General Hospital
What is Your Take On Roger Howarth's New GH Character Of Recast "Franco"?
There is probably not a more original, unique, talented and more beloved actor in the soap genre, then Daytime Emmy winner Roger Howarth! With his own quirky and riveting acting style, Howarth is able to bring the viewers along the ride for whatever character he plays, and make the audience care, no matter if his on-screen alter-egos are doing not to nice things! And that goes for his portrayal of Todd Manning on One Life to Live and General Hospital, Paul Ryan on As the World Turns, and now Franco on General Hospital.
Having made the decision to make Roger a recast Franco, originally played on General Hospital by James Franco, due to legal issues between ABC and Prospect Park with the character of Todd Manning, fans have watched for several weeks now as Howarth has been playing the larger than life Franco to the hilt.
For a bit of insight, On-Air On-Soaps caught up with present GH head writer and former OLTL head scribe, Ron Carlivati at the recent 40th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet where we asked him how he felt the repositioning and re-emergence of Howarth, Michael Easton (Silas) and Kristen Alderson (Kiki) was going in their new GH roles to which he responded, “It is weird, but it’s fun. Once I got my mind around it that Kristen, Michael, and Roger are going to be new people, it’s a lot of fun to see the actors do something else. It’s mind-blowing to be doing this Franco thing, which came with its own host of challenges like, ‘Are you really going to recast a movie stars part?’ But it seemed to make so much sense, because I think Roger needs to play someone larger than life like Todd was, and also because we had made that character a Quartermaine, and that also put him front and center, and I think that was important.”
So we pose these questions to you; do you think Roger’s new character on General Hospital is a good one for him, now that you have seen him for several weeks in his new role? Are you enjoying him in the role? Do you at all think he is playing Todd Manning, but with a different character name? Does it matter what part he plays as long as he on GH? Are you wishing things could revert back and he could be Todd again? Share your thoughts!
I love Roger Howarth……but this isn’t working. Franco is a repulsive character to begin with – of all choices, why did Ron C. decide to go with this one??? He could have still been a Quartermaine, just not this one.
And as much as I love RH, him playing Franco as some sort of a lovable psycho, being all jokey about the horrors he committed isn’t working for me. Nothing could me dislike RH, but I’m ff’d through his scenes on the most part.
I suspect Ron C. also wanted to do another RH/KA father/daughter storyline. But I think that’s an epic fail also.
So my take is that this is one giant pile of carp -and it’s a shame to see such talent so badly misused.
Just awful. I think Roger is super talented and HE deserves better than to be given a severely damaged character and a very WEAK storyline. I honestly hope that Roger will get a permanent prime time offer and leave this mis-cast and dismal period of his career behind. him
I agree. The part belongs to James Franco. The writers should have created a brand new character for him. They took the lazy way out.
DUH .. this is different Franco by RC ..
and this Franco has dealt with his demons, and put it behind him, as should some other people and have fun watching RH being ”’this”’ Franco, his Franco
Take you head out of the past; ma short lived character, is now a different type of Franco..
And RH is knocking his new character Franco out of the park!!!
Fired Roger Howarth and bring James Franco back! Franco was originated by James Franco, and James is younger and way better looking, and his charms are sleek, mysterious and dark.
“Franco has dealt with his demons”
^^^ And replaced them with clowns.
LOVE this! Well said.
If Ron C. wanted to make Roger into a Quartermaine, why he couldn’t he had been Jimmy Lee Holt, Jr…since that branch of the Qs have long been forgotten about..
Good thought.
Because Jimmy Lee Holt was way too boring of a character!
I love it. RH has won me over, he can play anything, he is the best……….RC good job recreating a role and making KA his daughter AGAIN…………I’m in love with this show…..Kudos my friends at GH….This cast is perfect………..
well i think it is twisted star should be star Todd Todd Michael as him self the cop the whole show is twisted so i don’t watch it as much now an i was a GH fan star an Michael was rocking gh than Jason left that was a blow an everybody came back but Robin wow never thought gh would get it twisted to lose fans an than lulu left wow what a boomer sorry gh is not the thing any more like today….sorry GH im out as well…peace but still nothing but love…..
Me 2 I think its Kind of Confusing 2 Me Because the Characters of Star Todd And John Oringinated On One Life to Live And ABC pulled the plug Then they Came 2 General Hospital Under That Name How could u recast someone like that and they played well known Characters People who they r doesn’t make no sense!
This guy is a good actor but his take on the Franco character
Is bafoon-like. Its either the writers are not giving him good matmaterial or he doesn’t have the depth it takes to go deep and dark. I suspect it’s the writers’ fault. They tried to reintroduce the devil incarnate, Franco that is, as a redeemed person. That was a mistake. Roger H has a gift for making his audience feel sympathy for the devil. Todd Manning (OLTL) was a convicted rapist yet people loved to hate or hated to love that character. Roger H’s gift/magic doesn’t transfer well onto his portrayal of Franco. Its simply not a character they should have made part of the Port Charles landscape. He must be written in the show in far and few doses to be fully appreciated: like a reality check to let the citizens of Port Charles understand that they must
never get too comfortable.
It’s stupid. End of opinion.
RH/KA/ME don’t belong on Gh
AMEN! There was no reason to bring them back once OLTL got revived. Roger is on OL again as Todd (thank goodness) & KA & ME could’ve easily found other soap work in LA. Forcing all 3 back in new roles at the expense of longtime GH actors and characters was all about the egos of the show runners and had zero to do with the audience.
RH, KA, ME do not want to be PP/OLTL..
They want to be with GH ..
They have been and are GH characters, by their choice ..
What RH, KA, ME want to do with their lives is up to them not anyone else..
And all 3 have chosen to be with GH so according them all and GH, that is their soap home, now.. That is how it is..
They do not belong to OLTL, nor where anyone else wants them to belong..
The 3 seem to very happy with GH and all there, it is where they chose to be, they want to be with GH, so they are doing what they want to do..
Being Contractually OBLIGATED is not a Choice……
RH clearly wanted to be on OLTL as he was there on his on merit. People seem to forget that little fact. Not spec, but fact. Please stop speaking for actors you don’t know and telling the rest of us how they feel and think. They have “people” for that.
I pray that Roger returns again to OLTL when production resumes in August. He is tearing it up on that show—and I’m loving his pairing with Blair once again. Their chemistry is off the charts!
RH, ME and KA are still on GH mainly because they are bound by little pieces of paper called CONTRACTS, not necessarily because they no longer wanted anything to do with OLTL. So, I agree with you, Anna. People who have no clue shouldn’t be putting words into the actors’ mouths.
KRISTEN WANTS TO DO OLTL AGAIN,!
The 3 seem very happy.. yeah.. they’re ACTORS!!!!
Epic fail for the brilliantly talented Roger Howarth. GH is on it’s last leg while AMC and OLTL are picking up STEAM!!! They’re a major hit online.. consistently in the top 10 on hulu and iTunes since April.. and now they’re back on TV, even it if it is OWN.. not too long before another cable station buys their re-runs on an indefinite basis.
Howarth wants to be on OLTL obviously.. or else he wouldn’t have stayed so long playing the role he was born for, Todd Manning.
GH blows.. hasn’t even been picked up yet for 2014. I believe ABC is going to wait til the last minute and announce GH’s cancellation. They made the mistake of announcing the end of AMC and OLTL nearly a year in advanced and got alot of bad press.. they’ve learned something, even tho it’s a mistake to cancel GH as it was AMC and OLTL, but they’ll do it anyways to keep down production cost. I hope everything that goes into their afternoon lineup fails.. has so far.. hope it continues.
Kristen Alderson DOES NOT want to do “One Life to Live” again. She seems to think if she sticks around Los Angeles long enough, she will be cast in a successful TV movie or (gasp!) even a movie.
I love RH and RH as Todd, a great character. I also LOVE JF as Franco. But, I will watch RH whoever he plays and enjoy it. RH will do his best. but it is still Todd really. I do hate the blond hair. I think RC is doing his best. These days I just watch GH and enjoy.. It is easier and more enjoyable,
Are you sure you want the answer to this question, Michael? LOL.
I do like Roger Howarth, but bringing him back as Franco was a huge mistake. To begin with, the writers had to retcon what viewers had already seen over a years long story arc with the original Franco. It comes off as desperate on the part of the writers. Second, Roger continues to act as Todd while he is supposed to be Franco. Third, the massive airtime and focus that he is given while other GH characters like Anna and others are pretty much off screen with no story is just wrong.
It isn’t just Roger, however, it is all three of the former OLTL actors. Kristen Alderson might be Kiki, but she is just acting like Starr with brown hair. Michael Easton seems to be the best of the three, but even there, it feels like he is just being forced on screen.
Just a big mistake and I wish all three would just exit stage right. The focus on them and the failed Sabrina are big reasons why the show is virtually unwatchable right now.
Marie,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I couldn’t have said it better. GH is so hard to watch these days. There are gaps in storylines that are just too long/wide. The other day when Laura and Lucy were having lunch (and Scotty came in after) I was in shock to see the threesome. I actually said, “Oh, she’s still on? I thought the storyline was abandoned or over etc….”. Then we go back and forth with that go-nowhere Sabrina and Felix and his sister…. I do so much fast forwarding that I don’t think I’m a view anymore.
Agreed. It seems when Days is rockin’ GH is slumping and vice-versa. Glad one of my shows is enjoyable to watch at the moment.
I have no problem with GH & enjoy watching it…
Yeah, I stopped watching “Days of Our Lives” 20-some odd years ago when they determined that the same lot of people that watch “The Jerry Springer Show” ALSO watch “Days.”
Ewwww
Roger is a wonderful actor, but this role? T minus Todd is just Odd. Franco Scarlett, I don’t give a damn. GH has been unwatchable for some months now.
I loved Roger as Todd and as an actor in general, but
I just can’t get used to him as Franco. Franco was who he was
because of James Franco and his acting. I think this was a poor decision. Besides, Roger
and James aren’t even the same age.
RH’s Franco is different and not the same as James Franco ‘s Franco, by plan..
RH’s new Franco is doing nothing that the James Franco’s Franco did, nothing.
The roll was mainly revived to be a Q .. A very intriguing, interesting Q ..
(RH’s Franco is not James Franco Franco, that is more than obvious..
This is hardly a compelling argument. It’s a huge part of the problem.
Su…are you on ABC‘s promotional team to pimp and prop this casting and storyline choice to people who hate it? Really…give it a rest already…you have typed the same message 4 times in this one thread. We get it…you like it. You are NOT going to convince the majority of us who hate it no matter many times you defend it. The setiment is clear…we love the actor, hate the character and storyline.
First, don’t care what part he plays as long as he’s on GH! I think he is doing an fabulous job as Franco! He almost makes the character likeable. I like his Franco too! Um, nothing like Todd Manning, but I loved Todd Manning too
It’s going to take time for all three Actors to “fit” into these different roles. I love RH as anyone and people need to stop hating!
It’s called having a difference of an opinion.
I agree with Chrissy!
I agree with you Chrissy. It’s like anything else, it takes time for people to get used to new actors playing old roles. Like the new Lulu, I think they brought her in at the wrong time, having a memory loss, so I didn’t like her at first but now I like her better than the first Lulu. She’s not as whiny and is making her a much stronger character. I think the same for the three from OLTL. Love both shows BTW.
First, don’t care what part he plays as long as he’s on GH! I think he is doing an fabulous job as Franco! He almost makes the character likeable. I like his Franco too! Um, nothing like Todd Manning
However, I loved Todd Manning too
I Love Roger as Franco
I agree.
I agree also!
I find it hard at times too see him in a different role. Okay but not thrilled out it all has turned out.
I believe Roger could play any role. and while I prefer he not be Franco, I’m glad he and Kristen are Father/daughter again and I will watch GH for both of them..
Amen!
I am strongly creeping out over this kissing cousin thing!!! The characters are fine. Just find another way, PLEASE!
LOL Oh Michael this seems like you are baiting for negative comments about the role/actor. I’m not going to say anything negative though. I think Roger is doing a fine job in the role and he seems to be having fun with it. Ideally I would love to have Roger play Todd on GH again but unfortunately some nameless executives have made that impossible. I will say that I am enjoying Franco a lot more than the version of Todd that OLTL is currently subjecting us to. Prospect Park obviously took the ill advise of an oversensitive actress and a very loud but small group of “fans” when writing Todd. Yeah, I said it!
Someone sounds a tad bitter??? No one twisted Roger’s arm to return to OLTL, dear. It’s called “a choice” as in, he made a choice to return and play Todd as he felt Todd needed to be played, unlike the buffoon currently walking around on GH sticking tongues out at people and being whitewashed to the hilt.
No need to toss around such rudeness to fans because one may not be getting what they want onscreen.So childish. It’s JUST a soap opera. Chill.
I personally was most offended by the comment against the actress, that’s not necessary here. I support what you’re saying Anna. You’re right. Roger chose to go back and play Todd and is playing him as he wants to on OLTL, and it’s great.
Are you sure I’m the one that is bitter? I never said Roger was made to do anything but the writing he has been given on OLTL is lacking. His story line is not fun and TnB’s reunion has been slow and lifeless. I’m entitled to my opinion. Oh and BTW I find it amusing that you are calling me rude you use terms such as “buffoon” to insult an actor’s performance because you are not getting what you want.
I love
Rh no matter who he plays.He will make Franco his own and everyone will forget it was played by James Franco.He will still play him as quirky and evil and we will love him.RC really had a tough decision to make about the 3 characters and how to keep them.I hope GH fans will give them a chance and the show will be great again.It hit a hiccup because Ron had to explain to the audience what was going on.Now we get it.PLEASE get rid of Britt and Taylor.OMO.
Roger is playing Todd on GH again. There is no difference between “Franco” and GH’s version of “Todd”. They are both shallow buffoons. It’s all surface. If that is the kind of thing you like, then I can see why the depth and nuance PP has returned to Todd Manning seems “boring” to you.
Right on, Jane!
PP fired all their writers. I think that’s a good sign that they know what we are being given isn’t gold. They know it’s not working.
RE: Jenn, you *realize* the people who moved up were ALREADY on staff writing day to day dialog, stories, etc.
Yeah. Check the credits if you ever choose to watch again.
I agree with Jan McGrann.
Roger is making himself into Franco slowly. I agree Kiki is just Starr with brown hair; not crazy about that. Michael Easton can play John McBain, Steven Clay, Caleb whoever, Silas Clay OR THE EASTER BUNNY! I don’t care..I love him and he is great!
I must have missed Michael’s question that asked about oversensitive actresses and fanbases. If you can’t stick to answering the question perhaps you should stay on your little message board and spew your hate.
That said, Michael I stopped watching GH once it became Mobcentric. I think the day Sonny shot Dante was the day I signed off. I returned when it was announced that the Mannings were coming to GH and I left once I realized I was lied to. Therefore to be fair I have no opinion about RH playing Franco. I will say however since I did watch James Franco play the part that all the re-writes to make Franco redeemable is outrageous and is a sign of lazy writing.
The sad part about all this is that this did not have to happen especially since PP was willing to share the characters. Jen Pepperman even said that they were hoping for cross-overs and I’ll believe her before I ever listen to Frank and Ron again. If PP who brought the rights to the characters felt the need to advise the writers how the character should be written while on GH then so be it. Of course Frank and Ron had better ideas because they are the saviors to soaps. On that note I’ll leave you with this, I love RH as Todd Manning on OLTL and I care not who he plays on GH.
Great post Bravo!!!!
You should watch OLTL this July – hot things happening for Todd and his woman!
that because the oltl version which is how the character Todd is suppose to act as opposed to the horny pimp they had on gh You are just mad cause your shirtless obsession is gone. Oh by the way how do you know how big this group of supposely loud fans are. Ate you a part of the group? Or perhaps you were once a part of the group but got released because of your loyalties and now is just bitter and if i say so myself you seem a little OVERSENTITIVE FROM ALL OF OLTL SUCCESS Seems like two other males i know. GET OVER IT AND SUCK IT UP AND LIVE WITH IT ONE LIFE TO LIVE IS HERE TO STAY
One Life is LIve is # 1
Jenn, yes, you are entitled to your opinion, and I’m entitled to call it out, address and critique it if I do not agree with it. It’s called having a conversation in open forum.
And now insulting characters is equivalent to insulting REAL LIFE people? That’s brand new. Am I not being clear as a cloudless sky on a bright sunny day, hon? FRANCO, the character, character, as in fiction, is a buffoon. I can’t insult Franco, however, you feel the need to coarsely address real life people, fans, actresses, etc? Try reading your original post again, and then try addressing me again with less hypocrisy next time. I’m sure Roger is intelligent and doesn’t need you or anyone else to defend him from his onscreen, see, ON. SCREEN. persona.
And sweetie, I’m getting what I want. All day, everyday on OLTL. I have no reason to be bitter seeing as how I’m being rewarded as a fan. I’m sorry you don’t feel the same. Such is life. I’m getting Todd in Llanview where he belongs!!! Have an AWESOME day!
Wow. Well, aren’t you a little feisty firecracker?
So you would love to have Roger play Todd again on GH, huh? Well, guess what? It wasn’t the “nameless executives” that made it impossible for him to be on GH, it was your arrogant messiahs that put an end to that.
You’re enjoying Franco more than OLTL’s Todd. Fantastic….would you like a cookie? Is it that RH has been on OLTL since April 29 and has yet to be shirtless? Did he not meet your monthly shirtless quota?
You’re post is extremely transparent and it’s evident by you stating an “oversensitive actress” that the problem is NOT RH on OLTL but that he’s on OLTL w/her.
And to think she has SO MUCH POWER that PP listened to HER and said, let’s file this lawsuit and get him back, JUST FOR HER.
That is comical, thanks for the laugh & the “small group of fans” comments…*dead*. You slay me, Jen with two n’s.
And then I loved how you ended your post with a, “Yeah, I said it!”
But what exactly did you say? You’re so hardcore, bad….YEAH I SAID IT….but you said nothing. “Oversensitive actress”….who are you talking about?
Subliminal digs are for cowards. Give me back your, “Yeah, I said it” card because you are not worthy enough to carry it. Ha!
You know where I got that from….the HA?! I got that from your master, Laura Wright. Huh, what…I called her your master??? Yeah, I said it!
Perfect example of Sarcasm!!!! LMAO!!!
Love your comment Jenn. You nailed it.
Roger is an amazing actor and he´s able to turn a “most hated temporarily character” into a likable lasting character and make it his own. I enjoy Roger Howarth´s performance as Franco way more on GH than Todd on OLTL.
Sadly Roger´s the 4 week stint had been wasted so far in disrupted story lines. It turns out that my expectations in regards of the OLTL reboot had been way too high.
I´ve closed the “Todd book” on both shows. I´m in full speed on “Franco”.
Franco as a long-term character no matter WHO’S playing him is a major fail. Michael Zaslow, the great DADDY of most of soap’s barely-respectable anti-villains, wouldn’t be able to make this character work with RC’s shoddy, lazy writing and retconning of anything he’s not creative enough to give any real reasons for (AKA, 99% of Franco-as-played-by-James-Franco’s actions).
GH will be cancelled because RC refused to give up on the OLTL actors and failed characters like Sabrina and Felix… have there ever BEEN two characters as smug and two-faced and unethical as those two clowns and yet we’re still supposed to see them as the good to Britt’s EVULNESS? Newsflash to RC: You don’t fight the good fight by stooping to your opponent’s level and that’s exactly what Queen Sabrina and her lapdog Felix have been doing.
AMEN, Kate!
I think it was a great choice . Iove watching him work
I was very apprehensive at the idea of recasting Howarth as a character that was pretty much loathed by most GH fans. But after a few days off watching him, I found myself totally enjoying him in the part. He brings his own quirky sense of humor, but can turn it sinister, dangerous, or down-right creepy as he chooses. I never thought I would ever enjoy watching ‘Franco,’ but watching ‘FranQ’ is a blast!
Verona,well said. (y)
I agree. Roger is great.
I agree with you Verona. Franco just got started. The question Michael raised should be asked again in a couple of months.
When I read the negative comments I can´t shake the feeling that it always comes down to Todd/OLTL vs. Todd/GH or Todd/OLTL vs. Franco/GH. Some people can´t wrap their minds around the fact that an actor does not belong to one particular show.
I was really curious how Roger would play Franco and from what I´ve seen I truly can say I like it. Playing Franco is a huge challenge and I bet not many actors would have been able to make this character successful . Roger can and that makes him an outstanding daytime actor. I bet by the end of the year “Francomania” is in full force.
Alex i agree with you ….. People look at his acting and not at TODD / FRANCO give RH a brake and let him Play Franco his way .By the WAY I like it …
Well said, Verona!
He is acting like Todd. Not working for me. Get rid of this character pronto
Hate it Still love Roger Howarth. They take a despicable character then they try to make us like him by changing history. And it’s obvious they’re going to try to get us to accept him by making him a match for baby Danny, thereby being the one to save his life. I don’t buy it and can’t stand having this shoved down our throats.
I think that is why I lost interest in GH. I loved them on OLTL but FV/RC have changed history and forced OLTL characters into things they would never do and they just keep stuffing more and more down our throats. I’ll just stick with OLTL online! Enjoying RH as Todd on there.
Roger’s great, but I prefer his portrayal of Todd, on OLTL where it’s origin is.
I’m loving RH as Franco. RH is doing a wonderful job. And Franco is such a great role to have for him.
Seeing him as Franco just reiterates that he can only play one character and that is Todd. He is still playing Todd with a new hair color and cut. Out of all the characters in GH’s rich history bringing him back as Franco was a huge mistake. Franco was one of the most hated characters on the show. A few strokes of the pen can’t erase story by whitewashing him.
Frankly I am sick and tired of these former OLTL actors getting so much airtime and story while others get nothing. There was no reason to bring Roger back or any of the other OLTL characters as they aren’t needed.
Franco is epic fail.
Franco is getting a lot of airtime, but who exactly is getting nothing? Check out the airtime’s for June and for the year up to June: the airtime is incredibly more balanced than in the past.
Where are Laura, Scotty, Lucy, Mac, Duke, Anna, I could name more. No he is getting a ton of airtime and I saw those lists. He wasn’t on the show for how many weeks and he is still up there.
Enough is enough. Get rid of the OLTL people.
Totally agree. I tuned in when they came back as new characters and tuned right back out two days later. I do not like this new OLTL. I want GH back
total fail and love your name pray everyday that they fire ron
Ron you have plenty of talented GH character utizlize them and forget OLTL and stop obsessing over it and move on
Franco is disgusting and if RH couldn’t play Todd anymore they should have just released him from his contract.
It doesn’t work. I love Roger, but this character does him NO favours. Thankfully, he is kicking butt on OLTL. Nothing beats an in character Todd Manning. I think he’d be better off sticking to OLTL playing a character that actually serves a purpose and he made iconic with writers who actually know how to write.
Agree Gwendolyn.
I agree also.
So many feel the same as I do – GH is unwatchable, you can’t make Franco a likable character if you watched the past few years. My opinion – “EPIC FAIL”!! The fact that ABC wouldn’t share the OLTL characters shows their ego and the fact they wanted it all after canceling it proves to me they could care less about soap fans. That’s ok I could care less about GH & ABC.
Love Roger, enjoying Franco, i hope we get more depth to the character soon.
Depth? With Ron writing? Do not count on that one.
what character on any soap has been written with more depth than Tracy under this new regime? or Anna (compared to the epic fail when she came back a few years ago). Alexis has been much more prominent than under guza, sonny may eventually have to face the consequences of his actions, Patrick’s grieving Robin, Johnny’s being racked with guilt.
Name one character that had any story line under the latter guza years that touched any of the dialogue these actors have been given? And when was the last time there was true multi generational story telling on this show (think of edward being brought back for one last scene giving his serum up to emma). What is your measure of depth?–sure there are annoying story lines (sabrina’s cinderella just doesn’t cut it) and the teens are pretty annoying (but what show haven’t they been since amber tamblyn’s emily years)–but a soap has to appeal to all generations and people looking for a variety of storylines. the guza years of shoot em ups, and jason saving damsels in distress (elizabeth is even getting a storyline and Sam has something to do besides get rescued by mobsters). again, what is an example of greater depth on this show since the Labines had their brief glory period?
Anna? Oh, is she still on the show?
I wouldn’t know.
Anna LOL you could say that about any of the vets. They bring them out once every few months to show us its still Gh. WVF I have to chuckle at what you consider “depth” and dialogue, Patrick grieving Robin?? Robin who? Anna?? the commish that has yet to solve one crime? Patrick actually had a personality with Guza. He’s a card board cutout of his once sexy arrogant self. Roger is great just not Franco he’s just Todd with blonde hair. Franco should have stayed dead period. I can’t believe how much of the Q’s house I’ve seen. Yet not one Q has been in that living room. Where the hell is Monica to tell these imposters to get out of her house??
You miss this week…their back…lucy, laura, mac, felicia, scott, duke and anna! hooray!!!
I love RH, I love him as Todd on OLTL and GH. I did not like the character of old Franco, just too psycho & evil & there is so much to undo & forget. Its difficult to separate old & new Franco, and why the blonde hair?? RH is doing a great job with new Franco & if it was any other character I would like the character. I really really wish they had given RH a different Q to play, even just as he is doing, just not the character of Franco. It is a lot to let go of. But for RH I am really trying, and hoping I can forget old Franco and just enjoy RH’s performance.
Not liking the hair at all. I think he should grow it long again. Been following Roger since 1993 and will follow him anywhere! He will always be Todd Manning though.
He’s horrible. An embarrassment. He’s doing great as Todd but this is a nightmare. Disaster. Unwatchable.
Someone above said it feels like a desperate move on the part if ABC & GH writers and I agree. After a year on GH as Todd, Starr, & John, now to force all three actors down viewers throats as new people just to hold onto them is beyond lame. The GH cast was bloated enough, & now Howarth and the other two have taken center stage once again to displace beloved characters like Anna, Duke, Laura, Felicia, the list goes on. ABC cancelled One Life to Live & now it is actively sabotaging PP’s attempts to revive the show. Making Franco & Kiki father/daughter is one example of that sabotage. As a lifelong GH fan I’m disgusted with how all of this has gone down. ABC should have paid these 3 for the duration of their original contracts & allowed them to go out and do other work. There are 3 remaining soaps in LA & I’m sure all of these actors could’ve easily gotten roles on them. Meanwhile I continue to watch Howarth in an authentic soap opera role – that of Todd Manning on OLTL. But the stubborn egos of ABC & GH show runners has turned me off that soap for good.
Wow, well said Cathy. Totally agree with your statement.
GH needs a new heard writer, someone who actually wants to write for GH and is not trying to recreate his old show. RC iis bitter and it shows.
Bravo, well said Cathy and Georgette yep I agree.
It’s so bad, it would be funny. But it’s not. It’s just bad.
Yuck. I can’t believe this is the guy who plays Todd. I don’t think he wants to be there or try as he seems to hate it, too. It’s like he’s laughing at how bad it is.
I am so satisfied how Roger Howarth re-established a character that was real and how Ron & Frank took that dangling thread and made it relevant. RH has never ever disappointed and I enjoy watching GH again. Love the melding of this and the other ‘new’ characters. Previously, it was like a guest star had to come in and left after the story was half over. Now Franco can be as twisted or as misunderstood as necessary, or as good as the writing and acting make us believe. And it IS good and that’s why I love watching RH in his craft! The only thing I can say in the negative is that Todd and Carly never had the chance to make up.
I think Roger as Franco is great fun! Boo to all the haters. Things changes. Deal with it.
Bravo! So sick of all the critics and haters…just enjoy the ride!
I love Roger as Franco. He is great fun. Things change in soaps. Move on…
Hate it. He’s irritating and on way too much. Its disgusting to see his feet up in the Q house. Many GH’s are backburned or airing a few mins here and there while each episode Franco/RH is on (which is almost everyday) he takes up half the show. And since it can’t be said enough Kiki sucks too.
I still see Todd. Franco is now a clown. Not at all entertaining to me.
yes, he is not Franco, he is still Todd. What made Franco interesting is no longer there,. and it did die with him, and should have stayed that way.
Agree. There is too much of him on the show also. July 1 & 2 were the Todd/Carly (Carly from ATWT is who I see with this actress unless I am thinking about Diane from Y&R last summer) show. I speed thru the scenes with these two. And don’t like Kiki or Morgan. Get rid of all 4.
I love RH, and was so excited to hear he would be on GH, after watching & loving him on OTLT & ATWT; GH has managed to make me not want to watch him. Franco was probably the very last character that should have been returned to the show and its really a testament to the complete lack of creativity on behalf of the writers.they had an opportunity to create a brand spanking new badass character and settled on a previously dead sociopathic rapist killer. And the waste of time and great lengths this show is going to just to make him viable on the canvas. In one word, it’s absurd.
I agree with so many of the other commenters here… It just is not working. I love, love, love Roger… but he is not Franco. Franco became Franco because of the original portrayer James Franco. They have Roger looking nothing like the original Franco first of all, he is behaving similarly, but what they are attempting to do with the character is wrong. I agree that if it wasn’t possible any longer to use Roger as Todd Manning they should have just released him from his contract as they should have Kristen Alderson. I realize we aren’t talking about her, but frankly I’m not liking the character they have her playing either. Kiki… I mean really! and to have her dye her hair brown to play another person, kinda ridiculous. I realize actors do it all the time, but it doesn’t work for me, especially after she has already played Starr on GH and been involved with Michael, established a relationship and now to bring her back as his cousin! What the hey. None of this story is working except maybe the one with Michael Easton.
Honestly I think it’s been a big F.U. to GH fans, the GH audience barely tolerated Franco when a major movie star played him. Why would they think that Roger Howarth could make it work. Oh I know because they could retcon his horrific history and really he’s just playing Todd with a bad dye job on the hair. How about RC/FV concentrate on the core GH characters who deserve story more than the three ex-OLTL’rs.
The arrogance is what is doing GH in right now the story is horrible and frankly RH is just playing Todd the same way KA is now just playing Starr.
Arrogance! That’s it! Roger and Franco were not needed.
FGS, Franco and Co took over the Q mansion! It’s blasphemy! WTF is Monica?
Silas and “Kiki”? RME, don’t get me started.
You are so right. They are running the mansion! Monica needs to get home! While I love having more scenes at the Q place I cannot stand these characters. When I am in another room & the show is on I feel like I am hearing the old OLTL when Roger is on. I have to stop for a second because he is PLAYING TODD. And Ava is not working for me either. Get rid of them & take Kiki & Morgan with you.
yes, Monica would not allow these imposters! I agree get rid of them all..though I do like Ava a bit, because she is sneaky and wants to get rid of that terrible guy with the bad haircut! Where is Alice why does she not throw them out?
Roger Howarth as Todd Manning belongs on One Life to Live. it’s a shame that the people in charge of General Hospital cannot focus on the fantastic cast they have, instead of focusing so shamelessly on one or two people. the Franco recast is not working and Todd just belongs on his original show. give story back to the vets on GH and the rest of the General Hospital cast and let Todd exist in Llanview.
AMEN TO THAT!!!!
Roger Howarth left the Todd character behind before, he stopped being Todd, and that is when TSJ took over the roll of Todd Manning on OLTL..
Roger Howarth moves on with his life..
He left OLTL , did not go on with PP, with exception of his agreed upon 4 weeks etc..
RH has decided to be with GH not OLTL .. And he also took on the roll of Franco because he wanted to ..
Roger Howarth is doing and going and being who wants to be and what he wants to do..
You can live his life for him the the way you want him to live it for you..
I’d bet Roger Howarth does not like bitter people 🙂
Wow you must not have heard that Roger will continue with OLTL as Todd Manning. I for one am thrilled as he’s rockin it as Todd there. GH is unwatchable for me.
I bet more than anything, people speaking for him that he doesn’t know is more disturbing.
And it’s “role”. Roll is a part of a food group.
Sorry Sue but the only thing about RH doing both shows is From SON and they are NOT Reliable! And it was already Disputed….
The decision to make RH is an epic fail. Franco was the type of character that is to be used SPARINGLY. He was never meant to be a long term character . The fact that the writers decided hey, we can just say he didnt REALLY do these things and expect the audience to pretend he didnt , that his actions did not have major effect on characters lives in a tad insulting. Add to that the loved ones of the people he hurt negating just how bad is actions were is even more flabbergasting.
They also should have never made him a Quartermaine. The family is badly diminished and instead of bringing on characters from the past, they just make new ones. I will never understand the reasoning in bringing back franco. Then telling a story of him not getting to be with his child, his ex lover, his life , fears. As if he were a normal character and not a monster. Then telling that story every day ALL day frontburner. No, GH It doesnt work. Cease to show it and him .Thanks.
I love RH as Frano a Quartermaine..
He will bring new life to the Quartermaine’s and many great stories will come from it, many suspenseful awesome stories..
and the journey of the changing Franco will awe awesome to watch..
This is not the short run Franco, this is RC’s Franco, and we are in for whole new Franco and a very vivid character with many flaws and layers, and quirks that RH will play with ease and and bring a new life to Franco ..
Rh and Franco were made for each other ..
I love the new Franco played by Roger Howarth
New life to the Q’s? Like Monica? Who we haven’t seen in weeks but strangers are living in her house.
Lets try that again.
They should have made RH a recast Ned who wanted to challenge his mother and his cousin for the position of CEO of ELQ. Then it might have made more sense to have this fool enjoying the unseen Monica’s home and hospitality. As it stands, I for one saw the havoc Franco wrought when he was in PC the last two times, and I don’t care who’s playing him now or how much TPTB try to diminish his dirty deeds. I’m not buying it. At all.
The old Ned was/is good. Another one they should bring back.
AMEN Cejaycee…to recast such a recent and perfectly fitting end to Franco, and make him accepted? I will never buy that one either. They might have gotten away recasting a character that was this hated, if he had been on 25 years ago, but 3? How long do they think the viewers have been watching…only since the new writers came on board?
I will be as positive as possible but this character doesn’t work. Franco’s purpose was a short stint to satisfy JF. After the first stint I was fine BUT never wanted a reprise of the role. There is already a large cast of talented actors/actresses…please write for them! I think RH is a talented actor but please let him act like a different character and not just Todd with different hair. He should have been a Cassadine IMO. He and NLG work well together, would have given her a great story possibly?! I just don’t feel like Franco/Ava & Kiki ‘fit’ running around the q mansion like they own it either…esp when we see them more than the q’s. balance is lacking 🙁
To be honest, at first I hated the recast of the RH, KA and ME. Now that a couple of weeks of passed, I have warmed to the new roles for Roger and Kristen. Unfortunately, Michael’s character of Silas is a misfire and a shame. It feels forced and it looks like even Michael Easton is not comfortable in that role. Roger and Kristen because of their father/daughter history on OLTL is making it work and I am intrigued to see where this will go. Roger is a hoot to watch regardless of who he is playing and Kristen it has been a pleasure watching her grow up since OLTL so it feels like we are watching “our daughter” grow before our eyes.
Still wish PP and ABC could have worked things out as both would have benefited greatly from it but greed ruins everything! ABC you messed up royally!!
I actually disagree. Silas had had a much better introduction than Kiki and Franco. I find his inclusion better because it has not been big and showy.He doesnt offend me as much character wise. Franco is not supposed to be this goofy, giggly character they have made him . It makes it that much worse
Excellant post! I do find is curious that a lot of attention is going to RH and even KA’s new roles but not much is being said about ME as Silas. Maybe MF can something about that for us fans.
Why the name Silas of all names?
I like Roger and glad he is on GH, but I do think he has too much airtime and too central for a new character.
He’s totally amazing. I hate we brought this Franco story back but Rodger is making it work and I actually care now!!! But I’m close to leaving GH behind because the stories and the actors they are leaving me with and not fighting to keep the amazing talent around like Kelly S makes me not care!!! Dante Lulu are boring. The kids are boring. We never see Sam and when we do it’s lame. Is Maxie even on this show??!!! Over Luke & Laura. They didn’t fight to save Steve Burton,Brandon Barash, now Bradford went to recurring,they get rid of amazing talent like Kelly and keep godawful talent that fans don’t want likeDr Britch, Sabrina & Felix!! GH IS ON MY LAST NERVE!!! Said as I e watched for 30 years abs its never been soooooo bad
The phrasing of the request for comments does seem to include a lot of negative choices even though the general tone of the post itself is positive. Anyway, I can only speak for myself, but I think he is doing an amazing job. Yes, Franco was a risky choice, but it is paying off wonderfully in my opinion by involving a wide variety of characters and giving them the opportunity to avenge themselves on somebody they have reasons to hate. The fun part is that then some are put in the position of being forced to be nice to him for his ELQ shares. I think it makes for entertaining drama and plenty of humor as well, and I agree very much with what Verona said: “He brings his own quirky sense of humor, but can turn it sinister, dangerous, or down-right creepy as he chooses. I never thought I would ever enjoy watching ‘Franco,’ but watching ‘FranQ’ is a blast!” Another favorite aspect for me is watching Franco try to win over KiKi because it seems to be the one thing he wants above all else: to get to know his daughter.
I too had concerns about bringing back the character of Franco, but I am finding it a fascinating and multi-faceted performance, and I’m not surprised at all about that part. I always have high expectations for Roger Howarth, and he has never disappointed me yet.
Succinctly put, Nancy. As a long-term soap opera fan from the b&w 15-minute episodes in the 1950’s to the over ripe 60-minute color episodes for the past several years, I’ve enjoyed RH since his debut on OLTL and ability to turn a loathed day player into a beloved permanent member of the Llanview families … and welcome him as FranQ. FV/RC must receive great credit for their clever solution to the PP/ABC quandary. I’m liking blond Franco, dark-haired Kiki, and pony-tailed Silas: all 3 well devised characters who will become, hopefully, permanent Port Charles fixtures (at least as “permanent” as soap opera characters can be, LOL). GH is now a daily treat to view with its great characters and plots. (We RH fans receive a pleasurable double dose of him as GH’s Franco and OLTL’s Todd,) All these complaints about the 3 recasts leave me somewhat puzzled as I watch daytime dramas simply for entertainment and most likely would be watching the Roy Winsor and Irna Phillips creations daily if they’d not been cancelled. Let’s sit back and ENJOY the over-the-top melodrama we’re offered weekdays by the big 3 networks and internet reboots. We’re lucky we still have any soap operas. Remember when the different stories started in the morning on the networks and aired through early evening?
James Franco is one of my favorite movie actors, but I felt his Franco characterization on GH was a grave mistake after his initial appearance. Now, Mr. Howarth is adding that zestful spark to Franco’s personality which had been missing. Things are heating up in the Quartermaine mansion, so I for one will be watching!
This is probably one of the worst ideas to come down the pike in a while. Not only is he in a different role, he’s in it after only leaving as Todd, what, two months before? And this is no leading man role. Franco was a whackjob, but a stone cold one. RH plays it like he’s on speed.
The only pleasure I get in watching GH is seeing the RH/Franco trainwreck barrelling down the tracks…and waiting for the inevitable collision.
Well I am in no position to judge since I wasn’t watching GH when Franco was first introduced, nor did I see James Franco’s version of him. But what I will say out of the three of them I am having an easier believing RH is a new character than the other two.
Howarth is the best actor now working on daytime. Do I like that they made him Franco, hell no, but it’s better than not having him there at all. I think in time he will make the character his own and we will all accept him. It does help that he and Maura West have great chemistry.
I agree with this entire statement 🙂
Can’t stand his hair color he looks so fake. The writing does not suit him. All the writing is awful . The Q house has been taken over by Kiki Franco Michael and now Kiki’s mother what a joke. They really look like clowns. Not happy
I like RH as Franco, MW as Ava, and KA as kiki/Lauren…they r helping revive the dieing Quartimanes…but they show them just a tad too much…they need to balance the show out more and give all characters equal airtime…so is Lesly gone now?…wouldve loved to see Leslie and Monica in some scenes together…all is forgiven between them…then a new man comes to town who attracts both Leslie and Monica but to their suprise he’s more interested in Carly or Tracy.
I love Roger Howarth as Franco and I didn’t expect to because I hated JF’s version. I think Roger is doing a great job. My only complaint is that they have to cut down his airtime. He’s on a bit too much, other than that, I enjoy watching him on GH.
I Love Roger Howarth i am so happy he’s back on GH
General Hospital
More of the Story on ‘General Hospital’ Star Josh Kelly’s Latest Film Role in ‘The Workout’
We had previously shared that General Hospital’s Josh Kelly was taking three weeks away from his role of Cody Bell to a shoot a role in an upcoming movie entitled The Workout.
Josh originally revealed his role in the film during an episode of GH castmates, Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson’s (Spinelli) podcast.
Now Deadline has filled in some of the blanks, and shared some intriguing intel on the premise of the film and its back-story. The film stars Kelly along with Peter Jae, and UFC Fighter, Ashlee Evans-Smith. Other cast members include The Bay’s Kristos Andrews.
In The Workout, two army rangers set out to create a workout video, but their plans are abruptly halted when a mob hit interrupts their filming. Tragically, one of the rangers loses his wife in the attack, sending him on a relentless mission to take down the mob and anyone who stands in his way.
The film from James Cullen Bressack, almost did not get financed. Apparently, ten days before his birthday, Bressack made a post on Instagram about the feature and production, casting, and financing came from the post … illustrating the power of social media. After the post gained traction, a producer provided financing and actors expressed interest in joining the project, leading to a quick production.
In a statement, Bressack shared, “As artists a painter paints, a musician makes music, a writer writes, but as filmmakers we have to ask permission to create. It’s time to change that narrative. This film spawned from a necessity to create. We create. We tell stories. We play pretend. I’m excited to take this journey. This is the truest form of collaboration and a community of friends coming together to make something fun. While our industry has had a rough time recently with strikes and a possible strike looming in the future, it’s nice to remind ourselves why we got into film to begin with. To have fun telling stories.”
No word yet on when The Workout will be released.
So, looking forward to seeing this collaborative effort featuring GH’s Josh Kelly? Comment below.
Breaking News
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences revealed on Wednesday via X, that this year’s 51st annual Daytime Emmy Nominations are set to be announced in full on Friday, April 19th at 12 pm ET/9 am PT.
However, four of the top award category nominations will be revealed on Thursday, April 18th across four entertainment news programs to kick things off.
Those include this Thursday episodes of Access Hollywood, E! News, Entertainment Tonight and Extra. Over the past few years, NATAS has often let the syndicated entertainment news program handle the duties of revealing the top actor and actress in a daytime drama series, but we shall see which categories the shows unveil this year.
As previously announced, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be presented in ceremonies on Friday night, June 7th on CBS (8 – 10 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
The awards will be back at The Bonaventure hotel in downtown Los Angeles, where (the delayed due to the actors and writers strike) 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards were held back in December of 2023.
Look for the full nominations to be posted right here at Michael Fairman TV and you can follow along on Friday on the Daytime Emmys social platforms as well.
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.
The 51st Daytime Emmy Nominations will honor the work and achievement from the calendar year of 2023.
So, who would you like to see in the running for gold when the Daytime Emmy nominations in the key acting and show categories are revealed? Share your thoughts below.
Let the countdown begin! #DaytimeEmmys nominations are coming this Friday at noon ET, with a special sneak peek tomorrow on @accesshollywood @enews @etnow @extratv! pic.twitter.com/aL5PFYXBCL
— Daytime Emmys (@DaytimeEmmys) April 17, 2024
General Hospital
General Hospital’s Adam J. Harrington Weighs-in On John and Carly, and How it’s ‘Starting to Get Very Complicated”
On recent episodes of General Hospital, Carly (Laura Wright) came to John “Jagger” Cates (Adam Harrington) rescue as he was beaten down in an assault. Carly put on her “nurses cap,” sort of speak, and got John to his hotel room and watched over to him, to make sure he didn’t lose consciousness.
GH fans also got their first glimpse of what may be a new romance for Carly, if she and John continue to bond. If John and Carly were to have a relationship, it would certainly have a ripple effect with Jason (Steve Burton) and Sonny (Maurice Benard).
Adam J. Harrington shared his view on the scenes and what might be next between the two. Speaking to Soap Opera Digest, Harrington shared, “I thought it was written in a way where there’s an understanding and a respect between them both. I don’t think there was any moment where she was not aware that he’s an FBI agent, and there was no moment that he wasn’t aware of her history and relationship to other people in the town. I really liked it. I was really looking forward to shooting it with Laura and we had a really nice time shooting it.”
When Carly and John part ways, it seems there were some romantic sparks, as Harrington puts it, “Isn’t that interesting that sometimes with people, the one moment they actually show how they feel is when they know there’s an escape hatch. They know they’re about to walk away. So, it’s almost safe in that moment to do it. I thought that was really special about how (the writers) handled John and Carly. Even the music in that scene was beautifully done.”
Where is this all heading? Conflict! Internally and professionally, and as Adam explains, “Who Carly was to John on paper as just a tool to be used as bait is starting to get very complicated.”
What would you think of a John and Carly pairing? Would you prefer him with Anna, or neither of them? Let us know via the comment section and take our poll below.
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General HospitalApril 12, 2024
George Russo to Appear on General Hospital as Carmine Cerullo
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Days Of Our LivesApril 13, 2024
Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award
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General HospitalApril 15, 2024
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
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RecapsApril 14, 2024
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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Days Of Our LivesApril 14, 2024
Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
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NewsApril 12, 2024
Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’