‘General Hospital’: Stars Reveal Their Thoughts on Love Scenes
Since 1963 soap opera fans have tuned into General Hospital for the latest action in Port Charles. The ABC show has created many epic romances, including Luke and Laura Spencer (Anthony Geary and Genie Francis) and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard), and Carly Roberts (Laura Wright). With any great romance, there come the important love scenes. So how does the cast feel about these passionate moments?
‘General Hospital’ star Laura Wright says the director gives instructions
With over two decades in daytime television, Wright is a pro when it comes to love scenes. “I’m totally comfortable shooting love scenes; I’ve been doing it for so long,” she explained to SoapCentral.com. Although fans think the scenes are easy to shoot, there’s a lot of hard work that goes into shooting.
As with any scene, these romantic moments are rehearsed beforehand. When it’s time to film, the director makes sure the actors have everything down pat. Being given instructions during shooting can be awkward. “A lot of times when you do a love scene, the director is talking to you over the speaker because you can wipe all that and put music over the top of it, and he’s like, ‘Okay, now move her arm out of the way. Now kiss her neck, act like you like it.’ I mean, it is so not intimate on any level,” Wright admitted.
Actors agree having the right partner is a must
Fans know one of the essential ingredients in a soap opera romance is the chemistry between the characters. If the actors are comfortable with each other offscreen, then that feeling will also translate onscreen. Former General Hospital star Chloe Lanier says being comfortable with the right partner is vital for love scenes. “If they’re creepy, then it gets really weird. But as long as everybody is professional, it’s a good time,” she revealed to SoapCentral.com.
Actor Bryan Craig also echoed Lanier’s sentiments. During his three years on the soap opera, Craig’s character Morgan Corinthos had relationships with Ava Jerome (Maura West). Whether working with a newcomer or an established actor, Craig makes sure his partner is comfortable. “They kind of needed a bit of nurturing, and you have to crack jokes and try your best to make it not awkward,” he admitted.
Pushing boundaries in daytime
Unlike cable TV shows, daytime is tamer when it comes to love scenes. Although General Hospital characters shed their clothes during moments of passion, the actors and directors make sure everything stays covered up. For a young actor like Lexi Ainsworth, she’s happy not to be exposing too much. “I’m one hundred percent comfortable doing it on GH. I haven’t done any nude scenes ever in my career, and I don’t know if I see that in my future.”
Sometimes the director can push buttons when it comes to love scenes. In a 2016 interview with TVInsider.com, William deVry admitted an intimate moment between Julian Jerome and Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) was deemed too aggressive. “Frank Valentini had to step in and direct the scene because we were being too rough with each other. He wanted to make it more romantic.”
