ARTICLE: Jonathan Jackson Exiting ‘General Hospital’ As Lucky Spencer

[Errol]

Almost exactly a year to the day since “General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini first teased the return of a beloved former male cast member, wherein fans would “go crazy for HIM,” on Thursday, it was announced that Jonathan Jackson would be exiting the daytime drama series as Lucky Spencer.

According to TV Insider, which first broke the news, Jackson will be leaving the soap opera next week, more than nine months after reprising his Daytime Emmy Award-winning role following a near 10-year absence.

“We were so glad Jonathan was able to reprise the role of Lucky, even if was for a limited time,” said Valentini in a statement released to the outlet. “We wish him nothing but the best, and the door is always open for Jonathan to return.”

On the Wednesday, June 4 episode of the show, Lucky asked Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) to marry him, formally rekindling their dormant relationship that later resulted in the birth of their son, Aiden (Colin Cassidy). Despite his name, things weren’t so lucky for the Spencer family heir as Elizabeth turned him down.

With his proposal going unreciprocated, Lucky revealed that he’ll be leaving town, stating, “I know it’s sudden. But being here, knowing that we can’t be together, it just hurts too much.”

In the lead up to his character’s exit, TV Insider noted that Lucky will make “rounds saying goodbye and then take off once again.”

Outside of daytime, Jackson made a name for himself in primetime, starring in ABC’s “Nashville” for six seasons where he appeared as Avery Barkley, an aspiring country music star who went on to create a family with Hayden Panettiere’s (“Guiding Light”) country/pop singer character Juliette Barnes.

On the film side, he had roles in such films as “Tuck Everlasting,” “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,” “Venom,” and “Unsung Hero.”

Note: The post Jonathan Jackson Exiting ‘General Hospital’ As Lucky Spencer appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website.

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[Liberty City]

So much for that "long run", huh, Franklin? 

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 Honestly, his return was pointless and fell flat. Rick Hearst's return as Ric has been miles more successful, and he should've been the contract return... not Jackson.

[BetterForgotten]

What a waste. I guess it was just a quick cash grab for JJ.

This is precisely why I was not clamoring for a Liz and Lucky reunion. It’s time to move on from that ever being a legitimate pairing again. 

[dragonflies]

Honestly I think Liz outgrew Lucky. I'm glad the rumor I read wasn't true, cause I would have Been PISSED

[Liberty City]

The moment we got teased Liz/Jason, and then Liz/Ric, I immediately knew Liz/Lucky were not going to amount to jack.

[dragonflies]

I know Ric did horrible things to Liz, but I can't help it I still want LiRic lol 

[Liberty City]

Right now, I am in my #Rava moment because it's high time Maura West had a co-star who could meet her in terms of talent and chemistry (a.k.a., not Marcus Coloma, ex-Nik). Maybe Jason could re-enter the scene? Their all-too-short scenes when Jason returned to Port Charles at the dreaded Metro Court pool were so nice to witness. And maybe we could get Jake back, too.

[Taoboi]

Mmmm...lol

[VelekaCarruthers]

I have nothing agains JJ as he was somewhat compelling as a kid actor growing into a teen etc sort of like Kim/McCullough/Robin. But JJ is not leading man material, still has that small demeanor and squeaky voice. I watched his cringy proposal scenes with RH and there was absolutely no chemistry; it felt like brother and older sister. JJ couldn't have been happy about his dumb and/or non existent storyline either.  I'm sure he can find work and doesn't need this flailing show. He reminds me of Emmy Rylan who played Lizzie/GL, Abby/YR then Lulu/GH - these are actors with a distinct voice, stature etc who can play one part well, vixen, spoiled rich girl etc in the case of Emmy or smart, sweet, conflicted, tender but tough Lucky/JJ, but that aura/presence was always going to be there which makes it difficult to expand outside that profile. GH needs to seriously pare down the cast anyway.

[Chris B]

I feel like his return could've worked but they wasted him. I did enjoy Lucky and Liz back together but then they pivoted with the Kristina stuff which made no sense. Another big aspect to the character is how he disappears but they didn't develop his relationship with Aidan at all.

Just feels like they could've brought him back for just a few weeks if they knew they had no real plans for him.

[DemetriKane]

Oh no, I was thinking about jumping back into GH. Boomer!!

[Faulkner]

This show is so deeply unserious.