Outback the Beagle on “General Hospital” — The Story of a Star

Have you ever noticed that “General Hospital” has a track record of performers who became soap superstars not long after their debuts? Think Tony Geary as Luke, Tristan Rogers as Robert, Rick Springfield as Noah, Ingo Rademacher as Jax, and even a pre-“Full House” John Stamos as Blackie. Fast forward to now. On “GH” we currently have a beautiful … [Read more...]

Thank You “General Hospital” for the Gift of Erika Slezak

I was very excited when it was announced that Erika Slezak, the six-time winner of a Best Actress Emmy for her 41 years on “One Life to Live” as Victoria Lord Riley Burke Buchanan, was joining “General Hospital” for a guest stint as Veronica (Ronnie) Bard, the sister of the late Monica Quartermaine (played the late Leslie Charleson.) I watched … [Read more...]

“General Hospital” Stages a Remarkable Funeral for Monica Quartermaine

Every once in a while, a daytime soap stages an event or storyline so memorable it moves its fans to tears. “General Hospital” accomplished this welcome feat with recent gripping episodes portraying the funeral of a much beloved long-term character, Dr. Monica Quartermaine, played by Leslie Charleson who passed away earlier this year at 79. These … [Read more...]

“GH” Casting Director Mark Teschner: He Never Misses!

“General Hospital” is having its best summer in years. Sonny Corinthos has a clever and tireless enemy in Sidwell. Super stressed Willow, who left Drew standing at the altar, is having a nervous breakdown because her ex-husband Michael won’t let her see their kids. The action at the Metro Court pool is refreshingly seasonal and entertaining. On … [Read more...]

Tristan Rogers, 1946 – 2025

Tristan Rogers, a star of “General Hospital” for 45 years, passed away Aug. 15 at 79. A spokesman said he suffered from lung cancer. What a loss. He was so beloved in our soap world. Rogers, who was from Australia, played charming and jovial superspy Robert Scorpio, the best friend of Anthony Geary’s Luke. According to what is now soap opera … [Read more...]

Gio and Nurses’ Ball 2025 Refresh “General Hospital”

I’ve become quite aggravated of late with my old favorite, “General Hospital.” Its writers have been overdoing violence: first with the murder of Sam (played by Kelly Monaco) during an organ transplant, then with the on-screen burning of Michael (played by Chad Duell) and finally with the shooting of murderer Cyrus (played by Jeff Kober) by young … [Read more...]

The Killing Fields of “General Hospital”

In 1978, I worked for a fan magazine company called Sterling’s, which published titles like Daytime TV magazine. My office mate and friend (we shared a TV set) Anne-Marie Allocca insisted that I give up watching my then-favorite soap, Another World (which was 90 minutes in those days), and start watching her favorite, AW’s time-slot competitor … [Read more...]

Luke and Laura’s Wedding on “General Hospital”: The Day the Earth Stood Still

Where were you on November 16 and 17, 1981? If you were alive, chances are you were one of the record 30 million Americans who watched the wedding of Lucas Lorenzo Spencer (played by Anthony Geary) and Laura Webber Baldwin (played by Genie Francis) on ABC’s General Hospital. Featured on the covers of both People and Newsweek, the wedding marked the … [Read more...]

General Hospital: A Time for Celebration and a Time for Sorrow

General Hospital’s 60th anniversary celebration earlier this month was a fun collage of bits and pieces of history that triggered nice memories from the long tenure of the soap we all love so much. But in the end, the 60-minute romp was a disappointment. Instead of a examining why this iconic soap has endured for so long, the show treated us to … [Read more...]

Melted Ice: The Ice Princess Story Revisited

Marlena delights in introducing a new contributor, Jeffrey S. Pearlstein. Jeff is a veteran soap journalist and long-time colleague of Marlena’s who has written for many soap magazines.  He is an expert in soap history, a wonderful interviewer, and his great passion for soaps shines through in everything he does.  He is also a wonderful … [Read more...]