Longtime fans of “General Hospital” were thrilled to learn that Daytime Emmy winner Jonathan Jackson is set to return to the show this summer. Equally excited is Genie Francis, who plays his on-screen mother, Laura Collins. Jackson’s return to Port Charles marks nearly a decade since he last appeared on the show, and Francis couldn’t be happier about the reunion.
Francis, who rarely posts on social media, took to Twitter/X about a week after the news broke to share her excitement. In response to a video message from Jackson, where he expressed his eagerness to see her, Francis wrote, “Dear sweet Jonathan Jackson, this show is so lucky to have you back. I am overjoyed! Can’t wait to work with you again.”
Jackson first joined the cast of “General Hospital” in 1993 at the tender age of 11, playing Lucky Spencer, the son of daytime royalty Luke and Laura Spencer. His debut was not only his first professional acting gig but also marked Francis’ return to the soap after a nine-year hiatus. Jackson quickly proved his talent, holding his own alongside Francis and soap legend Anthony Geary (ex-Luke). Over the years, he won five Daytime Emmy Awards and received four additional nominations for his work on the show.
Jackson’s original run on “General Hospital” lasted until 1999. He returned a decade later for a second stint from 2009 to 2011, during which Lucky left town to live in Ireland. In July 2015, Jackson made a brief return as part of Geary’s final storyline before his retirement. In that storyline, Lucky was kidnapped by Luke’s rival, Frank Smith, and his parents had to team up to rescue him.
Since then, Lucky has been mentioned occasionally by both Laura and Liz, the mother of his sons. With Jackson’s return expected to be a lengthy run, fans are hopeful that Lucky will get ample screen time with Laura, Liz, his sons, and other friends and family members.
Jackson’s first air date has not yet been announced, but fans are eagerly awaiting updates. The excitement surrounding his return is palpable, with many looking forward to the dynamic between Jackson and Francis, who have not appeared together on-screen as contract players since 2015.
In a recent interview, executive producer Frank Valentini teased Jackson’s return, saying fans would “go crazy for” it. Jackson himself shared a video message on social media, expressing his excitement about returning to the show and reuniting with Francis. “I’m returning to @generalhospital this summer! Excited for the journey to continue,” he captioned the post.
The news of Jackson’s return has sparked discussions among fans about potential storylines. Some are speculating whether Lucky will seek to reunite with Liz or pursue a new romantic interest. Others are curious about how his return will impact the current dynamics in Port Charles.
Jackson’s return is not just a treat for fans but also a significant moment for the actor himself. His long-term deal with ABC marks the first time in over two decades that he and Francis will be seen on-screen together as contract players. This reunion promises to bring a fresh wave of excitement and drama to “General Hospital.”
As fans eagerly await Jackson’s first air date, the anticipation continues to build. The return of Lucky Spencer is expected to bring new twists and turns to the storyline, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. With Genie Francis expressing her joy and excitement, it’s clear that this reunion is set to be a memorable one for both the cast and the audience.
In the meantime, fans can keep up with the latest updates and join discussions about the show on various social media platforms. The return of Jonathan Jackson as Lucky Spencer is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of daytime television this year.
Source: Soaps In Depth, ABC7/On the Red Carpet
