Don't Miss a Thing! 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. Archived News: Review more past GH news headlines. One of Francis' longtime costars, Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin), used his inimitable wit to mark the occasion along with a photo from yesteryear. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. B&B's Annika Noelle isn't sure, Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke to appear on Days of our Lives, Chene Lawson returns to The Young and the Restless, Elizabeth Hubbard, As the World Turns' inimitable Lucinda Walsh, dead at 89, INTERVIEW: Michael Damian on bringing Danny and his music back to Y&R, DAYTIME EMMYS: B&B earns second-most nominations, including five for performers. Despite that, the pair's romance endured, thanks to ferocious fan fervor for the couple. And we went to a restauranton the water, Stans. Josh Swickard Teases Chase and Brook Lynns Future on GH. General Hospital's Laura Webber has a tendency to disappear in the summer, and this year is no different. 'General Hospital' Stars Then & Now: Photos Of Cast Transformations All Rights Reserved. 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. This isn't the first time that the actress has decided to take a mid-year break. This endeavor was a project involving various members of her family. A video confirmed Kate was alive. Be sure to join our We Love General Hospital Facebook group to chat about all the latest storylines and juicy gossip! Hard to believe. Genie Francis is an American actress and she is well known for her portrayal of Laura Spencer on the ABC Daytime soap opera General Hospital. Also, GHcasting updates see Andre Maddox (Anthony Montgomery) back in Port Charles. [2] Her father was Canadian actor Ivor Francis. Why has it lasted 60 years? And you may have to have them more than once.". The couple has two children, Jameson Ivor Frakes and Elizabeth Frances Frakes. Its harmful, and its toxic. 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". 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. [10] In June 2006, she began negotiating with the casting directors on the show to return to the role of Laura Spencer for a limited run through November. Be first to post one! Genie Francis Reflects on 45 Years at General Hospital [16] In January 2018, Francis was dropped to recurring status[17] and in late July 2018 signed a contract to return to General Hospital full-time.[18][19][20]. Shriner: I have a story for that, with Genie. Did Sofia Richie Get Plastic Surgery? 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. Perhaps, Heather reaches out to Esme after hearing that her baby was kidnapped. 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. We want to hear from you -- and there are many ways you can share your thoughts. News and More: Return to Soap Central's GH FrontPage. How do you feel about GH's Laura being ushered off-screen to facilitate Genie Francis' summer vacation? It took a long time for women to get stronger on the show, andhave a voice here. 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". General Hospital's Genie Francis (Laura) talks about Luke's Memorial and a possible big comeback for Anthony Geary in a video with ABC news. Kayla stuns Stephanie and Chad! General Hospital Spoilers, 24 April 2023: From Tracy's revenge on Victor to Willow-Michael's wedding preparations, here's what you can expect . GHs Nicholas Chavez Reacts to His Daytime Emmy Nomination. Real quick. Jeannie Daigneault is a professional writer with two decades of experience covering General Hospital, Bold and the Beautiful, and reality series Mama June. We took up biking this summer, Francis reported of how she and husband Jonathan Frakes got around Maine during her break. Francis abruptly left General Hospital in 2002 due to contract issues. Finola Hughes Teases Her Exciting New Project! A video confirmed Kate was alive. GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers 4/28/23: Brick Catches Dex! Remember in the summer of 2021 when Laura and Martin went into witness protection to hide from Cyrus? Laura has less bad days than I do. Eventually, the mother-of-two teamed up with Nutrisystem and was able to shed 30lbs in only seven months. However, he will be stopped soon by his ultimate rival, Laura Spencer Collins (Genie Francis), and her crew of heroes. GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers: Michael and Willows Wedding Explodes! Francis debuted on GH back in 1977 when she took over the role of Laura Webber from Stacey Baldwin, and became a soap star as Lauras romances with Scotty and Luke became popular supercouples. General Hospital 's Genie Francis Won't 'Defend' Her - Yahoo Genie Francis: Yes, and you made it a lot funnier as well. However, he will be stopped soon by his ultimate rival, Laura Spencer Collins (Genie Francis), and her crew of heroes. A Tribute to Genie Francis on the Anniversary of her Debut as Laura Peacock renews DAYS, soap will continue through its 60th season, Kristian Alfonso teases "very clever twist" looming in her DAYS return, Miranda Wilson was "thrilled to bits" to be asked to return to Days of our Lives, Lindsay Arnold discusses her decision to step away from role as DAYS' Allie, "Shining star" Nneka Garland, an Emmy-winning GH producer, has died, GH exec shares decisions that went into tribute episode to Epiphany, General Hospital boss Frank Valentini talks about GH's 60th anniversary, General Hospital welcomes back Emma Samms as Holly. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. Victor Cassadines not going to take care of himself! The actress has come and gone many times over the years, but she has remained a Port Charles staple, with Laura being chosen as the focus of GH's recent 15,000th episode. 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. Kevin Winter/Getty Images. GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers 4/26/23: The Race to Stop Victor! Fortunately, as she explains to TV Insider, her break will be a short one. I think that the #MeToo movement helped significantly, thank God. General Hospital: Ryan & Heather Unhinged Will They Steal Esmes Baby & Run off with Grandkid? Soaps are the only thing that you can do in real time, which is phenomenal. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. Likely, she has also appeared on All My Children and The Young and the Restless. How do you feel about Genie Francis taking a summer break from GH? See all posts by Jeannie Daigneault, General Hospital 2-Week Spoilers: Heathers Scheme Blows up in Her Face. Francis took over the role of GH's Laura Webber in 1977 and immediately rose to iconic status as part of the ABC soap's pairing of Laura with Anthony Geary's Luke Spencer. They don't often tell us that -- they keep that very quiet," she teased. On the other hand, Valentin, played by James Patrick Stuart, might also be returningto the ELQ world as he is heard telling someone that his attorney is on the case. But now it seems like its safe enough for them to come home to Port Charles. I dont think its right for me. The ones that fell in love with Genie, and connected to her in the 70s, are still watching. 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! Laura might not have been enjoying herself, but Francis certainly had a great time on vacation. GHs Kelly Thiebaud Is Overwhelmed By Her Emmy Nomination. Genie also expressed that she was happy and grateful. I got the vaccine really fast. #GH Christmas preview pic.twitter.com/vUOqPt5xBp, Part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. Genie, who was gifted a "rope swing" for 2019 mother's day by her kids, hasn't had it all easy. General Hospital's Genie Francis Celebrates A Milestone! Debuting in the role on Feb. 8, 1977, the actress helped catapult the show. Posted Friday, February 04, 2022 7:09:24 AM, Heartbroken Emmy nominee withdraws their nomination from contention after "huge misunderstanding". It was all men, shooting guns and hanging out. 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! There was this hysteriathat surrounded anything to do with General Hospital. It was crazy. Because when I was working with Jack [Wagner], we improvised most of our scenes. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soapcentral_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',832,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soapcentral_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soapcentral_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',832,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soapcentral_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1'); .large-leaderboard-2-multi-832{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. "In the social media days, it's very hard to keep our stories secret. Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) confirmed the news and will soon make sure the antidote undergoes the proper testing, too. General Hospital's Genie Francis Won't 'Defend' Laura's Rape Scene - People Genie is nomina. 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. Thomas and Hope Liam and Hope what about both? [4] At the peak of her success, Francis left the series in 1982 to try her hand at prime-time television. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. General Hospital is pulling out all the stops for its November Sweeps storylines, and one of the major reveals is . Would you like to wish Genie Francis a happy 45th anniversary as GH's Laura? Bold and the Beautiful: Steffy Appalled Regrets What She Sees Next Week. GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers: Michael and Willows Wedding Explodes! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. What do you think General Hospital represents to viewers? However, she remained with the series for only five months, as Laura departed for medical treatment in France, returning on June 5, 2015, as part of a storyline to help facilitate Anthony Geary's departure from the show and would later sign a contract to remain with the show. 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! 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. Francis owned a store called The Cherished Home. ABC | Anthony Geary, Genie Francis ("General Hospital") Francis joined the cast of "GH" in 1977 as Laura Webber and quickly became a fan favorite. However, in early 1997, when she was pregnant again, she took a much longer absence from the show, staying away for nearly a year and a half. She Once Posed for Photos with a Plastic Surgeon, Zach Edey's Mom Played Basketball but Couldn't Afford a Career in the Sport, Justine Skye's Parents Were Successful but Her Mom Sold Her Valuables for Their Daughter's Career, 'General Hospital's' Genie Francis Rejected Co-star Husband's Date Proposal Yet Had 'A Big Crush' on Him, Anthony Geary Was Elizabeth Taylor's 'Boy Toy' 'The Worse Thing' He Said about Her Was That They Were Friends, Michelle Stafford Went through 'Hell' to Become Mom of 2 without a Husband Inside Her Motherhood, married to the same man for over thirty years. Genie first met her husband Jonathan Frakes in 1982, while shooting the TV miniseries "Bare Essence." Sometimes you need to step back and let other people shine for a while. Genie Francis Abruptly Exited General Hospital In 1981 Actress Genie Francis left her role as Laura Spencer on "General Hospital" in 1981 at the height of her popularity. Its a break in their day, the ones who are watching in the daytime. 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Oh my goodness, she exclaimed. [15] On January 8, 2013, executive producer Frank Valentini and Entertainment Weekly confirmed that Francis would return to General Hospital, first airing on February 11. In 1984, 1986 and 1990, Francis guest starred on Murder, She Wrote as Jessica Fletcher's niece Victoria. The police commissioner is a woman (played by Tanisha Harper), and the chief of staff at General Hospital is also a woman (played by . Constance Towers to reprise role as GH's Helena Cassadine, The 50th Annual Daytime Emmys will air this June on CBS, William Lipton stepping away as General Hospital's Cameron, "Heartbroken" Days of our Lives star Victoria Grace withdraws herself from Daytime Emmys contention, The Young and the Restless star Eric Braeden reveals he is being treated for cancer, Is Hope in love with Thomas? Jeremy Stark was found dead. Genie Francis joined the cast on this day in 1977 and we will forever be in her debt. What are your thoughts on the storyline that took Laura out of Port Charles this time around? On January 31, 2009, Francis reprised her role of Peyton MacGruder in the Hallmark Channel movie, Taking a Chance on Love. Likely, she has also appeared on ' All My Children and 'The Young and the Restless .' Genie Francis: Age, Parents, Siblings, Ethnicity 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. Constance Towers to reprise role as GH's Helena Cassadine, The 50th Annual Daytime Emmys will air this June on CBS, William Lipton stepping away as General Hospital's Cameron, "Heartbroken" Days of our Lives star Victoria Grace withdraws herself from Daytime Emmys contention, The Young and the Restless star Eric Braeden reveals he is being treated for cancer, Is Hope in love with Thomas? inment. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title.