Exclusive Interview: General Hospital’s Vernee Watson On Life

General Hospital star Vernee Watson has wowed fans as Curtis’s aunt, Stella, and has done so on and off since her Port Charles debut back in 2017. She is pulling double duty, also appearing on the primetime show Bob Hearts Abishola. But she took the time to check in with her Soap Hub fans.

Vernee Watson Talks About Life

How did you deal with the quarantine in general?
Well, my daughter says that I have never quarantined myself. I have a studio that I manage and thank God I have had that space to go to. And I’m down there by myself most of the time. I teach acting, so this studio is in North Hollywood. So I renovated it and I hang out down there. I teach my classes on Zoom there.

You must feel lucky that you were able to have the Zoom classes?
Oh yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. And the kids were happy too. Because we had locked into them and then they had to leave. I was able to continue working with them, as hard as it was. And we actually put a virtual showcase together. We edit it all together from the Zoom classes and they did scenes and monologues and commercials and dance routines. Because we teach them singing, acting, and dancing. So we kept them busy.

What have you learned about yourself during this time?
I have a strong faith and I’m not afraid of work or change.

If you were stuck listening to one CD over and over, who would it be?
Well, right now I’m listening to Hamilton like crazy.

Had you seen it on Broadway or in L.A. or you just now saw it on TV?
I saw it in L.A., and I had the music before I saw it though. So I learned the whole show before I went to see it. And then I’ve been watching it on Disney+.

Oh, so you jumped right in?
Yes, I did. And I also like Sam Cooke and Luther Vandross.

Good music. Are you a good cook?
Yes, and I’ve missed that. Cooking and people, that’s one thing I do miss.

That is one of your social things?
Yeah. Having the cookouts, yes!

And what is your specialty?
Oh, I cook it all. I mean, mac and cheese is a specialty. Everybody wants me to bring the mac and cheese to every dinner. And my greens are good too, all kinds of things. Let’s see, I make fried chicken, barbecue chicken, I make good turkey, I make really good meatloaf. I cook. I mean, what can I say? I’m the cook!

What book are you reading right now?
Well, I read the Bible every day.

I’m sure you inspire your students, the kids you work with. For other people who aren’t actors, what are some inspiring words from Vernee Watson?
This may not be politically correct, but they should just remember that God is in charge and He’s going to take care of us. We got to keep our faith strong and be kind to each other and be patient. Be thankful for what you do have and not worry about what you don’t have. And if you are alive right now, you got a lot to be thankful for and a roof over your head. So that’s what I have to say.