General Hospital has served as a launching pad for many Hollywood stars, with numerous actors getting their start on the long-running soap opera. Soap operas are often seen as stepping stones for aspiring actors who are looking to break into television and film. To that, General Hospital has been a training ground for emerging talent over the years, with many actors going on to achieve great success in the entertainment industry.
Furthermore, the show has also attracted big-name actors who joined the series after already establishing fame in other projects. These established actors brought their star power to General Hospital, adding to the show’s allure and appeal to audiences. From up-and-coming stars to established celebrities, General Hospital has provided a platform for a diverse range of talented performers to showcase their skills and further their careers in show business. Here are 7 Hollywood stars who have appeared on General Hospital.
7. George Takei
After his rise to fame as part of the iconic Star Trek series that started in 1979, George Takei continued to make waves in Hollywood, solidifying his status as one of the biggest stars in the world. Despite his immense success, Takei didn’t shy away from taking on diverse roles, including becoming a series regular on General Hospital. In 1985, Takei portrayed the character of Mr. Diem on the soap opera, a pivotal role as the unofficial Mayor of Port Charles’ Asian Quarter. His character was given a compelling story arc filled with unexpected twists and turns, captivating audiences and earning Takei a spot as a fan favorite on the show.
6. Meghan Markle
Before Meghan Markle stepped away from the entertainment industry in 2018, following her marriage to Prince Harry which established her as the Duchess of Sussex, she had already built an impressive portfolio as an actress. Markle’s acting career culminated in a role in the smash hit series, Suits, where she gained recognition for her portrayal of Rachel Zane. However, a decade before her breakout role in Suits, Markle first made her mark in the industry with a small but significant role in General Hospital.
In 2001, she made her on-screen debut as Nurse Jill. Her character was only present for two episodes of the iconic soap opera. However, despite the limited screen time, Markle’s appearance on General Hospital helped her gain exposure and land further acting opportunities, ultimately paving the way for her successful career in Hollywood before transitioning into her role as a member of the British royal family.
5. James Franco
James Franco‘s decision to join the cast of General Hospital was met with confusion and intrigue by many fans and critics alike. Already a household name thanks to his roles in blockbuster films like Sam Raimi‘s Spider-Man franchise, his decision to take on the role of Franco, a sociopathic artist and serial killer, seemed perplexing to some. However, his role came about as he was a huge fan of the show.
Franco dove headfirst into the character, even contributing to the creation process, telling Vulture in 2010: “I said, ‘I want to play an artist, and I want him to be crazy.” This led to his character eventually becoming known simply as “Franco.” For three years, he brought a complex and chilling performance to the soap opera, proving once again his sheer versatility as an actor. Despite the initial skepticism surrounding his casting, Franco’s portrayal of the enigmatic character left a lasting impression on viewers.
4. Eva Longoria
Before becoming a household name with her iconic role on Desperate Housewives, Eva Longoria got her start on General Hospital in 2000. Though her role on the soap opera was brief, it served as a stepping stone in her career. It was on General Hospital that Longoria first showcased her talent and versatility as an actress, catching the attention of casting directors. This led to her next big role on The Young and the Restless, where she gained even more recognition and star power. It was her acclaimed performance on The Young and the Restless that paved the way for Longoria to shine on Desperate Housewives, where she captivated audiences with her charm, wit, and undeniable on-screen presence.
3. Demi Moore
Before achieving major Hollywood fame, Demi Moore made her acting debut in the 1981 film Choices, where she had a relatively small role that went somewhat under the radar. However, her performance caught the attention of casting agents, leading to her landing a role on General Hospital. From 1982 to 1984, Moore portrayed the character of Jackie Templeton, a journalist with many complex story arcs. Moore’s portrayal of Jackie garnered critical acclaim and solidified her as a talented and versatile actress. Over the course of 112 episodes, Moore demonstrated her range and talent, laying the groundwork for the successful career that would follow in Hollywood.
2. Elizabeth Taylor
In 1981, at the height of her fame, two-time Oscar winner Elizabeth Taylor made a memorable appearance on General Hospital, taking on the role of the iconic villainess Helena Cassadine. Taylor’s decision to join the series was influenced by her admiration for the show, and her portrayal of Helena quickly became one of the most legendary in soap opera history. When speaking with People about her part, she said: “I’m wild about General Hospital. Someone from [ABC] came to see me when I was doing The Little Foxes in New York, and I agreed to do the soap when I got to L.A. I had a ball.”
One of the most unforgettable moments during Taylor’s time on General Hospital was when her character crashed the wedding of Luke and Laura, creating an incident that would be etched in the minds of fans forever. Taylor brought her unparalleled charisma and talent to the small screen, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences regardless of the medium. Furthermore, it bridged the gap between movies and TV, paving the way for more Hollywood stars to cross over to daytime dramas for guest spots.
1. Mark Hamill
Before Mark Hamill rose to stardom as a pivotal figure in Hollywood following his groundbreaking role in Star Wars, he made a notable appearance on the daytime soap opera General Hospital. In 1972, Hamill joined the cast as Kent Murray, the nephew of nurse Jessie Brewer, who entrusted his care after the tragic passing of his parents. Although his time on the show was brief, Hamill has expressed fond memories of his experience on General Hospital. In March 2018, Hamill took to his official Twitter page (now X) and cited his months on General Hospital as some of the happiest in his career. Want to read more about General Hospital? Here’s our guide to some of the biggest moments in the history of the show.
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