General Hospital’s Andrew Hawkes knew Cullum was probably not long for Port Charles. The corrupt WSB agent had lied, killed, schemed, and generally behaved like a man allergic to consequences. Still, Hawkes said he did not get the real clue about Cullum’s death from a script first. He got it from wardrobe.
Key Takeaways:
- Hawkes learned Cullum was being killed off during a suit fitting as wardrobe was sewing blood squibs into his suit for Cullum’s death scene.
- EP Frank Valentini later confirmed the date of Hawkes’ final day.
- Hawkes loved having John Oliver on set as Z.
- Hawkes thanked Valentini and casting for giving him the role.
- Valentini called Hawkes the perfect bad guy.
Cullum’s Fate Was in the Suit
Hawkes spoke to Soap Opera Digest about how he learned Cullum was headed for his fatal GH exit. “I found out because I was brought in for a suit fitting,” he said. “When I came in, they were sewing in squibs.” That is one way to find out your character’s day is about to include bullets and fake blood.
The official word came later. Hawkes said executive producer Frank Valentini asked if he knew what was happening, then confirmed the date of his final day. “It’s happening on the 18th of May,” Valentini told him. By then, the wardrobe department had already done the less subtle version with tailoring and doom pouches.
His last day also included John Oliver filming Z’s entrance, which made the whole exit even stranger and better. Hawkes said, “I thought there was nobody cooler than John Oliver to come in and play Z.” He called it another great experience GH gave him.
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Hawkes Left With Gratitude
After Josslyn (Eden McCoy) shot Cullum, Hawkes said he felt relieved. “Okay, they put a bullet in me, and now I’m done for the day!” he recalled. He still had to lie there dead for more scenes, but his mind went to the people who made the experience meaningful.
Once he wrapped, Hawkes went straight to Valentini to thank him. He also mentioned casting directors Mark Teschner and Lisa Booth, who helped give him the role. Hawkes knew GH could have picked a bigger name, but they chose him, and that meant a great deal.
Valentini returned the praise through Digest. “We love Andrew,” he said. “He has been the perfect bad guy, and we wish him nothing but the best.” Cullum may have gone out with a bullet, but Hawkes left with good memories, good friends, and one very memorable suit fitting.
