General Hospital
Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo on why she is returning to GH now!

Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Soap fans are just a few weeks away from seeing one of their all-time most popular characters return, when Brenda Barrett steps back into Port Charles, and Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo returns to General Hospital. In a new interview out today with TV Guide Magazine’s, Michael Logan, Vanessa clues fans in as to why the time was right for her return.
In addition in one excerpt below, Logan points out that Marcil Giovinazzo’s return had been in talks for years and promises of her return always seemed imminent but never materialized, such that, it could have appeared as if the actress was yanking the shows and the public’s chain.
Marcil Giovinazzo set the record straight by saying ; “We came close to a deal a few times before this. Very close. It was always a matter of when, not if — and I said that in every conversation I had with Bob Guza. But, for me, there could never be a return where Brenda wasn’t incredibly involved with the characters who are basically her family. She doesn’t have any blood family. She has no parents. I’d tell Bob, “You know my list — Sonny, Jason, Robin, Jax. These are the characters I want to work with every day. If you can promise me that’s going to happen, we can work this out.” He called me one time and said, “Listen, James Franco’s coming on the show and we’d love for you to walk in with him.” But I didn’t want to do that. He’s a great movie star and an incredible actor and it’s an honor to have him on GH. But what does he have to do with Brenda? It was important that Brenda’s return be about her people, her family.”
Marcil Giovinazzo on why also the time was right to return; “Because it feels so right. A lot’s been going on. We found out that my older sister, Sherry, has breast cancer. We’ve bought a farm in upstate New York and she and I went up there to spend a week together before she had to start her chemo, and it got me thinking about how grateful I am to GH for giving me pretty much everything I have. [Head writer] Bob Guza and I got back in touch again during that time. I told him I wanted to settle down for a while so that I could be available to my sister and my family, and that maybe during that time I could come in and out at GH for a couple of days a week. I called [ABC Daytime chief] Brian Frons and asked him if he would have me back, and he was gracious enough to say yes. I just couldn’t feel any more grateful that I’m still allowed to visit such a great place. I love that Julianne Moore went back to As the World Turns to honor where she came from. It’s important to do that. I left GH for a few different reasons, but it was never because I wasn’t madly in love with the show and the character and with daytime.”
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Heartfelt Speech He Had Planned If He Had Won Lead Actor at the Daytime Emmys

Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) gave his own Daytime Emmy post-script on the latest episode of the That’s Awesome podcast that dropped on Sunday, November 1st.
The two-time Daytime Emmy winner and eleven-time nominee had the opportunity to express to the viewers and co-host, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, General Hospital) how when he hit the red carpet and went into daytime’s biggest night it was important for him to honor the people who helped shaped his journey as an actor and on General Hospital.
As it turned out, Burton lost his bid for his first Lead Actor Emmy when Scott Clifton’s name was called for his performance as Liam Spencer on The Bold and the Beautiful, making it a fourth Emmy win for Clifton, who stated his career as Dillon Quartermaine on GH.

Courtesy/ABC
LESLIE CHARLESON AND JANE ELLIOT DESERVE THE CREDIT SAYS GH STAR
Before getting into sharing how he would have framed his speech, if he had gotten the opportunity, Steve said he felt deeply about how this nomination is all about the memory of his late co-star, friend, and on-screen mother, Leslie Charleson (Monica Quartermaine).
“A lot of my material was around Leslie Charleson, and her passing, And you know, if I were to win, part of being in the speech was going to be able to give her the love and credit she deserves, and Jane Elliot (Tracy Quartermaine).”
Speaking about Jane, Burton said, “Jane is so inspiring. I love her, and I love working with her, and when you see someone work like this, I hold them in such high regard and have respect for her that I wanted to give her the credit.”
IF YOUR NAME WAS CALLED ….
As Anderson delved a bit more deeply into who Steve would like to have thanked the moment he would have hit the podium, Burton revealed, “The first thing is always glory to God for me. I wouldn’t be anywhere or have all the great things I have in my life if it wasn’t for his grace, to be honest, especially with everything I’ve been through. It’s just been incredible for me.”

Photo: JPI
Burton added, “I was going to thank the usual people, cast, crew and writers, directors, producers for for all of their hard work obviously. Frank Valentini (executive producer, General Hospital) for everything that he does, not just for me, but for so many people. It’s really incredible.”
Obviously, Michelle (Lundstrom), to have an amazing wife, an amazing partner in life is a game-changer, and I’ll cry about it. Then, to have my girls there was super cool,” an emotional Burton expressed.
Next, Steve revealed he intended to thank two of his co-stars, “Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) for being a big part of my life as a mentor of mine. I definitely wouldn’t be holding an Emmy if I didn’t cross paths with that guy. I just don’t believe it. I think people come into your life for a reason, and he came into my life to make me the actor I am today.”

Courtesy/ABC
Steve then wanted to thank another longtime scene partner, Laura Wright (Carly Corinthos). Burton said I wanted to thank, “Laura Wright just for being an incredible scene partner all the time, always showing up, always professional, always willing to work, always willing to make things work, always, always.”
IT STARTED WITH THE CASTING DIRECTOR
Genera Hospital casting director, Mark Teschner who picked up another Emmy this past weekend for Outstanding Casting, was another name on Steve’s “thank you’s” sharing, “Mark Teschner believed I had a chance, and that’s all you need sometimes.”
Steve said he intended to end his speech thanking all the fans of daytime soaps, expressing, “Last, but never least, the fans, because we would not be doing what we do if it was not for our fan base; we know that more than anybody. Not just fans that follow General Hospital, but fans of daytime.” The GH star concluded with, “We are part of your family, and you’re a part of our family, which is super cool.”
You can watch Steve share his experience at the Daytime Emmys in the latest episode of That’s Awesome with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson below.
Now let us know, what do you think of Steve’s speech and who he would have thanked? It would have been a very emotional moment indeed for him, and his enduring fans. Drop your thoughts in the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Men Duded Up – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.

Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.

Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.

Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.

Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.

Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.

Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.

Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.

Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet: Women in Glam – Who’s Got the Look?

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.

Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.

Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.

Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!

Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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One small correction: Brenda does have “blood family”. She has a sister, Julia. Otherwise, YAY! I’m glad to have her back.
I believe they were referring to Brenda not having any blood family in PC, Julia came back only becuase Jax sought her out and she was only on the show for a couple months…Brenda is pretty much byherslef in PC, a lot like how Sam McCall was before finding out that Alexis was her biological mother who gave her up for adoption, now Sam has two sisters, a Mom, and a Greek Prince as a cousin…who woulda thunk…LOL…anyways, have to say that I am ubber excited to see Brenda Barrett return to our beloved GH, I am a Bren/Sonny fan all the way and can’t wait to see these two heat up my screen again…Jax better not ruin them, he should stay with Carly, he already broke my Bren’s heart and he should not be forgiven for the terrible way he treated when she left in 2003, thanks GH for bringing VM back, she is absolutly amazing…can we please have Bren/Sam become besties, Sam needs a friend!