General Hospital 45th Anniversary On Set Celebration For Genie Francis

General Hospital held a party on set to mark the 45th anniversary of the February 8, 1977 debut of Genie Francis as Laura in Port Charles. Her co-stars honored the legendary star with tributes.

Celebrating Genie Francis

Having joined the fledgling ABC soap as a teen, her story helped to catapult the show to first place in the ratings, saving it from cancellation. From fellow actors who worked with her back then to the teens of today, there were plenty who paid tribute on social media to Francis.

Executive producer Frank Valentini wrote, “Please join me in wishing the indelible, ⁦[Daytime Emmys]⁩ Award Winner, ⁦[Genie Francis]⁩ a Happy 45th Anniversary. Port Charles would not be the same without her or the legacy of Laura Collins.”

One of her first onscreen partners, Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) shared a throwback image of them on skates saying, “Congrats to [Genie Francis] on 45 years. I did teach her to roller skate !!!!” and onscreen son, Marcus Coloma (Nikolas Cassadine) wrote, “congrats!!! What an incredible milestone!!! Love working with you.”

Eden McCoy (Josslyn Jacks) sent Francis her love, Sydney Mikayla (Trina Robinson) sent a heart emoji), and Avery Kristen Pohl, whose character Esme Prince lives with Laura and Kevin wrote, “Happy 45th Anniversary to the amazing [Genie Francis] who may just be one of the kindest, most professional, and hardest working person I’ve ever met!!! Really an honor to get to watch you work.”

“HAPPY ANNIVERSARY GENIE!” wrote Lynn Herring (Lucy Coe). “I am so fortunate to work with you Heart exclamation and this amazing [General Hospital] cast and crew! Thank you for paving the way & 4 all you have done for Daytime Television!!”

Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) wrote, “Cheers to my sweet friend [Genie Francis] on her magnificent 45th [General Hospital] anniversary, and for letting me lust after her husband [Jonathan Frakes]. Love you both!”

Even her onscreen nemesis, Charles Shaughnessy (Victor Cassadine), adores her, writing, “So happy and honored to celebrate this special milestone in the career of one of our finest!”

Genie Francis herself wanted to express her appreciation to the show and execs for the special celebration. She sent out a tweet saying, “Thank you [Frank Valentini] and [General Hospital] for remembering! It doesn’t feel like forty-five years. Hard to believe. I am truly blessed.”

General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Port Charles, check out all the latest that’s been posted on GH spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.