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James Franco returns to 'General Hospital' before Oscars
James Franco isn't just on top of the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" studio, it would appear he's actually on top of the world. The actor was recently featured on "Inside the Actors Studio," delivered a buzz-worthy (to put it mildly) performance in "127 Hours," and has been named co-host of the 2011 Academy Awards alongside Anne Hathaway.
In yet another show of how cool he is, James has agreed to return to "General Hospital" for a two-episode stint to air the Friday before his Oscar hosting duties in February. He previously appeared on the daytime soap as a serial killer.
TV Guide reports that his appearance will act as a teaser for a longer story arc to occur later in 2011.
"When we realized James would be in LA for the Oscars and all the other award shows, we asked if he'd consider coming back and doing a little something for us," executive producer Jill Farren Phelps says.
"He was happy to do it and requested that we use the appearance to plug his next story. He's also expressed an interest in directing at GH. He's been really, really good to us. Whatever James wants, we'd love to make it happen!" she gushes.
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Photo/Video credit: ABC
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I love how he doesn't think he's too good to do a daytime soap. he's so cool!
I'm sorry, but this is AWFUL news! He may be have given an academy award caliber performance, but he was terrible on GH. His acting was cartoonish and insulting to soap fans. His character and story were horrible and this is just another decision in a long line that proves that Jill Farren Phelps and Bob Guza (head writer) should be fired. NEITHER appearance drew any ratings, in fact ratings were often down during his stints. That is what happens when you turn your show completely over to some actor to experiment on. I can understand them wanting a mainstream star to generate press, but that they think it will after not having done so TWICE in the last year, is insanity. Sorry for the rant, but I have watched this show for 12 years, and this is without a doubt the WORST character and story arc that I have ever seen, and I am pretty confident to say in the history of the show.
I wasn't very impressed with his last performance either. The character seems so one dimensional. There is only so far it can be taken and i think he has already gone as far as possible.
I am happy about this. I have been watching GH for 27 years and I love his character! I think its fun to watch and I love how he doesnt think hes above soaps. Thats awesome
James is truly my favorite actor, followed closely by Johnny Depp and George Clooney. Seems like such a genuinely nice man!
I totally agree with the people who are saying that the whole Franco fiasco is horrible. He served NO purpose last time - kidnapped baby Aiden for NOTHING - the story didn't affect anything at all on the show - it was just a ratings ploy. Sick of Francophrenia! Bring back Stuart Damon, Natalia Livingston, or Genie Francis instead!