General Hospital Receives An Amazing Honor

Five scripted television programs have been selected to receive the Seal of Authentic Representation by the Ruderman Family Foundation and General Hospital is among them.

According to a story first published by The Hollywood Reporter, the honor being bestowed by the Ruderman Family Foundation is one in recognition for the accurate depiction of people with disabilities.

A statement, given by the foundation’s president, Jay Ruderman, reads in part, “Given our belief that inclusion and understanding of all people is essential to a fair and flourishing society, the Foundation’s Seal of Authentic Representation is a simple, yet crucial and indispensable affirmation of those in the entertainment industry who put these values into action.”

General Hospital earned its spot on the honorees’ list for the hiring of Maysoon Zayid, a Muslim actress, comedian, and disability advocate with cerebral palsy.

In response to the accolade, executive producer Frank Valentini said: “Our goal has always been to provide stories that are authentic and relatable for our viewers. Having the opportunity to welcome Maysoon Zayid onto the show was exciting for us.

“She is an incredible talent and was a perfect fit to guest-star as Zahra Amir. It takes all kinds of people to tell a story; especially those that are rich and entertaining enough to resonate with our audience.”

Zayid appeared in multiple episodes of GH earlies this year — making her debut on June 21 — as legal counsel to David Henry Archer AKA Shiloh. The part was a literal dream come true for the actress who seemingly willed it into existence as evidenced by the fact that one year prior she revealed in a New York Times interview that she had always wanted to appear on the soap.

Alongside the medical sudser were fellow honorees Tales of the City, Raising Dion, Years and Years, and Loudermilk. General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.