General Hospital characters (2015)

General Hospital is the longest running American television serial drama, airing on ABC.[1] Created by Frank and Doris Hursley, who originally set it in a general hospital (hence the title), in an unnamed fictional city. In the 1970s, the city was named Port Charles, New York.[2] The series premiered on April 1, 1963.[1] The following is a list of characters that have appeared on the soap opera in 2015, by order of first appearance. All characters through October are introduced by executive producer Frank Valentini and head writer Ron Carlivati; characters after October are introduced by Valentini and co-head writers Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman.[3]

Valerie Spencer

Main article: Valerie Spencer

Valerie Spencer, is the niece of Luke (Anthony Geary) and Bobbie Spencer (Jacklyn Zeman), the daughter of their estranged sister Pat (Dee Wallace) portrayed by Brytni Sarpy who made her unannounced debut in March 2015.[4] Sarpy had previously auditioned for the series several times, first for the short lived role of Taylor DuBois and later Jordan Ashford.[5][6] While she was not a good fit for either role, Sarpy made an impression on the casting department.[7] Sarpy auditioned again in January 2015 for the role of Valerie without knowing much about her.[5] Then head writer Ron Carlivati believed that something more had to come from Pat's introduction and which is where the discussions of the Valerie character started.[8] Following her mother's death, Valerie takes refuge with her cousin Lulu Spencer (Emme Rylan) her husband Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna). Valerie also starts working as the police administrative aid for the police station. Stricken with grief, Valerie bonds with Dante who was also raised by a single mother and they eventually have a one-night-stand.[6] Valerie briefly dates Lulu's ex-lover Dillon Quartermaine (Robert Palmer Watkins) and she eventually confides in him only for Dillon who is still hung up on Lulu to publicly expose the affair at a party.

Hayden Barnes

Hayden Barnes
General Hospital character
Portrayed by Rebecca Budig
Duration 2015–
First appearance March 20, 2015
Created by Ron Carlivati
Introduced by Frank Valentini
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Other names Rosalie Martinez
Rachel Berlin
Hayden Cassadine
Residence Port Charles, New York, U.S.

Hayden Barnes, portrayed by Daytime Emmy nominated actress and All My Children alumni Rebecca Budig was introduced on March 20, 2015 as the woman pretending to be the wife of Jake Doe (Billy Miller). Budig's casting was announced on Twitter by executive producer Frank Valentini and head writer Ron Carlivati on February 10, 2015. "I've always loved GH and I love Frank, so it’s really exciting to get to go over there and play" Budig said to Soap Opera Digest.[9] Carlivati described the character as "a real spitfire" and Valentini said it was "Killer role."[10] In an interview with Michael Logan for TV Insider, the character's was officially revealed to be Hayden Barns. Budig described the character as "ballsy and very direct" similar to her former All My Children character, Greenlee Smythe. However, Budig continued, "this one is much more out there then Greenlee." Budig admitted that she was even surprised by some of Hayden's actions. The actress expected fans backlash considering she'd cause trouble for popular heroine Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) in her romance with Jake. Logan described Hayden as a "maneater."[11] Budig later left the series on May 19, 2015, after her character went into a coma. Budig reprised the role on August 3, 2015.

Storylines

Hayden is hired by (Rick Hearst) to pretend to be the wife of Jake Doe (Billy Miller). It is revealed at the Nurse's Ball when Ric sings a slow tempo version of the song Marry You by Bruno Mars, as a marriage proposal to Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst). During his performance, Ric is exposed by Carly and Pete (fake Jake in the wedding photos) for hiring Hayden to pretend to be Jake/Jason's wife. Elizabeth got up and left and Ric chased after her. Brad Cooper took over for Ric after everyone insisted and sang a faster version of the same song and proposed marriage to Lucas Jones and he said yes. (Tyler Christopher) and Elizabeth already knew that Jake was Jason. She starts to blackmail Nikolas when he has her shot in the head and making it look like Shawn Butler (Sean Blakemore) had attempted to shoot her even though Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) had ordered a shot fired at Jake. Hayden has neurosurgery leaving her in a coma performed by Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson). Hayden wakes up and remembers nothing. While over hearing a conversation that Nikolas is having with his mother, she hears them talking about Jake. In February 2016, Hayden marries Nikolas.

Pat Spencer

"Patricia Spencer" redirects here. For the missing person, see Disappearance of Patricia Spencer and Pamela Hobley.
Pat Spencer
General Hospital character
Portrayed by
Duration 2015
First appearance March 30, 2015 (2015-03-30)
Last appearance July 23, 2015
Created by Ron Carlivati[lower-alpha 1]
Introduced by Frank Valentini[lower-alpha 1]
Classification Former; guest

Patricia "Pat" Spencer, played by Dee Wallace—known for her appearance in the 1982 Steven Spielberg film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial—is the older sister of Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) and Bobbie Spencer (Jacklyn Zeman). Wallace's casting was officially announced on March 6, 2015.[12] In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Wallace said what piqued her interest the most was that she had never done a soap before. Wallace's late husband Christopher Stone had appeared on Days of Our Lives as Bill Horton and the work load initially scared him. However, he later told her it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of his career. Also, Wallace's agent told her how "pivotal" the role was and also told Wallace she'd be working opposite Anthony Geary. However, Wallace was nervous when she realized how much work she had coming her way. "Seriously, when I got the first script, I thought 'Oh, my gosh, maybe it's not too late for me to get out!' I was scared!" Wallace said. However, Wallace praised Geary, executive producer Frank Valentini and casting director Mark Teschner for making her feel welcome and comfortable on the set.[13] Actress Chloe Lanier portrayed a young Pat on April 1, 2015 and July 23, 2015.[14]

Storylines

Not much is known about Pat. She was briefly mentioned to Bobbie by their old neighbor Ms. Middleton in 1978. Pat's dresses were cut down by their mother so that they would fit little Bobbie. Pat was last mentioned in 1983. Pat is not mentioned again until early 2015 when a deranged Luke discusses her with their cousin Bill's corpse imagining he is speaking with himself. Luke admits that he hasn't thought of Pat in decades. When the family realizes Luke has suffered a severe psychotic break due to some childhood trauma, Bobbie assumes Pat would be old enough to remember what happened to Luke because she is too young. In February 2015, Luke's daughter Lulu (Emme Rylan) and his wife Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) get news of an address for Pat. In March, Pat's daughter, Valerie (Brytni Sarpy) claims Pat is dead. On April 2, 2015, Pat dies after being reunited with her siblings after 52 years. In July 2015, the spirit of a young Pat reappeared to Luke convincing her brother not to kill himself and to her daughter Valerie one last time.

Darby Collette

Darby Collette
General Hospital character
Portrayed by Jesica Ahlberg
Duration 2015–
First appearance October 19, 2015
Created by Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman[15]
Introduced by Frank Valentini
Classification Present; recurring
Profile
Occupation College student
Residence Port Charles, NY

Darby Collette, portrayed by Jesica Ahlberg, 2014's Miss Alabama USA, October 19, 2015.[16] Ahlberg's casting was announced on October 14 and Darby is a college friend of Molly Lansing (Haley Pullos) and her boyfriend TJ Ashford (Tequan Richmond).[17]

Storylines

Dabry meets up with Molly, TJ and Molly's cousin Morgan Corinthos (Bryan Craig) to attend a party. A couple days later, she receives a text from Morgan, although it was actually sent by Kiki Jerome (Hayley Erin). Darby reacts negatively towards Morgan when he shows up at the Floating Rib. Morgan and Darby meet again at the 2015 Halloween party at the Haunted Star when Kiki and Morgan show up. Later on in the night Darby and Morgan sneak off somewhere to make love.

Andre Maddox

Andre Maddox
General Hospital character
Portrayed by Anthony Montgomery[18][19]
Duration 2015–
First appearance November 6, 2015
Created by Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman[15]
Introduced by Frank Valentini
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation Psychiatrist
Residence Port Charles, NY

Andre Maddox Psy.D., played by Anthony Montgomery is a colleague of Dr. Kevin Collins (Jon Lindstrom). In September 2015, Soap Opera Digest reported that General Hospital had cast an African American actor for a "key role." The actor made quite an impression opposite one the show's popular leading ladies during his screen test.[18] On October 22, 2015, it was announced that Anthony Montgomery would make his debut on November 6 as Anna Devane's (Finola Hughes) new psychiatrist.[20] Montgomery was best known for his role of Travis Mayweather Star Trek: Enterprise and had a brief stint on General Hospital in 2011 as Aaron.[21] Montgomery also had several prime time guest appearances on Grey's Anatomy, Baby Daddy, House and NCIS.[22] Soaps In Depth reported that Jon Lindstrom had only agreed to return to the series on a recurring basis and had already finished taping. To continue the story, the writers have Andre take over Anna Devane's (Finola Hughes) case from Kevin.[19] However, Anna is hesitant because Andre is a stranger and clash during their first session. After being on recurring status, Montgomery was put on contract on December 3, 2015.[23]

Storylines

Maddox is contacted by Dr. Kevin Collins (Jon Lindstrom) to take over Anna Devane's (Finola Hughes) case.[19] However, Anna is hesitant because Andre is a stranger and clash during their first session. Their next session, Maddox tells Anna that she needs to tell him what is bother her. On the third session, Anna reveals that she had murdered Carlos Rivera. She tells the doctor that she may not be seeing things as a ghost does not leave personal things behind. At Thanksgiving dinner, the two are confronted on a personal level as Anna's ex Son in Law, Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson), invites Dr. Maddox to dinner since he could not get to Chicago to be with his family.

Curtis Ashford

Curtis Ashford
General Hospital character
Portrayed by Donnell Turner
Duration 2015–
First appearance November 30, 2015
Created by Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman
Introduced by Frank Valentini
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Other names Curtis Gooden
Occupation
Residence Port Charles, New York

Curtis Ashford,[24] portrayed by Donnell Turner was introduced as a private investigator hired by Hayden Barnes (Rebecca Budig). Turner's casting was announced on November 19.[25] While his character is not a doctor, Turner appeared in the recurring role of Dr. Aiden Williams on Days of Our Lives in 2010.[26] Turner's other credits included recurring role of a doctor on The Young and the Restless, as well as appearances on prime time dramas How to Get Away with Murder and Revenge.[27]

Storylines

Curtis is introduced as a friend of Shawn Butler (Sean Blakemore) and he is enlisted by Hayden Barnes (Rebecca Budig) to uncover the truth about her shooting. Curtis eventually discovers that Hayden's boyfriend, Nikolas Cassadine (Tyler Christopher) was actually responsible for the shooting that left Hayden comatose. Curtis is soon reunites with his sister-in-law Jordan Ashford (Vinessa Antoine) who demands that he leaves town. Curtis soon shares a happy reunion with his nephew TJ (Tequan Richmond). Curtis later goes on a date with officer Valerie Spencer (Brytni Sarpy) which Jordan interrupts to warn Valerie away from him. After Jordan exposes it, Curtis confides in Valerie that he had previously struggled with a cocaine addiction during his time working for the DEA.

Notes

  1. 1 2 The announcement of Luke and Bobbie's sister was shown in 1978, under executive producer Gloria Monty and head writer Douglas Marland. The character was later developed and introduced under executive producer, Frank Valentini and head writer, Ron Carlivati.

References

  1. 1 2 "about general hospital". ABC.com. Disney–ABC Television Group. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
  2. Tropiano, Stephen (2000). TV Towns. New York City, New York: TV Books L.L.C.. ISBN 1-57500-127-6.
  3. Giddens, Jamey (July 24, 2015). "ABC Replaces General Hospital Head Writer Ron Carlivati With Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman". Daytime Confidential. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  4. "GH CASTS A NEW SPENCER!". Soap Opera Digest. United States. American Media, Inc. March 20, 2015. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  5. 1 2 "GH's Brytni Sarpy on Playing Valerie Spencer & Hollywood Racial Diversity". J.Says Online. May 7, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  6. 1 2 Levinsky, Mara (September 21, 2015). "Spencer for Hire". Soap Opera Digest (United States). American Media, Inc. 40 (38): 44–47.
  7. Levinsky, Mara (April 13, 2015). "That's a Wrap!". Soap Opera Digest (United States). American Media, Inc. 40 (15): 34–37.
  8. "Meet The Newest Spencer!". ABC Soaps In Depth (United States: Bauer Media Group) 19 (5): 12. April 13, 2015.
  9. "REBECCA BUDIG JOINS GH!". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. February 10, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  10. "Rebecca Budig Joins GH!". Soaps In Depth. Bauer Media Group. February 10, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  11. Logan, Michael (March 20, 2015). "She's a Maneater: Daytime Fave Rebecca Budig Hits General Hospital". TV Insider. TVGM Holdings, LLC. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  12. "EXCLUSIVE: GENERAL HOSPITAL CASTS PAT!". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. March 6, 2015. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  13. "DEE WALLACE ON GH GIG: "I WAS SCARED!"". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  14. "GH Recap: Brad shocks Lucas with the truth". Soaps She Knows. United States: SheKnows Media. July 23, 2015. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  15. 1 2 "HEAD WRITER SWITCH AT GH". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. July 24, 2015. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  16. "Miss USA : Members". Missuniverse.com. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  17. SOD (October 14, 2015). "GH TAPS NEW RECURRING PLAYER". Soap Opera Digest (United States). American Media, Inc. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  18. 1 2 "GH CASTS NEW HUNK". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. September 10, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2015.
  19. 1 2 3 "Has Andre Replaced Kevin?". Ins&Outs. ABC Soaps In Depth (Bauer Media Group) 19 (47): 10. November 23, 2015.
  20. "GH HIRES NEW DOCTOR". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. October 22, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2015.
  21. Mulcahy, Kevin (October 22, 2015). "Anthony Montgomery Joins 'General Hospital' as Dr. Andre Maddox". We Love Soaps. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  22. Fairman, Michael (October 22, 2015). "Anthony Montgomery To Make His General Hospital Debut As Dr. Andre Maddox!". On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  23. "Anthony Montgomery". anthonymontgomery.com. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  24. Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman (Head writers); Frank Valentini (Executive producer) (February 15, 2016). General Hospital. Season 52. General Hospital Transcript Monday 2/15/16. American Broadcasting Company. Curtis: "My man. Can I get some more of those? Curtis Ashford. But I'm sure you already know that."
  25. "NEW CONTRACT PLAYER FOR GH". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. November 19, 2015. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  26. Campbell, Hope (November 19, 2015). "GH Castings News: New Contract Character on Hand to Help Hayden". Soap Shows. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  27. Fairman, Michael (November 19, 2015). "Donnell Turner Checks In To General Hospital As New Mystery Man!". On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved December 5, 2015.

External links

General Hospital at the Internet Movie Database

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