. I really am. But, here is Terry, another Valenti hire, chewing up time with someone other than Laura, Robert, Mac, Felicia, Ned, ect. One fan wanted the hiring of this new character Terry to be an education. NO! Not being ignorant but I have enough education when I turn on the evening news. Now, specifically about TRANS, I admit I am not not aware of their plight and would be interested in viewing a documentary or a series on TLC or something like that but not on GH! Okay, so Terry is here, what do you do with her? Liz could fill her in on a problem with a perv at GH and see if she wants to put this man in his place. Set her up with Dr. Bensch! Sit on it “Bensch!

Very well put, Timmm! If there is a juicy story to be told with Terry (I suggest she be Sonny’s new squeeze with him initially being unaware of her past life…I think his predictible macho male reaction upon the realization of her journey to womanhood would be priceless! Quite similar to when he discovered Sam was the offspring of Alexis and that he had impregnated both mother and daughter! A true deer-in-the-headlights moment!) then so be it. But between the stretched-out Bensch #MeToo business and now this, it seems that GH is looking to lecture the audience again, and I don’t think adults need that. As you said, we are all perfectly capable of learning whatever it is we care to know about any subject these days, what with the internet, et al, so perhaps this soap should simply return to providing a pleasant source of escapism that I believe most viewers would agree is sorely needed in these days of social and political upheaval. As for all this Bensch nonsense, I’m also not in the mood to put up with more NOW-style grandstanding from Alexis on this subject…’twould be a much more dramatic and exciting denouement were Ava to take matters into her own hands and use her considerable mob-inspired skill set to address the question of “How do you solve a problem like Dr. Bensch?”

I think it’s wonderful to help bring another kind of story to the attention of audiences; this time in the form of a trans story. The set up was really quick and out of left field, but I hope there is depth to whatever they plan next. I’ll be watching. Best wishes.

Sick of this crap being shoved down our collective throats.

I have to say that I agree-especially, when the story will not be told with depth. The character will either be shoved down our throats, or will be seen once or twice a month, with most of the “story” being told off-camera. No thanks.

You know what woild be try groundbreaking? Pairing Terry with Jason in a steamy romance. Or another lead male – Sonny, Julian, Drew. But it won’t happen, guaranteed. If Terry gets any real romance, it will be with one of the more minor, non-contract players. I guarantee you ABC doesn’t have the cojones to push her into a lead actress with a leading man and a soap supercouple storyline.

Way to go General Hospital! So excited to see how Dr. Terry’s character evolves and hope she becomes a permanent addition. You have been great about shinning the light on social issues in the past, from Rape, HIV, Bipolar disorder, PTSD and so many others. Having Dr. Terry join the cast is just AWESOME!

She’s gorgeous, would love to look like her! Should be an interesting story-line if she gets involved with one of the Port Charles residents.

I’m sorry but I hate this whole transgender thing and I’m tired of it being forced down my throat. My mom was a huge fan of GH and if she were alive she would stop watching. I make no apologies for how I feel

She’s beautiful, I am glad ABC added her character!

Breaking News

George Cheeks, CBS President & CEO, on Timeline to Launch New Daytime Drama, ‘The Gates’: “We’re So Focused on Getting it Right”

March 2024 will be remembered in the TV and soap world when the news broke that CBS is prepping a brand new daytime drama. Many had thought a major network would never bring a new daytime soap into the world, given that the last time it was attempted was 25 years ago when the now defunct Passions bowed on NBC.

However, The Gates is definitely in development and moving forward with some major players associated with it including: Michele Val Jean as The Gates writer, showrunner and one of its executive producers, and Sheila Ducksworth from NAACP Venture

Now, for the first time since its announcement, George Cheeks, the president and CEO of CBS and chief content officer for news and sports at Paramount+, spoke on the project that will feature a Black family as its central focus who live in a wealthy gated community.

Photo: NAACP

Speaking with Vulture, and when asked if The Gates is really something that truly has a chance of getting on the air, Cheeks clarified, “It’s super real. And just to give you a little bit of the backstory,  when we hired Sheila Ducksworth to run the NAACP Venture, she and I had multiple meetings talking about what different genres she was going to lean into, and we talked a lot about daytime.”

Cheeks added, “One of the things that the data made very clear to both of us is that daytime soap operas over index with Black women, and yet when you look at soap operas, it’s usually sort of a white-led family with supporting characters that reflect more of our society. So we just thought, wouldn’t it be interesting to flip that and make the core anchor family a Black family, and then make the other characters reflect more the broader scope of society?”

Photo: JPI

The CEO gave props to Michele Val Jean,  and how Ducksworth came to the table with the former B&B and GH writer. “She found this great writer, Michele Val Jean, who’s been in the soap opera space for 30 years. She came up with a pitch, and we loved it,” shares Cheeks. “We brought Procter & Gamble into it as well, because if there were going to be (product) integrations, we could do it more holistically and organically. All of that is to say, we did a lot of work on the front end to put this together. So while yes, it’s development, it’s accelerated development.”

When prodded on the timeline of when The Gates could come to full fruition, Gates related, “The actual timeline and when we’re going to do it is still uncertain, because we want to get this right. I mean, there hasn’t been a new soap opera launch since I can’t even begin to tell you when. But we have great success with Bold and the Beautiful and Young and the Restless, and so we think we’re the right folks to be launching a new soap. I wish I could tell you more about exact timing, but we’re so focused on getting it right, and that will dictate when we’re ready to launch it.”

The CBS exec also shared that whether The Gates will wind up an hour soap or half-hour is not yet determined, but that it is being developed as an hour show.

So, after reading what George Cheeks, the CBS President & CEO had to say about ‘The Gates’, are you even more excited for what looks to the first new network soap in 25 years? Comment below.

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Breaking News

Robyn Bernard, ‘General Hospital’s’ Terry Brock, Dead at 64

Former General Hospital star, Robyn Bernard, who played aspiring singer Terry Brock has died. She was 64-years-old.

Bernard’s body was found Tuesday in San Jacinto, California. A Riverside County Coroner told TMZ they identified the actress’ body using her fingerprints after deputies responded to a death investigation call on Tuesday March 12th.

Sources told the outlet that Bernard’s body was found in the wee hours of the morning. The cause of death has yet to be determined.

Photo: ABC

Bernard joined General Hospital back in 1984 as Terry Brock, the daughter of the abusive D.L. Brock (played by David Groh). Robyn remained on the ABC soap opera for six years before making her exit in 1990. At one point, Terry’s stepmother would become Bobbie Spencer (the late Jackie Zeman) when the nurse married her father.

Terry was involved in the Laurelton Murders storyline and after first setting her sights on Frisco Jones, wound up with killer Kevin O’Connor. Later, Terry was blamed for several murders and in the end killed Kevin in self-defense. In addition, Terry had a relationship with Dusty Walker played by none other than Shaun Cassidy.  She eventually left Port Charles after landing her own recording contract.

Photo: ABC

The last time GH Fans may have seen Bernard was in 2014, when she appeared at the GH Fan Club Weekend Past Cast event. Robyn is pictured below with the late Susan Brown (ex-Gail) at the fan gathering. She has been out of the limelight for several years.

Photo: JPI

In addition to her role on GH, Bernard was featured throughout her TV career on primetime’s Simon & Simon, Tour of Duty and The Facts of Life.

Share your remembrances and condolences for GH alum Robyn Bernard and her loved ones via the comment section below.

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Breaking News

51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Announce Broadcast Date on CBS

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Tuesday, that the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on Friday night, June 7th (8 – 10 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.

This year will mark the 18th time CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmy Awards, which is more than any other network.

The 2024 Daytime Emmys will take place at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles. Back in December of 2023, the delayed 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards were also held at that venue. The June 7th date for the upcoming ceremony will be the first time in several years that the event is scheduled a few weeks earlier than normal; excluding last year’s revised date to the actors and writers strikes.

Photo: NATAS

Lifetime Achievement honoree, nominations, host, and additional information will be announced in the coming weeks.

In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS noted, “We eagerly anticipate our return in June as we once again partner with CBS to recognize the exceptional and talented individuals who make daytime television great. We’re thrilled to kick off our second half-century of the Daytime Emmys.”

The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.

Photo: JPI

The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will once again be produced by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI), which produced Daytime Emmy Award ceremonies on The CW in 2009 and on CBS in 2010, 2011, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie is executive producer from ATI.

So, glad to know that the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards honoring performance and shows in the 2023 calendar year, will be held in early June this year, and once again broadcast on CBS? Comment below.

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