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General Hospital ''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the list of longest-running television shows by category, longest-running American soap opera in pro ...
'' is the longest running American television serial drama, airing on
ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...
. Created by
Frank and Doris Hursley Frank M. Hursley (November 21, 1902 – February 3, 1989) and Doris Hursley (September 29, 1898 – May 5, 1984) were an American husband-and-wife team of screenwriters, best known for their serials, especially the medical drama '' General Hosp ...
, who originally set it in a
general hospital ''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the list of longest-running television shows by category, longest-running American soap opera in pro ...
(hence the title), in an unnamed fictional city. In the 1970s, the city was named Port Charles, New York. The series premiered on April 1, 1963. This is a list of notable characters who significantly impacted storylines and began their run, or significantly returned, from the years 1963 to 1969.


Tom Baldwin

Thomas "Tom" Baldwin is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime
soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
, ''
General Hospital ''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the list of longest-running television shows by category, longest-running American soap opera in pro ...
''. The role was originated by Paul Savior in 1967. The character was presumably
killed off The killing off of a character is a device in fiction, whereby a character dies, but the story continues. The term, frequently applied to television, film, video game, anime, manga and chronological series, often denotes an untimely or unexpect ...
in 1972, but brought back on canvas in September 1976, portrayed by
Don Chastain Don Chastain (September 2, 1935 – August 9, 2002) was an American actor, singer, and screenwriter. He worked in television in Los Angeles and New York and toured the United States and Canada. Early years Chastain was born in Oklahoma Ci ...
, who left in 1977 amongst a large number of cast changes that occurred when Irving and Tex Elman took over as
head writer A head writer is a person who oversees the team of writers on a television or radio series. The title is common in the soap opera genre, as well as with sketch comedies and talk shows that feature monologues and comedy skits. In fictional comedy o ...
s. In 1967, Tom Baldwin is treating Dr. John Prentice for his heart condition when John dies. When it is revealed that John had died because of a
barbiturate Barbiturates are a class of depressant drugs that are chemically derived from barbituric acid. They are effective when used medically as anxiolytics, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants, but have physical and psychological addiction potential as we ...
overdose, John's daughter Polly Prentice tries to frame
Jessie Brewer Jessie Brewer R.N. (maiden name Murray) is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera '' General Hospital''. She was played by actress Emily McLaughlin, from the show's premiere on April 1, 1963, until McLaughlin's death in 1991. On Apr ...
for murder. Tom is charged as an accessory before Phil Brewer returns to town with evidence that clears them both. Meanwhile, nurse Audrey March returns from
Vietnam Vietnam or Viet Nam ( vi, Việt Nam, ), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,., group="n" is a country in Southeast Asia, at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of and population of 96 million, making i ...
, trying to forget about her divorce from
Steve Hardy Steve Hardy is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''General Hospital''. Former Major League Baseball infielder John Beradino originated the role of Steve Hardy on the show's April 1, 1963, premiere, portraying the character for 33 year ...
, and marries Tom. When Audrey refuses to sleep with him, Tom is furious and
rape Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration carried out against a person without their consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority, or ag ...
s Audrey. When Audrey learns she is pregnant, she files for divorce and leaves town. In 1972, Audrey returns, claiming the baby had died so that Tom would not protest the divorce. Audrey and Steve decide to remarry, but the lies Audrey was telling begin to hurt their relationship and they break up. Tom finds out about the baby and tries to get custody. Audrey is forced to stay in their marriage, and they rename the baby Tom "Tommy" Baldwin Jr. When their relationship ends, Tom leaves the country with the child, with the help of Florence Andrews. Eventually, the child is sent back to Audrey, who is told that Tom died of a heart attack. In September 1976, Tom is revealed to be alive and returns to fight for custody of the child, while begging Audrey not to divorce him. When Tommy runs away, Tom agrees to the divorce and moves to
Salt Lake City Salt Lake City (often shortened to Salt Lake and abbreviated as SLC) is the Capital (political), capital and List of cities and towns in Utah, most populous city of Utah, United States. It is the county seat, seat of Salt Lake County, Utah, Sal ...
. Audrey and Steve remarry while Steve adopts Tommy, renamed Tom Hardy.


Meg Bentley

Meg Baldwin (maiden name Quinton, previously Bentley) is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime
soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
''
General Hospital ''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the list of longest-running television shows by category, longest-running American soap opera in pro ...
''.
Patricia Breslin Patricia Rose Breslin (March 17, 1925 – October 12, 2011) was an American actress and philanthropist. She had a prominent career in television, which included recurring roles as Amanda Miller on '' The People's Choice'' (1955–58), and as Laur ...
originated the role in 1965. Jen Shepard temporarily portrayed the character from June 27 to July 19, 1967, when Breslin had an emergency
appendectomy An appendectomy, also termed appendicectomy, is a Surgery, surgical operation in which the vermiform appendix (a portion of the intestine) is removed. Appendectomy is normally performed as an urgent or emergency procedure to treat complicated acu ...
. Breslin left in 1969 when she married Art Modell. The role was taken over by Elizabeth MacRae, in August 1969, who left the series when the character died in 1973. In 1965, Meg Bentley becomes a nurse at General Hospital. Her husband Lloyd has just died and she moves to town with her son Scotty and stepdaughter Brooke. Meg is engaged to Dr. Noel Clinton, which Brooke does not approve of. Brooke seduces Noel away from Meg, and Meg is comforted by
Lee Baldwin Lee Baldwin is a fictional character on the daytime dramas ''General Hospital'' and ''Port Charles''. Ross Elliott originated the role on ''General Hospital'' in 1963. Peter Hansen inherited the role in 1965 and played it until 1986 and again ...
. Soon they are married. In 1969, Meg learns she has
breast cancer Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, milk rejection, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly inverted nipple, or a re ...
and has a
radical mastectomy Radical mastectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of breast, underlying chest muscle (including pectoralis major and pectoralis minor), and lymph nodes of the axilla as a treatment for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most comm ...
. After the mastectomy, Meg has a mental breakdown and has to be committed to a sanitarium. She is eventually cured, but seeks treatment from Dr. Lesley Webber for
high blood pressure Hypertension (HTN or HT), also known as high blood pressure (HBP), is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms. Long-term high bl ...
. Meg dies, and Lee adopts Scotty.


Angie Costello

Angie Costello Collins (formerly Weeks) is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime
soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
, ''
General Hospital ''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the list of longest-running television shows by category, longest-running American soap opera in pro ...
''. Jana Taylor originated the role on the series' premiere on April 1, 1963. Taylor portrayed the role until 1965. She returned for a guest appearance on the show's 30th anniversary episode on April 1, 1993. Angie Costello is the first patient of Dr.
Steve Hardy Steve Hardy is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''General Hospital''. Former Major League Baseball infielder John Beradino originated the role of Steve Hardy on the show's April 1, 1963, premiere, portraying the character for 33 year ...
(
John Beradino John Beradino (born Giovanni Berardino, May 1, 1917 – May 19, 1996) was an American infielder in Major League Baseball and an actor. Known as Johnny Berardino during his baseball career, he was also credited during his acting career as John Bera ...
), the Chief of Staff at General Hospital. Angie is brought in with severe cuts on her face from a car accident where her boyfriend Eddie Weeks (then Craig Curtis) was driving. After surgery, Angie is upset that her face will be disfigured and causes trouble and stress for Dr. Hardy and Nurse
Jessie Brewer Jessie Brewer R.N. (maiden name Murray) is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera '' General Hospital''. She was played by actress Emily McLaughlin, from the show's premiere on April 1, 1963, until McLaughlin's death in 1991. On Apr ...
(
Emily McLaughlin Emily McLaughlin (December 1, 1928 – April 26, 1991) was an American actress, known for her long-standing role as original character Nurse Jessie Brewer on the daytime soap opera ''General Hospital'' from 1963 until 1991. Early life McLaugh ...
). Angie recovers from plastic surgery and has an
illegitimate child Legitimacy, in traditional Western common law, is the status of a child born to parents who are legally married to each other, and of a child conceived before the parents obtain a legal divorce. Conversely, ''illegitimacy'', also known as ''b ...
with Eddie, which they give up for adoption to Fred and Janet Fleming ( Simon Scott and Ruth Phillips). Angie and Eddie get married, and want their child back. They kidnap the baby and are arrested. The court gives them custody of the baby and they leave town for
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...
. Angie returns in April 1993 and visits with Steve the same day as his 30th anniversary at General Hospital. Angie is related to Steve and Audrey through marriage, as her father-in-law, Al Weeks, married Audrey's sister, Lucille, years after Angie was seen on the show.


Howie Dawson

Howie Dawson is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime
soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
, ''
General Hospital ''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the list of longest-running television shows by category, longest-running American soap opera in pro ...
''.
Ray Girardin Raymond George Girardin Jr. (January 23, 1935 – February 28, 2019) was an American film, stage, and television actor. Life and career Girardin was born in Wakefield, Massachusetts. After graduating from Wakefield High School he joined the ...
originated the role in 1968 and played the character until 1974. Howie is driving when he gets into a car accident with his pregnant girlfriend Jane Harland, who miscarries. They marry but face problems due to his mother. Howie becomes involved with Jane's cousin Carol during a difficult time in their marriage, but reconciles with Jane after their child is born. When Jane wants another child, Howie feels pressured and starts seeing
Augusta McLeod This is a list of characters that have appeared or been mentioned on the American ABC soap opera ''General Hospital''. A Aaron :(Chad Brannon, 2009) Abigail :(Ivy Bethune, 1987) Sarah Abbott :(Eileen Dietz, 1981–83) ::Roommate to Heather We ...
. He goes back to Jane when he needs to improve his image to get an important position at General Hospital. They eventually separate and Howie leaves for New York City.


Jane Harland

Jane Harland (previously Dawson) is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime
soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
, ''
General Hospital ''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the list of longest-running television shows by category, longest-running American soap opera in pro ...
''. Shelby Hiatt originated the role in 1968. She briefly left on maternity leave in 1972. Hiatt portrayed the character until she was let go by the series in August 1975. Jane is brought to General Hospital as a patient after a car accident caused by her boyfriend Howie Dawson, that makes her miscarry her baby. She joins the nursing staff at the hospital and marries Howie. Their marriage struggles due to Howie's mother. Jane becomes involved with Tom Baldwin during a difficult time with Howie. When Tom's wife Audrey becomes pregnant, he resumes their marriage and Jane reconciles with Howie after their child is born. They eventually separate and Howie leaves town. After Jane's child suddenly dies, she is grief-stricken and leaves to work at another hospital.


Lucille March

Lucille March Weeks is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime
soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
, ''
General Hospital ''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the list of longest-running television shows by category, longest-running American soap opera in pro ...
''.
Lucille Wall Lucille Loretta Wall (January 18, 1898 – July 11, 1986)Cox, Jim (2008). ''This Day in Network Radio: A Daily Calendar of Births, Debuts, Cancellations and Other Events in Broadcasting History''. McFarland & Company, Inc.; was an American ...
originated the role on the fourteenth episode of the series. Wall won a special
Emmy Award The Emmy Awards, or Emmys, are an extensive range of awards for artistic and technical merit for the American and international television industry. A number of annual Emmy Award ceremonies are held throughout the calendar year, each with the ...
for her portrayal of Lucille, as well as an award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Daytime Drama in 1975 at the ''Afternoon TV'' Writers and Editors Awards. Lucille March is the senior nurse on the seventh floor of General Hospital. One of Lucille's first patients is troubled
Angie Costello ''General Hospital'' is the longest running American television serial drama, airing on ABC. Created by Frank and Doris Hursley, who originally set it in a general hospital (hence the title), in an unnamed fictional city. In the 1970s, the city wa ...
, who is badly injured in a car accident caused by her boyfriend, Eddie Weeks. Gruff on the surface but hiding a heart of gold, she is nicknamed "Sarge" by her student nurse charges. In 1964, her sister Audrey March comes to visit and gets involved with Dr.
Steve Hardy Steve Hardy is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera ''General Hospital''. Former Major League Baseball infielder John Beradino originated the role of Steve Hardy on the show's April 1, 1963, premiere, portraying the character for 33 year ...
. In 1974, Lucille marries Eddie's father, Al Weeks, a widower who is a custodian at the hospital. Throughout the years, Lucille gives advice to her sister. In 1976 she retires to a farm in upstate New York, and Audrey becomes Head Nurse. Lucille pays a visit to Port Charles in 1982, having earlier invited niece Annie Logan and her adopted son Jeremy to pay her a visit.


Diana Taylor

Diana Taylor (maiden name Maynard) is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime
soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
, ''
General Hospital ''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the list of longest-running television shows by category, longest-running American soap opera in pro ...
''. Davey Davison played the character temporarily in February 1977 while Starrett was recovering from minor surgery. That September, the series did not renew Starrett's contract and she was replaced with
Brooke Bundy Brooke Bundy is an American film and television actress. Early years As a teenager, Bundy was a model in New York before she went to Hollywood on vacation and remained there to become an actress. While in New York, she attended the Professiona ...
, reportedly due to her more youthful appearance. Others reported Starrett was let go due to conflicts with
executive producer Executive producer (EP) is one of the top positions in the making of a commercial entertainment product. Depending on the medium, the executive producer may be concerned with management accounting or associated with legal issues (like copyrights o ...
at the time Tom Donovan, who was shortly replaced by
Gloria Monty Gloria Monty (August 12, 1921 – March 30, 2006) was an American television producer working primarily in the field of daytime drama. Education Born Gloria Montemuro in Allenhurst, New Jersey and raised in the West Allenhurst neighborhood of O ...
at the beginning of 1978. Starrett had become popular with fans, resulting in mail from upset viewers to Bundy and the network. In 1980, the character saw less screen time due to the show's focus on the adventure storyline between popular couple Luke and Laura and mob boss Frank Smith. Bundy left the series when the character was
killed off The killing off of a character is a device in fiction, whereby a character dies, but the story continues. The term, frequently applied to television, film, video game, anime, manga and chronological series, often denotes an untimely or unexpect ...
in 1981. Soap opera syndicate writer Lynda Hirsch reported that Bundy had wished to remain on the show but there was lack of storyline for her when
Richard Dean Anderson Richard Dean Anderson (born January 23, 1950) is a retired American actor and producer. He began his television career in 1976, playing Jeff Webber in the American soap opera series ''General Hospital'', and then rose to prominence as the lead a ...
left the role of
Jeff Webber '' General Hospital'' is the longest running American television serial drama, airing on ABC. Created by Frank and Doris Hursley, who originally set it in a general hospital (hence the title), in an unnamed fictional city. In the 1970s, the city ...
. Diana dates
Phil Brewer Phil may refer to: * Phil (given name), a shortened version of masculine and feminine names * Phill, a given name also spelled "Phil" * Phil, Kentucky, United States * ''Phil'' (film), a 2019 film * -phil-, a lexical fragment, used as a root term ...
while he is on-the-run and using an assumed name. When he returns to his wife
Jessie Brewer Jessie Brewer R.N. (maiden name Murray) is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera '' General Hospital''. She was played by actress Emily McLaughlin, from the show's premiere on April 1, 1963, until McLaughlin's death in 1991. On Apr ...
(
Emily McLaughlin Emily McLaughlin (December 1, 1928 – April 26, 1991) was an American actress, known for her long-standing role as original character Nurse Jessie Brewer on the daytime soap opera ''General Hospital'' from 1963 until 1991. Early life McLaugh ...
), Diane confides to Peter Taylor (Craig Huebing) that she is pregnant with Phil's child. They have a
marriage of convenience A marriage of convenience is a marriage contracted for reasons other than that of love and commitment. Instead, such a marriage is entered into for personal gain, or some other sort of strategic purpose, such as a political marriage. There are ...
, but develop real feelings for each other. The baby dies of
pneumonia Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung primarily affecting the small air sacs known as alveoli. Symptoms typically include some combination of productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. The severity ...
, but Phil becomes obsessed with Diana and rapes her. Diana becomes pregnant again and tells Peter he is the father. The truth comes out after the baby is born and after Diana has a hysterectomy, she and Peter become estranged, especially because he has trouble loving her daughter Martha. Phil realizes his obsession with Diana is in vain and leaves town. Diana becomes involved with patient Owen Stratton, but he dies before they marry. Peter becomes closer with Martha and reconciles with Diana. In 1975, Diana becomes one of five suspects in the murder of Phil Brewer. The network filmed versions of each character committing the crime, in an effort to ensure the public would not find out the secret, and the actors were not told which character would be guilty. Starrlett told the
Associated Press The Associated Press (AP) is an American non-profit news agency headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1846, it operates as a cooperative, unincorporated association. It produces news reports that are distributed to its members, U.S. newspa ...
: "It's an interesting idea but as an actress I want to know what I'm doing. I'm playing innocence based on what I feel about my character. You have to go on some assumption and that's mine." Starrlett's character Diana eventually confesses to the murder to protect her husband Peter.
Augusta McLeod This is a list of characters that have appeared or been mentioned on the American ABC soap opera ''General Hospital''. A Aaron :(Chad Brannon, 2009) Abigail :(Ivy Bethune, 1987) Sarah Abbott :(Eileen Dietz, 1981–83) ::Roommate to Heather We ...
confesses and Diana is released.


Peter Taylor

Dr. Peter Taylor is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime
soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
, ''
General Hospital ''General Hospital'' (often abbreviated as ''GH'') is an American daytime television soap opera. It is listed in ''Guinness World Records'' as the list of longest-running television shows by category, longest-running American soap opera in pro ...
''. Craig Huebing took over the role in 1969. Huebing remained on the show during cast cutbacks in August 1977, although stated his character was on the backburner. Huebing left the series when the character was
killed off The killing off of a character is a device in fiction, whereby a character dies, but the story continues. The term, frequently applied to television, film, video game, anime, manga and chronological series, often denotes an untimely or unexpect ...
in September 1979, which soap opera syndicate writer Lynda Hirsch speculated was due to Huebing's contract demands. Peter Taylor, a psychiatrist at General Hospital, marries
Jessie Brewer Jessie Brewer R.N. (maiden name Murray) is a fictional character from the ABC Daytime soap opera '' General Hospital''. She was played by actress Emily McLaughlin, from the show's premiere on April 1, 1963, until McLaughlin's death in 1991. On Apr ...
(
Emily McLaughlin Emily McLaughlin (December 1, 1928 – April 26, 1991) was an American actress, known for her long-standing role as original character Nurse Jessie Brewer on the daytime soap opera ''General Hospital'' from 1963 until 1991. Early life McLaugh ...
) when she believes her husband
Phil Brewer Phil may refer to: * Phil (given name), a shortened version of masculine and feminine names * Phill, a given name also spelled "Phil" * Phil, Kentucky, United States * ''Phil'' (film), a 2019 film * -phil-, a lexical fragment, used as a root term ...
is dead. Phil is alive and dating Diana Maynard (Valerie Starrett) under an assumed name. When Jessie finds him, her marriage to Peter is annulled. Peter and Diana plan a
marriage of convenience A marriage of convenience is a marriage contracted for reasons other than that of love and commitment. Instead, such a marriage is entered into for personal gain, or some other sort of strategic purpose, such as a political marriage. There are ...
when Diana reveals she is pregnant with Phil's child, but develop actual feelings for each other. The child dies and when Diana becomes pregnant again, Peter believes he's the father. When he learns the truth, he has a hard time loving the child, Martha, and he and Diana become estranged. He later becomes closer with Martha and reconciles with Diana. They renew their vows but Phil threatens to tell Diana that Peter is the father of
Augusta McLeod This is a list of characters that have appeared or been mentioned on the American ABC soap opera ''General Hospital''. A Aaron :(Chad Brannon, 2009) Abigail :(Ivy Bethune, 1987) Sarah Abbott :(Eileen Dietz, 1981–83) ::Roommate to Heather We ...
's unborn child. Phil is murdered, and Peter becomes one of five suspects during a long investigation. Diana confesses to protect Peter, but Augusta confesses to Peter and he tells the police, releasing Diana.


References

{{General Hospital
1960s File:1960s montage.png, Clockwise from top left: U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War; the Beatles led the British Invasion of the U.S. music market; a half-a-million people participate in the 1969 Woodstock Festival; Neil Armstrong and Buzz ...