General Hospital
William deVry Interview: Actor Speaks Out On His GH Contract Status, Julian's Future, Julexis, & Fan Support!
Photo Credit: ABC
It’s been a long hot summer, and one of the burning issues in soapland has been whether General Hospital and William deVry (Julian Jerome) can reach a deal that would put the popular star back under contract after negotiations were at an impasse.
After taping his last episode under his contract at the end of June, as of July, Will had not returned to the set of the ABC daytime drama series to continue the story of mobster Julian Jerome, and the rebuilding of the love story that had been known as “Julexis”.
GH and deVry fans have been very vocal on social media voicing their displeasure that he has not inked a new deal since the actor has made it publicly known he very much would like to remain with the show, and dig deeper into the next phase of Julian’s journey; which would hopefully feature some redemption, and other shades of this complex character.
Will sat down over GHFCW 2017 with On-Air On-Soaps for this in-depth, candid interview where he addresses where things stand with GH, if a return may be imminent, how he is moving on if they should not, his experiences with some of his major scene partners including: Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) and Maurice Benard (Sonny), and much more. Here’s what he shared in our conversation below.
So, take me though what happened. You taped, which was for now, your last episode of GH at the end of June, and at that point contract negotiations were still going on?
Photo Credit; JPI Studios
WILLIAM: The negotiations were sort of starting at the point. I had hoped we could wrap it up quickly. I guess, times in daytime have changed quite a bit. Things weren’t wrapped up as quickly as I would have preferred, and for all I know, maybe they did not get wrapped up as quickly as Frank Valentini (EP, General Hospital) would have preferred. Everybody has mandates. In the meantime. they are telling a story that allows them the freedom of having a little bit of breathing space for when I am hopefully back. I am auditioning for other shows right now, and have a couple of things that I am close to getting. I feel bad for the fans, really.
Your fans have really gotten behind this and voiced their displeasure over you currently not being at GH, and wanting the show to work things out with you.
WILLIAM: I agree with you. They have gotten behind me, and I’m very thankful. It’s surprising to be honest with you!
In a way, it reminds me of your time as Michael Cambias on All My Children. There was so much potential to keep that dark side of the character, similar to Julian, but not turn him so bad that he was irredeemable. Ultimately, Michael was killed-off, though.
WILLIAM: Yes. I think back to when I played Michael Cambias on All My Children. When he first came on the fans loved him, and then Megan McTavish (Ex-head writer, AMC) just skewered him.
At GH, what do you think their position is in regards to wanting to work things out with you?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
WILLIAM: At General Hospital, the good news is they want to keep me there, and I am thankful for that. I love the show … I love working on the show, and I know Frank is passionate about it. But again, mostly I feel bad for the fans, because the powers-that-be at the show know what’s going on. I know what’s going on, some of my closest friends know what is going on, but the fans don’t know what is going on, and not only do they not understand what is going on, they don’t know why, and that’s tough. It’s probably tougher for me than anybody else. The good news is we are super close to a resolution, and I hope that it is good news. I am just going to keep doing my thing. I am enjoying myself auditioning.
Is going back into the world of auditioning hard to do when you have not been doing that on an on-going basis, given that you spent the last four years at GH?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
WILLIAM: It’s a muscle you have to use when you audition. Now when you play Julian Jerome there is a confidence, and knowledge behind the work of the character. I find I have to work four times as hard to prepare to go out for an audition. If they call me at 6pm the night before, and say I have an audition at 10am in the morning, I will try to use as much of that time and get as little sleep as I can. For instance, if I have 50 minutes to spare, I will decide to build a bio on this guy, and give him a background so I am confident when I go into the room for the audition. A lot of actors hate auditioning, but I love auditioning, because that’s the real work. The payoff is when you have fun and get paid. Our job is to get the gig. I think the playtime is when we are working.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
I produced B&B’s 30th Anniversary tribute for this year’s 44th annual Daytime Emmy ceremonies. I remember sitting in the edit bay watching Storm’s suicide. Years later, it was still so powerful as a performance, and the way it was directed. I was so moved by it. The point I am making here is that the four years you spent playing GH’s Julian, while I understand a huge part of it is in the writing, you took what’s on the page and made the character work as you have done throughout your soap career.
WILLIAM: I appreciate you saying that. The writers have given me a lot of material to challenge me with, for sure, and I am thankful for it. I am an actor, so I agree with you. It’s up to us to bring those pages to life. You have to really think about; is there any empathy there, and finding the likability in someone even if they are doing dastardly deeds. I have had a great time over the four years at GH, and I hope it continues. Going back to your comment on The Bold and the Beautiful…
Wait! Could Storm actually be alive? (Laughs) Stranger things have happened on the soaps and B&B!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
WILLIAM: Well, possibly. We had a couple of conversations over the years, but I do remember getting notes that they kind of wanted me to lose my s**t before it all went down. I felt that there is a calm that needs to happen before the storm for it to pay off. So when you are playing it as if you are freaking out along the way, you know it’s going to happen. This way, you don’t. I felt like I didn’t want anybody to know where Storm was emotionally during that whole time. When he is looking at the pictures of the sisters, he knows it’s a possibility, but I also think when he is looking at the pictures that is when he is making that decision, and he knew it all along, but he finally allows himself to believe he is going to go there. That’s where that emotion and pain comes out right in that split second. Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, B&B) coming into the hospital room and running in from outside in the hallway with Nick (Jack Wagner) and realizing what was going, I thought was really well-shot and directed. I know Brad Bell (EP and head writer, B&B) was super happy with it. Interestingly enough, I have had this problem a few times, where if you are just looking at me from across the room, or on the monitor, or in warm-ups you might not register what I’m doing. Frank Valentini said to me one time, “When I tape you Will, I prefer to come in really close. It’s not that you’re not doing anything, but you have to come in really close to catch it.”
Have the GH contract talks and your current status with the show, and the last few months, been an extremely frustrating time for you?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
WILLIAM: Not as a professional actor, because being out in my element, I am a super confident guy, and I will continue to work. The frustration lies that I honestly feel that it just shouldn’t be this hard. Again, everyone has a mandate, and I do feel like people have my back, but they only have so much power. I have told the powers-that-be that daytime is in this weird era of telling multiple stories instead of focusing on consistency and that’s frustrating to me. I meet so many fans, and they are so passionate, and they have differences of opinion. Some are Julian fans, and some are not. But the one thing that they can all agree on is they want the core characters, and they want to see the core every day. We are in the salary cap era, and it’s all scientific. They are going to devote, and I am probably going to get myself in trouble for saying this, but they are going to devote this pot of money to all the recurring character stories, and this pot of money to all the contract players and stories, and they are not going to deviate from those. That is the way it is. It’s scientific. It’s about we know we can pay our bills at the end of the year, and that’s just what it is going to be. That’s all we can do. It doesn’t matter if one of these contract guys runs off the charts in popularity, it doesn’t matter, and it should. I know we are all being reasonable, and I know we were all challenged. We all are in the same boat. I want to be a part of the solution. I don’t want to be a part of the problem, and I don’t think I am part of the problem. I feel like I love the show, I feel like I promote the show. I go on Twitter and promote the show. It’s natural for me to do things like that, because I am so passionate about it. I want to do it. Of course, being an actor you don’t have that power, and that is the frustrating part. I think that is where a lot of actors get into trouble, but then a lot of us wouldn’t be so good if we weren’t so damn passionate.
Let’s talk Julexis. There was this whole controversy of how could Julian be redeemed after everything he did to Alexis.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
WILLIAM: I was really concerned about that, but I have to give props to the writers. They somehow knew they would fix it in the end. I feel like there are some fans that things will never be fixed for, but I don’t feel like they were really true fans anyway. I think of the ones who love Julexis, there is maybe 10% who go “that bridge is burned”, but there is still that 90% that are still raging for it. Everyone else has been given vindication on the GH canvas. Everyone else has been fixed and is still surviving, and they think Julexis should be able to that as well. That is yet another frustrating thing for the fans. I don’t like to compare other characters to mine, but somehow Julian keeps getting s**t on, but that is part of the story. That is part of the excitement, and what gets people rooting for characters, or throwing bricks at the TV at other ones. It’s part of the whole genre, and I get it. That’s the cool thing about it. And again, I want to be a part of the solution, and I don’t want to rock the boat.
What did the fans say to you at your event and during GHFCW?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
WILLIAM: They don’t understand. They just don’t get it. They don’t know why it’s taking so long to get it done. For them, it’s a no-brainer: “We want Will back. What’s the problem?” They are kind of embodying me (laughs) and they are kind of taking that on.
When you left and taped your last episode at General Hospital at the end of June, obviously you left feeling there was much unresolved for Julian.
WILLIAM: Oh, yeah. I feel like there is more story to tell, and I don’t feel it’s been exhausted by any stretch of the imagination, and that’s the sad thing; that there is so much left to explore. I feel like we have told a lot of good stories, but I feel like there are so many stories that we haven’t told. I also feel there are a lot of people in the cast I haven’t worked with that I would love to have the chance to be in scenes with. There is a lot of stuff Julian hasn’t explored about himself. There are also relationships that need to be explored further between his children: Lucas (Ryan Carnes) and Sam (Kelly Monaco). In addition, his relationship with Olivia (Lisa LoCicero), who is the mother of his other child, would be great to explore as well.
On your last tape day, did everyone know on the set?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
WILLIAM: No, nobody knew. It was right before a three-week summer break and everyone wanted to finish up and leave, and start their vacations. So, you shoot your last scene and it was like, “BAM … everybody’s gone!” I am not the first one to go through it in daytime.
If things do not pan out with GH, would you go to another soap if there was a great role that popped up?
WILLIAM: I am focused on primetime right now. I could never say never to going back to the soaps. In a lot of ways, it’s a home. If somebody were to say, “I’m done”, there is a lot of emotional work behind saying that. A lot of actors have said, “I’m done” but they don’t know how to prepare for the truth of that. There is a truth of being really done. You now have to go out and get work, and that is not easy to do. You have to disconnect emotionally from daytime. You can’t think you can always just pick up the phone. Having that crutch of being able to pick-up the phone means you won’t be concentrating on getting other work, because you are constantly seeing the soft landing. There is no ledge, and you have to jump off the ledge.
What show on primetime would you like to appear on?
Courtesy/SingleMomAGoGo
WILLIAM: I just auditioned for a significant role on Taken. I love that show. It’s funny, in the breakdown it said, “Must be able to stand their ground with Jennifer Beals. And I’m like, “That’s me!” Actually, Michelle Stafford (Nina, GH) helped me put some material down on videotape for Taken. It was funny. I felt like I was having virtual sex from across the room! (Laughs) Michelle was so flattering. She would say, “Oh, my God! That was so good!” I would go, “God, Michelle! I feel like you are sitting in my lap right now.” (Laughs) She talked with the cameraman and goes, “Wasn’t he great?” The cameraman goes, “OK, yeah.” (Laughs). This all happened because it was a request from Toronto that I put myself on tape for the role. Being Canadian, they know me up there. Now, I just want to say how much I love Michelle, and also to thank her for helping me with this.
Looking back at your time as GH’s Julian; was there a point in the story that you loved the most, or in his journey?
WILLIAM: On a personal level working with Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) was great, honestly.
Do you think Nancy upped your acting game being in scenes with her?
Photo Credit: JPI Studops
WILLIAM: That is an interesting question. I am a Taurus. I’m not easy. Nancy is a pain in the ass (laughs), but we have had so much fun and that made for some great scenes. As far as the story goes and character-wise, I love the challenge that they gave me where he has to go to the edge and then pull it back in trying to redeem himself. I think the only person I drove nuts a little bit was Maurice Benard (Laughs). He has been doing the show for 24 years. He knows his character well enough that he can learn his lines the night before, and run it during the rehearsal. He has decades of confidence that he will remember his dialog. Will comes into work wanting to work and run his lines, so Maurice would be like, “Yeah, we will run it,” but then he would add, “Dude, you have to have the confidence.” He was in essence saying to me, “Don’t worry about it. It will be there when you need it to be.” I am more like, “I need to know and have the confidence that it will be there. I can’t just wish it.” Maurice would laugh at me and it wasn’t a bad thing, and he has always had my back on the show. That is another whole storyline still left to explore. I was brought on, and my screen-test was with the character of Sonny. I feel like there is a lot more adversarial stuff to still play, or now even the allied stuff; like the prison material, which is great. I thought that gave a good example of what Sonny and Julian could do.
Many felt you deserved a Daytime Emmy nomination this past season for your work. You had several meaty scenes and some Emmy-worthy material. Some thought you could nab a Supporting Actor nod.
Photo Credit; JPI Studios
WILLIAM: I went for “Lead Actor”, and I still think I should have been nominated. You have to value yourself. I would rather not get nominated, than not submitting myself where I feel I belong, or to just try to get a nomination. Honestly, it’s not that important to me. I just think if I can’t go in with the “Lead Actors” than I’m not interested in it. I’m not saying anything other than that is where I want to be. Everybody else is there to judge whether I deserve to be there or, not. That is not my job. My job is to give myself value.
In closing, what would you like to say to your ardent fans?
WILLIAM: For all the fans who want to know if they are just whistling Dixie here and wondering if there is any hope? Yeah, there is always hope.
So, what did you think about the comments made by William and his status with GH? Do you hope a deal can be struck that would bring him back under contract at the ABC daytime drama series? What should happen then to Julexis? Comment below!
I wish bro Julian and Sis Ava were more like GLs Alan and his sis Alexandra…two great soap vilians who werent killers and wickedly fun to watch with their plotting and scheming…had GH lost him he would had been a good Peter Blake at Days!!!
Even though I’m sure he won’t have any trouble lining up new roles, I suppose this actor could always teach a class on “soap operas” at deVry University!
There we go! “Weren’t killers . . . wickedly fun to watch.” That’s what we need.
Enough killers!
And what’s this about Laura and Kevin–Genie and Jon–going to Paris and off-screen? Wow, TPTB are really blind. Don’t know the cardinal rule: “Give ’em what they want.” Boo! Hiss!
Nancy
Both Genie Francis and Finola Hughes have extended summer vacations written into their contracts. At least the writers were able to stagger them by a few weeks. If only Maurice would bless the audience with the same!
On OLTL, Erika Slezak was known for having her August vacation in her contract. They either pre-taped some scenes, or Viki was off camera in September.
Not sure but I think Genie takes time off this time of year for family.
@jimh…Per your “Diane comment” below: I’ll say this much for Attorney Miller…at least she was properly mortified at the thought of her beloved Max taking over Sonny’s place at the helm of his criminal enterprise…were that Alexis, it would have inspired a gush of unabated sexual euphoria! Hence not only does the superb legal eagle Diane possess common sense in spades, but she has exquisite style and a shoe collection to kill for to boot! (No pun intended….)
“I think it was one of those situations where people come back and people go out.”
So is he referring to Steve Burton? So let’s get this straight, Steve is responsible for all the money that is needed for DeVry as well as the reason Budig is gone right?
Meanwhile they aren’t paying Tyler Christopher’s salary anymore because God knows keeping a 20 year Vet who just won an Emmy isn’t important. Jane Elliott’s money is freed up. Geary’s big salary has been gone two years, but I see on a bunch of sites that Burton coming back is responsible for so much. Yet Frank figures out a way to keep paying Howarth and Easton. Easton on his 95th character and Howarth after staging a walkout and only showing how his absence has no impact on the show.
I cannot believe Steve would be so expensive. After all, he is no Tom Cruise! I would rather have Will and Rebecca stay and dump Howarth and Easton any day!
Their is a blood bath coming and they need it but Howarth and Easton will not be a part of it. I have said it a million times their is nobody in this business who makes or breaks a show no matter how big their ego is! Yet to see a actor that is that great personally I think Maura west should go else where she has the old Hollywood glamour she could make it!
I hope they work out a deal. I really love Julian. He’s compelling, and I think it benefits two of my favorite characters especially, Sam and Ava, to have him on the canvas. I was concerned last year after he tried to kill Alexis, but now that we know he had a plan to get her out of that, I can forgive that. And make no mistake I am aware of the suspension of disbelief that requires, but I’m used to that after watching many soaps. Alexis and Julian are great together, and I hope their story will be allowed to continue.
Completely agree, Lucky! I said almost the same thing on various posts.
I hope not….Lucky …
@Lucky….Whilst you are obviously not alone in your great desire for this outcome, I do not join you in that hope. This vomit-inducing couple needs to be dunzo….’tis a shame that may involve the necessary exit of deVry’s Julian, who on his own could have been a real keeper had the storylines gone in a completely different direction, but inexorably attached to that wanton ball-and-chain also known as the neurotic Alexis, his (dramatic) stock—along with future possibilities–dipped precipitously, then sank faster than those associated with the dotcom bubble when it eventually burst. Too bad, since it really shouldn’t have ended this way for such a talented actor. (I really hope the same fate doesn’t befall James Patrick Stuart since his most promising character of Valentin has been likewise tethered to the wrong female on the GH canvas.)
Cry me a river…not my idea of THE couple for whom to root. Used and abused. What a loving, shiny, comfy relationship. No thanks.
Great interview, Michael, You are the best !
I hope William/Julian stays on, I really like Julian.
ABC has to wake up and respect the value of the soap actors and stop treating them as second citizens!
it’s time for the show to move on. I’ve been sick of Alexis for decades now and Julian never quite landed with me. use contract money somewhere else
Thank you, Allen Saint James! It’s nice to know that there are others out there who are as unimpressed with Alexis and her monotonously ridiculous antics as I am!!! As much as I wish Mr. deVry well, I think it’s time for his Julian to go and if he could only take his estranged spouse with him, that would be most gratifying…Let’s put the money where the legacy characters are and get this soap back on track…there are plenty of other actors we are begging to see returned to the GH canvas! (It also would not go amiss to rid it of a few other notable newbie players and soap vet gets who have not jelled in Port Charles, as well, to fund this effort!)
GREAT INTERVIEW. REALLY GOT TO LIKE THE JULIAN STORYLINE BUT SO SICK OF ALEXIS EVER SINCE I STARTED WATCHING THE SOAP. WRITE HER AND HER WHOLE FAMILY OUT-OF-TOWN!!!!!!
Right on!!
Alexis was a great character in past 8 years..
The character has greatly failed, rolled in the mud, under Jean and Shelly..
I don’t see a way back for Alexis .
Jean and Shelly have left more than a few once great characters in ruins.
Totally agree! I could care less if I saw Julian again
I rather watch Dianne full time…wish they had paired her with Ned!
I totally agree, Shay. Well said.
And this, why would Hayden be so worried about her past when Finn has a worse record. STUPID story AND we finally see her dad and POOF, he is gone. What a waste!
Today’s Mickey Mouse theatrical court was neither entertaining, nor impressive lawyering. As it were.
Really? Oh, my gosh!!!! What was that? Was Alexis’ testimony supposedly meant to bring us to our knees? To tears? When she started reading the letter, I FFed. Good thing it’s a soap, otherwise everyone….the whole kit and caboodle would have been thrown out of court.
They wrote Julian into a corner long ago. Julexis was fun, at first, but now Alexis just looks pathetic pining for him. Goodbye, Julian, and good luck to William.
About being painted into a corner….. Sonny literally murdered Michael’s father and everyone is cool with it. Obviously there’s two sets of rules for painting a character into a corner. The Sonny option is to never ever speak of it and have every character say how awesome Sonny is as if it were an echo chamber.
Two standards. I love the actor. But enough with the mob stuff. Let Ava and Julian move on and out of that go nowhere story arc.
“Wrote Julian into a corner long ago”—-yes, yes, and yes.
And agree that “Alexis just looks pathetic pining for him.”
Too bad; she used to be an intelligent, complicated character. Then she lost that standing. “Over the line”–another character bites the dust.
Instead of allowing the character of Julian to “find his footing,” he was immediately forced into the preposterous Julexis pairing without any forethought for the future. It was inevitable that such a contrived, specious union would never last, what with its highly-juvenile backstory and too-convenient “instant family” plotline. Added to that mix was Alexis—ever the walking cliche’ of a woman of a certain age clad in a plunging neckline—desperately seeking to capture a second chance to re-do her grossly-misspent youth with a mega-sexually-charged do-over that inspired far more laughter than passion. Shipping these two characters was an epic disaster waiting to happen and when one tossed in the mafia element to this ill-advised recipe, well, what you see now is exactly what you get….a dead end with no way out!
People fall in love, Nancy Dilligan. In REAL life maybe the most exalted would look like a fool /naive if they took back someone who held a knife to his/her throat. But, in real life that person would be behind bars, as would Sonny, Jason, Max, Ava, Sam, Carly and a host of other Port Charles residents.
In soapland, there are many fans who still love Julian and Alexis and, as is done in many a soap story, a character, no matter how far he/she has strayed, is somehow redeemed. Unless there’s no attempt to do so and they just have the person as the continuous villian ala Helena, Stavros, Faison, et al.
For many of us (much more than appear on this site) we ARE willing to buy “my sister made me do it”. It would be a lot more difficult if he had actually murdered Alexis (obviously) or even thrown her around/physically harmed her. Scaring her out of her mind is not innocuous, but it did leave the door open for many of us to believe it was all an act. And as I did point out on another post, you could see the regret from the minute Julian was captured. His visions of her, his constant questions as to her welfare, his repeated affirmations that somehow they’d get back together. It’s credible that he thought he could explain it to her down the line. His story was still further backed up when Olivia got to Danny as a warning.
So, as usual we viewers see characters much differently. I in no way see Alexis as pathetic or pining. Rather a woman very much in love who is having a battle with herself between believing his version and that he was trying to protect her and the family…vs the woman that was traumatized and convinced her husband was trying to kill her. Makes for an interesting soapy story about love gone awry and what people (in the soap world) will do when faced with conflict. And, since Sonny, Jason, Sam, Carly even Diane…who we assume in all her lectures to Alexis is still going to date the supposed new mob boss Max (which probably won’t happen)…it seems that Alexis and Julian should be able to turn their story back in time…or at least turn the page with a deeper understanding…than just writing them/him off, literally and figuratively.
correction: Leo, not Danny.
It’s opinions like these and constant tuning out that will send all of you to remember when websites instead of actual soaps that are still airing websites like this one because no soaps will be airing in daytime. DAYS latest numbers are plunging not rising and that’s just woefully sad. So keep complaining keep tuning out and then be left with nothing. Mission accomplished.
I for one will NOT tune out but I have a right to bitch about what is going on as a fan of these shows! Its passion and desire to want a good product, not a cancellation.
LOL… I don’t know about that, dav. It’s not the comments which will do GH in—we are asked to give opinions. I hope you’re not suggesting we ‘lie’ about our feelings and say everything is a bed of roses, raibows and love-birdies tweeting away, do you?
It’s the writers, who sometimes write these insipid stories that achingly bounce in my poor head.
Today was a most enjoyable episode. Got a kick out of Felicia and Mac making love ” al fresco”; aptly put by Maxie.
Whatever sexual “mischief” Mac and Felicia were up to, was behind the scenes. Appropriately done; not some gross show of barf-worthy display, as others. Loved it….especially for the fact that they acted so unabashedly in the aftermath of discovery. LOL.
More, such levity, would be greatly appreciated.
Really great interview! Thank u Michael and Wil!
Very awesome read! I too believe that a deal will be reach soon. Thank u so much!
I’m not as optimistic as you–and I think he should go elsewhere.
The character of Julian is a slow building fire. In the beginning you almost snuff it out because Will DeVry’s portrayal is so restrained and subtle. But you watch him for awhile and he draws you in. That man is sex on a stick. Which, as a gay man, I enjoy completely. I hope he is able to get a deal with GH but he would do well anywhere. Like I said, his style is restrained but it grows on you and he draws you in. He has staying power. Now I have to go pour a glass of lemonade and cool down because ….well because it’s Will DeVry!!!!! Holy cow — smoulder much?
I’m with you, Mateo. Mr. DeVry is smolder central and we need to keep him. Ditch the dullards like Burton and Easton if they have to.
Great article! Thank you to both Michael & Wil for doing this interview. Wil has so many fans, including myself, who love him and want him to stay on as Julian. He has amazing chemistry with Nancy. Julexis are ratings gold. I don’t understand why the network threw it all away. They need all the help they can get as ratings are continuing to fall. Why not invest in an actor like a Wil & a couple like Julexis that will bring up ratings? Fans love the couple & want him to stay. They need to pay attention to what fans want instead of focusing on what fans don’t like as reflected in low ratings. If he doesn’t come back to GH, ratings will continue to fall further. His fans will leave with him. They are stupid to let him go.
Wasn’t ratings gold for me.
For me either. I did not see love, I saw sex between them. There is a difference. I would fast forward thru the live scenes between the 2.
Makes Alexis look weak andJulian like a wimp
Also, who states in an interview they should have been nominated?
If you read between what WdV is saying, it appears Varni is holding the line on salary negotiations. This could also be his way of keeping his loyal fan base wherever he winds up.
His comments on the Emmy category reveals more about where he stands in contract negotiations. Julian is a true supporting character. He submitted himself in the wrong category and likely wants to be paid as a lead.
I agree as far as in my opinions Lead Actor on a Soap is a “Seasoned Character”!
You got it, Steve! Interview gave off some negative vibes.
I couldn’t agree more, Steve. He’s strictly supporting IMO. Even in the Liv story he was more her cowardly tool than the actual lead of the story. WdV needs to crank his ego down a few notches on that one.
PLEASE CALL THE GH HOTLINE & PASS THE NUMBER TO OTHER WILLIAM FANS: 1-323-671-4583 AWESOME TALENT!
OR its 1-800 ABC DOESN’T GIVE A SHIT!
I’m really conflicted about what he had to say. I really like him as an actor; the way he plays Julian. But his answers came across as more cocky than self-confident. IDK. I’d like to see him stay on GH if they don’t white-wash all the crap Julian did to Alexis and if that means I’m not a “true fan”, tough. I don’t like that Sonny gets away with all his crap either. That being said, I think he’s a very talented actor and wish him well…hopefully back on GH.
Agree–did sound a bit cocky. He won’t go for an Emmy unless it lead actor?? What’s that all about? Get that ego in check. Shades of someone else (TG) that turned a lot of long-time fans off. One of them is me.
His comment about only “non fans” have issues with Julian’s redemption pisses me off. You can be a Julexis fan & Alexis fan & believe Julian crossed an unforgivable line.
Julian man handled her, fantasized drowning her, set her up to take the fall for his crimes & tried to slit her throat. If GH had given him a medical cause like DID then I could eventually get over it. Saying his chubby middle age sister made him do it is BS to me.
His comments about Mo not wanting to rehearse are LOL. Mo stammers & pauses so much. He definitely needs to rehearse. It even looks like he has to depend on cue cards.
That’s what I’ve been saying. What a pitiful excuse….unhealthy relationship. As you point out, Scoma….that was raw sex,carnal gratification ( which is great when shared with love) but their ‘coming together’ had nothing to do with love.
What was the first thing they did ( Alexis could not control her urge) when he finally came out of his “hoodie”? They went to some sleazy motel and did it….that was not love.
Where were the caresses? They joy of seeing each other? Where was her anger? The minimal anger Alexis showed turned into hungry lust. What’s the word I’m looking for? Oh, yeah—-rutting.
And where was a plausible backstory upon which to build this farce of a so-called “relationship?” There were so many options available to give this couple a respectable beginning and reunion, but instead we were treated to a tawdry tale of anonymous sex with an unnamed stranger in the back seat of a car which resulted in an unwed teen pregnancy…lovely, just lovely. And they say romance is dead….well, if this pair who is portrayed as a purely fornicating freakshow is any indication, it certainly is1
@Shay.
Hiyahh, Shay, ma belle,
I do not normally go back to past sites, but , there was your post in my inbox. Niw, you tell me….how could I ignore you, my friend??
I came back to the ridiculous, incredible, and unrealistic courtroom sideshow. Nothing or no one for whom to root….unemotional drivel, Shay.
Alexis’ tears are a joke. Is it just me? I was not moved. All I could concentrate upon was her hand-gesticulations….never realized how big Alexis’ hands were for a girl.
I am flabbergasted. This is a farce. I truly believe the writers are doing Alexis a disservice. I do like her, but not like this….not for the crumbs that snake leaves behind. As I said, this relationship is the dark side of lust. She is well past her prime, compared to him. Sick, sick, sick.
This couple has now become a caricature for me. I never took these two seriously in this relationship….now? They do not exist, at all. It will be FF-ing. I can feel my bloodpressure rising if I even think of them together. LOL.
I think what he meant, Scoma60, although I agree he could have worded it differently because it came off as insulting (but somehow I don’t think he meant it to be) I think he meant that in the world of soaps, fans of a couple usually stick by them and want to see them get back together. So, many will go with the flow when a character or couple is redeemed…or some will like a couple (like Sonny and Carly) even’when they’re not. So “real” fans of a couple…well, they allow themselves to believe or rationalize where the story has turned to redeem a character. (ESPECIALLY in this story where they really veered off course.) Personally, I have more problems with Michael forgiving Sonny for killing AJ and to make it worse once again have such loyalty, refer to him as Dad and never once is AJ discussed…not with Jason, Monica or even Nell. Or, Carly marrying Sonny after he threatened to kill her for shooting Olivia (even though she wasn’t the target.) He could have been incredibly worried about Olivia when he wasn’t sure if she was going to make it (but he didn’t have to threaten to kill Carly if she didn’t.) No excuse; no matter how distraught. But, she married him.
Many, like myself, AGREE that there is no going back if Julian’s intentions were to kill Alexis and now he’s just “sorry.” But many, again, like myself, like them together so are willing to accept that he staged everything because he had to, that there was no way his sister could even suspect that he wasn’t going to kill Alexis and that she had far reach/eyes everywhere. Even at AA. The fact that he imagined killing her…I don’t even remember that!…but if you and others say he did I guess that scene took place. Not sure how to get around that other than to forget it (LOL, like I did unintentionally.)
We have no idea moving forward if they’ll unite them or not. I guess they’ll gauge whether more fans are willing to accept and forgive what we believe was not an intention to kill her but merely a ruse to protect her and the family, or if it’s BS.
If fans could buy Luke and Laura back in the day…
It’s really just a matter of whether you buy it or not. I do; I love their rapport. I love the way Julian loves her (LOL..minus the “slight” detour). I know others won’t accept it and feel she should move on. I think “Alexis” has the same dilemma…should she or shouldn’t she.
Hope your character will be back! Alexis is best with you!! Good luck in where you land, but do not forget get us at GH!!
Hope you find your way back to GH at some point! Good luck on prime time endeavors, but don’t forget us. Alexis is best with you in her life…you two are so great together!
Will seems like a nice enough guy who is good to his fans, but I feel like he’s over-playing his hand here. He’s been on the show less than 5 years and is negotiating with GH like he’s Tony Geary. GH has always been a show with great actors and many fan favorites, so 1 person isn’t going to make or break the show. I also think that really passionate fans can skew reality and make you think you’re one step away from being the next Hollywood movie star…when really, you’re blessed with the job you have. Further, I think GH has to be careful letting actors play these long, drawn-out contract negotiation games. It can disrupt storytelling, and sets up fans to be really negative, demanding and contentious toward the show. I mean, it’s a soap, our favorite actors come and (unfortunately) go all the time. It happens. Sucks in the moment, but life goes on.
Very well put, Elle! The bottom line is that soap operas are a business and when the numbers simply don’t add up, then changes must be made.
absolutely true, Shay…. everything comes fown to dollars and crnts. It is what it is.
We carp and complain, mis bella, but, I am sooo very grateful, we still have the luxury of watching the remaining few.
I asked my twin (Elle, who is not too taken by Julian—similar style of writing) if she had posted a comment on MF’s GH site….different Elle. LOL.
i will miss you. sad to see go. GH should listen to what the fans want
if they keep messing up. letting led actors go. The Fans will soon follow. i have been watching GH since i was a kid. my mom watched.
i learned the characters then. i was around 6 now 49 . thats along time fan . they need to listen us. love you and you will be missed.i will watch for you on taken.
I’ve been watching GH since 1983, back when I was on active duty in Germany. I remember Julian as played by Jason Culp. I always liked Julian, the guy with conscience in a mob family. I also liked Mr. Culp in the role, so was skeptical when Mr. DeVry took over the part years late. Now I can’t imagine anyone as Julian (sorry, Jason). I agree with others that there’s much more to Julian than meets the eye; he’s multi-faceted. If the PTB let Mr. DeVry go, it will be a great loss to GH. What do “The Suits” know about good soap opera? I hate The Suits.
William deVry is a good actor, but I’ll never be able to view Julian as redeemed. I like Alexis, but don’t like her with Julian. Julian held a knife to her throat. Relationships end over MUCH less than that. Sorry, I can’t suspend disbelief enough to be able to root for Julian and Alexis. If Julian is gone, I’m fine with that. How about Alexis & Finn.
Funny you mention Finn with Alexis as I saw pictures of NLG & ME appearing together at ABC’s TCA event. Easton is definitely staying so his choices for romantic pairings are limited. Alexis could finally try a relationship with a non-bad boy. They could try him with Anna, but she really needs someone more dynamic.
Finn may not be a cold-blooded gangster, but as a (former?) drug addict, he still qualifies as at least a semi-bad boy! Plus, the man has already been through enough trauma in tis lifetime…taking on Alexis and her endless neediness would hardly be the uplifting experience this character requires at this time. I don’t know that I necessarily would care to see Finn paired with Anna, but she would be a far better choice of romantic partner….and they would make a striking-looking couple given they both possess that timeless quality.
Personally, I think Finn would be better off with Roxy the Lizard!
Yeahhhh!! Hurrahhh!!! My sentiments, exactly!! They are fine without each other.
Quite frankly, the only man with whom Alexis needs a date at present is Andre….and I mean that in a purely professional sense! The woman is an adrenaline-junkie who gets off on bedding dangerous dudes, the more sinister and law-breaking, the better! That is so NOT normal! As for finding yet another in her long line of psychopathic twisted misters, I would suggest a personal ad: Soon-to-be-single, sexually-obsessed alcoholic white female attorney seeks playmate, preferably younger, since extreme stamina and readiness for whatever, whenever is essential! Criminal background not a problem, in fact, it is considered a plus—not to mention a huge turn-on! The lengthier the rap sheet, the better! Please leave a message for Alexis at 1-800-DESPRTE and I’ll get back to you as soon as the mood strikes, which should be in a moment or two.
I love him and Alexis together. ❤️ They need to keep him and continue their story.
Sounds like he’s done.
And he says “they took the character to the edge and now he’s doing the work to be redeemed.
UH-HUH! They took him OVER the edge. Can’t redeem him now.
So, TPTP once again went for desperate sensationalism–THEN tried for redemption.
Doesn’t work that way with this fan; unfortunately, you can’t have it both ways.
So–he’s done for me. Has been since they took him over the brink. Can’t identify nor empathize, no become invested in that one-dimensional character.
That, in a nutshell, is what’s wrong with GH. The writers need to write complex characters with shades of gray–not predictable thugs. No payoff for the viewer at all in a thug.
Yes, Will and Nancy have fantastic chemistry, but i don’t want Alexis back with Julian, after he tried to kill her. My sister made me do it, doesn’t cut it for me, because his sister did not make Julian fantasize about killing Alexis. So according to Will, I am not a true fan.
Let him go to primetime TV and recast the role. I never liked or disliked the actor so it wouldnt matter to me. Either that or pay him for one more story arc where he goes to prison and Alexis, Sam and Lucas move on. Alexis still has feelings for him but she needs to be stronger than his sex appeal and dump the bastard!
I liked the character did he cross the vine did Sonny? Good luck to him he was a smoldering actor but the writers ruined them ! Good lluck god bless and his not acacholenhebiscavtuallybavgery nice Guy! Do I think stevebburton had anything tomdimwithnthisbi don’t care
God I apologize , a good actor let him alone and could he be anymore arrogant then the others! They have put all their eggs in Steve burtons basket good luck
Lordy I spelled everything wrong Devryngood luck you are gone but I did enjoy you !
I’m always surprised at how blunt actors are when discussing negotiations. They aren’t specific, but there’s always some underlying tug-of-war that is revealed. So, on the one hand he sounds pretty confident they’ll keep him on and on the other he’s auditioning and thinks he may have landed another role. Confusing; unless he plans on doing both if both should come through.
Hope he stays. Love Julian, still love Julian and Alexis together though Julian’s great ouside the relationship, as well. Speaking of Alexis aka Nancy….she’s lost a lot of weight! She’s almost as thin as Finola in some pictures I’ve seen of her recently. She looks great!
I hate Julian!! But it’s in a “love to hate” kind of way. LOL.
Seriously, I genuinely think the character is a total weasel who puts his own hide before anyone else’s so no wonder he’s always being s**t on. He deserves every bit of it:)
Still, I’d rather see that than the usual ridiculously OTT cartoon villain who’s nothing more than a short term plot point.
I’d happily strangle Julian most of the time so I do enjoy other characters giving him exactly what he deserves. It makes them rootable to me which is something I don’t see enough of on GH.
I find it sad that Tony Geary who was old and grumpy got his ass chewed out because of his exit comments but here devry does the same thing and since his is younger and handsome, people will dismiss this arrogant attitude.
I find deVry’s comments to be more calculated, but still polite. Geary basically dissed Carlivati’s (aka The Writer) storytelling in his exit interview.
Hmmm….Good point, Timm. I never thought of it that way.
I really appreciated the honesty of Geary’s exit comments. What peeved me was his bitterness towards the Luke and Laura history and by extension, the resentment he seemed to harbor for the fans of that history.
His swan song was not graceful, it was angry and embittered. So much so, it was more of a black swan song.
Hey–again!–Harry–my sentiments exactly! 🙂
Agreed, T.
Timmm….The big difference between Geary’s and deVry’s comments is that Anthony was not only quite befittingly dismissive of the GH management, but undeservedly so to his fans, as well. That is what really angered and offended so many long-time viewers who grew up watching the Luke and Laura phenomenon…he never acknowledged our fond feelings for the duo and the support we gave to his iconic character which enabled his own mega-successful soap career. His less-than-gracious attitude toward Genie Francis and her Laura was also a major factor in his most un-well-received exit from the GH canvas. William reserved his wrath solely for the people in charge of the show, and apparently, it didn’t hurt him one iota, since he’s not going anywhere, and it looks as though we are going to be force-fed more nauseating OTT sexual acrobatics between his Julian and the hyper-wanton Alexis.
Duly noted Shay dVrey!
Haha, Timmbo! I just call it like I see it…you know I’m no great supporter of deVry, or rather, his character, Julian, but at least he respects his rabid fanbase…whoever they may be!
He is a great actor I hope he can do movies and GH. He is an asset to GH! I wish him well in whatever happens.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer.
Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.
As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.
Photo: ABC
A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY
Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.
Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.
Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.
Courtesy/ABC
WSB WAR SCARS
Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.
In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.
Courtesy/ABC
Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”
So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
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