Benard: For me, it was the AIDS storyline thatjust seemed so needed at the time. (YouTube). [5] Francis would reprise her role of Brett Main Hazard in 1986 and 1994 in the miniseries North and South: Book II and Heaven and Hell: North and South Book III respectively. Well, its the perfect time to come back, isnt it? Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Forty years, has it been that long?. Hard to believe. Nuts. These. In 2015, Francis returned for a storyline to facilitate Tony Geary's retirement from soaps, but she ended up sticking around and signing a long-term contract with the ABC soap. Rogers: Back in 81, that was the year I will always remember. And now I base it on, who canIlove? ALSO READ:General Hospital Spoilers: Will Carly keep Willow above her hatred for Nina? It doesnt for 60! The 56-year-old actress has been married to the same man for over thirty years, which is quite a feat in Hollywood. Find out what's ahead this week on B&B, Bold Town Road: Lil Nas X makes acting debut on B&B this week, B&B's brand-new Ridge Forrester, Jr., debuts this week, B&B's Diamond White makes history in new Disney/Marvel project, chats Paris' next chapter, Y&R's Courtney Hope gives the scoop on Sally's pregnancy, Studio City, Emmy-winning series from Sean Kanan, snags 13 ISA nominations, Where is Flo? I got the vaccine really fast. All of you are such a huge part of the history of pop culture. We were sitting there having dinner, and the waiter came up, and said, Theres a few fans that would like to get your autograph. We thought, Oh, OK!And we look over, and theres a line of peopledown the stairs and out the door and down the block. My whole peer group loved me from a distance. We want to hear from you -- and there are many ways you can share your thoughts. 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? Francis also appeared in the soap operas Days of Our Lives from 1987 to 1989, All My Children from 1990 to 1992 and The Young and the Restless from 2011 to 2012. Francis owned a store called The Cherished Home. Luke and Laura's wedding, which aired on November 16 and November 17, 1981, drew in 30 million Americans and was featured on the covers of major magazines like if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'soapcentral_com-box-4','ezslot_4',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soapcentral_com-box-4-0');Newsweek and People. 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. Through the years, Francis has appeared on numerous other daytime soaps. I am truly blessed.". And you may have to have them more than once.". GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers 4/27/23: Ninas Big Mistake! However, he will be stopped soon by his ultimate rival, Laura Spencer Collins (Genie Francis), and her crew of heroes. Archived News: Review more past GH news headlines. General Hospital's Genie Francis is taking a much-deserved leave of absence, which will take her iconic character, Laura Webber, off the canvas for a short period of time. Coming up on GH, fan-fave baddie Heather Webber (Alley Mills) is back. 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. Read more, By providing this information, you agree that we may process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Statement. And what Ive learned, if we get a little more personal, is that you cannot live out the fantasy youre pretending on stage. Shawn shot Bo, who lapsed into a coma. 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. However, Heathers presence might be the start of Esmes memory returning. If so, she might decide she wants a relationship with her mom after all, especially because her father, Ryan Chamberlain (Jon Lindstrom), is dead. Genie revealed that this was a piece of advice from her grandmother. And just in time, too, because there is a lot of drama shes missed during her absence! She's "out there" somewhere, according to B&B boss Brad Bell. Wagner: But its time. It was1986, I think it was a Policemans Ball. Genie Francis has much to celebrate these days. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Dont miss it to see the return of Heather Webber and all the soapy drama on the ABC sudser. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. Y&R RECAPS: What you missed the Week of April 24, 2023, THE SCOOP! Talia schemed with Sloan's brother, Colin. Francis was also offered the lead role for the movie Splash but turned it down because she thought the script was silly. I remember one day in particular Gloria brought up a whole bunch of the writers, and she said, Write the way theyre doing it!. Maurice Benard: I came in playing a bipolar character. His portrayer promises an epic send-off. It took a long time for women to get stronger on the show, andhave a voice here. I will miss my bike and my tomatoes, she added. Laura hasn't been seen in Port Charles in months, but Genie Francis is on her way back to GENERAL HOSPITAL, so we'll be seeing the mayor back in action before we know it! Similarly, Genie left many times in the past but only temporarily, always returning in a few years, the most recent being in 2015. Youre taking them back to an era that suddenly they remember. Holly, played by Emma Samms,asks her son Ethan, played by James Ryan,to tell her everything that happened to him. With over 300 articles to her credit, she is currently creating Hollywood and Pop Culture content. 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). She reprised her role as Ceara on Loving in a crossover storyline in November 1991. 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. Bold and the Beautiful: Steffy Appalled Regrets What She Sees Next Week. ", 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!". Francis has since returned to GH for several stints over the years, one of which was a 1998 storyline that dug into Luke's past rape of Laura. In a 2018 interview, she discussed what it takes to have a successful marriage. Francis turned 60 last year, having joined the cast of General Hospital at age 15. DAYS SPOILER ALERT! 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. Who's Who: Read a biography of Laura Spencer. Finola Hughes Teases Her Exciting New Project! What was it like when the show became so huge in the early 80s? And then they get embarrassed: Like, I dont know why Im crying! And Im like, Its OK to cry.. Because drama reigns supreme on soaps, of course, the writers threw an obstacle into Scotty and Laura's romance: Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary). 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.. Find out what's ahead this week on DAYS. Debuting in the role on Feb. 8, 1977, the actress helped catapult the show. Francis: I know that Gloria did say to my father right after she took on the show, I want to go after the teenage audience, and I want to use your daughter to do it. It just moves me because I was so alone. Find out what's ahead this week on Y&R, Y&R stars help kick off The Price is Right's Pet Adoption Week, Even Moore returns: Shemar Moore back as Y&R's Malcolm this May, Y&R head writer Josh Griffith explains his decision to fire breakdown writers, The Young and the Restless autographed props and costumes up for auction, Why Mishael Morgan's 50th anniversary Y&R return almost didn't happen, Y&R's Eric Braeden unleashes epic Twitter tirade on former castmate Eva Longoria. #GH Christmas preview pic.twitter.com/vUOqPt5xBp, Part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. Archived News: Review more past GH news headlines. Genie Francis has played Laura Spencer on and off since 1977. 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! Genie Francis' legacy character Laura Collins, whose 1981 wedding to Luke Spencer drew 30 million viewers and is still the highest-rated soap opera episode in US history, is now the mayor of Port Charles. The wholeIce Princess drama started last year with the death of Luke, played by Tony Geary, and Tracy, played by Jane Elliot,still has revenge plans against Victor. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Do you want there to be? When the actress took over the role in 1977, both the character and she herself hit the big time! Also, GHcasting updates see Andre Maddox (Anthony Montgomery) back in Port Charles. After checking out the surprising way Luke might still live on in a whole new character, join us as we walk back through time with a look at his adventures and misadventures over the years in our photo . But my favorite thing about Laura is her heart. GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers: Michael and Willows Wedding Explodes! Also, Ethan Lovett (James Ryan) is out and headed to Australia. These have been huge, big life lessons for me. Currently, the insane villain is trying to wipe out 80% of humanity with his deadly pathogen. Nina had Martin anonymously report Carly and Drew for insider trading. Rogers: Theyre orderly. Fans were shocked when the actress was if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'soapcentral_com-leader-1','ezslot_21',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soapcentral_com-leader-1-0');dropped to recurring status in 2018, a career blow that Francis later revealed gave her serious depression. Genie Francis began her journey in the smash-hit series "General Hospital" as a teenager in 1977, playing the role of Laura Spencer. Some of the other major storylines that have brought Francis back to the canvas include the supposed (but later found to be untrue) death of Lucky; a 2001 reunion with Scotty following Luke's affair with Felicia; Laura suffering nervous breakdowns and being committed after she was led to believe she had killed Rick in the mid-2000s (which landed her the 2007 Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category); and a 2013 Ice Princess redo involving Laura's daughter, Lulu. In a 2018 interview, the actress revealed the secrets of her long-lasting marriage. [To Francis] Well, you did put the whole goddamn thing on the map with your problems, and this a womans medium you were the perfect girl and actress. Happy Anniversary, Genie!". On the other hand, it could involve Nikolas Cassadine (Adam Huss). Well, you know, I started here when I was about 14. DAYS RECAPS: What you missed the Week of April 24, 2023, THE SCOOP! TV and film icon Dick Van Dyke will make soap opera debut this fall on Days of our Lives, Harmony returns to Genoa City -- Harmony Hamilton, that is, As the World Turns, The Doctors star Elizabeth Hubbard has died, Y&R's Michael Damian chats Danny's future in Genoa City and a special musical performance for the soap. They became engaged the following year, and were married on May 28, 1988. I did teach her to roller skate !!!! Genie first met her husband Jonathan Frakes in 1982, while shooting the TV miniseries "Bare Essence." Billy and Chelsea made love. B&B SPOILER ALERT! Genie Francis returned to General Hospital in 2022 to continue portraying the role of Laura Spencer. Jeremy Stark was found dead. It makes total sense.". Her biggest role came in 1977 with Laura Spencer on General Hospital as she was a recast. Laura Webber has left Port Charles to handle a family emergency, but don't worry -- the exit is only temporary to facilitate a summer vacation for portrayer Genie Francis. After residing in Belfast, Maine, they moved to Beverly Hills, California, in 2008 and later relocated to Calabasas, California.[24]. Josh Swickard Teases Chase and Brook Lynns Future on GH. The episodes dealt with the lingering trauma of the shocking 1980s storyline, including how it affected the couple's son, Lucky. "It's a wonderful surprise this deep into a character on a show, to finally have them go back and they pulled that out of my past, which is a great thing to do. Posted Friday, February 04, 2022 7:09:24 AM, Heartbroken Emmy nominee withdraws their nomination from contention after "huge misunderstanding". Thats all gone! I mean, obviously people have come back from much worse deaths! And at night, its the comfort of something youve been touching base with for that many years. Its a break in their day, the ones who are watching in the daytime. GH's William Lipton shares why Cameron Webber is leaving Port Charles, "Huge misunderstanding" means one of this year's Daytime Emmy nominees will no longer be on the ballot, Eric Braeden reveals cancer diagnosis in an emotional video to fans. Or if he changes his mind? Because hes so missed on screen and off. Shawn shot Bo, who lapsed into a coma. Perhaps, this ties into Helena Cassadines (Constance Towers) comeback. Im proud,very proud, to be a part of this show, Francis says. GHs Kelly Thiebaud Is Overwhelmed By Her Emmy Nomination. 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! The pair's mission was to save the then-fledgling program, and one of the ways they did so was by turning a lot of focus to Francis' Laura. Kayla stuns Stephanie and Chad! Laura, played by Genie Francis,involves Robert, played by Tristan Rogers,who takes the info on this map and reveals that he knows how to find the ship. For Genie, marriage is an agreement to work through everything. By 1981, Luke and Laura were the center of several crime and adventure storylines, such as the famous Ice Princess plot. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list. Genie is an American actress and she is well known for her portrayal of Laura Spencer on the ABC Daytime soap opera General Hospital. 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! Though she reprised the role for only one month, Francis' stint garnered her a Daytime Emmy Nomination[11] for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, which she won in June 2007. "I've had such a fun time on GH, and I've absolutely loved what the writers gave me to work with this season," Francis shares. GH alum Julie Berman (ex-Lulu Spencer) makes exciting announcement, Kristina Wagner thrilled to be back on contract at GH: "This is going to be fun! General Hospital has always beenled by strong women. Check out the latest casting updates for the ABC soap opera. While speaking about her dieting journey, the iconic soap actress said: "A lot of the diets I've been on have been extreme and taught me how to starve myself. Continue reading to find out the spoilersand highlights for the 24April 2023 episode ofGeneral Hospital. GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers 4/27/23: Ninas Big Mistake! So I dont know. Eugenie Ann Francis (born May 26, 1962) is an American actress. General Hospital's Laura Webber has a tendency to disappear in the summer, and this year is no different. Hold onto your hats, General Hospital fans! The character has left Port Charles to handle a family emergency. It was just me in that situation, wondering who loved me. All rights reserved. Congrats to @GenieFrancis on 45 years . [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. I had a good 25 years, Im good. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Looks like Victor was able to get Laura out of his hair after all! This interview has been edited and condensed. [12] Francis returned to General Hospital in August 2008 to reprise her role, appearing until November 12. Im soembarrassed. Benard: Yeah. How has the audience changed over the years? Dancing with him I mean, he wasnt falling in love with me, but I was falling in love with him. Made-for-TV movie written and directed by Douglas Barr. Victor Cassadines not going to take care of himself! Francis enjoyed fun in the sun with her hubby at home in Maine! After four decades with the show, Genie decided to quit in January 2018, when she was told her appearance on the soap would be limited to a few scenes a year. Jeannie Daigneault has 2652 posts and counting. Do you ever think aboutwhythe show was so popular? Love GH? I felt like they cant really be doing this, because what did they get from this? Be sure to join our We Love General Hospital Facebook group to chat about all the latest storylines and juicy gossip! Her heart is, of course, my heart. Genie Francis: Yes, and you made it a lot funnier as well. LAST WEEK ON GH: Michael and Willow were married. Jonathan and Genie got engaged a year later, and finally tied the knot on May 28, 1988. Finola Hughes Teases Her Exciting New Project! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The couple has two children, Jameson Ivor Frakes and Elizabeth Frances Frakes. In 1994, when Francis became pregnant with her first child, the pregnancy was written into the show and she took six weeks off for maternity leave. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list. LAST WEEK ON Y&R: Tucker sold McCall Unlimited to Victor. In a 2018 interview, the actress revealed the secrets of her long-lasting marriage. Be first to post one! I believe that General Hospital was the first show to go back into production in Los Angeles in summer 2020. Get all the latest General Hospital spoilers and casting updates from Soap Dirt. This show was going to be canceled when we started, she says with a laugh, addressing Shriner. In a 2018 exclusive with Closer Weekly, when asked how she would rate her life at the moment from 1 to 10, the TV star answered, saying "ten!" OUT? [2] Her father was Canadian actor Ivor Francis. Genie also expressed that she was happy and grateful. 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. 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. Shes a hero and shell be called upon to do her heroic best when the time arrives. Hopefully, to stop The Hooks rampage! She battled with her weight for some time, even having to be placed on a diet by show producers. : Jonathan Frakes from Star Trek and Genie Francis From General Hospital Move to Woodland Hills", "2021 Daytime Emmy Awards: Talk Show Host and Lead Actress Nominees Revealed (Exclusive)", "The Soaps' New Teenage Temptresses Boost Ratings and Help Lure A Younger Audience", Genie Francis to Guest Star in Web Series, The Interviews: An Oral History of Television, Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Genie_Francis&oldid=1150935402, Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series winners, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2010, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2016, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 197784, 19932002, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2015, Contract role: April 13, 1987, to June 21, 1989, Contract role: June 27, 1990, to July 16, 1992, Recurring role: October 31, 1991, to December 5, 1991.