Rachel Ames Visits 'General Hospital' (Video)

Rachel Ames appeared on Friday's episode of General Hospital.  She
began playing Audrey in 1964.

On Friday, Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner Rachel Ames made her first appearance on ABC soap opera General Hospital as Audrey Hardy since April 2013. In the story, Audrey had twisted her ankle so she was stuck in Vienna and was going to miss Elizabeth's wedding to Jake, but she wrote her granddaughter a lovely note. As Liz read the letter, viewers heard Audrey's voice, then saw her behind a desk in Vienna where she wrote it.

"I am there in spirit," Audrey wrote.

Watch Ames' latest visit to GH below:

'General Hospital' Casting African-American Female

ABC soap opera General Hospital is searching for an African-American female for a recurring role described as "Mid 50s-mid 60s, strong, dynamic." The show is seeking a "well known actress for this important role," which is set to begin shooting by the end of November.

In other GH casting news, look for Rachel Ames to make a one-day appearance on Friday, October 30 as Audrey Hardy, her first since the show's 50th anniversary episode on April 2, 2013.

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- Brandon Barash Returning to 'General Hospital' as Johnny Zacchara in December

GENERAL HOSPITAL 50th Anniversary Episode Is Flawless (Many Spoilers!)

John Beradino played Dr. Steve Hardy for 33 years

GENERAL HOSPITAL's 50th anniversary was Monday but the actual anniversary show aired on Tuesday due to a March pre-emption. The episode was worth the wait, a flawless tribute to the past 50 years in Port Charles which started with a portrait of Dr. Steve Hardy (the late John Beradino) which was going to be hung in the General Hospital boardroom.

Below are some thoughts on the episode (spoilers for those on the west coast)

In the very first episode of GENERAL HOSPITAL on April 1, 1963 head nurse Jessie Brewer (the late Emily McLaughlin) uttered the show's first line. On Tuesday, head nurse Epiphany Johnson (Sonya Eddy) said the first line, and it was a nod to GH creators Frank and Doris Hursley.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Classic Photo Of The Day (Steve & Audrey)

In honor of GENERAL HOSPITAL's 50th anniversary (GH50), We Love Soaps has been posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the past month. Today's photo is of Steve and Audrey, played by John Beradino and Rachel Ames. Ames returns to GH today!

Photo Date: April 6, 1970

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- Watch GENERAL HOSPITAL Ring The NYSE Opening Bell
- Watch the GENERAL HOSPITAL marathon episodes here
- Watch the GENERAL HOSPITAL Special 50th Anniversary Opening
- GENERAL HOSPITAL's 50th Anniversary Extravaganza On KATIE April 4
- GENERAL HOSPITAL – THE REAL SOAP DISH Airs Saturday, April 6
- WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE Celebrates 50 Years Of GENERAL HOSPITAL
- GENERAL HOSPITAL Nurses Ball Photos [SPOILER ALERT]

GENERAL HOSPITAL Classic Photo Of The Day (1969)

In honor of GENERAL HOSPITAL's upcoming 50th anniversary (GH50), We Love Soaps will be posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the rest of the month. Today's photo is from a backstage party circa 1969, with John Beradino, Peggy McCay, Elizabeth MacRae, Julie Adams, Sharon DeBord, Rachel Ames, Peter Hansen, Kim Hamilton (as Tracy Adams, GH's first black doctor) and Lucille Wall. Can anyone identify any of the other actors?

Thanks to Rob Wargo for the photo.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Classic Photo Of The Day (Jessie & Peter's Wedding)

In honor of GENERAL HOSPITAL's upcoming 50th anniversary (GH50), We Love Soaps will be posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the rest of the month. Today's photo is of Rachel Ames, John Beradino, Craig Huebing, Emily McLaughlin and Lucille Wall at Jessie's wedding to Peter Taylor.

Thanks to Rob Wargo for the photo.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Classic Photo Of The Day (Audrey & Lucille)

In honor of GENERAL HOSPITAL's upcoming 50th anniversary (GH50), We Love Soaps will be posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the rest of the month. Today's photo is was taken at Lucille's (Lucille Wall) wedding to the hospital janitor, Al Weeks (Tom Brown). Lucille is pictured here with her sister, Audrey (Rachel Ames).

Thanks to Rob Wargo for the photo.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Classic Photo Of The Day (1980 Cast)

In honor of GENERAL HOSPITAL's upcoming 50th anniversary (GH50), We Love Soaps will be posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the rest of the month. Today's photo was taken in December 1980 and features the large cast the show had during its ratings heyday.

Kneeling: Philip Tanzini (Jeremy), Bradley Green (Tommy)

Front Row: (L-R): Shell Kepler (Amy), Louise Hoven (Beverly), Brooke Bundy (Diana), Genie Francis (Laura), Gail Ramsey (Susan), Susan Pratt (Anne), Emily McLaughlin (Jessie), John Beradino (Steve), Rachem Ames (Audrey), Loanne Bishop (Rose), Denise Alexander (Lesley), Bob Hastings (Burt)

Second Row: Todd Davis, Lisa Lindgren (Kathy), Bianca Ferguson (Claudia), Frank Maxwell (Dan), Lieux Dressler (Alice), Robin Mattson (Heather), Tristan Rogers (Robert), Chris Robinson (Rick), Richard Sarradet (Howard)

Third Row: Rick Moses (Jefferson), Anthony Geary (Luke), Anna Lee (Lila), Norma Connolly (Ruby), Shelby Hiatt (Jane), Richard Dean Anderson (Jeff), Doug Sheehan (Joe), Pat Renella (Dr. Nelson)

Back Row: Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie), Susan Brown (Gail), Stuart Damon (Alan), David Lewis (Edward)

GENERAL HOSPITAL Classic Photo Of The Day (Gloria Monty and the 1981 Cast)

In honor of GENERAL HOSPITAL's upcoming 50th anniversary (GH50), We Love Soaps will be posting a "Classic Photo of the Day" for the rest of the month. Today's photo was taken in September 1981 and features executive producer Gloria Monty surrounded by the cast.

Rachel Ames Returning To GENERAL HOSPITAL

GENERAL HOSPITAL star Genie Francis appeared on KATIE on Thursday afternoon and confirmed that Rachel Ames, who originated the role of Audrey March Hardy in 1964 and was last seen in 2009, will return to the show in conjunction with its 50th anniversary. Ames will first air on March 26.

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- John Stamos Would Return To GENERAL HOSPITAL If He Can 'Do Some Acting'

Barry Cahill Dead at 90; Y&R Actor, Husband of Rachel Ames

Actor Barry Cahill died on April 9 at age 90, according to the Los Angeles Times. Aside from his long acting career, soap fans know Cahill as the 42 year husband of GENERAL HOSPITAL's Rachel Ames.

Cahill played Sam Powers during the early years of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. When Liz Foster fell in love with Sam, she finally was convinced to have her late husband, Bill Foster, finally declared dead. But it turned out out he was very much alive.