General Hospital: Emma Samms Reflects On 40 Years As Holly Sutton

General Hospital spoilers reveal Emma Samms (Holly Sutton) appearing in the special General Hospital: 60 Years Of Stars And Storytelling. And in a new interview, Emma shared what the show means to her.

However, the General Hospital fan favorite also reflected on how she feels about actors who dismiss soap operas as a “training ground.” And she offered her praise for General Hospital showrunner Frank Valentini. Get all the details below.

General Hospital Spoilers – Emma Samms Loves Port Charles

Ever since Emma Samms joined the cast of General Hospital in 1982 as Holly Sutton, she has regularly returned to Port Charles. And ABC invited the British resident to return for the nighttime special, General Hospital: 60 Years of Stars and Storytelling.

Emma shared how she still feels linked to General Hospital in a new interview with TV Insider. But Samms also expressed her delight in the opportunity to return for the prime-time special celebrating all those decades of General Hospital.

And reflecting on the invitation to participate in the celebration of the show, Emma shared, “I still feel so connected to the show even though I can’t watch it [in England]. But I do stay connected to it through social media.” And she added, “I was thrilled that they asked me to do this. It’s a wonderful way to say thank you.”

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General Hospital Spoilers – An ‘Impressive’ Legacy

However, Samms expressed her gratitude for General Hospital welcoming her return “so many times. They don’t have to do that. I’ve gone off to England, raised my kids, done other things, and yet am warmly welcomed back each and every time when I come back,” revealed the actress. 

And Emma also shared her role in General Hospital: 60 Years of Stars and Storytelling. “I talk about all the famous names who have worked on the show over the years and who have gone on to do other things in movies and nighttime,” she revealed. But she made sure to point out the legacy.

And that long list of those who began on General Hospital feels “impressive. It really puts a perspective on the outstanding work being done on GH,” added the actress. But she also criticized those who describe soap operas as “a good training ground. I feel that [expression] insults the show and the incredible actors on it,” she added.

General Hospital Spoilers – Frank Valentini’s Role Revealed

And Samms credited General Hospital for her role on Dynasty as Fallon. As a result of Tori Spelling seeing Emma on the soap opera, she told her father Aaron Spelling, executive producer, Dynasty, to watch Samms. But the show offers not just Emma but all actors the chance to learn how to memorize “a large amount of dialogue with little time for rehearsal,” added the actress.

And Emma shared, “I think producers [like Aaron Spelling] who hire actors from daytime appreciate that we are there on time and we know our lines. How many other people in entertainment can say they’ve had the same job for 40 years? I can’t even wrap my head around the fact that I’ve been on and off GH for 40 years.”

But the General Hospital actress also expressed respect “for what Frank [Valentini] has done and does for the show. He’s had to face challenges with budgets, the pandemic, and then, losing so many people this past year. He honors the history of the show, which has been absolutely fantastic.”

And Emma noted that the General Hospital showrunner values getting “it right. He’s very keen to make sure we do the best possible job of honoring the history of the characters. Frank is so committed to make the show as good as it possibly can be. He’ll come down on set and say, “Can you try this?” He’s really involved with the production. He’s absolutely devoted to making GH the best it can possibly be, and it shows.”

Tell us what you think. How do you feel about Emma Samms’ praise for showrunner Frank Valentini? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more General Hospital news.