General Hospital
Watch The Daytime Emmy Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Nominated Performances! – Who Should Win?

Courtesy/ABC
Now fans it’s time for you to be able to judge for yourself, who you think should take home the gold in the coveted Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category at this year’s upcoming 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards to be held on Sunday night, June 16th and broadcast live on HLN!
HLNTV.com has made available today the four nominated performances, which are the exact same reels that actual blue-ribbon panel judged from.
One of these gentlemen will receive the highest honor in soaps. Take a look at General Hospital’s Jason Thompson, and The Young and the Restless’ Peter Bergman, Michael Muhney and Doug Davidson. Who would you pick to be awarded an Emmy in just a few weeks? Will GH’s Thompson trump all the Y&R nominees in his nod in the ‘Lead Actor’ category? Will Doug Davidson finally win his first Daytime Emmy? Will perennial nominee and three-time winner Peter Bergman pick up his fourth? Or will the always critically acclaimed Michael Muhney pick up the prize on his first nomination?
After the jump, watch the nominated performances and then weigh-in on your choice!
General Hospital
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)

It was just over 13 years ago on General Hospital when Ava Jerome (Maura West) shot and killed Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri (Kelly Sullivan) in an effort to keep her quiet from revealing that Derek Wells was actually Ava’s back-from-the-dead brother, Julian Jerome (William deVry). It’s a crime that somehow Ava never has quite paid for either.
The episode back aired on August 13, 2013 and viewers had to say goodbye to Kelly Sullivan who played Kate and her alter, Connie. In the story, just before she died, Kate/Connie scrawled the letters AJ in her own blood, initially making the PCPD and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) think that it was AJ Quatermaine (Sean Kanan) who did the deed.
Now, Sullivan recalled sharing scenes with the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning West, during a live conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Kelly was the special guest talking about her recent return to the soaps in her new role as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Darcy Dylan.

Photo: JPI
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MAURA WEST
Speaking of her final GH scenes and working with Maura West, Sullivan gave her then GH co-star major props. “If you’re going to be shot by somebody (on the soaps), you want to be shot by Maura West, c’mon!”
Maura West debuted back in May 2013 as Ava, and Sullivan remembered when the As the World Turns favorite began on GH. “I remember when Maura West first arrived at GH. She walked in with this cute little bob (hairdo) and she’s just delicious,” shared Sullivan.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Kelly revealed more about Maura, adding “I think she’s amazing! I remember right before I left the show, someone suggested, and I would still love to do this with her, if she ever want to, but someone suggested that they wanted to direct the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire with Maura and I, where I would play Stella and she would play Blanche! Wouldn’t that be great?”
Speaking of the Ava/Connie showdown scenes, Sullivan expressed, “On television and on General Hospital specifically, Maura West is able to play a character who does the most horrendous things and you still care about her and that’s the mark of a really great actor. In other words, you’re able to be liked in the midst of the most horrendous things, and as a performer not shying away from that, and to just have the courage to do what’s on the page (in the script).”

Photo: JPI
KELLY SULLIVAN PARTING THOUGHTS AS SHE LEFT GENERAL HOSPITAL
Kelly also shared her sentiments when she walked off the set of General Hospital after her run back in August of 2013. “I really was honored. Every day I would go to work and I would say a little prayer, which is I want to do justice for my character, explained Kelly. “It’s between me and my character. I get to walk this path with her and to leave the show on that note, which is, I left every out there. I just gave it my all and again what an honor it was to play Kate/Connie.”
You can catch the full conversation with Kelly where she talks about her time on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless where she played Sage Warner and now The Bold and the Beautiful below.
So, do you remember the Ava and Connie scenes where Ava shot and killed her? What did you think of Kelly Sullivan’s sentiments about Maura West? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, watch the reveal where Ava recalls murdering Connie below!
General Hospital
Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’

The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.
TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.
That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.

Photo: ABC
STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES
GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.
Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.
GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS
Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.
Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.
So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?

On the Friday, September 11 episode of General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship becomes strained to potentially the point of no return.
Things take a turn when an unglued Britt having been traumatized by almost being killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Jason to back her up with the PCPD when she reports Anna for attempted murder.
However, Jason told Britt, he can’t. Jason shares that he does not believe Anna would have gone through with shooting her. Therefore, Britt was not in any real imminent danger. Britt is flabbergasted and hurt that Jason is refusing to tell the police what he actually witnessed for himself on Mount Emerson.

Courtesy/ABC
BRITT WANTS BACK UP FROM JASON
Jason counters that he can’t believe that Britt would want Anna punished. or sent to prison, or a mental facility after the trauma she endured while being locked up and mentally tortured while at Wyndemere.
He asks Britt, “How could you even say that you want her locked up or prosecuted for what she did when you knew she was being held prisoner and you did nothing to save her?” Britt is stunned by Jason’s response.
Coming up, official General Hospital spoilers share that on the upcoming Monday, September 14 episode, Jason confides in Carly (Laura Wright), while Britt is stung. In the video preview that aired at the end of the Friday, September 11 episode for this coming Monday, Britt says to Jason, “You don’t believe me. Do you?”
General Hospital head scribes, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte previously teased in their fall preview of the soap, “Britt and Jason have come a long way and fought a lot of enemies to be together. But the most stubborn obstacle to their happiness isn’t without, it’s within. Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”
So, what do you think will happen? Will Jason and Britt break-up over Britt’s lies and Jason’s unwillingness to report Anna’s crime against her? Do you want Jason and Britt to go their separate ways? If they do, will Britt become romantically involved with Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) ? If so, who do you pair Jason with? Anyone? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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If Jason Thompson doesn’t win, the thing is rigged…
i agreewith u on that kristin t
totally agree!
Jason Thompson by far! He had a fantastic year!
Hoping for a win for Jason Thompson! His scenes on the day of Robin’s funeral, in fact during the whole storyline from Robin’s “death” on, were absolutely heartbreaking! Jason is long overdue for an Emmy, and I am hoping this will be his year to win it!
All great performances! Rooting for Jason Thompson though!
Doug Davidson all the way! Way overdue with all of his work over the years….go get them Doug!
Jason Thompson!
It’s between Jason Thompson and Doug Davidson!
HUGE fan of Jason Thompson, but WOW was Doug Davidson good. Tough choice!
This has got to go to Doug. Fantastic scenes and the guilt after killing his son.
Jason please!!
Doug Davidson he’s fantastic!!!!
Doug Davidson for sure. Or Michael Muhney
I think Jason Thompson she win he is so good
Jason Thompson gets my vote!
I totally agree with Ann & Derrick: It’s a toss up between Jason Thompson abd Doug Davidson. Both performances just ripped your heart out.
Either Jason or Doug will win.
Doug by far. His work is so much deeper than Jason Thomson, although good, but not the depth that age and wisdom bring with time on the planet
Probably Jason Thompson will take it home and he was very good. Sentimental favorite for me is Doug Davidson he is the nicest funniest man in daytime and he has been doing this for 35 years and I believe he will never carry storyline again under this EP/writers. Good luck DD!
I Love General Hospital. Have watched it since it has been on.
It seems like Jason Thompson – I could really feel his pain. I may be bias though since that’s the show I watch. Next, I thought Doug Davidson. Everyone was very good.
I want Doug Davidson, powerful performance when Paul had to kill his own son.. He just celebrated his 35 years on Y&R and a Emmy win would be icing on the cake.
DOUG DAVIDSON. No question!!
It has to go to Doug Davidson! The other performances were good, but not “outstanding” and isn’t that what they’re awarding? Doug Davidson fits the bill inside and out.
I think this is the only catagory the Emmys got right this year. Any one of these four incredible actors deserve to win, but I think it is clear the only real “winners” here are us daytime fans who get to watch these men every day.
I would love to see Doug Davidson get his long overdue statue, but I couldn’t help but be disappointed by the reel he submitted. While it was great and anyone can see he was acting his ass off, I think there were other scenes that would just have been a clear winner. Jason Thompson’s reel is beautiful, very subtle and haunting. Peter Bergman is very consistant and I think the range he displayed was brilliant. I’m always impressed by Michael Muhney, however, I believe his win will come next year, especially if he submits the scenes from early this year of him going to Victor and offering him the company. If I were a betting woman, I would put my money on Doug or Jason, but you never know with the Emmys.
DOUG DAVIDSON IS MY CHOICE FOR THE AWARD. HIS PERFORMANCE WAS SO TOUCHING AN BELIEVABLE. HE IS REALLY A PRO IN A DIFFICULT ROLE. FINALLY AN INTERESTING CHARACHTER AND STORY.
Jason Thompson should win.
I find it pretty bizarre that 3 actors from Young and the Restless were nominated in this category, but only one actor from another show. Doesn’t seem to be a very fair representation of all the quality work done in daytime last year. Just my opinion.
Such great performances, but Jason Thompson is the Gold Standard this year in this category. His performance is heartbreaking, yet so subtle. If there is any justice in this world, he will finally win this year. He truly deserves it…hands down.
Don’t envy the Emmy voters having to choose between Jason Thompson’s and Doug Davidson’s reels!
Jason Thompson was so beautifully poignant and genuine in his episode but his reel was quite short. IMO Doug Davidson was able to show more range with his story and his reel built to a final emotional ending which left an impact – so I think he might just have the edge here. Hope so – he’s been such a under appreciated performer and so good for so many years it would be nice to see him finally walk home with the gold.
Doug Davidson should win, hands down!
DOUG DAVIDSON, by far! his reel was much deeper than any of the others. subtle, but fully committed. a true outstanding actor in a drama series! he’s the only one that fits the bill inside and out!!!
Doug Davidson for the win. If not Doug, then it should be Jason Thompson (even though I do not watch GH at all). What tipped the scales for me was the last couple of minutes of Doug’s reel. That was when I knew it had to be Doug for the Emmy. And I agree, that this was the one category that the Emmy voters got right this year.
As for the person complaining that Y&R had 3 actors and any other show only had 1…..here’s food for thought: perhaps it is because the actors from Y&R were able to take the crappy writing that was handed to them (all from MAB I think) and they were able to turn it into gold (especially Doug). Y&R has one of the best casts on daytime when it comes to stellar acting, which is why Y&R had the most nominations this year (which I’ll grant you, I was very surprised by that considering how awful the show was before Sony and CBS finally got the balls to can MAB). Granted, some of the casting choices in the past and currently the present leave a lot to be desired, you have to give credit where credit is due, the vets on Y&R are some of the best in the industry!
That is an excellent point. I was someone who was originally put off by other shows’ actors being overlooked, but you are completely right. The material they had to deal with was less than subpar and for these three Y&R actors to bring that awful writing to life in a POSITIVE way is very commendable.
jason thompson all dayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Doug Davidson is a talented actor but this year belongs to Mr. Thompson. His portrayal of the broken hearted widower and single dad was understated, heart-felt, and real on every level. The performances goes in the books with all time daytime performances. Judith Light, Tony Geary, Kim Zimmerman, and Erika Slezak make room on the bench. A superstar is born!
3 actors from one soap??? Come on. Seems like Doug should be Supporting not Lead? Jason definitely deserves….from the reels alone!
During that story “Paul” was investigating his son for a prior murder this was the lead up of killing “Ricky”. Doug wasn’t supporting but front & center lead in story….Paul baby…(as I cross my fingers)
That isn’t Y&R fault, that there are three nominees, the actors submit their work, I thought Eric Braeden should have been one of them, but he said he didn’t submit anything.
i watch GH but i gotta say, DD was phenomenal in his reel. older, more nuanced and mature actor. but JT was great, too.
Jason Thompson hands down but I’m caught between him Doug. Man this is tough. Its like last year I thought Becky was gonna win and Nancy ended up winning.
Doug Davidson!!!! Not only did he have much less to work with than any of the other nominees this year, but his performances since day one have been honest, true, and so from the heart you don’t even feel he is acting. That is what makes a true Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series…someone who “acts” with the absence of the “acting”.
My vote goes to Doug Davidson!! I watched all of the reels and his performance was by far the BEST!! Doug is an established actor who truly deserves an Emmy. The other nominations were good but Doug’s was outstanding!!
Doug Davidson or Michael Muhney are the two that have me going the most!
Jason Thompson. This story played out over weeks and JT kept right up with the pain. He didn’t scream, or throw temper tantrums ,he just reached down and brought up the pain. You had to know Kim was dead in these scenes and they were on their way to say goodbye to Robin. great work, DD had been one actor I liked when I watched Y&R,I don’t now. JT should have won last year also.
Doug David is phenomenal! He is multidimensional- the layers of emotion and conflict he displays is stellar…. True human behavior! He should be on Prime Time! Doug Davidson should ABSOLULTELY WIN!!!!
Its toss up between Doug Davidson and Jason Thompson. The spoiler is Michael Muhney.