General Hospital
What is Your Take On Roger Howarth's New GH Character Of Recast "Franco"?
Courtesy/ABC
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!
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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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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.… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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,… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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
Breaking News
Walt Willey Brings All My Children’s Jackson Montgomery to General Hospital
Look for another legal eagle character from a former ABC soap opera to pop up on General Hospital!
News today out of Soap Opera Digest has that none other than Walt Willey set to reprise his role as All My Children’s Jackson Montgomery on upcoming episodes of GH in July.
Willey played Erica Kane’s (Susan Lucci) love interest and the Pine Valley lawyer from 1987 through to till ABC’s cancellation of the series back in 2011. The actor previously crossed-over to another soap opera in 1996, when he played Jack on ABC’s The City.
Photo: ABC
Taking to his Facebook account, Walt confirmed the news on his appearances on GH: “Hey Folks… Been sitting on this one for a while but now I’ve been given the clearance to announce that “Jackson Montgomery” is visiting Port Charles! I’ll be doing a few episodes of General Hospital, due to air mid July. So excited to reprise my character and see and work with old friends! I’ll keep you posted on any details. “Jackson” in Port Charles…who would have thought it? Let me, and ABC, know what you think about it!”
Could Jack’s sudden arrival in Port Charles have to do with the SEC and the trouble that Carly (Laura Wright) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) find themselves in? Will AMC fans get to see Cameron Mathison and Willey share scenes together again? Mathison played Ryan Lavery on the beloved former soap opera … or might Jack go up against Martin Grey in a GH legal battle, so Michael E. Knight and Willey could share scenes together again since their AMC days?
So, excited to see Walt on General Hospital? What do you think brings Jack to Port Charles? Weigh-in below and stay tuned.
General Hospital
B&B’s Scott Clifton Reflects On His Conflicted Emotions on Winning Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Over Y&R’s Kristoff St. John
The Young and the Restless’ beloved Kristoff St. John (ex-Neil Winters) passed away back in February of 2019, and at the age of 52-years-old. Back in 2017, St. John along with The Bold and the Beautiful’s Scott Clifton (Liam), were nominated alongside each other for the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category at the 44th annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
A win for either would put them in the Emmy record books to become the only actor to win all three of the Daytime Emmy acting categories as of that time: Outstanding Younger Actor, Outstanding Supporting Actor and Lead Actor.
During his appearance on Maurice Benard’s You Tube series, State of Mind, Clifton talked about the emotions and ups and downs of eventually winning the Emmy over St. John, while knowing how much it meant to Kristoff, and given late actor’s reel. In it, St. John shared scenes with the late Nichelle Nichols, who played Neil’s dying mother.
When discussing his three Emmy wins with Benard, Scott expressed: “It’s beautiful, but remember Kristoff St. John. I got to do a couple of events with him, and I got to talk with him, and the year that I got ‘Lead’, he was nominated. He and I both had a Younger Actor Emmy and a Supporting Actor Emmy, and if one of us won, everybody was telling us, we would have this record of the first actor in daytime to have a Daytime Emmy in all three categories. And, he told me, and this was months before he passed away, he told me, it was really important to him to win that.” It was then, an emotional Clifton shared: “That Emmy is not worth it to me. It’s bittersweet.”
Photo: NATAS
As to how Scott feels he wound up with the gold statuette, the B&B star acknowledged, “So much of that it is who happened to be submitting that year, etc, and this was the first year they changed the rules. All I did was take advantage of the new rules, and I was smart about it. I did not have the best performance, but they changed the rules where instead of submitting one episode through the year, you could submit a 20-minute tape and you could grab (scenes) from whatever episodes, and I made a story with it. I was playing the voters, but I didn’t have the best performance.”
In tribute to St. John, Clifton said, “His performance was beautiful, but it was all in a hospital. It was so intimate and small, and controlled and authentic, and mine was all over the place, but I told a story. I’m convinced that’s the only reason I won.”
Courtesy/CBS
Scott’s reel that year was also outstanding, so many could see why he won the coveted prize and made Emmy history.
Check out the poignant story as told by Scott to Maurice in the latest episode of State of Mind below.
Then, let us know what you thought about Scott opening up on of his career-defining moments via the comment section below.
General Hospital
General Hospital’s Réal Andrews and Finola Hughes Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Two different storylines, two noteworthy performances, and both from General Hospital, made our weekly kudofest. The first, belongs to the heartbreaking performance that still has everyone talking by Réal Andrews as Marcus Taggert.
Last week’s episodes of GH, brought with it the results of the DNA test that ‘proves’ just who is Trina’s (Tabyana Ali) biological father, Taggert or Curtis (Donnell Turner)? When Trina opened the envelope to reveal the answer in front of Portia, Curtis and Taggert, she announced it was Curtis, who was her dad.
However, if you watched the scenes carefully, you saw the subtle work by Andrews as he was attempting to remain calm before receiving the answer and what followed afterwards, but that was in front of Trina, Portia and Curtis and his attempt to put on a brave face through it all. In reality, Taggert was devastated by the news. When he said his goodbyes, Taggert got inside the GH elevator. Once there, he lost it and began to cry, punching the elevators walls with his fist. A five-hank
Meanwhile, Finola Hughes once again showed us the layers and the veracity of Anna Devane. This time, while at WSB headquarters, Anna’s past as a double agent comes to light. Agent Hersley had her under arrest, as she is being accused of treason against the state.
Courtesy/ABC
While Anna’s past as a DBX double agent were known to the agency, they weren’t known to the public. Thanks to Victor’s will reading and the revenge plot he set in motion against her, now Anna is up against more formidable foes. When speaking with her lawyer, Martin Grey (Michael E. Knight), Anna says how can she dispute the charges against her when they are true? She realizes in this instant that the WSB wants to hang her out to dry to cover their own asses. Hersley threatens Anna, that if she fights the charges, they will be forced into looking into the actions of her associates, Robert Scorpio and Annie Donnelly.
Not having it, Anna throws down saying she will seriously embarrass the WSB if they pursue this … and if anything happens to Robert, Annie or anyone else she cares about, she will take the bureau down with her. After Hersley caves, Martin asks Anna what happened. Anna states she is no longer an agent and will never be again.
This material gave the mighty Hughes the material to shine, as Anna went from having the rug pulled out from under her, to fighting back, to now not knowing what her future holds after saving others.
Courtesy/ABC
For all the reasons cited above, Michael Fairman TV names the work of Réal Andrews and Finola Hughes as last week’s ‘Power Performances of the Week”.
Do you agree with our picks of GH’s Réal and Finola? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, but first check out some clips from their work below.
“You could do worse having two dads” – watch an emotional Marcus breaking down in the elevator 😭💔 #GH #Sprina pic.twitter.com/OzejZKpsjm
— Panagiota Petrakos (@PamPetrakos) May 31, 2023
“If anything happens to Robert, or Annie or anything else I care about, I AM TAKING THE BUREAU DOWN WITH ME! “ – Anna #GH #Vanna pic.twitter.com/8s69lceuXj
— Panagiota Petrakos (@PamPetrakos) June 1, 2023
‘The View’s’ Whoopi Goldberg Tells Audience to Stop ‘Booing’ Republican Senator Tim Scott
The Men of Charity Lawson’s Season of ‘The Bachelorette’ Revealed
Walt Willey Brings All My Children’s Jackson Montgomery to General Hospital
B&B’s Scott Clifton Reflects On His Conflicted Emotions on Winning Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Over Y&R’s Kristoff St. John
General Hospital’s Réal Andrews and Finola Hughes Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
DAYS Alum Jensen Ackles on ‘The Winchesters’ Inability to Find New Home is a Case of ‘Unfortunate Timing’
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Cameron Begins His Plot to Frame Nick As His Return Rocks Sharon to the Core
B&B’s Scott Clifton Reflects On His Conflicted Emotions on Winning Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Over Y&R’s Kristoff St. John
GH’s Nicholas Chavez and Tabyana Ali to ‘Sprina’ Shippers: “Thank You For Not Only Being Fans, But Turning into Family”
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Marcus Learns He’s Not Trina’s Biological Father
Eva Longoria on Reprising Her Role of ‘Desperate Housewives’ Gabby : “I Would Be The First to Sign Up for a Reboot”
DAYS and GH Alum Tyler Christopher Arrested for Public Intoxication
The Men of Charity Lawson’s Season of ‘The Bachelorette’ Revealed
B&B’s Scott Clifton Reflects On His Conflicted Emotions on Winning Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Over Y&R’s Kristoff St. John
General Hospital’s Réal Andrews and Finola Hughes Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Cameron Begins His Plot to Frame Nick As His Return Rocks Sharon to the Core
Pride Month Celebrating LGBTQ+ Soap Supercouples: Nuke, Kish, Otalia & WilSon … Which Stands the Test of Time?
CM Punk Officially Set for Return to AEW On New Series ‘Collision’ Premiere
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RecapsMay 28, 2023The Bold and the Beautiful’s Scott Clifton Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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RecapsJune 3, 2023THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Cameron Begins His Plot to Frame Nick As His Return Rocks Sharon to the Core
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General HospitalJune 4, 2023B&B’s Scott Clifton Reflects On His Conflicted Emotions on Winning Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Over Y&R’s Kristoff St. John
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General HospitalJune 1, 2023GH’s Nicholas Chavez and Tabyana Ali to ‘Sprina’ Shippers: “Thank You For Not Only Being Fans, But Turning into Family”
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General HospitalMay 31, 2023GENERAL HOSPITAL: Marcus Learns He’s Not Trina’s Biological Father
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General HospitalMay 30, 2023GENERAL HOSPITAL: Who Will Turn Out to be Trina’s Biological Father … Curtis or Taggert?