Finola Hughes Teases Her Exciting New Project! So continuing stories coming into your house every day, its like, Ivegot to check in with my people. Part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. Genie Francis is making her way back to the canvas as her iconic character, Laura Webber, who will be involved in "a battle for the soul" of Port Charles this November. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list. Genie Francis originally joined GH in 1977. I had a good 25 years, Im good. General Hospital: Genie Francis Talks Luke's Memorial and Big Comeback Looks like Victor was able to get Laura out of his hair after all! LAST WEEK ON DAYS: Hope broke Bo's programming. Francis first met actor/director Jonathan Frakes in 1982 while filming the television miniseries Bare Essence. Ned, played by Wally Kurth, has no time for helping with the wedding as he is preoccupied with ELQ problems. Veteran soap actress Genie Francis who plays the role of Laura in the popular TV show "General Hospital," has been married to husband Jonathan Frakes for over thirty years. And now I base it on, who canIlove? Eugenie Ann Francis was born May 22, 1966, in Englewood, New Jersey. Shriner: I have a theory on that: kids that were forced to watch General Hospitalwith their mother and grandmother, all of a sudden there was a young girl who had problems and was their age. A lot of people look at the show and say, Why cant I live my life like that? Well, your life isnt being scripted! Happy Anniversary, Genie!". We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Fans were upset when she left back in August, but now Genie Francis (Laura) is returning to GENERAL HOSPITAL just in time for the holidays! Be first to post one! Genie Francis Net Worth, Age, Children, Husband - General Hospital Cast But you know, theres something to say about if you really believe in something, it takes a lot of guts to do it, whether I think its right or wrong. It doesnt for 60! LAST WEEK ON Y&R: Tucker sold McCall Unlimited to Victor. So, get ready for Heather to stir things up soon on General Hospital. This exit was simply a way for the soap to write in Francis annual summer vacation, and judging from some photos she shared on Twitter, shes been really enjoying herself! Laura has been away from Port Charles for a while, but that does not mean she is out of the loop, headwriters Chris Van Etten and Dan OConnor previewed to Soap Opera Digest. She starred on Days of Our Lives as Diana Colville (a reporter who became involved with John Black, at the time believing himself to be Roman Brady) from 1987 to 1989 and on All My Children as con artist and incest victim Ceara Connor Hunter from 1990 to 1992. A lot of people look back at 1977 as the year that Jimmy Carter was sworn in as the 39th president of the United States, but General Hospital fans remember it for a much more life-changing moment: Genie Francis made her debut as Laura Webber. The character has left Port Charles to handle a family emergency. Ahead of Friday's Daytime Emmy Awards (airing on CBS at 8/7c), Soaps.com's Kristyn Burtt caught up with General Hospital icon Genie Francis, who marveled that she had been playing Laura. ALSO READ:General Hospital Spoilers: Will Carly keep Willow above her hatred for Nina? We have a beginning, a middle and an end. But my favorite thing about Laura is her heart. Through the years, Francis has appeared on numerous other daytime soaps. Here, Genie Francis, Maurice Benard, Kin Shriner, Kristina Wagner and Tristan Rogers discuss the ABCs soap operas loyal fandom, and reminisce about its heyday, when supercouple Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Francis) creations of then-executive producer Gloria Monty lifted the show into the pop culture stratosphere. . Posted Friday, February 04, 2022 7:09:24 AM, Heartbroken Emmy nominee withdraws their nomination from contention after "huge misunderstanding". By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Hold onto your hats, General Hospital fans! Currently, Nik is clinging to life in an unknown location, and Helena could very well have a part in it. Genie Francis is back on GENERAL HOSPITAL! Hear what Laura - YouTube However, he will be stopped soon by his ultimate rival, Laura Spencer Collins (Genie Francis), and her crew of heroes. [citation needed]. Likely, she has also appeared on ' All My Children and 'The Young and the Restless .' Genie Francis: Age, Parents, Siblings, Ethnicity Genie Francis still delights General Hospital fans as Laura Kevin Winter/Getty Images As one half of the soap opera couple that helped save "General Hospital" in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Genie Francis began playing Laura Vining Webber Baldwin Spencer Collins on February 8, 1977 (via Soaps.com) when she was just 14 years old. But it is who I am, and youve just got to play it as real as you can. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list. And Andre is helping to take down the evil mastermind. Here's a brief rundown: On February 8, 1977, Laura was back on the scenes, as Lesley tracked down a bitter Laura who was at the time living in a commune in Canada. Talia schemed with Sloan's brother, Colin. This isn't the first time that the actress has decided to take a mid-year break. No doubt, shell make things worse for the teen mom. Next week, a body turns up, and it's likely Victor. Nina had Martin anonymously report Carly and Drew for insider trading. ", The actress says that she is "very much looking forward" to spending time with her family and relaxing a bit, but she promises that she won't be gone long: "There are some really great storylines planned for the fall," she teases, adding, "I will be back to Port Charles before you know it!". Josh Swickard Teases Chase and Brook Lynns Future on GH. As she travels back to Port Charles with Felicia, played by Kristna Wagner,she promises to make Victor pay for what he did, but Felicia is worriedthat these plans might putthem in more trouble. Read Next: The Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 on Apple TV+ Ahead of Season 3 Debut, Kristina Malandro (aka Kristina Malandro Wagner), Jack Wagner, (1985). Forty years, has it been that long?. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'soapcentral_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soapcentral_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Riding high on the success of her GH role, Francis opted to leave the ABC soap in 1982, hoping for big opportunities in primetime. When the actress took over the role in 1977, both the character and she herself hit the big time! And Tony? She returned to General Hospital in 1983 for a limited run, to coincide with the departure of Luke when Anthony Geary decided to leave the series. Meanwhile, Carly, played by Laura Wright,bids someone goodbye. General Hospital: Ryan & Heather Unhinged Will They Steal Esmes Baby & Run off with Grandkid? Rogers: I have to agree with that. Because drama reigns supreme on soaps, of course, the writers threw an obstacle into Scotty and Laura's romance: Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary). I think that the #MeToo movement helped significantly, thank God. GH is thrilling right now. General Hospital's Genie Francis Celebrates A Milestone! Tony Geary makes surprise GH-related acting appearance, DAYTIME EMMYS: General Hospital leads 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards nominations, Emma Samms returns to GH -- but she almost walked away from the show "permanently". These. Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Do you think Nina reporting Carly will end up tanking Nina's relationship with Sonny? Were not focusing on the history, he says. While no official air date for her first episode back has been revealed, viewers can expect to see both Francis and Michael E. Knight (Martin) back on screen in early December. Francis returned to GH in 1993, but exited again in 2002. "I feel so lucky that [the writers] gave me these two brothers. Port Charles will be one fabulous character short for a while, because General Hospital's Genie Fancis (Laura Webber) is taking a break from the ABC soap opera. Ive been very fortunate to share a lot of my life with a lot of these people here.. Laura is known as one of Port Charles' most iconic residents and battled the Cassadines to become the city's new mayor, all while coping with her marriage to Luke Spencer and triumphing over allegations of murder. Jonathan and Genie got engaged a year later, and finally tied the knot on May 28, 1988. Perhaps, Heather reaches out to Esme after hearing that her baby was kidnapped. Olivia, played by Lisa LoCicero,and Brook Lynn, played by Amanda Setton,are surprised to see everything come together so quickly. "But for now, I've decided to take the summer off. "They've done such a wonderful job of tying her history into the present in such a brilliant way. Its a break in their day, the ones who are watching in the daytime. The episodes dealt with the lingering trauma of the shocking 1980s storyline, including how it affected the couple's son, Lucky. There are no comments in this article yet. But they did, and here we are. By Chris Eades July 15, 2022 Tags: Genie Francis ABC/Christopher Willard As many fans suspected, that phone call will help facilitate Laura leaving GENERAL HOSPITAL as actress Genie Francis takes some time off to enjoy her summer vacation! 'General Hospital' (GH) spoilers show that Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Chavez) and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) are still working to get through everything together and while Victor Cassadine (Charles Shaughnessy is in charge for now, there will be big changes coming once the rescue team arrives. Genie Francis Is Coming Back to GENERAL HOSPITAL! Viewers shouldnt worry themselves, however, because this happens every year. I thought it was great, being a Method actor coming in and playing this and its great for acting, but not great for my life. I think that Maurice is right, that it is like a family member if youve been coming in the living room for that many years. The role of Laura Webber was originally played by Stacy Baldwin from 1974-76, but it was when Francis took over in 1977 that the character became a daytime legend! Archived News: Review more past GH news headlines. General Hospital's iconic Genie Francis (Laura Collins) chats with Michael Fairman on the red carpet at the 48th annual Daytime Emmy Awards. GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers 4/27/23: Ninas Big Mistake! Real quick. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. 44 years, Francis made her debut as Laura Vining on General Hospital. It would bring her instant stardom in the late 1970s. In 1984, 1986 and 1990, Francis guest starred on Murder, She Wrote as Jessica Fletcher's niece Victoria. Genie Francis (L) and husband director Jonathan Frakes arrive at the premiere of "Thunderbirds" at the Universal Studios Cinemas on July 24, 2004 | Photo: Getty Images. Read more, By providing this information, you agree that we may process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Statement. Y&R RECAPS: What you missed the Week of April 24, 2023, THE SCOOP! The past year has been a good one for Laura fans, who have seen the beloved character in rich storylines that included the reveal that baddie Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober) and attorney Martin Grey (Michael E. Knight) are her brothers; an emotional arc in which Laura watched her daughter, Lulu (Emme Rylan), fall into a serious coma; and plenty of screen time between the character and her mother, Lesley (Denise Alexander). I was very moved by it". Cody on GENERAL HOSPITAL Everything You Need To Know, The Truth About Mollys Endometriosis on GENERAL HOSPITAL, GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers 4/25/23: Sonny Must Choose, Daytime Emmys 2023:Everything You Need to Know. After all those Jack and Phyllis flashbacks, could there still be hope for them as a couple? In May 2007, Francis began appearing in magazine advertisements as a spokesperson for the Medifast Diet, claiming she lost 30 pounds as of December 2007, using the diet. Francis. Genie Francis Is Leaving GENERAL HOSPITAL But She'll Be Back! Wagner: Yeah, all of Hollywood. [6][7] In 1993, she starred in the television film Perry Mason: The Case of the Killer Kiss as Kris Buckner which was based on the CBS television series of the same name. So while Laura may be off the canvas for a time dealing with a new crisis, there is still plenty of drama in Port Charles that shell have to come back and deal with. 50th Annual Daytime Emmy nominations announced: Find out who was nominated this year! Genie Francis Taking a Leave of Absence from 'General Hospital' to Michael, played by Chad Duell, andWillow,played by Katelyn MacMullen, have been busypreparing for their wedding. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. She returned to 'General Hospital' full-time in 2015. Fans across multiple generations have been able to watch the actress further her career and blossom into a beautiful wife and mother of two children. With The Hook running around town trying to kill people, shell definitely want to bring the criminal to justice. We want to hear from you -- and there are many ways you can share your thoughts. Shriner: I have a story for that, with Genie. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'soapcentral_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soapcentral_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Though it's hard to imagine today, Francis was actually a recast for the role of Lesley Williams' daughter, who was originally played by actress Stacey Baldwin. So make sure you keep watching GH to see what Victor gets up to while Lauras away, and keep checking back here at SoapsInDepth.com for updates on when Francis will be returning to the show! Fans of GENERAL HOSPITAL would love nothing more than to see Genie Francis back in Port Charles as Laura, but the actress herself actually prefers the quiet of her home in Maine to the hustle and bustle of Hollywood! Her General Hospital alter-ego, Laura Webber Collins, is getting to play out dramatic scenes with, among others, half-brother Cyrus Renault (Jeff . Absolutely. I dont think Tonyd fare well in this new thing. Following a run on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS from 2011-12, she once again reprised the role of Laura in 2013, though only for a brief time. Soaps are the only thing that you can do in real time, which is phenomenal. After leaving in the 80s, the actress found success in primetime but also returned to soaps to appear on DAYS OF OUR LIVES and ALL MY CHILDREN. But this has taught me how to feed myself. Fortunately, she was brought back to the show in a full-time capacity in 2020, and since then, Laura has truly become her own woman as mayor of Port Charles. It makes total sense.". Youve gotta admit, one of the nicest human beings whos ever been with us. Never. The store sold cottage furnishings and home accessories. Josh Swickard Teases Chase and Brook Lynns Future on GH. Eventually, the mother-of-two teamed up with Nutrisystem and was able to shed 30lbs in only seven months. B&B SPOILER ALERT! The Heartbreaking Reason Genie Francis Left General Hospital At - MSN Frank saved our jobs twice. The writers have also expanded Laura's family, bringing on two previously unknown brothers, Martin (Michael E. Knight) and Cyrus (Jeff Kober). [23] Francis decided to donate all of her proceeds/sales to this mission. How do you feel about GH's Laura being ushered off-screen to facilitate Genie Francis' summer vacation? Well, its the perfect time to come back, isnt it? Ukraine remains in control of a key supply route into the eastern city of Bakhmut, a military spokesperson has said. Ive had to figure out how to maneuver that. Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Soap Opera Digest is reporting in their new issue that Laura is leaving Port Charles to handle a family emergency as Francis takes her annual break. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'soapcentral_com-leader-2','ezslot_22',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soapcentral_com-leader-2-0'); Francis shared on social media that "[i]t doesnt feel like forty-five years. Genie is nomina. Last year, for example, the show's writers had Laura and Martin (Michael E. Knight) briefly go into the Witness Protection Program to accommodate Francis' summer vacation. And that its made it to 60 years and that Im still sitting here around the table talking about it!. A video confirmed Kate was alive. A video confirmed Kate was alive. Nina had Martin anonymously report Carly and Drew for insider trading. I felt like they cant really be doing this, because what did they get from this? GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers 4/26/23: The Race to Stop Victor! Genie Francis - IMDb Do you feellike Steve Burton could come back if theres no longer a vaccine mandate? Francis: I think thats why they cry when they meet us. Hes back to check on his good friend Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), who nearly died at Vics hand. GHs Kelly Thiebaud Is Overwhelmed By Her Emmy Nomination. Im proud,very proud, to be a part of this show, Francis says. And we went to a restauranton the water, Stans. Of course, shes presumed dead, but evil never dies on GH, and she might still be alive. Despite that, the pair's romance endured, thanks to ferocious fan fervor for the couple. Did it feel like closure in some way, or had you already said goodbye? Fortunately, as she explains to TV Insider, her break will be a short one. During ABC's Television Critics Association presentation on Wednesday, the actress who has portrayed the role of Laura Spencer since 1977 opened up about the date rape scene from 1979 that has. Similarly, Genie left many times in the past but only temporarily, always returning in a few years, the most recent being in 2015. B&B exec Brad Bell has an answer, DAYTIME EMMYS: DAYS lands seven acting nods, plus directing, writing, and series, DAYS COMMENTARY: And if this world runs out of lovers. Dangerously crazy, sometimes. General Hospital's Genie Francis Addresses Luke and Laura Rape LAST WEEK ON GH: Michael and Willow were married. Benard: For me, it was the AIDS storyline thatjust seemed so needed at the time. Genie Francis has much to celebrate these days. General Hospital cast: New, leaving, and returning characters Shawn shot Bo, who lapsed into a coma. It's hard to tell when you're separated from your audience. In fact, not only did Francis celebrate her 45th anniversary at GH earlier in 2022, when the soap celebrated its 15,000th episode, but that particular show focused on Laura! The mega-villainess is back this month on General Hospital. Rogers: Theyre orderly. However, there's no need to fear that Laura will be gone forever; as longtime viewers suspected (and as Soap Opera Digest confirms in its latest issue), her exit is a brief one to accommodate a summer break for portrayer Genie Francis. Find out what's ahead this week on GH, Helena Cassadine poised to create more trouble on General Hospital, Daytime Emmys set to air this June on CBS, IN? It doesnt feel like forty-five years. Wagner: But its time. DAYS SPOILER ALERT! Genie Francis Talks Her Emmy Nod After Returning as Laura on 'General By 1981, Luke and Laura were the center of several crime and adventure storylines, such as the famous Ice Princess plot. I dont think its right for me. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list. Francis owned a store called The Cherished Home. Oh my goodness, she exclaimed. Christmas she told entertainment reporter George Pennacchio in a special ABC7 Los Angeles report from the soaps set. Francis: Oh, absolutely. Sheila receives yet another unexpected visitor, THIS WEEK: Lil Nas X makes acting debut on The Bold and the Beautiful, THIS WEEK: The Bold and the Beautiful is bringing back R.J. Forrester, B&B INTERVIEW: Diamond White dishes on becoming Marvel's latest superhero and what's next for Paris Buckingham, Y&R INTERVIEW: Courtney Hope weighs in on Sally's baby daddy drama, Sean Kanan's Studio City scores 13 Indie Series Award nominations, Where is B&B's Flo Fulton? Next week, a body turns up, and its likely Victor. In a 2018 interview, the actress revealed the secrets of her long-lasting marriage. Genie Francis Is Checking Back Into, "A home-furnishings store is Maine event for Genie Francis", "GH interested in having Genie Francis return", "Celeb R.E. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. These grand adventures culminated in an extravagant wedding for the couple, complete with a guest appearance by Elizabeth Taylor in the role of Helena Cassadine. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Currently, the insane villain is trying to wipe out 80% of humanity with his deadly pathogen. General Hospital casting updates also promise Victor Cassadine (Charles Shaughnessy) is on his way out soon. Tristan Rogers: My first day on set, I took Gloria aside and I said, Gloria, this script here this is not the way an Australian would react under these circumstances.And she looked at me as if to say, You impertinent son of a bitch, how dare you! But she said, All right, change it.And thats what started my steamrollering through pretty much anyscript at the time. She battled with her weight for some time, even having to be placed on a diet by show producers. Don't Miss a Thing! [14], On September 13, 2012, it was announced that Francis had been let go from her role on The Young and the Restless due to budget cuts. Likely, she has also appeared on All My Children and The Young and the Restless. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Right from the start, Genie captivated fans of the ABC daytime drama with her beauty, talent, and energy. News Archive: WATCH: Genie Francis reveals her issues with GH and the surprising way she became famous [Apr 15, 2016]. The couple has two children, Jameson Ivor Frakes and Elizabeth Frances Frakes. Summer was stunned to see Phyllis alive. Steffy squared off with Sheila at the prison. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It's great," Francis enthused in an interview in December. Would you like to wish Genie Francis a happy 45th anniversary as GH's Laura? Reacting to the outpouring of support by her fans on social media, after she quit the show, the talented actress told TV Insider: "I was shocked. I didnt have any friends around my age. Laura was last seen back on July 15 when she decided to leave town and fly to Italy to help her mother, Lesley, after learning her home had burned down. B&B exec Brad Bell has an answer, DAYTIME EMMYS: DAYS lands seven acting nods, plus directing, writing, and series, DAYS COMMENTARY: And if this world runs out of lovers. General Hospital's Laura Webber has a tendency to disappear in the summer, and this year is no different. Youre taking them back to an era that suddenly they remember. However, Liesl pointed out that she'd need human subjects for the next step. GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers 4/28/23: Brick Catches Dex! Women run the fictional world of ABC's 'General Hospital' Soon afterward, she landed a starring role in her own series, Bare Essence, which was unsuccessful. 'General Hospital' Spoilers: Why Is Genie Francis Taking A Break From Genie Francis and Jonathan Frakes married life - Married Biography OUT? Makes me sad. Who's Who: Read a biography of Laura Spencer. I remember the day that happened. Making her the centerpiece of the show's teen scene drew in scores of younger viewers, and as Laura's popularity grew, so did her romantic storyline with Scotty Baldwin (Kin Shriner). "I don't know the full story of what's coming. An author, content writer, and avid reader who loves the world offantasy, fiction, literature, cinema, and entertainment. The character has left Port Charles to handle a family emergency. General Hospital, the longest running scripted show currently in production, turns 60 on April 1, and to commemorate that momentous occasion, Variety gathered five of its iconic stars together. Is there some Genie in Laura, and Laura in Genie? Soap veteran, Genie Francis is celebrating a milestone today. She received her second Daytime Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Genevieve in May 2012. DAYTIME EMMYS: General Hospital leads 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards nominations, Emma Samms returns to GH -- but she almost walked away from the show "permanently". Hes too big! All Rights Reserved, Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google. Nostalgia. Thats been difficult in a lot of ways. Welcome back! Summer was stunned to see Phyllis alive. Speaking to Ronnie Polaneczky of The Inquirer, Genie said: "To stay married a long time, you have to be willing to have a couple of really bad years. Tristan and me were rogues. Dozens of The Young and the Restless props up for bid in online auction, Why Mishael Morgan's 50th anniversary Y&R return almost didn't happen. Kristina Wagner: I can relate to that as well. She also enjoyed some gardening, as well! We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Will Tracy's revenge plans be successful? It was just me in that situation, wondering who loved me. "In the social media days, it's very hard to keep our stories secret. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Genie Francis joined the cast . Hear about Laura Collins current relationship with brothers, Cyrus and Martin, and her plans on returning to Port . Benard: He just works out too much. As for what may be coming down the pipeline for Laura, Francis says your guess is as good as hers. General Hospital has always beenled by strong women.