The Real Reason Jonathan Jackson Returned To General Hospital

Many actors leave General Hospital for various reasons, and their fans are always clamoring for their return. The viewers were thrilled when they finally got their wish, and Jonathan Jackson agreed to reprise his fan-favorite role of Lucky. After leaving in 2011 and returning briefly in 2015 for the memorial of his on-screen dad, Luke (Anthony Geary), Jackson had some interesting things to say about why he finally returned.

Genie Francis Was A Major Factor

Jackson has been busy making a splash on the hit show Nashville and pursuing his music career since his GH exit. Having started there at age 11 and even meeting his wife Lisa Vultaggio (ex-Hannah Scott) there, he said to Entertainment Tonight, “The show means so much to me on so many levels,” so returning to where it all began for him makes total sense. (Check out Jackson’s road from soaps to Nashville.)

“There are not many experiences in this business where you get to come back to familiar sets,” he marveled, adding that, “It’s been amazing.” He grew up with Geary and Francis (Laura) as his TV parents, and while filming his new scenes, he noted, “I feel, you know, Tony Geary with me a lot.” As Geary is with him in spirit, Jackson revealed the reason he finally returned, stating, “He’s with me in every scene that I do, and I feel that way about Genie as well. Her being here was a huge part of wanting to come back.” 

Owes A Lot To Luke And Laura

With TV parents who saved the world, Lucky’s also making a difference. First, he was a cop, and now he’s a mercenary who rescues doctors trapped in dangerous situations. As he preps his scenes and channels his inner Luke, he reflected on Geary and Francis’ influence on him, gushing, “Working with Tony and Genie, they protected me. Mentored me.” 

Admitting that he owes a lot to them, he remarked, “I just have an incredible debt of love to them, and so I hope that whatever we do now…I’m always hoping that I can kind of make them proud.” (Find out who else Jackson credited for his return!)

We’re excited to see what happens with Lucky next.