Laura Wright has accomplished quite a feat as Carly on General Hospital. She recently celebrated 20 years in the role, after becoming the fourth actress to embody the vengeful spitfire introduced in 1996.
Key Takeaways
- Laura Wright marks 20 years as Carly Corinthos.
- Two decades of iconic storylines.
- From schemer to matriarch.
- Complex web of relationships.
- Award-winning legacy.
20 Years as Carly
Wright debuted on GH in 2005, during November Sweeps. It was during the train collision that she was revealed as the new Carly. Wright took over the role from Jennifer Bransford, who lasted only briefly after she didn’t resonate with fans.
Over the years, Carly has been central to nearly every storyline over the last two decades. Wright is one of the leading ladies on the hit ABC soap, often entangled with the dangerous men in Port Charles. From Carly’s marriages to Sonny (Maurice Benard) to her fierce desire to protect her children, there has been quite an evolution over the last 20 years.
Despite being nominated for eight Daytime Emmy Awards, Wright has won only once, in 2011. Of the eight nominations, seven have been in the Lead Actress category, including her nod this year.
Wright’s Storylines and Relationships as Carly
Over the years, several major storylines have featured Carly as a key player. One of the most notable was her reaction and the aftermath of Morgan’s (Bryan Craig) death. She had been used to the violence Sonny’s lifestyle carried, but she wasn’t ready for what it would cost her.
One of the most recent arcs that highlighted Wright in the role of Carly was the “loss” of Sonny when he disappeared and ended up in Nixon Falls as Mike. No one knew where Sonny was, which led Carly to have to make decisions about the business, which included a marriage to Jason (Steve Burton). Nina (Cynthia Watros) discovered Sonny living as Mike and fell in love with him, further complicating things.
In what is probably the most transformative arc, Wright was able to carry Carly from a schemer and opportunist to a businesswoman and full matriarch of the family following the loss of her mom, Bobbie (Jacklyn Zeman). Carly blew into town for revenge on the mother who gave her up, only to end up loving her more than she could have ever imagined.
Carly’s back-and-forth relationship with Sonny is one of the most important anchors in the character. They have been married and divorced multiple times, sharing two biological children — Morgan and Donna (Scarlett Spears). Their nontraditional family worked until it didn’t, and now, the two have remained apart.
And finally, Carly’s relationship with Jason continues. Over the last 20 years, things have evolved, and these two continue to support each other. However, there are points of contention, especially regarding Britt (Kelly Thiebaud).
What are some of your favorite Laura Wright Carly moments over the years?
