Monday, June 17, 2024

Wsmom · ‎03-09-2010

@Laura14 wrote:
You know, I think GH really misses the boat on Nina. She is the reason Willow has a birthday. She's not even in frame for the major scene. No reaction shot. I think this is the first birthday party for either of her daughters she has attended.

Remember the character. She did nothing to be separated from her children and, other sins aside, she has never directed her ill will at her kids unlike several others standing there.

And spare me the politics. I watch this show to escape the nonsense. Stop bringing it into my enteratinment or FF will be my new best friend.

@Laura14 , seriously. I FF Drew anyway but I especially don't want to listen to the political stuff on top of it.

Again, moving to Finn, I have a hard time believing he has become a nasty, raging drunk stictly from walking in to see his father, that he knew was at the end, had died. I am not sure if he has a project coming up so they had to write him out for that very specific time period for rehab they kept referring to today or what. But horrilble storyline imo.

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

Monday, June 17, 2024

At Finn's apartment, Finn was drinking as he tidied the apartment. When he heard a knock at the door, he quickly stashed the liquor bottle in a cabinet. Afterwards, he opened the door and found Alexis standing on his doorstep. "Surprise," she said by way of greeting as she entered. Alexis broached things carefully by mentioning that she hadn't seen him at any of the meetings, but Finn claimed he'd been too busy. Rather than argue, Alexis asked if Violet was home.

Finn shared that his daughter was asleep in her room, but Alexis asked to check. Suddenly defensive, he asked if Alexis were accusing him of lying, but she explained that she just wanted to be certain that Violet wouldn't overhear their conversation. After Alexis left the room, Finn retrieved the bottle of booze. When Alexis returned, she found Finn drinking. "Oh, good. Defiant drinking," Alexis said. She appreciated him saving her time trying to get him to admit that he was drinking.

Alexis assumed Finn had been drinking since Gregory's death. He assured her that the first drink at the wedding had been accidental. However, he explained that he'd just reconnected with his father after a lifetime of being estranged; he'd finally felt his father's love, but then Gregory was gone. "Who wouldn't have a drink?" Finn asked. Alexis explained that an alcoholic who was sober would try not to, but Finn argued that drinking had never been his problem.

"I am a drug addict. I am a recovering drug addict," Finn insisted. He assured Alexis that he hadn't taken any pills, stuck a needle in his arm, or inhaled any controlled substances. She was pleased, so Finn reminded her that he hadn't taken Zekenestrol to chase a high; the drug had kept him alive. Alexis pointed out that he'd developed a dependence to Zekenestrol, so Finn pushed back that he was an addict, not an alcoholic. "That's your thing," he said.

Alexis called Finn out on hiding his drinking, but he blamed others because he resented the "snarky judgment" from people who were trying to tell him how to live his life. He suspected it was the reason for her visit. Alexis admitted that she was worried because she had once justified drinking, too. She warned Finn that he wasn't just numbing his pain; he was numbing the thing inside him that let the people who loved him reach him. Finn snidely suggested that everyone take it as a sign to leave him alone.

Alexis reminded Finn that Chase was grieving the same father. "Same father. I'm not sure it's the same loss," Finn said. Alexis urged Finn to share his loss with Chase, but Finn refused. "I can't. My loss is my mistake. Mine to deal with my way," Finn insisted. "Got it," Alexis said. Finn was surprised when she reached for her purse, but she admitted there was no point in continuing to argue. However, she acknowledged that when she'd been freefalling, she hadn't been the sole parent of a nine-year old girl.

Finn asked if Alexis was accusing him of being a bad father. She quickly assured him that he was a wonderful father to Violet. "When you're sober," Alexis amended. Finn warned Alexis to be careful because he loved his daughter more than anything. He assured her that Violet was his whole world, and he had -- and always would -- put Violet first. "Prove it. Go to rehab," Alexis said.

Finn accused Alexis of overreacting because he'd only had "a couple of bad days." Alexis advised Finn to ask Violet, who'd been standing behind him and had heard everything. In a panic, Finn turned around, but Violet was not there. "Made you look," Alexis said without a hint of remorse. She asked him to imagine what would have happened if Violet had heard him talking. "How proud do you think she'd be of her dad then?" Alexis asked.

Finn glared at Alexis as he told her it was time for her to leave. She warned him that he needed more than meetings; he needed 90 days in rehab. Frustrated, Finn made it clear that he would not abandon his daughter, but Alexis argued that he did that every time he drank alcohol. Alexis insisted that Violet had hada wonderful father, but she was stuck with a drunk. "You done?" Finn asked. "Get the hell out," he ordered.

Finn informed Alexis that she knew nothing about him or Violet, and he accused Alexis of projecting her own sad story onto him. "So, for the last time, get out," Finn barked. Alexis acknowledged that "sober Finn" would have said that with more concern, but "drunk Finn" was mean. She was sad that sober Finn would have to live with the consequences of the choices that Finn was making. "Call me when you hit rock bottom," Alexis said. She warned him that it would be sooner than he thought.

After Alexis left, Finn firmly closed the door, returned the living room, and picked up his tumbler of alcohol.

At the hospital, Elizabeth stood waiting for an elevator at the end of her shift. She was deep in thought when Portia walked up and asked about Elizabeth's plans for the evening. When Portia mentioned attending a party for Willow, Elizabeth admitted that she wasn't in the mood to celebrate. Portia hoped to cheer Elizabeth up by sharing that Finn had cut his bereavement leave short and would be returning to work the following day, but Elizabeth was stunned by the news and asked to speak to Portia privately.

A short time later, Portia and Elizabeth entered Portia's office. After Portia closed the door, Elizabeth cut to the chase. "It's Finn. He's still drinking," Elizabeth said. Portia asked if Elizabeth was confiding to her as a friend or as the co-chief of staff. Reluctantly, Elizabeth admitted that the situation had escalated, so she felt compelled to speak up and talk to Portia in a professional capacity. Elizabeth explained that she had ended things with Finn because of his drinking, and she worried that Finn was spiraling and might pose a danger to his patients.

Elizabeth told Portia that Finn had been the one to find Gregory, and he'd been using it as an excuse to drink. She opened up about Finn's claim that his addiction had been to Zekenestrol and that he could handle alcohol. "And can he?" Portia asked. Elizabeth shared that she had walked in on Finn with another woman and a bottle of tequila, and she told of how ugly things had gotten when Elizabeth had confronted him. Elizabeth said she was worried that the same sort of behavior and attitude might affect Finn's patients.

"As you should be," Portia assured Elizabeth. Elizabeth shared the details of her latest encounter with Finn when she had found him hungover and late taking Violet to the pool. Elizabeth was adamant that Finn was an incredible doctor, but she didn't want his problems to jeopardize that. Portia was certain that Elizabeth had told her for another reason. Elizabeth explained that she hoped Portia would be able to convince Finn to go to rehab because the Family Medical Leave Act allowed for twelve weeks of treatment.

Portia promised to take that into consideration, but she wondered if there was anything else she should know. Elizabeth became choked up with emotion. "No, that covers it," Elizabeth said. Portia felt bad for her friend, but she assured Elizabeth that Elizabeth had done the right thing. "I just hope, in the end, that this is the right thing for Finn," Elizabeth said. Portia hugged Elizabeth.

At Metro Court's pool, Willow was blindfolded as Michael led her to the bar, where guests were gathered to celebrate Willow's birthday. "Surprise," everyone yelled as Michael removed the blindfold. Willow smiled brightly as she greeted everyone.

As people began to mingle, Gio found Josslyn at the bar. He was surprised to see her, but she explained that Willow was her sister-in-law. Gio revealed that he had been pushed to attend the party because his Aunt Lois had insisted that he meet new people, even though he barely knew anyone there. He asked if Josslyn had made a decision about the apartment. She admitted that she had to talk to her brother first.

Meanwhile, Nina approached Drew and asked to speak to him privately. Drew followed her. "Okay. Do your thing and make it convincing," Nina instructed Drew. Drew assured her that he didn't require any coaching because it had been his idea. Drew walked over to Michael and Willow and explained that Nina hadn't known about the party, but -- since she happened to be there -- he wondered if it was okay for Nina to stay.

Michael assured Willow that it was completely up to her. Smiling, Willow walked over to Nina and invited her to stay. Nina was overjoyed. "Thank you. Happy birthday," Nina said. Willow admitted that she was glad Nina was there.

Nearby, Cody took an opportunity to offer his condolences to Chase. "I'm grateful for all the time we had together and every meal, every conversation, just the chance to be with him. I wouldn't trade it for the world," Chase said of his father. The heartfelt words appeared to strike a chord with Cody.

Sasha noticed the exchange between Nina and Willow. After Willow walked away, Sasha ran over to let her friend know that she was happy for Nina. Sasha was impressed that Nina had done the "if you love someone, set them free" thing. Nina was glad that it had worked, so Sasha cautioned Nina not to push Willow. "Believe me, I am trying," Nina said.

At the same time, Carly asked Michael about Nina being there uninvited. Michael explained that Willow had extended an invitation, but Carly was curious how Michael felt about Nina attending a party that he had arranged. Michael confessed that he hoped Willow wasn't disappointed and that Nina didn't fail Willow again. However, he insisted he had learned from his mistakes, so he had no intention of trying to control his wife in the name of protecting Willow.

After Michael walked away, Carly tracked down Drew and asked him about Nina's arrival. She was curious why Drew had asked Willow if Nina could stay. Drew reminded Carly that she'd been the one to warn him that his obsession with Nina would hurt him in the end. Carly agreed, but she admitted that she hadn't expected him to become Nina's advocate. Drew assured Carly that he hadn't forgiven Nina, but he conceded that he needed Nina because Nina kept Crimson profitable, and she had introduced him to Congressman McConkey.

Carly was curious what Drew was doing for Nina, so he acknowledged that Nina had been given an opportunity to guide Willow through her first PSA as the spokesperson for the New Tomorrow Institute. Carly asked Drew not to push Willow and Nina together. He promised that he would never do that because he adored Willow and would never manipulate her.

Nearby, Nina and Curtis chatted about getting to work together on the public relations campaign and rollout for Aurora Media's Wellness Division. Curtis worried about Nina having to work with Drew, but she assured him that -- despite their bad blood -- she and Drew were adults and in a position to help each other. Curtis hoped that was true because he recalled how Nina had been quick to tell Drew about Carly and Agent Cates. Nina acknowledged that she regretted the unprofessional behavior.

According to Nina, she and Drew had reached a "détente," which she credited to Willow's new position as a spokesperson for a charity. "So, this is about Willow," Curtis realized. Nina explained that she could put up with Drew as long as Willow could put up with her. She worried that Curtis was disappointed, but he assured her that he wasn't because he knew firsthand how difficult it was to forge a relationship with an adult child. Nina promised that she didn't have an agenda; she just wanted to be a part of Willow's life.

Curtis advised Nina to hang in because it would be worth it. He admitted that things had been rough between him and Trina at first, but having Trina as his daughter was his greatest joy. Nina was happy for Curtis. Curtis wished his friend the same happiness.

At another table, Willow took a moment to talk to Chase about the passing of his father. She apologized for not attending the memorial service, but she had heard that it was beautiful. She asked how Chase was doing. "I'm recovering," he said. He added that the grief hit randomly. Willow reminded him that Gregory had spent his last day celebrating family and Chase's future. "Not a bad way to go," Chase realized.

After Chase and Willow shared a hug, Willow told him that she was happy for him and Brook Lynn. Chase felt the same about Willow and Michael. Both Chase and Willow agreed that they had ended up exactly where they should be. However, Willow admitted that Chase was the first man she had loved and the first choice her heart had ever made on its own. "Like we said, it all worked out," Chase said with a smile.

A few tables over, Drew shared with Curtis and Michael that he had decided to run for Congressman McConkey's seat. Curtis was happy for his friend. Michael revealed that he had heard about Drew's petition to change his last name to Quartermaine. Drew explained that he wanted to be his true self and be up front with the voters about his wealth, so he could focus on the needs of the people.

Meanwhile, Willow asked how things were going for Sasha at the Quartermaine mansion. "Couldn't be better," Sasha said with sincerity. Willow advised Sasha not to let the Quartermaines railroad her, but Sasha was confident that she could handle everyone because she had tangled with Lucy Coe. "Even Tracy?" Willow asked. Sasha shared that Tracy loved it when Sasha stood up for herself.

Just then, Cody walked up and asked if he could fetch a drink for the ladies. Willow declined, but Sasha ordered a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. After Cody walked away, Willow was eager to hear how things were going between Sasha and Cody. Sasha grinned as she confided that she enjoyed her job, but knowing that she got to see Cody every day was a huge plus.

When Portia arrived, Curtis happily greeted his wife. He sensed something was troubling her, but she assured him that it was just a "thing at work," and everything was fine. Curtis told Portia about Drew's plans to run for Congress. Portia was happy for Drew, but she was concerned because it would mean more work for Curtis. Curtis agreed, but he admitted that he was used to being his own boss and welcomed the opportunity to make the project his own.

At the bar, Brook Lynn sang Gio's praises to Carly and Josslyn. Gio was embarrassed, but Brook Lynn was unapologetic because Gio was a "very pretty young man" and had tremendous talent. She revealed that Gio had been picked as first chair when he started Port Charles University in the fall. When the conversation turned to Gio performing at the summer festival, Gio excused himself. After Gio walked away, Carly asked about Gio's parents. Brook Lynn explained that Gio's father had died before Gio had been born, and Gio's mother had been a violinist with the New York Philharmonic until she had died when Gio had been ten.

Carly and Josslyn felt bad for Gio. Brook Lynn assured them that both that the Cerullo and Falconeri families had raised Gio. Carly admitted that Gio was lucky to have had such a supportive family.

Elsewhere, Michael told Willow about Drew's plans to run for Congress and change his name to Quartermaine. Willow was happy for Drew, and she hoped the name change would give Drew a leg up in the race.

At the bar, Cody told Sasha about his conversation with Chase and how it had made him think of Mac. He admitted that Mac was a great guy like Chase's dad had been, but unlike Gregory, Mac was still there. "Am I wasting time I'm gonna want back?" Cody asked. Sasha was certain that he already knew the answer.

Later, everyone gathered to sing "Happy Birthday" to Willow. After she made a wish and blew out the candle on her cake, she gave a short speech thanking everyone. To Drew's surprise, Willow shifted gears and revealed that Drew had an announcement to make. Drew took the invitation and shared his news that he was running for Congress. After everyone applauded, Willow said the best present would be for everyone to vote for Drew.

On the next General Hospital...

• "He's framing you," Jason says

• "I'm just wondering if this is worse," Anna tells Valentin

• "Why did you make such a big ****** deal about having a baby with him?" Carly asks Sam

• Scott tells Lucy that he found something that might work

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

The soap sites finally got as smart as we are. This is why @mysoutherncomfort now has her own mouthwash brand named after her. They still totally missed him at the GH table at the Emmys.

Here’s A Big Clue That Nicholas Alexander Chavez is Coming Back to General Hospital

Michael Maloney

Mon, June 17, 2024 at 4:54 PM EDT·

Will these social media pals become GH costars?

Maybe it’s Nicholas Alexander Chavez who is on his way back to Port Charles? Recently, FV revealed that an actor was returning to General Hospital, and that said return is one fans would go crazy over. That could be a lot of different players, but a recent social post may indicate that Spencer is coming home.

A Social Clue

Chavez appeared in a social media story with Giovanni Mazza, GH’s Gio, who has recently been in scenes with Spencer’s true love, Trina. There are other possibilities for who could be the returnee in question. Fans have speculated on candidates, including Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco), Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky), Bryan Craig (ex-Morgan) to Chavez.

While the latter two are presumed dead, it’s pretty common for characters to do the Lazarus bit on daytime dramas. Chavez could be available to shoot some GH episodes if he’s wrapped up any post-production for his role in the upcoming Ryan Murphy series Monster, where he plays convicted killer Lyle Menendez.

Chavez burst onto the GH scene in 2021 as the young adult son of Nik Cassadine and the late Courtney Matthews (Alicia Leigh Willis). He won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Young Performer in a Drama Series in 2022. He took home the Soap Hub Award for Favorite Newcomer in 2021.

The actor most recently appeared on the show in January when Spencer had a final showdown with Esme, presumably dying in order to save Trina’s life.

Fans have held out hope that Nicholas Alexander Chavez would return to the show at some point, as he may have had some time left on his contract. In March, the actor’s name dropped off the GH credits but very little is forever in the world of soaps.

Still, GH doesn’t announce too much casting in advance, so viewers will have to stay tuned daily to find out who this mystery returnee is.

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

EXCLUSIVE: GIOVANNI MAZZA (GIO) ON HIS GENERAL HOSPITAL MENTORS

June 17, 2024 17:40PM

evan hofer, giovanni mazza, general hospital

ABC

The Buddy System: Evan Hofer (Dex, l.) has taken Giovanni Mazza (Gio) under his wing.

Since joining the cast of General Hospital as Gio, Giovanni Mazza has found no shortage of castmates willing to help show him the ropes, including Eden McCoy (Josslyn) and Kate Mansi (Kristina), who were particularly helpful to him on his first day. But two other co-stars have had a positive impact on his experience adjusting to the fast pace of life on a soap opera set.

As a newcomer to the Port Charles scene, Mazza has found that maintaining “a calm energy” and “being able to kind of regulate myself” has been key to keeping his nerves at bay. And when it comes to learning how to keep his cool, he notes, “Maurice [Benard, Sonny] has been really helpful to me. One of my very first scenes was with Mo, and oh, man, just as an actor, he’s an absolute powerhouse. But at the same time, he’s so calm! We were actually talking about it, and he said that the very most important thing is to have ease when you’re acting and listening to the other person [in a scene]. And I really took that as advice and I just started focusing on how I could ease myself into the character, ease myself into the scene, and just kind of calm everything down to be at a very comfortable level, but also a very effective level.”

Evan Hofer (Dex) has also become someone Mazza can lean on and get tips from on the job. “Evan is someone who has been extremely nice to me and even showed me the way that he processes things and handles things,” Mazza shares. “He is just a great person. He’s very calm and he’s very prepared all the time. He showed me that the pace [of production] moves so fast on the show, but there’s a way that you can memorize your lines, memorize what the scene is about and execute it and be very strong in your perspective and your point of view on things. He’s been a great person to kind of look up to and I aspire to be kind of like Evan on the show.”

RainCityWoman · ‎06-16-2015

@Laura14 wrote:
You know, I think GH really misses the boat on Nina. She is the reason Willow has a birthday. She's not even in frame for the major scene. No reaction shot. I think this is the first birthday party for either of her daughters she has attended.

Remember the character. She did nothing to be separated from her children and, other sins aside, she has never directed her ill will at her kids unlike several others standing there.

And spare me the politics. I watch this show to escape the nonsense. Stop bringing it into my entertainment or FF will be my new best friend.

I have always said that Nina isn't any worse than some of the other highly revered, but flawed women on that show. Yes, the character, played by both actresses, has made huge errors in judgement. However Nina herself had the most cruel treatment at the hands of her own mother and lost years of her life. And self righteous Willow had a monster of a mother in Harmony who handed her over to a monster. You'd think Willow would be able to relate to Nina on that basis alone. Nina, out of desperation, tries too hard to ingratiate herself to Willow, Mikey, etc. Personally I think she should just keep her distance until they come to her. Wait till they find out what is really going on with Nina and Drew. Want to bet whom they will blame for that? Hint: it won't be Drew.

RainCityWoman · ‎06-16-2015

@cowboy sam wrote:
sigh..hate Drew bringing politics brought into any soap story line😡

We are inundaated on a daily basis with politics, corruption, and political decisions based on self interest. We don't need to see it on our Soap entertainment. If they are doing dirty tricks to one another outside of politics, why would anyone think that wouldn't happen in politics as well. The Drew we once knew, as a character, would never have even shown a glimmer of interest in politics or some of the other ventures this Drew is into.

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

I love Scotty! Finally an enjoyable episode with a stock character whose history the writers get! Can we get in on the class action lawsuit as viewers who had to watch that story for so long? Asking for a friend... Baby needs a new payment for her EZ Pays... And you go Lucy! Tell it like it is!

Can we PLEASE wrap up this stupid Pikeman story? I am over it. Send Carly to jail. She could use a trip off her high horse and Sam will drive her there.

And I was so excited the longest tease in GH history was finally coming to an end until it didn't. Cody cracked me up. I feel his pain! That boathouse has seen some action over the years, hasn't it?

I'm over GH trotting out their new virtuoso every chance they get. What's next? The Energizer Bunny going across our screens to interrupt our scenes so he can join in on the musical ensemble? You are a dramatic series, GH, not PBS Presents.

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

INTERVIEW

EXCLUSIVE: JOHN J. YORK (MAC) ON HIS EMOTIONAL RETURN TO GENERAL HOSPITAL

June 18, 2024 14:42PM

ABC

After being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and smoldering multiple myeloma, two blood and bone marrow disorders, in December 2022, John J. York took a hiatus from his role as Mac on General Hospital to undergo a blood stem cell transplant. Happily, he went back to work last month and will make his triumphant return to the screen on June 19. The actor spoke to Digest about going public with his health crisis, what the outpouring of support he received from fans and his GH family means to him, and what it was like to be back filming at the studio.

Soap Opera Digest: Take me back to the day that you posted that first video, letting fans know about your diagnosis and your hiatus from GH. Were you anxious or nervous at all about sharing that publicly? And what was it like to receive what I have to imagine felt like a pretty overwhelming outpouring of goodwill in response?

John J. York: You just wanna make me cry, don’t you? Because every time I talk about this, I cry. I wanted [my diagnosis] to be quiet; I didn’t want to tell everyone only because I didn’t want anybody to feel sorry for me or be like, “Oh, poor John, he’s got cancer,” all that kind of stuff. I felt, “I’m gonna have this [transplant], I’m gonna get through it, it’s gonna be fine and nobody will know.” But a gal named Cortney Lind called me from Be the Match [which is now called NMPD] and told me that they’re there for support, gave me all this information about what they’re able to do and how they were involved in looking for a match for me, and at the end of the conversation, she said, “You know, a lot of people like to use their platform to” — and as soon as I heard the word “platform,” I felt she maybe knows that I’m on a TV show. I said, “You know what I do?” And she said, “Yeah, we know all about you.” I explained to her, “I really just wanted to keep this quiet. I don’t want any attention.” But she went on to explain how being in the position I’m in, coming out with it helps fill the registry of possible donors, helps make money for patients who can’t afford to do whatever it takes to be in the registry, helps people that have to travel [for treatment]. She convinced me to make an announcement. I didn’t want to make it a big deal, I just wanted to let people know, “This is what’s going on.” I said what I had to say and at the end of my video, I said, “I’ll be back [to GH].” And it’s just really amazing [gets choked up] because I posted it and it was just a flood of people with messages of support and love and kindness and caring. My [inbox] was just overflowing and it was truly, truly overwhelming. And in the meantime, Be The Match was letting me know, “We’re over 10,000 donations, 15,000 donations.” You just never know — $5 or $10 or $25, that might be the donation that is able to fund a new drug, you know?

Digest: Nobody wants to go through a struggle with their health, but to be in a position to use your experience to inspire other people to be generous — and to your point, every dollar counts — and to know that you’ve made that impact is a beautiful thing.

York: Yeah, it is. I’m just so humbled by all this because I just feel — not like I’m a nothing burger, but I’m just a guy that got really lucky getting a job on a tv show in 1991. And here I am, still able to be working after 33 years. It’s a miracle. And it’s that miracle and that faith and that love from Almighty God that gets me through it all.

Digest: Tell me about the support and love that you felt specifically coming from your GH colleagues after you went public with your diagnosis.

York: The announcement came out on [X, formerly known as Twitter] and within a few days, I was out in California [to film at GH]. Emma, the security guard at the front door, gave me a two-minute hug. Every actor that I saw in the hallway gave me a hug. People came out of wardrobe and makeup and gave me a hug. It was a lot of hugs! Words didn’t have to be said, people just saw me and they walked up to me and gave me a big hug. It was like, “We’re with you, we love you, and you’re gonna get through this.” That’s what I felt in those hugs. And I want to mention Frank [Valentini, executive producer] because he’s been outstanding. If I didn’t have Frank in my corner, I wouldn’t have been able to work. I sent them the weeks that I was available to work [around my chemo schedule]. I’m sure it was very difficult for them to wrangle the actors that I was working with to make sure that we could get the scenes in on these days, but they did it, and that was incredibly supportive and helpful. Kristina [Wagner, Felicia] was always texting me, and Jon Lindstrom [Kevin], I mean, he texts me every single day of my life! He started sending me jokes of the day to keep me laughing, and one day he sent a video. They were doing a large cast scene and there were people in the background and Jon was holding the phone and everybody was just wishing me well, you know? It was pretty awesome.

Digest: It’s so uncommon to have a steady acting gig, especially one you could go back to if you’re unavailable to work for a period of time. So I’m sure you were feeling especially blessed to have landed on GH.

York: Once again, it’s a miracle because of the daytime storyline, it being five days a week. It works because they can just mention it in a brief blurb — “Where’s Mac?” “Oh, Mac’s in Argentina, on a case with Frisco, and who knows how long he’ll be away,” you know? That’s the good side. On the downside, you know, if you’re not pulling your weight, “What happened to Mac? Oh, his plane went down!” And that’s the end of him [laughs]! You’re either in or you’re out!

Digest: Well, you’re in, John!

York: Yeah, I’m in. I’m in as long as I’m allowed to be in and I’m really, really thankful and happy about that.

Digest: That first day back, you were surprised with “Mac Is Back” T-shirts. What was that like?

York: I think that was Frank’s idea, and Shawn [Reeves, costume designer] had them made up and they put those photos up on social media saying, “Mac is back,” and the response and everybody saying they were thrilled that Mac is back … It’s just so crazy, I can’t even believe it! I mean, who am I? I’m just so thankful for everything I have. Even the pain and the struggle. I’m very thankful for the time to be able to sit and think and be present in that, in that pain and whatever, you know, after the transplant, after the heavy-duty chemo. Every moment was its own special, unique moment, up to this very moment now.

Digest: Coming in to work your first day back, that’s a drive you’ve made countless times over the decades. Did it feel like just another day, or was there a little something extra you were feeling that day?

York: You’re absolutely right. It’s the same drive, going down Los Feliz, making the turn on Commonwealth, turning down a side street — but in my mind, I was saying what I was just saying to you, just how thankful I am: “Here I am, 33 years later, making the same turn, coming down the same road.” Emma, the guard, she’s such a sweetheart, she was like, “I have a parking spot for you in the front, and what dressing room do you want?” I was like, “Will you just not make a big deal out of it? I’ll park in the back. It’s fine, I need to get my steps in.” But yeah, it wasn’t just another drive to work.

I’ll tell you the truth: I remember making that drive when I had been on the show 10 years and I was being taken off contract, and I was very sad about it — and there was probably some anger there, you know? Like, “Why? I don’t know what I did!” I’m sure it was just storyline and business, but nobody’s going to tell you that, you know? You’re just an actor. So here I am on a show and I think I’m doing good and doing everything I need to do to keep my job and I get taken off contract. And then one day, I remember specifically driving to work thinking, “Don’t be angry, John. You’ve had a job on a show for over 10 years. Do you know how many actors would kill to be on a television show for 10 years?” And at that moment, it was just so much to be thankful for… At that point, I understood the fact that General Hospital doesn’t define who I am. My family defines who I am. That’s the bottom line. I could be Mac Scorpio for 100 years, but what’s important is what Vicki [his wife] and Schyler [his daughter] and Mike [his son-in-law] and [his grandkids] Elijah, Lucille and Emerson and Joshua think about Pop-Pop. I’m certainly not a perfect man. I’ve made many mistakes in my life. But if I’m playing the back nine [of my life] right now, if I’m out somewhere on hole 12 or 13, maybe, I wanna close, baby! I wanna close it out.

Digest: What was it like to slip back into working with members of your on-screen family like Kristina and Kirsten Storms (Maxie)?

York: It was great and it was seamless. Just like when I made the announcement that I was leaving the show for a while and everybody came up to me and gave me a big hug, I came in and went to my dressing room and got called up for blocking and I got up [to the stage] and just got an amazing hug from everybody that I was working with. The producers, the actors, the crew — everybody was just saying, “It’s really nice to have you back, so glad you’re back.” I got a great, emotional, tearful hug from Kristina that lasted quite a while. It was good to be back, you know? We had fun. They were fun scenes and we were off to the races!

Digest: Are you looking forward to getting into the juicy stuff that is still to come for Mac, given that he still doesn’t know that Cody is his son?

York: Absolutely. Josh [Kelly, Cody] is awesome to work with. He’s a really good guy and a really good actor. I’m excited because I don’t know what they’re going to do, but this could potentially affect everybody [in Mac’s family] — Felicia and Maxie and Robert and James and Georgie and Bailey. You never know, it could involve Kevin, as a psychiatrist, who could help me and give his two cents. It’s not just about my character.

Digest: What would you like to say to all the folks in the GH audience who have been missing Mac and are excited to have you back on the show, but above all, are so happy you’re doing well?

York: I would say, “Thank you so much for opening up your front door and welcoming me back into your home and showing me all the love and support that you’ve shown me. Thank you for letting me come back and be a part of your life and thank you for all the notes you’ve left me. Thank you for not giving up on me, and thank you for support and love.”

mysoutherncomfort · ‎05-05-2019

@Laura14 and our other Roxy mascot lovers. Now, this is just be a rumor, however, I wish to report that Roxy has joined with Gio (and his violin) to be rehearsing for a duet. Gio plays; Roxy dances a solo minuet. The crowds go wild. Just a rumor...LOL

Roxy tux.jpg

mysoutherncomfort · ‎05-05-2019

@KBEANS wrote:
Has anybody seen the game show Beat the Bridge with Mathison hosting? It's on the Game Show Network weeknights 6PM. He's doing a good job.

Honestly, he wasn't my cup of tea but I have grown to tolerate him on GH.

I think he's a better host than he is an actor.

I, for one, have not seen "Beat the Bridge". I don't have the Game Show Network available. As far as CM being a better game show host...I would have to agree sight unseen since his acting (and the writing for his character) on GH is a very low bar IMHO.