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The Real Reason Jonathan Jackson Is Exiting
Jackson returned to GH in August 2024, mere months ago. His last appearance was in 2015, a short run, and fans were hoping to see the actor and Lucky character for a lot longer than nine months, but here we are.
Unfortunately, Jackson lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and was finding the commute between home and work to be tedious, as the ABC studios where the soap is filmed are in Los Angeles. Jackson told TV Insider, he never intended to return and then leave in such a short time..
However, the father of three simply needed to put his family first. In a statement to TV Insider, Jackson states, “I’m very thankful for their enthusiasm for my return to the show. I apologize for not being able to stay longer.” He goes on to say, “I hope they (fans) can understand the life dynamic, but I’m super grateful for the fans and the loyalty and love.”
Jackson closed with, “The GH fan base is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I don’t take it for granted, and I’m extremely grateful for all of that support.”
Thoughts On A Recast
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Jackson debuted in the role of Lucky at the age of 11 in 1993. While he has exited and returned multiple times, there have been actors who have been recast in the role while he was away. Jacob Young was the first Lucky recast from 2000 to 20003, and then Greg Vaughan from 2003 to 2009.
In light of Jackson’s exit, could Lucky be recast once again? Jackson added his thoughts on this, noting, “I don’t really see that happening. I mean, I could be wrong, but on a personal level, I would say, ‘Well, that’s too bad.’”
Jackson states, “As an actor, there are so many things in life that are just out of your hands. That’s their decision, but obviously, I would prefer that it’s just left open so that I could hopefully come back and do more work there.”
He goes on to say, “I understand that if I’m able to be a benefit for the show, then that’s great, and if they need to move on from that, then I respect that.”
GH’s Executive Producer, Frank Valentini, said the door was always open for Jackson to return. The actor stated that “The door is always open from my perspective, too. So, we’ll have to see how it goes logistically, and see if there’s a way to adjust and pivot certain realities, but I would hope that that would be able to happen.”
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Would you like to see Lucky recast or for Jonathan Jackson to return (someday)? Join the conversation below! Watch your favorite soap on ABC daily and check out this site regularly for the hottest General Hospital news and spoilers.
Hes the only lucky in my book..best of luck to him.
NO RECAST. There is only one Lucky. We all wish that they can find someway to work it out. I’ll even accept a limited basis but hope that it shows how they’re still connecting with him via Zoom, telephone. Love you, Lucky and only wish good things for you
Please do not recast Lucky, I would sooner you just leave Lucky out of town to do what he does, but please I am sick to death of these recasts. I hope someday Jonathan can return.
I remember when he grew up on GH and to me the only Lucky. If Lucky does come back at some time Please give him better story lines.
No recast puleeees!! Jonathan is Lucky Spencer!!!
No recast for me bring back Johnathan when he can return
I never accepted the other two actors as recasts. Some characters just can’t be recast.
Since that day in 1993 when I first saw Jonathan, and Lucky became so important in the show, I loved him. I still say,”I adore that boy!” He’s far from a boy. But he’s Lucky.
I certainly don’t want another Lucky. I’ll wait for Jonathan when the time is right for his family and Lucky can be back.