Chloe Lanier was excellent as Nelle Benson on General Hospital, and it’s likely she’ll be just as good in the role she’s set to play in an upcoming Lifetime movie. This time, though, she’s leaving the villainess behind and stepping into the shoes of a real-life survivor—Mary Jo Buttafuoco.
Key Takeaways
- Chloe Lanier stars in a new Lifetime movie.
- A departure from villainy.
- Part of Lifetime’s I Am series.
- Mary Jo Buttafuoco’s involvement.
- Lanier’s GH legacy still resonates.
Lanier Headlines New Lifetime Movie
Lanier is headed to the small screen once again. After knocking it out of the park as villain Nelle Benson on ABC’s GH, she is taking on a role in a Lifetime movie.
Instead of playing the villain, Lanier was cast in the titular role. She will portray Mary Jo Buttafuoco in the upcoming film, I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco. The story is told from Buttafuoco’s point of view, with her serving as the narrator and executive producer of the Lifetime movie.
Deadline reports the news, revealing that Lanier snagged the role of Buttafuoco.
The movie comes as part of the I am series for the network, offering up “why the Buttafuocos remained married for seven years after the shooting, the lasting physical and emotional impact of the bullet that remains lodged in her head, and how she has found resilience and peace amid unimaginable trauma.”
Buttafuoco’s story reached the entire country as she was shot in the face by the “Long Island Lolita” after answering her door. The situation was much more complicated than that, which will be part of what is shown with Lanier in the role.
Nelle On GH
Playing Nelle on GH brought Lanier to the forefront of the daytime world for everyone to see. She took on the role and all the facets of the character’s personality.
She brought Nelle to life and made it so that viewers loved to hate her. The twin twist with Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) was interesting, especially because both women had children with Michael (Rory Gibson).
Nelle went over the edge, despite Carly (Laura Wright) attempting to save her. Unfortunately, Nina (Cynthia Watros) didn’t buy it and still holds her responsible for her daughter’s death.
While Nelle was identified after she “died” from the cliff fall in 2020, Lanier returned to GH at least once in a dream since. However, there is still some speculation that she could return down the road.
I am Mary Jo Buffafuoco airs Friday, January 17, 2026, at 8/7c on Lifetime.
