'General Hospital' Celebrates 25 Years of Maurice Benard as Sonny Corinthos

ABC7 in Los Angeles stopped by the set of General Hospital on Monday for the 25th anniversary celebration of Maurice Benard playing the character of Sonny Corinthos.

"You make it fun for me, coming to work," an emotional Benard told the GH cast and crew, who were decked out in anniversary t-shirts.

Added co-star Laura Wright, "Maurice has given his heart and soul, and shown so much of show he is through the character of Sonny. So this is truly his family."

"He's just such a mentor to everybody," enthuses co-star Steve Burton (Jason), "because of his work ethic, and his professionalism, and how much he gives to other actors."

Check out ABC7's report below.

'General Hospital' EP Frank Valentini Teases, "Who's the Real Jason?"

Two years after Emmy winner Steve Burton left General Hospital in 2012, former The Young and the Restless Emmy winner Billy Miller took over the role of Jason Morgan (first known as Jake Doe), whose appearance was altered by post-car crash facial surgeries.

The iconic ABC soap opera announced in June that Burton would be returning, but would not confirm what role he would be playing.

"Jason's life affects, like, 30 people on the show. There is almost nobody who won't be affected by his return," Valentini told TVLine at ABC’s summer TCA party. "That whole paradigm — 'Who's the real Jason? How will people react to him?' — I find to be very interesting, and it will be fun for the audience.”

Valentini reveals that no fan's online guesses about the story have been correct so far.

"They think we’re making it up as we go along, when it’s all been laid out," he says.

"We're really excited to work with Steve, because he's a really important part of the show," Valentini adds.

Burton has teased that he will be back on GH for "a while" — while Valentini says that the effects of the encore will be felt "for probably about nine months, before we settle into the next big thing."

First Annual 'General Hospital' Convention Set for March 11-12, 2017

General Hospital has announced its first-ever official convention will take place over the weekend of March 11-12, 2017, at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel Convention Center.

Laura Wright (Carly) and Matt Cohen (Griffin) will serve as co-hosts, and a bevy of cast members have signed on to attend, including Rebecca Budig (Hayden), Leslie Charleson (Monica), Chad Duell (Michael), Michael Easton (Finn), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Roger Howarth (Franco), Wally Kurth (Ned), Michelle Stafford (Nina), Maura West (Ava), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) and Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie).

“We have the greatest fans in the world and it’s our goal to get together with them in an all immersive, all General Hospital weekend of fun, sharing stories, laughter and celebration of the show we all love so much,” executive producer Frank Valentini reveals.

Events include Q&A panels, meet and greets, games and contests.

For full details and ticket information, visit creationent.com.

Frank Valentini, Jean Passanante & Shelly Altman Sign New Deals to Remain at 'General Hospital'

Frank Valentini

General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini signed a new contract with ABC earlier this month to remain at the soap, according to a report by Daytime Confidential's Jamey Giddens.

Giddens also revealed the head writing team of Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman recently renewed their deals with the show as well.

Valentini took over at GH in 2012 following the end of One Life to Live's run on ABC. Passanante and Altman replaced Ron Carlivati in 2015, after working together as head writers at The Young and the Restless.

'General Hospital' Executive Producer Frank Valentini: "I Feel Like the Show Right Now is Incredibly Emotionally Satisfying Every Day"

Frank Valentini

General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini shared some fascinating insight into what its like managing a complex system like the ABC sudser in an online interview Monday.

The Emmy-winning Valentini also dished to Michael Fairman’s On Air On Soaps on what may lie ahead in some of GH’s hottest summer storylines.

Stories often become a balancing act between meticulous design and swift flexibility. GH’s producers and head writers have to work together to map things out but also be able to change course as a story progresses.

“We have an idea of where it’s going, but we always like to keep our ear to the ground of what is airing, and sort of seeing what things are working, and are exciting,” he said.

'General Hospital' Nurses Ball Will Air May 24-26

Lynn Herring stars as Lucy Coe on General Hospital.

General Hospital's annual Nurses Ball sponsored by Aveeno returns Tuesday, May 24 on ABC. Founded in 1994 by Port Charles resident Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), the Nurses Ball is one of fictional Port Charles’ most glamorous charity events dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness and research. Stunning red carpet fashion, breathtaking musical performances and plenty of intrigue and drama define this exciting programming event.

“We are pleased to bring back the Nurses Ball this year and delighted that Aveeno will continue as our corporate sponsor,” said Vicki Dummer, head of Current Series Programming. “The Nurses Ball brings awareness to AIDS research while giving our immensely talented cast a chance to showcase their vocal talents.”

“This will be GH's 12th Nurses Ball and each year our wonderful viewers have come to expect plenty of music, dance, glamour and of course an abundance of drama,” said Frank Valentini, executive producer, General Hospital. “There’s a lot of exciting performances and appearances in the works. You won’t want to miss it!”

In addition to gorgeous gowns and elegant tuxedos, viewers can also expect to see some familiar faces from a morning news program and other entertainment news shows, all making cameo appearances on the Ball’s red carpet. As always, the Nurses Ball (running May 24-26) will be the backdrop for several dramatic events taking place in Port Charles including a popular resident whose life hangs in the balance, a surprising arrest, a new couple and much more.

General Hospital will celebrate its 53rd anniversary on April 1, 2016. It is both the longest running American soap opera currently in production and the longest running scripted television drama currently in production.

RELATED:
- Jimmy Fallon Reveals He Loves 'General Hospital' and Mentions the Nurses Ball on 'Tonight Show'
- GH Nurses Ball Hub

Sean Blakemore Visiting 'General Hospital' on April 4

Sean Blakemore, who recently received his second Daytime Emmy nomination for playing Shawn Butler on General Hospital, is returning to the ABC soap opera for one episode on Monday, April 4.

Blakemore tweeted that "it was a great ride" when he left GH in May 2015. He has since appeared in a number of CSI: Cyber episodes as Director Silver.

Following his visit to General Hospital, he can next be seen on the upcoming fourth season of Lifetime's Devious Maids.

RELATED:
- 'General Hospital' Alum Sean Blakemore Joins 'Devious Maids'

Michael Easton Returning to 'General Hospital' as New Character (Updated)

Frank Valentini (left) and Michael Easton.

Michael Easton left ABC soap opera General Hospital last summer when his character, Dr. Silas Clay, was killed off the show. But Easton will be returning, according to executive producer Frank Valentini, who revealed the news on Twitter and in a Vimeo video.

Valentini made the announcement to kick off "Fan February", posting a video of the duo at the supermarket in which Easton accepts Valentini's offer to come back after the EP assures him that he's got something good in store.

"See ya in a couple weeks!" Easton tells Valentini.

Is Silas alive? Will Easton reprise his old One Life to Live or Port Charles characters? Will be be playing someone new? A ghost? Stay tuned.

Watch the video below.

NEWS: Alicia Minshew, Holly Gagnier, Patricia Healy, Heidi Mueller, Beverly Penberthy, Frank Valentini

General Hospital casting new female teen role
GH has sent out a casting call for a "complex late teens Caucasian female who is beautiful and dynamic to start shooting a new contract role in two months."

Home of General Hospital alum Patricia Healy destroyed by fire
Patricia Healy (ex-Tammy, GH) had to jump out of the second-story window of her townhouse apartment when her home was destroyed by a fire that broke out at a nearby, under-construction building in Toluca Lake, CA, on June 19. Her beloved dog, Winston, was killed in the fire, and Healy and husband Sergio Terrazas lost everything they owned in the blaze. A friend of the couple is raising money on GoFundMe.

Holly Gagnier had fun shooting General Hospital
Soap vet Holly Gagnier (ex-Ivy, Days of our Lives; ex-Cassie, One Life to Live) in the role of GH's Jennifer Smith, picking up where Lisa Marie, Roseanne Barr and Sally Struthers left off. "I really had probably the most fun I've ever had on a soap," she says. "Tony [Geary, Luke] and Genie [Francis, Laura] could not have been more loving, more supportive, more encouraging for me to just go the distance with it."

All My Children actress Alicia Minshew joins Year Rounders
Minshew (ex-Kendall, All My Children) is the first actor to officially join Sudsville's new soap, Year Rounders, playing Georgina Phillips, who is described as a "slightly tarnished trophy wife with a bad prenup.” Look for her to have a different look than she’s sported on other shows, says Creator Meg Kelly.

Passions star Heidi Mueller marries DeMarco Murray, pregnant with second child
Heidi Mueller (ex-Kay, Passions) revealed on Twitter that not only have she and DeMarco Murray, who plays in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, tied the knot, but they are expecting another child. The couple is already parents to a daughter, Savanna, 2.

Another World actress Beverly Penberthy at Alan Rickman event
Penberthy– who doesn’t look much different now– acted in the first ever play Alan Rickman directed in the U.S. It was called “Desperately Yours,” and was produced at the Colonnade Theater (now where Blue Man Group resides) in 1980, when Beverly was at the height of her long run on “Another World.” She and Rickman have remained close ever since then.

Restaurant TV star Willie Degel selling two homes in Hamptons
Degel, who lives in an Old Brookville home he built himself, has been building and selling homes on the East End for more than a decade. In 2003, he sold his first home, in Bridgehampton, to Frank Valentini, the former executive producer, director and composer for the ABC soap opera One Life to Live (now at GH), for $1.550 million.

In an age of reboots and personal expression, is continuity the devil for comics?
Soap operas, the model for the continuity-heavy superhero style (the editor of X-Men used to hand out Days of our Lives scripts to his writers to teach them how to write), never had any problem hooking new viewers; they might not know exactly what was going on, but they’d pick it up eventually. The point is to make new readers want to follow along even if they don’t get everything right away; when the story is boring, it’s easier to blame the continuity because it’s easier to fix than the quality of the stories.

Sean Blakemore Leaving 'General Hospital'

Sean Blakemore

General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini revealed today during the live behind-the-scenes video broadcast on Periscope that Sean Blakemore would be leaving the show and the role of Shawn Butler. Today was his last day.

Blakemore tweeted a message for fans: "Thank you all frm my heart 4 all ur immeasurable spprt/luv during my time on GH! It was a great ride! Ur support is overwhelming. ..such beautiful people u all are...much love 4 each and everyone of you"

Today was also the final episode for Jeffrey Vincent Parise (Carlos Rivera), whose character was shot and killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes). Parise guest-starred on last night's Mad Men series finale.

Blakemore previously taped additional scenes that will keep Shawn on the canvas for a few more weeks.

RELATED:
- 'General Hospital' Stars Teresa Castillo & Jeffrey Vincent Parise Cover Nick Jonas' "Chains"

'General Hospital' To Broadcast Live on May 15 & 18

General Hospital will broadcast live from Los Angeles on Friday, May 15 and Monday, May 18.

“Taking such an iconic show as General Hospital live for two days is both exhilarating and risky,” said Frank Valentini about the two upcoming live broadcasts of General Hospital. “I am enormously proud of our cast, crew and staff for all their tireless dedication and hard work that will be leading up to this daytime television event. It’s live television and absolutely anything can happen, but that is what’s fun about this and we’re absolutely up to the challenge.”

Additionally, fans can be a part of the conversation surrounding this live event by using #GHLive.

General Hospital, which celebrated its 52nd anniversary on April 1, 2015, is the longest running American soap opera currently in production and the longest running scripted drama on U.S. television currently in production. General Hospital has received the prestigious Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Drama a record 11 times. General Hospital was created by Frank and Doris Hursley.

Alison Sweeney to Direct Episodes of 'General Hospital,' Plus Star In and Executive Produce Hallmark Movie 'Radio Hype'

Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady, Days of our Lives) will direct episodes of General Hospital starting this month, according to the new issue of Soap Opera Digest.

"She's sort of paid her dues and spent some time learning the show," GH executive producer Frank Valentini said.

Sweeney will also star in and executive produce the upcoming Hallmark Channel Original Movie, Radio Hype.

"Having Alison Sweeney back in a Hallmark Channel Original Movie is perfect. Alison’s first movie for the network, Second Chances was one of the highest rated and we are so eager to work with her again as an actress and executive producer," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President of Programming, Crown Media Family Networks.

GH: Is GENERAL HOSPITAL Out Of Control? And Should Twitter Impact Your Enjoyment Of A Show?

GENERAL HOSPITAL has done many things right since executive producer Frank Valentini and head writer Ron Carlivati took over the reins of the show in early 2012. It can certainly be argued that they saved this long time daytime drama from cancellation. The show was dreary and boring and they quickly revitalized it.

Robin (Kimberly McCullough), slated to die for "real", was saved. Popular actors Finola Hughes, Lynn Herring, Robin Mattson, Kin Shriner, Kristina Wagner, and Tyler Christopher, among others, returned. The events leading up to the 2013 Nurses Ball were magical. I truly believe that Mr. Carlivati is a fan of the show and is trying hard to respect its history. He understands that fans want to see their favorite characters from the past.

GENERAL HOSPITAL 13,000th Episode Behind The Scenes Video

In celebration of GENERAL HOSPTIAL's 13,000 episodes, the cast reflects on the milestone.

“It’s overwhelming to think that we've done 13,000 episodes,” executive producer Frank Valentini says in the Parade clip. “It’s great to look out at everyone in the cast and crew, and some people have been there for 20, 25 years.”

Maurice Bernard (Sonny Corinthos) marveled at GH's longevity. “We’ve grown up here, and our families have grown up together,” he says. “We’ve watched people come, we’ve watched people go, and it’s still a success.”

Watch the video below and get a peek at the on-set celebration.

NEWS: ALL MY CHILDREN Shelved? GENERAL HOSPITAL Planing Another Nurses' Ball & Next Summer's Stories! Cheyenne Jackson Joins HBO's OPEN

Is Prospect Park shelving ALL MY CHILDREN too?
Insiders are reporting that Prospect Park is officially shelving its plans to bring ALL MY CHILDREN back for a second season. Staffers reportedly got word from Prospect Park today.

TV Guide magazine's Michael Logan also tweeted about it on Wednesday afternoon: "Is #ProspectPark "shelving" @allmychildren too? I'm hearing big announcement planned for this Friday."

50 Years Looks Good on ABC's GENERAL HOSPITAL
"We were all worried and we had a right to be worried. The show was in a very dark place and Ron [Carlivati] and I managed to come in and shake it up," executive producer Frank Valentini said.

GH marked its 50th anniversary by bringing back its popular Nurses' Ball, where the characters put on a formal ball, complete with musical performances, to raise money for AIDS and HIV research. There are plans for another Nurses' Ball next spring.

Vicki Dummer, executive vice president of ABC Media Group and Primetime Current Series, says she's been a fan of "GH" for more than 30 years and couldn't be happier.

"Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati have done extraordinary work on 'GH' and have really turned the show around," she said in a recent statement, adding that the goal was to "redefine the show and give it a contemporary feel."

Valentini says he's already looking ahead to story lines for next summer.

GLEE's Lea Michele Recorded Song "You're Mine" For Cory Monteith on Debut Album
"It makes me so happy, this song," she says. "It makes me think so much of Cory. It was ours. When I think if him, I play this."

Ryan Murphy Developing GLEE Spinoff Show For Lea Michele
“They’re making the deals now and it also presents a viable exit plan for the main GLEE series itself — in that some of its core cast would also migrate to the Lea Michele project as GLEE is showing signs of aging.”

New Project For Eric Winter and Roselyn Sanchez
Eric Winter (ex-Rex, DAYS), currently starring in WITCHES OF EAST END on Lifetime, and wife, Roselyn Sanchez (Carmen, DEVIOUS MAIDS) have gotten involved with a new venture. "It's an animated project called LA GOLDA, created by my good friend George Valencia, who developed it with our good friend Judy Reyes [Zoila, DEVIOUS MAIDS]," he explains. "The moment I heard about the concept, the adorable lead character, and what the project stands for, I knew this little girl, La Golda, was a winner! Now that I’m a parent, the importance of the content we allow our children to watch is that much more significant. LA GOLDA is the perfect character to teach my child about the importance of education, respect and giving back all in a fun and vibrant way." [Kickstarter campaign]

Cheyenne Jackson Joins Ryan Murphy/HBO Pilot OPEN
OPEN, which Murphy co-wrote with Lauren Gussis, is described as a modern, provocative exploration of human sexuality and relationships. It centers on five central characters played by Michelle Monaghan, Scott Speedman, Wes Bentley, Anna Torv and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Jackson reportedly will be playing a handsome meth addict.

Deadline.com, Nikki Finke Cut Ties
A post on the site reads "we've learned that no one is indispensable," while Finke tweets, "Jay Penske has just told me I am free to leave. He tried to buy my silence. No sale."

CW Developing 1880s Paris Drama With Dan Jinks, ‘Hourman’ Adaptation With Dan Lin
Based on the book by Cathy Marie Buchanan, THE PAINTED GIRLS is set in 1880s Paris against the backdrop of the turbulent and exciting world of “La Belle Epoque” – decadence, poverty, sex, drugs and a serial killer running rampant throughout the city. It revolves around three sisters studying at a top ballet academy, one of whom becomes the muse for Edgar Degas and his famed paintings of ballerinas.

Lifetime Adapting Broadway’s ‘Trip to Bountiful,’ Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams to Reprise Roles
They will be joined by Blair Underwood alongside Keke Palmer. Michael Wilson, who directed the play, will make his television directorial debut with the project.

Jason Ritter Calls Suzanne Somers' THREE'S COMPANY Spinoff Idea "Very Sweet," but...
"To be honest, there are probably actors who are much better," Ritter said of the spinoff where he would play the son of Jack and Chrissy. "It sounds weird, it sounds like I'm not telling the truth, but I think there would be actors better suited to do that, who are funnier and better. I would feel like I was just getting the part for a stupid reason."

LOW WINTER SUN Star James Ransone: ‘It Wasn’t a Good Show’
“It wasn’t a good show,” Ransone told TheWrap. “I had higher expectations going in. They can’t all be winners.”

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Denise Alexander Talks Playing THE INN's Mysterious Lola & Returning To GENERAL HOSPITAL (Part 1 of 2)

Denise Alexander stars as Lola on THE INN

Legendary daytime actress Denise Alexander has been acting since she was a child, starring in primetime series in the 1950s and 1960s before taking on several daytime soap opera roles. She starred as Susan Hunter Martin in DAYS OF OUR LIVES before her most famous role, Lesley Webber in GENERAL HOSPITAL.

In recent years she has expanded her horizons even further playing memorable characters in two web series, comedy smash PRETTY and mysterious and spooky THE INN. She stars opposite Crystal Chappell in THE INN, which premiered earlier this year and is returning on October 7th for its third and final season.

We Love Soaps recently caught up with Ms. Alexander to discuss her portrayal of coffee shop owner Lola in THE INN as well as her return to GENERAL HOSPITAL in 2013. Check out our exclusive INNterview below:

INTERVIEW: Lynn Herring on The Nurses Ball & Her Return To GENERAL HOSPITAL (Part 2)

Lynn Herring first appeared on GENERAL HOSPITAL as Lucy Coe in 1986. In 1997 the character moved to GH spinoff PORT CHARLES. Once that show went off the air in 2003 Herring did not return to GH as expected. In December 2012, Herring finally returned as Lucy Coe and has been featured prominently ever since. We Love Soaps spoke with Herring recently about her life, career and return to GENERAL HOSPITAL. Catch up on Part 1 of our new interview here and read Part 2 below:

WE LOVE SOAPS: You are so fantastic in comedic scenes.
LYNN HERRING: I just love that people come up and tell me they laugh. It's so thrilling to think you're in someone's home and giving them these happy moments in their day. It's the best. There are so many actors who are new to the show, and they are so enthusiastic, passionate and talented.

INTERVIEW: Lynn Herring on Doing Chores, Almost Landing An Iconic Y&R Role & Her Return To GENERAL HOSPITAL (Part 1)

Lynn Herring first appeared on GENERAL HOSPITAL as Lucy Coe in 1986. In 1997 the character moved to GH spinoff PORT CHARLES. Once that show went off the air in 2003 Herring did not return to GH as expected. In December 2012, Herring finally returned as Lucy Coe and has been featured prominently ever since. We Love Soaps spoke with Herring recently about her life, career and return to GENERAL HOSPITAL. Read our new interview below:

WE LOVE SOAPS: Good morning. I've heard you are up early every day working on your ranch but are you sure this is a good time (we had set up a 6:30 a.m. interview)?
LYNN HERRING: You have to get up with the critters to get your chores done. I've been up for an hour doing stuff. [Laughs] Kin Shriner is a big early riser too and so sometimes this is our best conversation.

WE LOVE SOAPS: What kind of chores to do you?

20/20 Special: GENERAL HOSPITAL - THE REAL SOAP DISH Airs Saturday, April 6 (Photos & Video)

For 50 years, GENERAL HOSPITAL has entertained and amazed its viewers with unforgettable romance, action and cutting-edge story lines. To celebrate the pop icon’s golden anniversary, Katie Couric and 20/20 travel to the fictional town of Port Charles to experience first-hand the passion, intrigue and adventure that has made the daytime soap opera the longest running scripted drama currently on television.

The hour program will feature interviews with fan favorites including Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Maurice Benard, Jack Wagner, Rick Springfield, many other cast members, and Executive Producer Frank Valentini.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Nurses Ball Is 'Going To Blow Everybody's Mind' (Video)

In a new ABC interview featuring the cast and crew of GENERAL HOSPITAL, executive producer Frank Valentini says he brought back the Nurses Ball, in part, to honor the history of the show. The ball begins on Friday, April 5.

"It's just going to blow everybody's mind and it's going to be a three-day event this year," Valentini said. "We couldn't fit everything in to just this one month so for the next several months, they'll be more returns and more excitement and more fun surprises for the audience."

"I'd love to have a boyfriend. That would be nice," said Leslie Charleson, who plays Dr. Monica Quartermaine and has been a part of the show for 36 years.

Check out the entire video segment below which also features Anthony Geary, Genie Francis and Finola Hughes.