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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

CBS Orders Michele Van Jean Soap Opera ‘The Gates’ to Series; Set to Debut January 2025

Great news! Soap fans are getting the first new daytime drama in 25 years with the news today that CBS has moved Michele Van Jean’s The Gates to a series order.

In addition, the show is set to bow in January 0f 2025, which means that it appears that the new soap will replace The Talk, which was just canceled and will end after its upcoming 15th season in December of 2024.  No specific time period, or exact premiere date has been set as of yet.

In the premise of the The Gates it follows lives of a wealthy Black family who live in a luxurious gated community.

Photo: CBS

The Gates has Val Jean as its writer, showrunner and one of its executive producers. Soap fans know Val Jean’s work best for her work on the writing teams of General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful.  Taking to X, Michele shared: “It’s go time” citing the news on the show coming to CBS in 2025 via Deadline.

Sheila Ducksworth, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson and Kimberly Doebereiner will serve as executive producers on The Gates production team. The soap has been in development through a the joint venture between CBS Studios and the NAACP, which was established to help elevate a diverse range of voices and increase the visibility of Black artists.

The series will be produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP venture in partnership with P&G Studios, which is a division of Procter & Gamble, who used to be very big in the soap opera game.

Are you excited to know that we are truly getting the first new soap opera in over two and a half decades added to a network TV line-up? Comment below.

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Breaking News

‘The Talk’ Renewed For 15th and Final Season to End in December; Does Its Cancellation Make Room for ‘The Gates’?

Things just got very interesting over at CBS daytime with the announcement today that The Talk is going to end its run on the network after its 15th season, and that season looks to be shortened as the series will come to its conclusion in December of 2024.

In a joint statement, Amy Reisenbach, President, CBS Entertainment and David Stapf, President, CBS Studio, shared, “The Talk broke new ground when it launched 14 years ago by returning daytime talk to CBS with a refreshing and award-winning format. Throughout the years, it has been a key program on CBS’ top rated daytime line-up as it brought timely, important and entertaining topics and discussions into living rooms around the globe.”

Reisenback and Stapf added, “It goes without saying that hosting and producing a year-round talk show is no easy task, and we express our sincere gratitude to our amazing hosts Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell and Sheryl Underwood, our Executive Producer/Showrunner Rob Crabbe and the hardworking producing team and crew.

Photo: CBS

Giving props to those who co-hosted or worked on the show through the years including: Sara Gilbert, Julie Chen Moonves, Carrie Ann Inaba Leah Ramimi, Marissa Janet Winokur, Holly Robinson Peete, Eve, Aisha Tyler, and Sharon Osbourne, the joint statement added, “We also want to acknowledge our former show hosts and colleagues who contributed throughout the seasons. We truly appreciate the skill, creativity, and dedication everyone involved brought to the show every day.  And of course, we thank the numerous guests who appeared, and the millions of viewers who tuned in daily. For the final season, we plan to celebrate the show and give it the proper sendoff it deserves when it concludes in December 2024.”

While no firm decision or announcement has been given at this time, it seems most likely that The Talk’s time slot could be given to the new soap opera in development The Gates from CBS Studio Ventures and from longtime soap opera writer. Michele Val Jean.  As previously reported, The Gates features the lives of a wealthy Black family who reside in a posh, gated community.

Photo: JPI

The Talk was originally the brainchild of Sara Gilbert, who had developed the show when it launched back 2010 and it replaced the beloved As the World Turns which went off the air after 54 years when CBS canceled it.

So, what do you think of The Talk being canceled? Will this make room for The Gates to begin to air in its spot beginning in 2025? Share your reactions to the news via the comment section.

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Breaking News

O. J. Simpson Dead at 76: Real-Life Murder Trial in Which He Was Acquitted, Changed the Trajectory of Soap Operas

Former Pro Football superstar, O. J. Simpson, who became infamous for being on trial for the murders of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, has passed away at the age of 76 of cancer.

Simpson’s family put out a statement sharing, “Our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

It was the murder trial that overtook the airwaves back in late 1994 and through most of 1995 that changed the landscape of daytime television forever, and in particular soap operas that many will recall.

Photo: AP

On June 12, 1994, Nicole Simpson, O.J.’s former wife, and her friend, Ron Goldman, were brutally murdered. When O.J. became the prime suspect, a wild pursuant of him by the police while in his white Ford Bronco was viewed on every network by some 95 million viewers. This June marks 30-years since the incident.

Ultimately, Simpson was charged with Brown Simpson and Goldman’s murders, though he was acquitted in what was dubbed The Trial of the Century.

The trial permeated the airwaves of every network and any time of day. Networks consistently interrupted soap operas while covering the day in and day out of the spectacle that was this star athlete and TV and film star’s trial.

With many of the soaps pre-empted on a regular basis, the public fascination of Simpson’s trial was to many better than a soap opera as it has all the ingredients. Writer Dominic Dunne noted the themes via an article in Vanity Fair of “interracial marriage, love, lust, lies, hate, fame, wealth, beauty, obsession, spousal abuse, stalking, brokenhearted children, the bloodiest of bloody knife-slashing homicides, and all the justice that money can buy.”

Because of the trial, soap operas lost a significant amount of their audiences. The murder trial went on for 11 months from November 9, 1994, to October 3, 1995.  They never were able to fully rebound as reality television became the next big thing.

O.J. Simpson is survived by four children: Arnelle and Jason, from his first marriage, and Sydney and Justin, from his marriage to Nicole Brown Simpson.

So, do you remember being frustrated that your favorite soaps could not air during the O.J. trial, or did you find the murder trial more intriuing than the soaps themselves? Comment below.

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