‘General Hospital’: Roger Howarth Shares What It’s Like to Work With His Various Co-Stars
Roger Howarth is known for playing Franco Baldwin, a serial killer who reformed into a family man, on General Hospital. While playing the infamous character, Howarth has had a chance to work closely with many actors on the show. He recently dished on what it’s like to act alongside his various co-stars.
Roger Howarth has been on ‘General Hospital’ since 2013
The role of Franco was created in 2009 for the movie star James Franco. In 2013, Howarth joined the cast and took over the role.
With Howarth’s casting, the character reformed from a sociopath to a more upstanding citizen in Port Charles. It was revealed that Franco’s murderous history was due to a brain tumor, and he subsequently tried to distance himself from his past. He got a job as an art therapist at Port Charles’ general hospital, married nurse Elizabeth Webber, and became a stepfather to Elizabeth’s sons.
In March 2021, however, Franco was killed by Peter August.
Roger Howarth dishes on working with his co-stars amid Franco’s death
Franco’s death means the character is no longer a regular on the show. Howarth recently looked back on his time as Franco and talked about what it was like to work with closely with his co-stars.
His leading lady for the past few years has been Rebecca Herbst, who plays Elizabeth. Howarth calls her “just a beautiful scene partner.”
“I think Becky makes magic,” he told Soap Opera Digest. “She can always get Elizabeth to a place where the audience can’t help but feel the things that Elizabeth is feeling, and I think it’s no wonder that she’s so beloved by her fans. I’m sure that she is going to continue to delight and bring sparkle to whatever is next for Elizabeth. I’m sure of that. I’m grateful that I got to dance with her for as long as I did.”
Another person Howarth has gotten a chance to know is William Lipton, who plays his on-screen stepson, Cameron Webber.
“William is such a sweet kid and that really radiates in his portrayal,” Howarth shared. “I expect big things from William Lipton. He is going to make a lot of people happy in his life with whatever he chooses to do — with his music, with his huge and considerable heart. That kid works really hard and I think it’s going to pay dividends. I’m excited to see that.”
He also mentioned Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin), Kathleen Gati (Liesl Obrecht), Hudson West (Jake Webber), and Jason David (Aiden Spencer), noting that they are “all lovely people and hardworking.”
What’s next for Roger Howarth on ‘General Hospital’?
Howarth’s character might have died, but his stint on General Hospital has not ended yet. He has taken a break from filming, but he will soon return with surprises in stores for fans. As for what Howarth will now do on the show, that is still up for debate.
“If I knew I would tell you, but I don’t know!” he told Soap Opera Digest. “But I’m really excited. I have great faith in the people who think of these things. I’ve been in good hands so far.”
