General Hospital
The soap opera General Hospital is the longest-running American soap opera and the world's second-longest soap opera currently in production.
Created by Frank and Doris Hursley in 1963, the show originally took place in a hospital in an unnamed city. In 1976, the name of the city, Port Charles, was mentioned for the first time. General Hospital originally revolved around Dr. Steve Handy and nurse Jessie Brewer, who was married to a much-young husband, Dr. Phil Brewer.
In the late 1970s, General Hospital introduced Luke and Laura (played by Anthony Geary and Genie Francis), who quickly became a TV "super couple." Their wedding on November 17, 1981, was the most-watched event in daytime serial history.
Over the years, General Hospital has covered many social issues including HIV/AIDS, organ donation, and cancer. The show has also had several celebrity guests over the years including Elizabeth Taylor and James Franco.
The show celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013 and has aired over 14,000 episodes. In 2015, a companion web series called General Hospital Now! was launched. In 2021, Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) was fired from General Hospital for failing to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Network: ABC
First Episode Date: April 1, 1963
Original Cast:
- John Beradino (Dr. Steve Handy)
- Emily McLaughlin (Jessie Brewer)
- Roy Thinnes (Dr. Phil Brewer)
- Jana Taylor (Angie Costello)
- Ralph Manza (Mike Costello)
- Simon Scott (Fred Fleming)
- Ruth Phillips (Janet Fleming)
- Carolyn Craig (Cynthia Allison)
- Robert Clarke (Roy Lansing)
- Allison Hayes (Priscilla Longworth)
- Hunt Powers (Dr. Ken Martin)
- K.T. Stevens (Peggy Mercer)
- Neil Hamilton (Philip Mercer)
- Lenore Kingston (Mrs. Weeks)
- Tom Brown (Al Weeks)
- Craig Curtis (Eddie Weeks)
Current Cast:
- Maurice Bernard (Sonny Corinthos)
- Laura Wright (Carly Corinthos)
- Kelly Monaco (Sam McCall)
- Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber-Baldwin)
- Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones)
- Ingo Rademacher (Jasper Jacks)
- Nancy Lee Grahan (Alexis Davis)
- Finola Hughes (Anna Devane)
- Chad Duell (Michael Corinthos)
- Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri)
- Genie Francis (Laura Collins)
- Maura West (Ava Jerome)
- Roger Howarth (Austin Gailtin-Holt)
- Eden McCoy (Josslyn Jacks)
- Sofia Mattsson (Sasha Gilmore)
- Michael Eaton (Hamilton Finn)
- Donnell Turner (Custis Ashford)
- Josh Swickard (Harrison Chase)
- Sean Blakemore (Shawn Butler)
- Inga Cadranel (Harmony Miller)
- Nicholas Chavez (Spencer Cassadine)
- Marcus Coloma (Nikolas Cassadine)
- Brook Kerr (Portia Robinson)
- Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait)
- Cameron Mathison (Drew Cain)
- Avery Kristen Pohl (Esme Prince)
- Wes Ramsey (Peter August)
- Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn Quartermaine)
- Charles Shaughnessy (Victor Cassadine)
- Kelly Thiebaud (Britt Westbourne)
- Johnny Wactor (Brando Corbin)
- Kristina Wagner (Felicia Jones)
- Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Latest General Hospital News and Updates
'General Hospital' Temporarily Recasts Lucky Spencer — Here's the Reason Why
Lucky Spencer on 'General Hospital' has been temporarily recast.
'General Hospital' Viewers Are Noticing That Jack Brennan Looks a Little Different
'General Hospital' character Jack Brennan has been recast.
Charles Mesure Reportedly Made the Decision Himself To Leave Port Charles on 'General Hospital'
Charles Mesure joined 'General Hospital' in December 2023.
Who Is Michael’s Father on 'General Hospital'? A Dramatic Tale of Secrets and Scandals
Three fathers. One shocking truth. Michael Corinthos’s paternity saga is one of 'General Hospital’s' most unforgettable dramas.
'General Hospital' Is Not Going off the Air, but Its Schedule Has Been Disrupted
It had a rough week in early January, but the show is not going anywhere.
Leslie Charleson's Death at 79 Left Many Wondering What Her Net Worth Was
Leslie Charleson was on 'General Hospital' for more than half of her life.
Leslie Charleson and Her Husband Were Briefly Married — All About Bill Demms
Leslie passed away on Jan. 12, 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy in television.
'General Hospital' Icon Leslie Charleson Has Died at 79 After Decades on the Show
Leslie Charleson played Monica Quartermaine for more than 40 years on 'General Hospital.'
Fans Are Not Happy About What Happened to Michael Corinthos on 'General Hospital' — Details
Um, did Michael really die like that?
After Nearly 15 Years of Playing Michael Corinthos on ‘General Hospital,' Chad Duell Quit
"This wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life."
Evan Hofer Isn't Bitter About Dex Being Killed off 'General Hospital'
"I can't believe 'GH' passed on an opportunity to create a story with Dex. Too bad."
Kelly Monaco's Net Worth: Here's How the 'General Hospital' Star Built Her Wealth
The jaded actor is worth millions despite her recent shocking career change.
Kelly Monaco Is Not Happy About Her 'General Hospital' Exit — "Doesn't Make Sense"
Kelly Monaco joined the cast of 'General Hospital' in 2003.
Ron Hale Was Married up Until His Wife's Untimely Death — All About Dood Hale
Ron Hale passed away on Aug. 27, 2024. He was 78 years old.
'General Hospital' and 'Ryan's Hope' Soap Opera Star Ron Hale Has Died at 78
Ron Hale played Mike Corbin on 'General Hospital' from 1995-2010.
Scott Baldwin Hasn't Been on 'General Hospital' Because of an Actual Hospital Visit
Kin Shriner, the actor who plays Scott, is recovering from foot surgery.
'General Hospital' Star Doug Sheehan Died Peacefully at the Age of 75
Doug Sheehan was in more than 300 episodes of TV over a single decade.
Who Is Michael Easton's Wife? Meet the 'General Hospital' Alum's Other Half
"I’m lucky to be married to one of the best. I love you sweetheart," Michael wrote about his wife.
Everything To Know About Michael Easton's Last Episode of 'General Hospital'
"I’ve always been partial to the Irish goodbye. That’s where you leave the party without actually telling anyone you’re gone. But I thought you all deserve better," Michael said.
Michael Easton's Departure From 'General Hospital' Came Pretty Abruptly
Michael Easton said he was a fan of Irish goodbyes, so he didn't give fans much warning.
'General Hospital' Star Robyn Bernard Died Mysteriously at Age 64 — What Happened?
Robyn Bernard played Terri Brock on 'General Hospital' in the 1980s and 1990s. Since the early 2000s, she led a private life away from the spotlight.
Dex Is M.I.A. on ‘General Hospital’ — Is Evan Hofer Exiting the Show?
Evan Hofer may have inadvertently revealed Dex Heller's fate in a recent interview. Is Dex coming back or is he gone for good? Clues ahead.
Esme's Storyline on 'General Hospital' Just Got Even More Complicated
After a nail-biting episode of ‘General Hospital,’ it seems like Avery Pohl is leaving the show. Why did she leave and what happened to Esme?
Spencer's 'General Hospital' Fate Is on a Cliffhanger — Will He Ever Return?
Actors leave soap operas all the time but it’s always tragic when a character is gone for good. Is Spencer leaving ‘General Hospital’ and is he alive?
Leslie Charleson's Health Struggles May Be Why She Was Absent From 'General Hospital'
Monica reappeared on 'General Hospital' in December 2023 after spending over a year away. Her absence may be attributed to physical limitations.
Bobbie Spencer May Not Be on 'General Hospital,' but She Is in Our Hearts
Bobbie Spencer, portrayed by actor Jacklyn Zeman, is no longer on ‘General Hospital.’ What happened to Bobbie and will she ever return?
What Happened to Maxie on 'General Hospital'? The Role Has Been Briefly Recast
What happened to Maxie on 'General Hospital'? The role was briefly recast in December 2023 after Kirsten Storms temporarily stepped down.
What Happened to Josslyn on 'General Hospital'? She Has Been Recast Temporarily
Eden McCoy, who has long played the role of Josslyn on 'General Hospital,' is taking a break for personal reasons. Courtney Fulk will fill in.
Tyler Christopher Was Reportedly Let Go From 'General Hospital' Over His Alcoholism
Following his death, many want to better understand why Tyler Christopher left 'General Hospital' after such an extended run with the show.
Soap Star Tyler Christopher Was Married Twice — Meet His Ex-Wives
Following the news that soap star Tyler Christopher died, many wanted to learn more about whether the actor was ever married to anyone.
'General Hospital' Fans Have Been Watching Re-Runs, but a New Episode Is Coming Soon
Everyone's favorite soap opera appears to have disappeared from ABC's programming schedule which definitely concerned dedicated fans.
Following Billy Miller's Death, Fans Want to Know Why He Left 'GH' — His Now Chilling Words
'General Hospital' actor Billy Miller has tragically passed away. The star left the daytime soap in 2019. His statement about leaving is now chilling.
'General Hospital' Has Recast Molly Lansing-Davis Again—Here's Who and Why
'General Hospital' fans want to know what happened to Molly after Haley Pullos' arrest. Here's who is playing Molly now and the latest on the switch.
Lexi Ainsworth Has Left 'General Hospital' After Playing Kristina for Years
Regular 'General Hospital' viewers were likely confused when Kristina was recast on the show. What happened to the original actor?
Longtime 'General Hopsital' Star Jacklyn Zeman Was Married Three Times
As fans mourn the loss of soap star Jacklyn Zeman, many want to know more about the longtime 'General Hospital' actress's husband and kids.
‘General Hospital’ Actress Jacklyn Zeman Dies at 70
Actress Jacklyn Zeman, known for her longtime role as Bobbie Spencer on the soap opera 'General Hospital,' has died at age 70. Here's what we know.
'General Hospital' Is Mourning Both Epiphany and Sonya Eddy, Who Played Her
How did Epiphany from 'General Hospital' die? Fans knew that Epiphany's death was inevitable, but many want to know how she died in a recent episode.
Cam Is Leaving Port Charles – But Fans Are Convinced He'll Be Back on 'General Hospital'
It looks like 'General Hospital's Cameron, played by William Lipton, is leaving the daytime soap opera — but is it permanent? Keep reading to find out why.
Why Did Marcus Coloma Leave ‘General Hospital’? Details
Why did Marcus Coloma leave ‘General Hospital’? The Prince Nikolas Cassadine actor's last episode aired on Jan. 26, 2023. What happened?
Who Is Eva Vasquez on 'Station 19'?
Eva Vasquez, played by Kelly Thiebaud, has returned for Season 6 of 'Station 19,' just in time to help heal her former lover's hurting heart.
Nancy Lee Grahn Took Time off From 'General Hospital' to Recover From Surgery
Where is Alexis Davis on 'General Hospital'? Stephanie Erb came to temporarily replace Nancy Lee Grahn in Alexis Davis's role on 'General Hospital.'
Steve Burton Says His Wife, Sheree, Is Pregnant With Someone Else's Baby
Sheree Burton pregnancy: Steve Burton revealed on Instagram on May 4, 2022, that Sheree is expecting a baby with another man. Read on for more.
Tanisha Harper Makes Her Debut as the New Jordan Ashford on 'General Hospital'
What happened to Jordan on 'General Hospital'? Tanisha Harper made her debut in Jordan's role on March 2, 2022. Read on to find out more.
Sofia Mattsson Was Replaced by Her Sister in a Recent Episode of 'General Hospital'
Actress Sofia Mattsson didn't appear in the 'General Hospital' episode airing on Feb. 17, 2022. What happened to her?
Luke Spencer's Supposed Passing Has Garnered Mixed Responses from 'General Hospital' Fans
Did Luke from 'General Hospital' die? A recent episode of 'General Hospital' garnered mixed responses from loyal fans of the show. Did Luke die?
Actress Scarlett Fernandez Confirms Via Instagram That She Exited 'General Hospital'
What happened to Charlotte in 'General Hospital'? Valentin Cassadine's daughter debuted a brand new appearance in a recent episode. What's going on?
Steve Burton Has Confirmed He Left 'General Hospital' Because of His Vaccination Status
Is Steve Burton leaving 'General Hospital'? There have been rumors that he's leaving for some time and that it may be because of the COVID vaccine.
Ingo Rademacher Departed From His Role on 'General Hospital' After Making Controversial Comments
Ingo Rademacher's departure from 'General Hospital' has been a fixture of a lot of attention as of late, but why did he leave? Details.
General Hospital’s Bloody Cliffhanger Gave Trina Her Own ‘Carrie’ Moment
What happened to Trina on ‘General Hospital’? Read about the high schooler’s run-in with Ava’s stalker in the ABC soap opera's July 1 episode.
Alexis Is in Prison on 'General Hospital' — Is She Leaving the Show for Good?
In a recent episode of 'General Hospital,' fans watched Alexis get sentenced to three years in prison. Is she leaving 'General Hospital'?