Losing a Beloved Character: Remembering Michael “Stone” Cates

While Michael Sutton was only on General Hospital for two years, his character made an incredible impact.

His strength and courage touched us, as did his love for Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough). Let’s revisit his life and death, as well as the lessons he taught his fellow Port Charles characters – and us.

In the Beginning
In 1993, Michael “Stone” Cates (Michael Sutton) showed up on the Port Charles canvas as a savior to Karen Wexler, helping her after someone had slipped ecstasy in her drink. We learned that his brother Jagger (Karen’s boyfriend) and sister Gina were raised separately from him after their parents died years earlier. Stone was living with the owner of the Paradise Lounge, mobster, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard), who was his mentor. Jagger (Antonio Sabato Jr.) wanted to find his brother and did with the help of Brenda Barrett (Vanessa Marcil).

Finding Love
Stone met Robin Scorpio and the two began dating, much to the chagrin of her Uncle Mac. He tried to warn Stone off, not wanting the ‘hoodlum’ around his precious niece, since he was her guardian. Of course, they didn’t listen. When Stone got the flu, Robin helped him through it. He told her he’d been tested for HIV, and it was negative, so the two made love. Mac was angry when Robin told him, but soon realized he needed to let her grow up.

Beginning of the End
Stone couldn’t get over the flu soon retested for HIV. After learning he was positive, it devastated him, and he wasn’t sure how he was going to tell Robin. After a hit was put out on them (along with other characters), Stone was shot and his blood spilled on Robin. He tried to wipe her clean, but then ran off. She found him at the hotel where they first made love and he confessed.

Positively Devastating
They both got tested again, and while Robin was negative, Stone now had AIDS. He started drug therapy, and Robin had to tell Mac. Though angry at the situation, Mac grew to care about Stone too. A few months later, Robin retested, and confirmed that she was now HIV-positive. She helped Stone as his condition worsened and he became blind.

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Their situation took a toll on those closest to them. In addition to Mac, Sonny was shattered and Brenda broke down. As the end neared, it was just Robin and Stone together. He asked her to stand near the window. For a brief moment, he was able to see her again. He then passed away.

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