Who is John on General Hospital? Who Plays John on General Hospital?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Feb 07, 2024
General Hospital
General Hospital, often abbreviated as GH, is an enduring American daytime television soap opera with a rich history. It holds a significant place in television history, being recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running American soap opera in production.
Second only to Guiding Light in American history, it is also the world's third longest-running scripted drama series still in production, following British serials The Archers and Coronation Street. General Hospital first graced the screens on April 1, 1963, on the ABC network, marking its place as the longest-running serial produced in Hollywood and the longest-running entertainment program in ABC television history. The show has been awarded the most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series, boasting an impressive 14 wins.
Created by husband-and-wife soap writers Frank and Doris Hursley, General Hospital initially unfolded within an unnamed fictional city set in a hospital. However, in the 1970s, the city was officially named Port Charles, New York.
The show's original cast included John Beradino and Emily McLaughlin, who remained with the series until their respective passings in 1996 and 1991. Notably, Rachel Ames joined the cast in 1964 and held the record as the longest-serving actress on an ABC soap opera, appearing continuously from 1964 to 2007.
On September 17, 2010, General Hospital became the oldest American soap opera following the conclusion of CBS's As the World Turns. It weathered network changes, with ABC's cancellation of All My Children and One Life to Live, ultimately making General Hospital the last remaining soap opera on the network after January 13, 2012.
The show celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2013, and achieved the remarkable milestone of airing its 15,000th episode on June 22, 2022, solidifying its legacy in the realm of daytime television.
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Who is John on General Hospital?
John "Jagger" Cates, a character on General Hospital, returned to Port Charles in February 2024 with a new face and under the portrayal of actor Adam Harrington. Originally played by Antonio Sabato, Jr. from 1992 to 1995, Jagger was reintroduced to viewers during the GH spinoff NIGHT SHIFT in 2008. Jagger's past includes a tumultuous journey, from his involvement in a robbery to his romance with Karen Wexler, which ultimately led to their marriage and departure from Port Charles to start a new life in San Francisco.
In his earlier storylines, Jagger faced challenges such as the island encounter with Karen and Jason Quartermaine, leading to a traumatic event involving Cal Atkins. Jagger's relationships with Karen and Brenda Barrett brought additional drama to his life. Over the years, he evolved from a former thug to a police officer, showcasing character growth.
Jagger's return in 2024 revealed him as a father, advocating for his son Stone, who is on the autism spectrum, and reconnecting with familiar faces in Port Charles, including Anna Devane.
In 2024, Jagger's presence in Port Charles brought new developments, including interactions with Carly Spencer and insights into his son Leo's needs. Jagger's history of overcoming challenges and evolving as a character continues to captivate General Hospital audiences, providing a rich and complex narrative for fans of the long-running soap opera.
Who Plays John on General Hospital?
Adam J. Harrington recast John on General Hospital by replacing former Calvin Klein model Antonio Sabato Jr. Born on November 26, 1972, is a Canadian-American actor and producer best known for his diverse roles in television, film, and video games. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Harrington was raised in the nearby towns of Dundas and Burlington, where he attended Burlington Central High School. Despite earning a master's degree in marine biology, he pursued a career in acting and currently resides in Los Angeles.
Harrington has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry with roles spanning various genres. Notably, he portrayed Roy Earle in the 2011 video game L.A. Noire and Sindri in the 2018 video game God of War, earning a nomination for the British Academy Games Award for Performer in a Supporting Role for his work in the latter. His film debut was in Sanctimony, and he has appeared in television series such as Supernatural, The Secret Circle, Queer as Folk, Dexter, and Bosch.
To avoid confusion with another actor sharing his name, Harrington professionally uses his middle initial, hence going by "Adam J. Harrington." In February 2024, he joined the cast of General Hospital, taking on the role of John "Jagger" Cates, a character originally played by Antonio Sabato Jr. This addition to the long-running soap opera marked a new chapter in Harrington's career, showcasing his versatility as an actor across various mediums.
General Hospital Plot
The plotline of General Hospital unfolds within the fictional town of Port Charles, New York, a setting that has been a central backdrop since the series' inception in 1963. Port Charles exists in the same fictional universe as other soap opera settings like Llanview (One Life to Live), Pine Valley (All My Children), New York City (Ryan's Hope), and Corinth (Loving), creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
At the heart of Port Charles is General Hospital, a major medical facility founded by the esteemed Dr. Steve Hardy. It is one of the city's largest employers and boasts a prominent place on the East Coast's medical landscape.
Over the years, the hospital has played a pivotal role in the lives of the show's characters, serving as the backdrop for numerous medical dramas, romances, and conflicts. Notable contributions to the hospital include wings dedicated to AIDS research, pediatric centers, and a fire that led to a reconstruction funded by the Quartermaine family.
The Metro Court, a prominent hotel in Port Charles, is another key location in the series. Initially built by Jasper Jacks, the hotel stands on the site of the Port Charles Hotel, which was destroyed in a fire in 2004. Carly Corinthos becomes a business partner with Jax, and later with Kate Howard, leading to the hotel's expansion and prominence in the city's social scene.
Kelly's Diner, founded by Joe "Paddy" Kelly, is a vintage restaurant situated in the heart of Port Charles. It is a cherished establishment known for its nostalgic charm and boarding rooms upstairs, which have housed various residents and guests over the years. The diner's ownership passes through several hands, with Bobbie Spencer and Luke Spencer eventually taking over its operation.
The Haunted Star, a yacht turned casino and nightclub, has been owned by several characters, including Luke Spencer and his daughter Lulu Spencer. The vessel has undergone various transformations throughout the series, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of Port Charles.
The Floating Rib, a bar located near General Hospital, has been a popular nightlife destination for Port Charles residents. It has changed ownership over the years, with characters like Coleman Ratcliffe and Mac Scorpio taking the helm. A tragic event in 2020 resulted in a bomb destroying the associated fine dining restaurant of the same name.
General Hospital weaves together the lives, relationships, and dramas of its diverse cast of characters against the backdrop of these iconic Port Charles locations. The show's enduring appeal lies in its ability to combine medical, romantic, and interpersonal storylines, creating a captivating narrative that has kept viewers engaged for decades.
General Hospital Cast
Tabyana Ali
Trina Robinson
Tajh Bellow
TJ Ashford
Maurice Benard
Sonny Corinthos
Nicholas Chavez
Spencer Cassadine
Chad Duell
Michael Corinthos
Michael Easton
John McBain
Stephen Clay
Silas Clay
Hamilton Finn
Jane Elliot
Tracy Quartermaine
Genie Francis
Laura Collins
Robert Gossett
Marshall Ashford
Nancy Lee Grahn
Alexis Davis
Lexie
Tanisha Harper
Jordan Ashford
Gregory Harrison
Gregory Chase
Rebecca Herbst
Elizabeth Webber-Baldwin
Jessie Brewer
Evan Hofer
Dex Heller
Roger Howarth
Todd Manning
Franco Baldwin
Drew Cain
Austin Gatlin-Holt
Finola Hughes
Anna Devane
Liesl Obrecht
Alex Marick
Alice
Holly Sutton
Felicia Scorpio
Josh Kelly
Cody Bell
Brook Kerr
Portia Robinson
Priscilla Johnson
Katelyn MacMullen
Willow Tait
Kate Mansi
Kristina Davis
Cameron Mathison
Drew Cain
Sofia Mattsson
Sasha Gilmore
Eden McCoy
Josslyn Jacks
Carly Corinthos
Kelly Monaco
Sam McCall
Alicia Montenegro
Avery Kristen Pohl
Esme Prince
Amanda Setton
Brook Lynn Quartermaine
Kirsten Storms
Maxie Jones
B.J. Jones
Josh Swickard
Harrison Chase
Donnell Turner
Curtis Ashford
Kristina Wagner
Felicia Jones
Cynthia Watros
Nina Reeves
Virginia Benson
Maura West
Ava Jerome
Ada Hooke
Laura Wright
Carly Spencer
Lena Spencer
Beatrice Eckert
Dominic Zamprogna
Dante Falconeri
Cast
Character
General Hospital Overview
Specifications
Details
Title
General Hospital
Genre
Soap Opera
Created by
Frank & Doris Hursley
Written by
Dan O'Connor, Chris Van Etten
Directed by
Larry Carpenter, Tina Keller, William Ludel, Gary Tomlin,
Frank Valentini, Denise Van Cleave, Phideaux Xavier
Theme music composer
Jack Urbont, Paul Glass, Steve Hopkins
Country of origin
United States
Original language
English
No. of episodes
15,000
Executive producers
Frank Valentini (2012–present) and others
Production locations
The Prospect Studios, Los Angeles, California
Camera setup
Multi-camera
Running time
30 minutes (1963–1976), 45 minutes (1976–1978), 60 minutes (1978–present)
Production companies
Selmur Productions (1963–1968), ABC Signature (1985–present)
Network
ABC
Release
April 1, 1963 – present
Where to Watch General Hospital?
If you're eager to catch up on General Hospital or don't want to miss any new episodes, there are several convenient options available: ABC offers a free live-streaming spotlight service where you can watch General Hospital at all hours on their official website, abc.com. New episodes of the soap opera are typically available on Hulu after they air. This is a great option if you miss an episode during its broadcast.
You can find the entire series of General Hospital on Amazon Prime Video, allowing you to binge-watch past episodes at your convenience. General Hospital may also be available on other streaming platforms, so it's worth checking your preferred streaming service to see if it's offered.
For dedicated fans looking for a more traditional viewing experience, you can consider purchasing the standard box set DVDs of General Hospital, which provide a physical collection of episodes for your enjoyment. With these options, you can easily stay up-to-date with the drama and intrigue of Port Charles and enjoy General Hospital according to your schedule and preferences.
Who is John on General Hospital - FAQs
John, also known as Jagger Cates, is a character on the popular American soap opera General Hospital. Originally portrayed by Antonio Sabato Jr., the role was later taken on by Adam J. Harrington in February 2024.
Jagger Cates first appeared in 1992 as a member of a group of thugs involved in a robbery. Over the years, he evolved from a troubled past, including a romance with Karen Wexler and a marriage, to becoming a police officer. His return in 2024 revealed him as a father advocating for his son Stone, who is on the autism spectrum.
John's character has been involved in various dramatic storylines, including an island encounter with Karen and Jason Quartermaine, a traumatic event with Cal Atkins, and a romantic entanglement with Brenda Barrett. His return in 2024 also explores his relationships in Port Charles and his son's challenges.
John has significant connections with characters like Karen Wexler, Jason Quartermaine, and Brenda Barrett. His familial ties include being the brother of Mike "Stone" Cates. In the recent storyline, he interacts with familiar faces like Carly Spencer and Olivia Quartermaine.
Adam J. Harrington took on the role of John "Jagger" Cates in 2024, bringing his acting skills and versatility to the character's portrayal. Harrington is known for his roles in various television shows, films, and video games, adding a new dimension to the character's storyline in General Hospital.