After spending decades as an actor, James DePaiva made the transition to a career behind the camera, and aside from a short-lived — though pivotal — stint on General Hospital he hasn’t returned to the performing arts world. However, he certainly has a reason to celebrate.
Happy Birthday, James DePaiva
That’s because he was born on October 8, 1957, in Livermore, California, which means that this talented performer is turning 66 years old today! After spending many years as a professional musician, playing bass in many bands including Livewire, DePaiva finally made the decision to pursue his first love — acting.
He joined a repertory theater company based in Solvang, California and after several months there he acquired an agent and made the move to Los Angeles. In 1984, he landed a bit part on General Hospital as a waiter but the role was subsequently beefed up and he shared scenes with Emma Samms (ex-Holly).
In 1987, DePaiva was hired at another ABC daytime drama — One Life to Live — where he played the roguish Max Holden. The character was initially introduced as a spoiler for popular supercouple Tina and Cord but Max was later paired successfully in two other love stories — first with Gabrielle Medina and later with Luna Moody.
DePaiva stayed at the soap until his exit in 1990 but he returned for a second stint that would last from 1991 to 2003. His last appearance would be a guest spot in 2007. After departing OLTL, DePaiva returned to helm future installments as a director and he did the same for CBS’ As the World Turns.
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In 2017, DePaiva returned to the acting world when he joined the cast of General Hospital in the recurring role of Dr. David Bensch who would be tried for sexually harassing a student in a “ripped from the headlines” plot.
DePaiva is married to fellow OLTL alum Kassie Wesley DePaiva (Blair Cramer, GH, ex-Eve, Days of our Lives). Together the couple has one son — James Quentin (J.Q.) — who was born hearing impaired and subsequently fitted with a cochlear implant. J.Q. followed in his parent’s footsteps when he joined an ABC soap opera — All My Children — for a small guest appearance.
Soap Hub wishes the veteran soap actor a happy birthday and many more.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. For an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.
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