The Real Reason Why Giovanni Mazza Surprised General Hospital’s Tabyana Ali

General Hospital newcomer Giovanni Mazza’s character, Gio, has easily fit right in with everyone in Port Charles, making friends with Josslyn and Trina almost immediately. As it seems the show is setting the scene for a possible romance between him and Trina, her portrayer, Tabyana Ali, opened up about her expectations when he first joined the cast.

She Expected Him to be Introverted

Ali recently told Soap Opera Digest about how she and Mazza rehearsed their initial scenes away from the studio and started developing a real-world friendship. But the accomplished violinist wasn’t exactly what she was anticipating when she knew she’d be scene partners with him. “I don’t know why I thought he might have been a quiet, stoic, mysterious guy,” she stated, adding, “but he’s more like a happy, cheerful, ‘let’s dance and sing!’ kind of guy. I appreciate that so much.” (Learn about the cute connection between Mazza and Ali.)

Mazza, who’s been playing the violin since he was three years old, first appeared as Gio when the character was tapped to provide the music for Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) wedding. From there, he took up residence at the Quartermaine mansion and helped get Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Trina an apartment on the estate. Although quiet at first, it was clear that Gio was outgoing and fun.

A Natural

Ali continued explaining that she could see the “spark” of talent that he exuded and predicted he would have a great career path ahead of him. She also praised his acting skill, which seemed to come easily for him, further explaining, “I think that’s one thing that everybody [at the show] agreed on when we first saw him in person, that he’s so natural and so real.” She marveled so much at his innate abilities that she thought perhaps a magician made him suddenly appear.

Her delight that he was more extroverted than she expected was evident, and it even translates on screen when the two are together, making it easy to see them as a pairing. Considering how through the roof Trina’s relationship with the late Spencer (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) was with fans, it’ll be hard to get lighting to strike twice. But Gio and Trina could make a cute couple and perhaps be poised for something greater. (Find out how Trina coped with Spencer’s death.)