Though April 1 marks General Hospital's actual 50th anniversary, the show's executive producer, Frank Valentini, and head writer Ron Carlivati, have been honoring the show's rich history ever since taking over the ABC soap opera one year ago this week. Their efforts have paid off in spades — with a serious rise in ratings and multiple award nominations. With old favorites like Finola Hughes (Anna), Ian Buchanan (Duke), Tristan Rogers (Scorpio), Kristina Wagner (Felicia), Lynn Herring (Lucy) and Robin Mattson (Heather) already back on the canvas, and Genie Francis (Laura) and Jon Lindstrom (Kevin) soon making their way back to Port Charles, what else could possibly be left for fans to look forward to as the actual anniversary date approaches? Turns out plenty. Valentini opens up about all he's cooking up to celebrate GH's golden jubilee this spring...read more
Shell Kepler, who played General Hospital's nurse Amy Vining for 23 years, died Friday at Oregon's Health and Science University Hospital. She was 49.Although the actress, whose cause of death has not been released, was on the soap from 1979-2002, she also had roles in several eps of Three's Company and a 1982 Joan Collins movie, plus she was an entrepreneur. Kepler marketed on HSN Lacy Afternoon, a line of women's garments which in 1994 reportedly was worth $20 million. — Anna Dimondread more