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List of General Hospital characters introduced in the 2020s

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General Hospital is an American television soap opera that was first broadcast on April 1, 1963. The following is a list of characters that first appear in the show during the 2020s, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the show's executive producer Frank Valentini. Brando Corbin (Johnny Wactor) was introduced in January 2020, as the distant relative of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober) made his first appearance in February 2021, as an antagonist to Benard's Sonny. Portia Robinson (Brook Kerr) debuted in March 2020 as the mother of Trina Robinson and is later employed at General Hospital. In 2021, the characters of Austin Gatlin-Holt (Roger Howarth), Esme Prince (Avery Kristen Pohl) and Marshall Ashford (Robert Gossett) were introduced. The characters of Rory Cabrera (Michael Blake Kruse) and Cody Bell (Josh Kelly) were introduced in March and June 2022, respectively. Additionally, multiple other characters appear throughout the decade.

Brando Corbin

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Brando Corbin, portrayed by Johnny Wactor, made his first appearance on January 30, 2020. The casting was announced on January 25 of the same year.[1] In July 2022, Wactor was let go from the soap,[2] and made his final appearance on September 20.[3]

Cyrus Renault

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Cyrus Renault
General Hospital character
Portrayed byJeff Kober
Duration2020–present
First appearanceFebruary 5, 2020 (2020-02-05)
ClassificationPresent; recurring
Created byChris Van Etten
Dan O'Connor
Introduced byFrank Valentini
In-universe information
Other namesCyrus Grey
Occupation
  • Businessman
  • Drug Trafficker
  • Chairman of the Board at General Hospital
ParentsGordon Grey
Florence Grey
SiblingsMartin Grey
Laura Collins
Nieces and nephews
Other relatives
Jeff Kober was cast as Cyrus in 2020.

Cyrus Renault, portrayed by Jeff Kober, made his first appearance on February 5, 2020.[4]

In January 2020, Sonny Corinthos receives news a truck containing a shipment of coffee had been stolen, with the truck subsequently found abandoned and burned. While in Brooklyn, New York with his father, Mike and enforcer, Jason Morgan, the three are ambushed in a restaurant by armed gunmen. Simultaneous to this, two additional ambushes occur in Port Charles - one at Sonny's coffee warehouse, endangering Gladys Corbin and Carly Corinthos, and the other at the pier, threatening Michael Corinthos, Josslyn Jacks, Sasha Gilmore and Laura Collins. Laura is shot in the stomach during the Pier ambush, while the others were saved after Dustin Phillips fought off the gunman. Meanwhile, at the warehouse, Brando Corbin arrived and was able to rescue Gladys and Carly. In Brooklyn, Jason was able to fend off their attacker, while Sonny focused on keeping an agitated Mike calm. Following the skirmish at the warehouse, two of Sonny's men were able to capture one of the attackers, who after being interrogated, attempting escape, and being shot by Jason, reveals the name of his employer - Cyrus Renault.

Renault is revealed to be drug runner, who typically operates out of the Pacific Northwest, but has recently been transferred to Pentonville Penitentiary outside of Port Charles. Sonny opts to pay him a visit, during which Cyrus attempts to entice him into running drugs with him, which Sonny refuses. Parallel to this, it is revealed that Police Commissioner Jordan Ashford once worked as part of a DEA task force alongside Marcus Taggert and two other agents to take down Renault. The two other agents have recently been found dead, with it made to seem as if they died of drug overdoses. Jordan had infiltrated Cyrus's organization and taken a place as his right-hand when her team had manufactured evidence to incriminate Cyrus, resulting in his imprisonment. Cyrus denies any responsibility in the deaths of the other agents.

Jason discovers the location of a warehouse owned by Renault, which he arranges to have blown up.

Portia Robinson

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Portia Robinson
General Hospital character
Portrayed byBrook Kerr
Duration2020–present
First appearanceMarch 5, 2020 (2020-03-05)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Created byChris Van Etten and Dan O'Connor
Introduced byFrank Valentini
In-universe information
OccupationDoctor
FatherSterling Robinson
BrothersZeke Robinson
Husband
DaughtersTrina Robinson
First cousinsJared

Portia Robinson, portrayed by Brook Kerr, made her first appearance on March 5, 2020. Her casting was announced on February 26, 2020,[5] with Portia being introduced as a doctor, who is also the mother of Trina Robinson (Sydney Mikayla/Tabyana Ali).

Speaking to Soap Opera Digest, Kerr called the role a "blessing," and discussed the audition process, stating it "came out of the blue and when it did, I was like, 'Yes! This is perfect!'" She further discussed her luck of working with several of the soap's cast members, revealing: "A lot of these cast members, I've been a fan of for a long time. The fact that I'm kind of in the middle of it now is so amazing! I'm just really enjoying the ride and I'm so happy to be a part of this team now."[6]

In 2024, Charlie Mason from Soaps She Knows included Portia in his list of the best mothers in American soap operas, explaining that Portia has "raised in Trina an admirable young woman who knows that honesty is always the best policy. Uless [[[sic]]] there's a question mark hanging over your daughter's paternity. Then, erm, let's call it a gray area."[7]

Austin Gatlin-Holt

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Austin Gatlin-Holt, portrayed by Roger Howarth, made his first appearance on May 27, 2021. Prior to his debut, Howarth previously portrayed the roles of Todd Manning (2012–2013) and Franco Baldwin (2013–2021). Following the exit of Franco, Howarth spoke out about his status with the soap and his future, stating: "I'm really excited. I have great faith in the people who think of these things. I've been in good hands so far."[8] Speaking on his debut of Austin, he remarked: "I love what I do and I was glad to get back to it — but there's a certain amount of nervous energy that showed up."[9]

In a subsequent June 2021 interview with Soap Opera Digest, Howarth described himself as "in the approach" of Austin. He further explained: "In terms of figuring it out, what's been really kind of fun is that as soon as I think I have it figured out, I'm reminded that I just don't. So there's been some trial and error. I'm learning to juggle and sometimes I drop the ball. But I have a lot of support; [Co-Head Writers] Chris [Van Etten] and Dan [O'Connor] have a lot of great ideas and Frank [Valentini, executive producer] has chimed in with what he needs, and so for me, at the risk of overusing ‘juggling exercises’, I am trying to juggle a lot of different inputs and trying to stay on track and do what’s expected. And it’s been fun. It requires some concentration from me and different parts of my brain that I wasn’t using."[10]

On November 20, 2023, Howarth announced his dismissal.[11] In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, he revealed: "I got a phone call from somebody I've known for a very long time who I love very dearly telling me that when my contract was up at ABC, I would not be offered a new contract and that the character of Austin would be killed, and that this was something that both wanted and needed to do to move story."[12] Austin departed during the final moments of the November 17 episode.[13]

Esme Prince

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Esme Prince, played by Avery Kristen Pohl, first appeared on August 16, 2021.[14] She is the daughter of Ryan Chamberlain (Jon Lindstrom) and Heather Webber (Alley Mills), the maternal half sister of Steven Webber (Scott Reeves) and Franco Baldwin (Howarth), the niece of Kevin Collins, the cousin of Livvie Locke (Kelly Monaco), and the granddaughter of Alice Grant and Victor Collins (Nicholas Pryor). In February 2023, Esme welcomed her first child, Ace Cassadine, who was conceived from her one-night stand with Nikolas Cassadine (Marcus Coloma), who was born at Wyndemere Castle with the help of his grandmother, Laura Webber (Genie Francis) and his great-uncle, Kevin.

Pohl departed the role on January 31, 2024. In storyline, Esme and Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) go overboard during a confrontation aboard the yacht he rented into the waters, and are presumed dead.[15]

Marshall Ashford

[edit]

Marshall Ashford, portrayed by Robert Gossett, made his first appearance on October 18, 2021.[16] Initially a recurring cast member, Gossett was upgraded to regular status as of April 2022.[17]

In October 2021, a mysterious man arrives in Port Charles, and begins taking an interest in both Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) and his nephew, TJ Ashford (Tajh Bellow). Initially suspecting him to be connected to Cyrus, Curtis later confronts him at which point the man introduces himself as Marshall Ashford, Curtis's presumed dead father. Curtis attempts to pursue answers about Marshall's whereabouts over the decades; Marshall is evasive, only indicating he stayed away to keep his family safe.

Rory Cabrera

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Rory Cabrera, portrayed by Michael Blake Kruse, made his first appearance on March 29, 2022. His casting was first announced the day prior on March 28.[17][18] Rory is introduced as the newest recruit hired at the Port Charles Police Department.

Cody Bell

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Josh Kelly was cast in the role of Cody in May 2022.

Cody Bell, portrayed by Josh Kelly, made his first appearance on June 1, 2022. Deadline Hollywood announced Kelly's casting on May 11 of the same year.[19][20] He is the son of Mac Scorpio (John J. York) and Dominique Baldwin (Shell Danielson), the maternal half brother of Serena Baldwin (Carly Schroeder), the nephew of Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers) and the cousin of Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough) and Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattsson).

Cody has been billed as a character that would "greatly affect the lives of Sam (Monaco), Dante (Dom Zamprogna) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud)."[19] In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Kelly detailed his joining the role, stating: "I was excited and nervous. I haven't done this much dialogue in this short of an amount of time, but that's the challenge and it's one of the reasons I wanted to do this. It's a good work routine, and I think it's good for your mind and your body. I came in for a Covid test on a Thursday, did a wardrobe fitting on a Friday and then on Monday, I was working – out of the frying pan and into the fire!"[21]

Kai Taylor

[edit]

Kai Taylor, played by Jens Austin Astrup, made his first appearance in November 12, 2024. Astrup's casting details and character were announced on October 21 of the same year. Kai will be introduced when he meets Trina Robinson (Ali) at Port Charles University.[22]

Other characters

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List of other 2020s characters
Character Duration Actor Details Ref.
Warren Kirk August 6 – November 19, 2020 Christopher Cousins A doctor who is employed by the WSB and Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati), who is hired to brainwash Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) to complete the mission of killing Peter August (Wes Ramsey). He is later killed following a physical altercation with Scott Baldwin (Kin Shriner), which results in Warren accidentally self-inflicting a fatal stab wound. [23]
Cliff Simpson March 30 – 31, 2020 Merrick McCartha An internal affairs detective who questions Jordan about revisiting a case regarding her three deceased team members. [24]
Brendan Byrne September 25, 2020, March 31–April 19, 2022 Josh Coxx The brother of Neil Byrne (Joe Flanigan), who lashes out at Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) over his brother's untimely death. [25]
Eddie January 11–12, 2021 Mikey Jerome A stranger who rescues a post-traumatic amnesia Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). [26]
Maggie April 13 – May 20, 2021 Sydney Walsh A Pentonville prisoner who is befriended by Alexis Davis (Grahn), who thanks to Alexis, is granted parole. [27]
Chloe Jennings May 10 – June 30, 2021 Kimberly J. Brown A nurse, whose real name is Marie Hopkins, who is hired by Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms) to assist in the anticipated birth of her daughter, Louise Jones; she is later hired by Peter August (Ramsey) to help keep a secret eye on Maxie, and later kidnaps Maxie with the intent of taking Louise to Peter. [28]
David Hopkins July 19–20, 2021 Robert Leeshock A pilot hired by Peter August (Ramsey) to fly him, Maxie Jones and Louise out of Pawtuck to an undisclosed location. He is also the brother of the late Chloe Jennings (Brown). David is later tracked down at Ryan's Bar in New York City by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) and Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), where he admits there was another person on the roof of General Hospital the day of Peter's disappearance. [29][30]
Julie May 16, 2023 Eliza Frakes The personal assistant of the producer of Home & Heart, which Sasha Gilmore is appearing in. She was played by the real life daughter of Genie Francis (who plays Laura Spencer). [31]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Lewis, Errol (January 25, 2020). "Johnny Wactor Joins 'General Hospital'". Soap Opera Network. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  2. ^ Levinsky, Mara (October 4, 2022). "Johnny Wactor Says Good-Bye to Port Charles". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved December 27, 2022. I found out on Friday, July 29th that I was not going to be renewed for the end of my contract.
  3. ^ SOD (September 21, 2022). "Johnny Wactor on GH Exit". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved December 27, 2022. On the September 20 episode of GH, Johnny Wactor's Brando Corbin became the first victim of Port Charles's new serial attacker, The Hook.
  4. ^ Silver, Carly (February 6, 2020). "Jeff Kober Joins General Hospital as Sonny's New Arch-Nemesis". Daytime Confidential. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  5. ^ Rice, Lynette (February 26, 2020). "General Hospital adds Passions vet Brook Kerr". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  6. ^ SOD (May 5, 2020). "ICYMI Brook Kerr (Portia, GH) interview". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  7. ^ Mason, Charlie (May 18, 2024). "Soaps' All-Time Best *and* Worst Mothers [Photos]". Soaps She Knows. SHE Media. Archived from the original on May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  8. ^ SOD (March 9, 2021). "Exclusive: Roger Howarth On GH Status". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  9. ^ SOD (May 28, 2021). "Exclusive: Roger Howarth On GH Return!". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  10. ^ Levinsky, Mara (June 7, 2021). "Roger Howarth On His GH Comeback". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  11. ^ Rice, Lynette (November 20, 2023). "Roger Howarth Discharged from General Hospital". Deadline Hollywood. United States. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  12. ^ Levinsky, Mara (November 20, 2023). "Exclusive: Roger Howarth On Exiting General Hospital". Soap Opera Digest. United States: A360media. ISSN 0164-3584. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  13. ^ Mason, Charlie (November 20, 2023). "Roger Howarth Out at General Hospital — 'I Had a Great Run'". Soaps.com. United States: SHE Media. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  14. ^ Eades, Chris (August 19, 2021). "Who Is Esme on GENERAL HOSPITAL?". Soaps In Depth. United States: Bauer Media Group. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  15. ^ Levinsky, Mara (February 1, 2024). "Avery Pohl (Esme) Exits General Hospital". Soap Opera Digest. United States: A360media. ISSN 0164-3584. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  16. ^ "Robert Gossett Books Role on General Hospital!". Soap Opera News. October 18, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  17. ^ a b Lewis, Errol (June 13, 2022). "Gregory Harrison Upped to Contract Status at General Hospital". Soap Opera Network. United States. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  18. ^ Lewis, Errol (March 28, 2022). "Michael Blake Kruse Joins General Hospital as Rory, a New Recruit at the PCPD". Soap Opera Network. United States. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  19. ^ a b Petski, Denise (May 11, 2022). "General Hospital: Josh Kelly Joins Cast of ABC Drama". Deadline Hollywood. United States: Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  20. ^ Lewis, Errol (May 11, 2022). "General Hospital Casts Josh Kelly in Series Regular Role". Soap Opera Network. United States. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022. He'll first appear on the ABC drama series by the end of this month.
  21. ^ Levinsky, Mara (June 6, 2022). "Josh Kelly on Joining GH". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  22. ^ Rice, Lynette (October 21, 2024). "General Hospital Casts New Man in Trina's Life". Deadline Hollywood. United States: Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on October 21, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  23. ^ Mistretta, Amy (August 6, 2020). "General Hospital Casts One Life to Live Alum Christopher Cousins as Dante Falconeri's Doctor". Soaps.com. United States: SheKnows Media. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  24. ^ PD, Marissa (2020-03-30). "General Hospital Recaps: The week of March 30, 2020 on GH". Soap Central. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  25. ^ Mistretta, Amy (September 28, 2020). "Josh Coxx Appears on General Hospital as Brendan Byrne — Neil's Brother". Soaps.com. United States: SheKnows Media. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  26. ^ Levinsky, Mara (January 18, 2021). "Mikey Jerome On His GH Gig". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  27. ^ Mistretta, Amy (April 7, 2021). "General Hospital Casts Sydney Walsh as a Prisoner: Will She Do More Harm Than Good Where Alexis Is Concerned in Pentonville?". Soaps.com. United States: SheKnows Media. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  28. ^ SOD (May 5, 2021). "Exclusive: GL Alum Kimberly J. Brown Joins GH". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  29. ^ Marissa PD (July 19, 2021). "GH Daily Recaps (Monday, July 19, 2021)". Soapcentral.com. United States. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  30. ^ Cheryl PD (July 20, 2021). "GH Daily Recaps (Tuesday, July 20, 2021)". Soapcentral.com.
  31. ^ Mistretta, Amy. "That Was Her, Alright: General Hospital Sneaks In a Cameo by Genie Francis' Daughter". Soaps She Knows. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
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