GH Star Kin Shriner Begins 45th Year As Scotty Baldwin

Scotty Baldwin is the longest continuing character currently airing on daytime television. The character was played by Family Affair star Johnny Whitaker (Jody Davis) in 1965. Kin Shriner took over the role in 1977 and has played him on and off ever since. Now, Shriner’s celebrating an important anniversary as Scott.

Kin Shriner Looks Back On 44 Years As Scotty

“I drove on the lot 44 years ago today,” Shriner shared in a video posted to his Twitter account. The actor was in his car and a song can be heard playing, a tune steeped in GH history — Herb Alpert’s song “Rise,” which is the song Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) played at the disco on that fateful night (October 5, 1979, to be exact) with Laura Webber Baldwin (Genie Francis). “Uh-oh, what is this song? This is not a good song.

“Anyway,” Shriner continued, “I’m working tomorrow so, I guess I’m headed to 45. Thank you General Hospital fans for keeping Scotty going!”

Shriner’s fans chimed in on his Tweet with supportive responses and congratulatory messages. “Been watching Scott since day one!!!” posted @Libitna. Added @wenderst, “Been watching since 79. A day with Scotty on is a great day.”

Scotty’s TV daughter-in-law Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber Baldwin) posted, “And a huge congrats to my friend, @kinshriner for #44 years on #GH ..talk about impressive! Thank you for always bringing adventure when we work together, Kin #44thAnniversary …just, wow.”

“Thanks @RebeccaLHerbst u know u are my favorite and congrats to u for 24 years @GeneralHospital,” Kin Shriner responded.

How Shriner Helped Make GH No. 1

As veteran GH fans recall, it was Scotty and Laura Webber’s (Genie Francis) young love storyline that played an instrumental role in propelling GH, which was in danger of cancellation, to the top of the ratings. Bobbie Spencer’s (Jacklyn Zeman) obsession with marrying Scotty and sending Laura off to reform school energized GH.

Kin Shriner has left GH a few times over the years. He quit the show in 1980 to join GH’s timeslot competitor series Texas on NBC as Jeb Hawkins. GH lured him back to the show a year later just in time for Scott (he had dropped the “y” at this point) to catch the bouquet at Luke and Laura’s wedding.

In 1997, Shriner left GH to help headline spinoff series Port Charles, which aired until 2003. Shriner later returned to GH and continues on in the role today. Recently, he’s been paired on-screen with Kathleen Gati’s Dr. Liesl Obrecht. Gati recently celebrated her ninth anniversary with GH.

Soap Hub congratulates Kin Shriner on 44 years of playing Scott Baldwin. 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.