Rachel Ames has the distinction of being the longest-running performer on ABC Daytime's longest-running daytime drama. She joined "General Hospital" on February 23, 1964 -- less than a year after the program's first airdate. She has been nominated three times for an Emmy Award as Best Actress in a Daytime Drama.  Ms. Ames was introduced to the performing arts by her parents, Dorothy Adams and the late Byron Foulger, both well-known motion picture and television actors.  A native of Portland, Oregon, Ms. Ames moved with her family to Los Angeles, where she attended University High School and UCLA.  Rachel made her acting debut in the annual Pilgrimage play in 1949. She then performed with her parents in a production of One Foot in Heaven at the renowned Pasadena Playhouse. There she also did Broadway Jones, The Circle and King of Hearts. Her other West Coast theater credits include Cradle Song with her father, The Immoralist, Chanticleer, Mary Rose, Golden Boy and The Human Voice. A few years ago, she co-produced and co-starred in Pieces of Time with fellow General Hospital actors Peter Hansen and Susan Brown

Réal Andrews originated the role of Marcus Taggert in November of 1996. Tenacious and driven, Detective Marcus Taggert is determined to serve justice at any cost. Born and raised in North Vancouver, Canada, Andrews became a champion track runner at the young age of 10. Sidelined by a hamstring injury, Réal then turned his athleticism into a job as a stuntman. After finding success in front of the cameras in Canada, Réal decided to try his luck in Los Angeles. He quickly added such television series as Nash Bridges, China Beach and Highlander to his list of credits. Before joining General Hospital, Andrews also completed roles in the films, Born on the Fourth of July with Tom Cruise and Rocky V with Sylvester Stallone. He briefly left the role of Taggert in 1997 to star in the syndicated television series, Soldiers of Fortune. He returned in 1998 to resume the role of the tough-as-nails detective on General Hospital.  Andrews was recently married and resides in Los Angeles. In his free time he enjoys weight-lifting, Tai Kwon Do, fishing, and working on his growing car collection.

Complex, confident and wise, Sonny Corinthos has taken his hard-earned experience as a street hustler and transformed himself into one of the most powerful figures in Port Charles. Actor Maurice Benard brings his own deeply personal experiences to the portrayal of Sonny by adding color, menace and seduction to an already intricate character. He first appeared in the role on August 13, 1993 and recently returned to General Hospital in December of 1998 after a year-long hiatus.  "This role is what I do best," Benard explains. "Sonny is unpredictable. You never know from one second to the next what he is thinking, feeling, or planning. For his portrayal, Benard received a 1997 Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Series. He also received an Emmy nomination in 1996 for Outstanding Lead Actor. During the same year, Benard received the Outstanding Lead Actor trophy at the nationally televised Soap Opera Awards ceremony.  Benard's multi-cultural upbringing began in San Francisco, where he was born to parents from Nicaragua and San Salvador. Uninspired by the traditional education route, Maurice gleaned an education in the open job market after high school. 

My character is scrappy, tenacious and quick-thinking," explains actress Sarah Brown. "But all of Carly's energies are put to use to cover her deeply rooted fear of being hurt by the people she meets." This role is one Sarah feels destined to play. TV Guide commented that Sarah's portrayal ranks her as one of the "finest young actors of '96." In May 1998, Sarah won her second consecutive Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series, and was nominated for the third time in that category in May, 1999. She also received an award as Outstanding Younger Actress at the nationally televised Soap Opera Awards in February 1998. Her first airdate on General Hospital was April 8, 1996. Born in Eureka, California, Sarah had an eclectic, nomadic upbringing, living -- in various combinations -- with her mother, father and two siblings in cities throughout California. "I went to 13 different schools before I graduated from high school. It was the best education possible," Sarah confides. In Los Angeles, Sarah was a student at Santa Monica College when she was chosen as a series regular for the popular V.R. Troopers children's series. "I got the job on my 19th birthday. What a gift!," she enthuses. Other television credits include Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, The New Power Rangers Zeo, Lifeguard and Sweet Valley High. Theatrically, Sarah has recently been seen in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Antigone, and a new drama titled Desperate Land. In feature films, Sarah starred in The Heist, Permanent Solution and Merely Players. Active in many endeavors, Sarah spends her free time reading, writing, playing guitar, painting and directing. She is also active in raising funds for AIDS awareness and support.

Versatile actor Steve Burton brings an innocent vulnerability to the fiercely intense Jason Morgan, the youngest son of Dr. Alan Quartermaine (Stuart Damon), on General Hospital. Although born to the Quartermaine family, a near-fatal accident caused Jason to lose his memory. Thus was born Jason Morgan, who would become the leader of organized crime in Port Charles. "The transition from Jason Quartermaine to Jason Morgan has been an incredible experience as an actor, and for that I am grateful," reflects Steve. Steve received his first Emmy in May, 1998, for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He also received an award for Outstanding Supporting Actor at the nationally televised Soap Opera Awards in February, 1998. Steve Burton's background is quite unlike that of Jason Quartermaine. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mr. Burton was raised in the Midwest and attended several different high schools in the nation's heartland before moving with his father to California. Before graduating from Beverly Hills High school, "a world apart from the environment I was accustomed to," he emphasizes, Mr. Burton studied drama and was a member of the school's acclaimed Theatre 40. A very successful career in commercials led to a three-year run on the popular syndicated comedy series, Out of This World, playing the role of Chris Fuller. Mr. Burton made his daytime drama debut in the recurring role of Harris Michaels on Days of Our Lives. A gifted and enthusiastic athlete, Mr. Burton enjoys and excels at virtually any sport, but prefers surfing above them all. Mr. Brown is married and lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Sheree.

The character of Dr. Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital has been brought to vivid life by Leslie Charleson, an actress who has all the grace, wit and charm of her on-screen persona. She joined the cast in August 1977, and remains one of the show's most popular characters.  The four-time Emmy-nominated actress began her television career as a regular on another ABC daytime series, A Time for Us. She also spent two-and-a-half years on the CBS daytime series, Love Is a Many Slandered Thing, where she garnered her first Emmy nomination for the role of Iris Donelly Garrison.  Of all the numerous commercials Leslie has done, she credits Pearl Drops for getting her a part in the movie, Day of the Dolphin, directed by Mike Nichols, in which she co-starred with George C. Scott. Then came a David Merrick play with Tony Curtis called One Night Stand.  After that, Leslie moved to Hollywood and guest-starred on more than twenty TV series, including Adam 12, Barnaby Jones, The Streets of San Francisco, Medical Center, The FBI, Marcus Welby, M.D., Ironside, Kung Fu, Wild Wild West, Emergency, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Cannon and The Rockford Files. It was on Happy Days that Leslie gave Ron Howard his first on-screen kiss. She also co-starred with Deidre Hall in the movie for television, Woman on the Ledge, and most recently made a guest appearance on CBS' Diagnosis Murder.  Leslie is an active celebrity spokesperson for breast cancer, cystic fibrosis and AIDS-related charities. She also proudly owns an Andalusian horse named Andarra that she rides and exhibits.

Suave Stuart Damon's portrayal of the sophisticated but troubled doctor with a sense of humor on one of daytime television's most popular series reflects the unruffled, charming gentleman he is in his personal life. In February, 1997, Mr. Damon received the Outstanding Supporting Actor trophy at the nationally televised Soap Opera Awards ceremony for his portrayal and was nominated for his fifth Emmy Award as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Series. Dr. Quartermaine's drug addiction keeps the actor as busy as ever, as he struggles to portray the fallen doctor with truth and accuracy. Stuart's portrayal of the drug-addicted chief of staff has garnered high praise from the press and from his fans and recently garnered him his first Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor, in May, 1999.  The actor's parents were struggling Russian immigrants who came to America during the Bolshevik Revolution and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where Damon was born. As a child, Stuart loved making his family and others laugh. At age 11, he played the cowardly lion in a production of The Wizard of Oz, and later starred and sang in musical comedies at a summer camp near Danbury, Connecticut.  Stuart attended a private high school, continuing his studies at Brandeis University, where he obtained a B.A. degree in psychology. He was on his way to becoming an attorney, but got sidetracked when his involvement in acting turned into a professional pursuit. He began playing lead roles in summer stock with such stars as Jane Powell and George Gobel. In the next few years, he gained experience in more than 50 musical comedies, washing a few dishes along the way to help with finances.

"Delicate" and "transcendent" are adjectives that have been used to describe Laura Spencer. As portrayed by Genie Francis, Laura has become one of the most beloved characters in daytime television. Ms. Francis returned to General Hospital on October 29, 1993, in this unique role; and in May, 1997, received her first Emmy nomination as Outstanding Lead Actress.  The attractive, blonde Ms. Francis got her start in television on General Hospital as a teenager (following a guest appearance on ABC's primetime series, Family) and literally grew up in the enormously popular role of Laura. The wedding of Laura to Luke Spencer (played by Anthony Geary) in November, 1981, remains the most-watched daytime drama event in the history of television. The fictional couple's romance even garnered a cover story in Newsweek magazine.  In 1981, after five years on General Hospital, Ms. Francis left the show, and returned briefly two years later and again in 1984.  Following her work on General Hospital, Ms. Francis was featured in the television movie, Bare Essence, in 1982. The movie was then developed into a primetime series in which Ms. Francis re-created the starring role of Tyger Hayes. She also co-starred in the hit ABC miniseries, North and South (Books I and II), as the good Southern sister, Brett Main.

As portrayed by Anthony Geary, Luke Spencer was described as the most popular character in soap opera history. One critic said, "Geary's individualism, uniqueness and awesome range is the most notable in daytime (television) history," a statement that is typical of the actor's reviews. He added to his laurels by winning the 1981 Emmy Award as Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series. Mr. Geary brought Luke Spencer back to the viewing audience, and Port Charles, on October 29, 1993, and received his second Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in May, 1999. He was also nominated in 1997 and 1998.  In January, 1991, Mr. Geary returned to General Hospital in the role of Bill Eckert, a cousin of Spencer's, and a man of many, often dark, colors. Mr. Geary was seen on-screen as both Bill Eckert and Luke Spencer as the story progressed until the death of Eckert.  Mr. Geary has come a long way from Coalville, Utah, the small mountain community of 800 where he was born. Tony was a gifted student, attending the University of Utah as a Presidential Award Scholar in theater. Jack Albertson saw Tony perform there, and cast him in The Subject Was Roses. The production, starring Albertson and Martha Scott, toured Hawaii and settled at the Huntington Hartford Theater in Los Angeles, where Tony decided to establish himself. His ensuing musical theater credits comprise a catalogue of classics. A highlight in this period was his co-starring engagement with Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas in Your Show of Shows.

Genuine, intelligent and independent are just a few of the words that can describe Nancy Lee Grahn. The seasoned actress, who arrived at General Hospital in 1996, plays strong and savvy Alexis Davis, a brilliant attorney whose sense of humor has recently come to the forefront. Alexis works to balance life and love, as her relationship with Ned Ashton takes one surprising turn after another.  Grahn grew up in Skokie, Illinois, and makes frequent return trips to visit family members. It was in a Skokie community theater production of Oklahoma that Nancy landed her first role, "the pony on the left that pulled the surrey with the fringe on top." But as Nancy matured, so did her roles.  While attending the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, Nancy had the great fortune to study with Sandy Meisner and Bill Epsen. Nancy went on to land roles in productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Guys and Dolls, Two for the Seesaw and Barefoot in the Park at various repertory theaters across the country, including the Goodman Repertory theater in Chicago and Michigan's Meadowbrook theater.  After she decided to move to Los Angeles, Nancy's television career began to blossom. Her first role was that of Beverly Wilks, Marco Dane's secretary, on the daytime drama, One Life to Live. She went on to win guest-starring roles on such shows as Magnum, P.I., Murder, She Wrote, Babylon V and Diagnosis Murder, among others. She has also played recurring roles on Aaron Spelling's Models Inc. and Melrose Place, as well as Stephen Bochco's Murder One.

From the boards of Broadway to the halls of justice, actress Vanita Harbour finds that much of life is indeed "theater." Portraying District Attorney Dara Jensen presents an opportunity for Ms. Harbour to access the many skills of her professional craft. Her first airdate was March 28, 1996. "Dara is an ambitious, quick-witted woman. Sometimes too," details Ms. Harbour, "she thrives on competition and fiercely follows her dreams."  Ms. Harbour has long followed her dreams. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Vanita knew early on that a performing career was her choice. She attended the Cleveland School of the Arts, studying drama and dance. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and moved immediately to New York City.  Television audiences became familiar with Ms. Harbour in August, 1990, when she joined the cast of One Life to Live as Rika Price. She remained with the series through August, 1991, during which time she fell in love with her co-star, Allan Dean Moore. The couple married in 1993.  Concurrent with her role on the ABC daytime drama, Vanita was seen on Broadway in the rousing musical, Once on This Island. She remained with the musical production after her departure from One Life to Live and took to the road with the national tour. Her other theatrical credits include the lead in Nomathemba at the Steppenwolf Playhouse and Blues in the Night at the Pasadena Playhouse and the Arizona Theatre Company, among others.  Ms. Harbour's television credits include appearances on Dream On, Living Single, Muddling Through and Days of Our Lives.  Vanita enjoys playing the piano and beach walks with her husband. Vanita and her husband live in Los Angeles with the newest addition to their family, son Ezra Brendan. 

Rebecca Herbst originated the role of teenager Elizabeth Webber in August of 1997. While originally misguided and mischievous, Elizabeth learns about friendship and new beginnings in the wake of her greatest loss, the tragic death of young love Lucky Spencer. Becky brings a refreshing flair to the role of Elizabeth.  In February of this year, Rebecca won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Younger Lead Actress. She also received her first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in May, 1999.  At the age of six, Becky told her mother that she wanted to be on television so that she could play with the toys. Since then, she has appeared in over 60 national commercials. She has guest-starred in many television series, including Highway to Heaven, L.A. Law, Beverly Hills, 90210, Step By Step, Boy Meets World, Sister Sister and Days of our Lives; and guest-starred in the recurring role of Kristen on Brotherly Love.  

Family patriarch Edward Quartermaine has dispensed advice on corporate takeovers, hostile acquisitions and various business machinations to his children and employees for more than two decades on General Hospital. Actor John Ingle knows a thing or two about passing on what he's learned in the entertainment field, as well. For three decades Mr. Ingle taught drama before he ever began his successful career as an actor. Mr. Ingle recently received the award for Outstanding Scene Stealer at the nationally televised Soap Opera Awards.  The Quartermaine grandsons are proving that they've learned their lessons well, from whatever the source. John Ingle has been credited as the source for dozens of notable acting careers.  Mr. Ingle founded the performing arts departments at both Hollywood and Beverly Hills High Schools, in 1955 and 1964, respectively. Among his stellar students were Albert Brooks, Nicolas Cage, Richard Dreyfuss, Joanna Gleason, Barbara Hershey, Swoosie Kurtz, Stefanie Powers, David Schwimmer and Jonathan Silverman. John retired from teaching in 1985 and began an acting career the same year. He joined General Hospital in 1993.

Shell decided to become an actress after seeing The Wizard of Oz at age two. Her first appearance came at age nine when she appeared in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, at the Chattanooga, Tennessee, Little Theater. She later appeared in the same theater in The Sound of Music.  Shell came to Los Angeles with her family just before entering junior high school. "At that time," she explains, "I was the world's most outstanding reject, all gangling and quiet," hardly a fitting description for the vivacious, petite actress now. Shell recalls how uncoordinated she felt in gym classes in those days. However, to her amazement, she bettered three California state track records when her class was given a physical fitness test.  When Shell was 14 her mother died. Two years later her father moved back east to accept a position as vice president with a large corporation. Shell and her brother decided to stay in Los Angeles.  Shell's eyes light up as she speaks of her brother. "Fred was a prodigy in classical guitar but now he's the lead singer of a rock group. Since I'm a frustrated singer, I live vicariously through him."  Shell is not unfamiliar with the rock scene. At the tender age of 15 she left school and went to work as a reporter for a magazine specializing in rock 'n' roll. In all her exuberance, Shell is surprisingly business-minded, investing in real estate and the stock market. Additionally, Shell has written a screenplay and a television pilot and plans to one day star in both.

Wallace Kurth brings his intense dark eyes and disarming smile to the role of Ned Ashton, a man truly cut from Quartermaine cloth. Clever, ambitious and indefatigable in his business objectives, his inherited business ferocity took a heavy toll when his beloved wife, Lois, left the confines of the family mansion with their baby daughter to keep her from the family's toxicity.  Daytime viewers know Wally from his four-year run on Days of Our Lives, where he played Justin Kiriakis. Wallace joined General Hospital in 1992. His popularity among viewers is evidenced by being selected in 1996 as the Most Valuable Player on General Hospital" by readers of Soap Opera Update magazine, and nominated as Hottest Male Star by Soap Opera Digest magazine, also in 1996.  Born in Billings, Montana, Wally grew up with a strong interest in acting and music. He put this talent to work in musical theater and songwriting. He has appeared on stage in a variety of works that have been produced from regional theater to the Kennedy Center to Broadway, where he starred as the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance. He has also been active in the Los Angeles Equity waiver theatrical arena where he has worked as an actor and director. He lent his talents to the musical review, Over the Rainbow: The Music of Harold Arlen, and Sondheim: Part 3, an annual STAGE event that benefits AIDS-related services in Los Angeles.  Wally also writes and performs music with his partner, Christian Taylor. Their two albums, Kurth & Taylor and Half & Half, have received critical praise from Billboard magazine. Kurth and Taylor are currently touring the country promoting their new album Nashville.  Wally Kurth and his General Hospital co-star Rena Sofer were married on March 31, 1996 in Big Sky, Montana. The couple live in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles with their baby daughter, Rosabel, and Wally's daughter, Meghann.

Anna Lee was born Joan Boniface Winnifrith on January 2, 1913, in the village of Ightham, Kent, England, where her father was Rector of St. Peter's Church. At the age of 17, Miss Lee began to study with Elsie Fogarty at the famed Central School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The alumni of this academy include Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud. From there she joined the London Repertory Theatre and toured in such plays as The Constant Nymph and Jane Eyre.  In 1935, Miss Lee was signed by Gaumont British and appeared in over a dozen films during the next four years, including King Solomon's Mines (with Paul Robeson), The Camels Are Coming, Passing of the Third Floor Back, Young Man's Fancy, Return to Yesterday and Non-Stop New York. In 1939, she came to the United States to star opposite Ronald Colman in My Life With Caroline. The following year she appeared as Bronwen in the Academy Award-winning How Green Was My Valley, thus beginning an association with the great director John Ford, which would span 25 years and eight pictures.  During World War II, besides starring in Seven Sinners and Flying Tigers (both with John Wayne), Commandos Strike at Dawn (with Paul Muni), Flesh and Fantasy (with Edward G. Robinson and Charles Boyer) and Hangmen Also Die (directed by Fritz Lang); she volunteered for overseas duty with the U.S.O. and entertained Allied troops in North, Central and East Africa, Iran and Sicily, first with Jack Benny and then with Adolphe Menjou. Then, under special orders from General George Patton (who made her an honorary private in the Sixth Army), she spent several months visiting field hospitals throughout the Mediterranean area.

A Martinez has joined the cast of General Hospital in the role of Roy DiLucca, a man long thought dead by the residents of Port Charles, especially Bobbie Spencer who believed that Roy had died in her arms.  A native Californian, Martinez was 12 years old when he made his professional singing debut at the Hollywood Bowl where he won a talent competition.  Later, while attending UCLA, he first appeared in the feature film, Born Wild, followed in quick succession by other films, including The Cowboys (starring John Wayne), Beyond the Limit (starring Michael Caine), Once Upon a Scoundral, Walking the Edge, Joe Panther, and Shoot the Sundown among others.  A believes that his stint as Cruz on the daytime drama Santa Barbara is what really put him on the map. "When I first got Santa Barbara, I had been in the game for a long time without attracting a sizeable audience," admits Martinez. "My experience with Santa Barbara helped me overcome any doubts about the wisdom of pursuing this career. It gave me a sense that I belonged and had something of value to offer."

Stephen Nichols joined the cast of General Hospital as Stefan Cassadine in July, 1996. Nichols brings tremendous intensity and passion to the serious and manipulative Stefan, allowing a tradition of feuding to continue in one of the most memorable storylines of all time -- the Spencers and the Cassadines.  Stephen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and at age eight moved to Dayton, where he graduated from Meadowdale High School. Following graduation, Stephen moved to Los Angeles after passing up an art scholarship to Ohio State University, to join the Self-Realization Fellowship Center with the intention of becoming a monk. Three years later, Stephen turned to acting, and studied at the Los Angeles City College Theater Academy.  After City College, he appeared in numerous stage productions in Los Angeles, performing in such plays as Delirious, The Cage, Love Letters, Death of a Salesman and Pieces of Time. One of his favorite productions was The Lizard King, in which he portrayed Jim Morrison during the last 36 hours of his life. Each of these performances garnered him L.A. Weekly and DramaLogue Awards.

Marisa Ramirez originated the role of Port Charles's newest teenager, Gia Campbell in July 2000. Tough as nails and pretty as a picture, Gia arrives in Port Charles and wastes no time stirring up trouble with Emily Quartermaine and her friends.  Marisa's career began when a Polaroid photo of the then 13-year old landed in the hands of a major Los Angeles modeling agency. Within two years, Marisa was working almost every week as a print model and commercial actress, where she had the opportunity to travel to places such as Singapore, Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong and Italy. The self-professed shy girl began taking acting classes, and began booking guest roles on such television shows as "Days of Our Lives," "The Bold and the Beautiful," and most recently, "Roswell." She also served as host of "Senseless Acts of Video" on MTV.  Marisa lives in the Los Angeles area and enjoys spending free time with her friends and family. "I'm not a party girl," explains the mature 22-year old young actress. "I like baking cookies and playing dominoes."

Smart, sensitive, and charming, Coltin Scott embodies the attributes that make Nikolas Cassadine a beloved character on "General Hospital." Coltin took over the already established role in July of 1999, with seamless grace.  Coltin's story is a true Hollywood fairytale. After a knee injury prevented him from pursuing a professional career in soccer, Coltin packed up his car and headed for Los Angeles to pursue another passion – acting.  With only two hundred dollars and nowhere to live, Coltin slept in his car and showered at the gym. Within three weeks, he met his agent in a restaurant in Los Angeles. In less than one year, Coltin landed the coveted role of Nikolas on "General Hospital."  Prior to that, Coltin guest-starred on "Pacific Blue" and was a series regular on "Planet Patrol." His film credits include co-starring roles in "Justice" and "Kraa! The Seamonster." He recently finished filming the lead role in the soon-to-be-released independent feature, "Disco Boyz."  A native of St. Louis, Coltin describes performing as "a dream since I was eight years old." Determination and hard work led to his success; however, a big factor was the support of Coltin's biggest fans -- his family.

Energetic, eccentric and unabashedly romantic, the character of Chloe Morgan burst onto General Hospital in the spring of 1999. Tava Smiley brings a unique energy and sense of whimsy to her portrayal of Chloe, a famous international fashion designer. Chloe recently married the enigmatic Ned Ashton through a madcap turn of events, but her play to keep her company may cost Chloe her heart's true desire -- the charismatic and dashing Jax.  After graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in communications, Tava made the move to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.  A firm believer in the power of positive thinking, Tava's dedication and hard work finally paid off with guest-starring roles on such shows as Beverly Hills, 90210, Nash Bridges, The Pretender, Baywatch and Pensacola: Wings of Gold. In addition, Tava hosted the music program, Inside Tracks, for a start-up cable network, and Wild Chicago, a local variety magazine show in Chicago. Tava also appeared in the Mike Figgis film, One Night Stand, before landing her role on General Hospital.  Tava recently finished shooting a supporting role in the independent feature film, Solid Ones.  In her spare time, Smiley enjoys "anything that is a new experience." Her favorite pastimes include writing poetry, playing poker and sampling any and all kinds of chocolate. For exercise, she enjoys yoga, hiking and playing tennis. Tava and her cat Marina Bean reside in Los Angeles.

Amber Rose Tamblyn originated the role of Emily Bowen Quartermaine in January of 1995. As the youngest member of daytime's most dysfunctional family, the character of Emily holds her own, thanks to Amber's strong and sensitive portrayal.  At the age of 10, Amber sparked the interest of an agent due to her plucky performance of the lead role in Pippi Longstocking at the Santa Monica Alternative School House.  Since then, she has gone on to appear in such films as Biker Poet and Live Nude Girls, with Dana Delany. Her leading role in the upcoming film, Johnny Mysto-Boy Wizard, is Amber's most recent project outside of General Hospital. She also recently received her first nomination from the Hollywood Reporter Young Star Awards for her portrayal of Emily.  Amber's love of the creative arts runs in the family. Her father, Russ Tamblyn, starred in such films as West Side Story and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, as well as the television series, Twin Peaks. Her mother, Bonnie, is a singer and artist.  In her free time, Amber enjoys writing poetry. She has already been published in the San Francisco publications, Cups and Poetry USA. Amber also loves singing, dancing, and theater, in addition to life in front of the cameras.

Constance Towers debuted in 1997 as Helena Cassadine. Ms. Towers' grace, class and charm make it hard to believe she portrays one of the most villainous women on daytime television. Although scheming and fabulously wicked, the matriarch of Port Charles' infamous Cassadine clan does indeed have a soft spot -- grandson Nikolas.  Constance was born in Whitefish, Montana, and had dreams as a child of being an operatic star. These aspirations led her to actually turn down a contract from Paramount Pictures at age eleven. "Here I was, this scrawny little girl who sang...and the Paramount executives made an offer. Though I could have killed myself ten years later for turning down the contract, at the time I wanted no part of it."  When her family moved to New York, Constance attended both the Juilliard School of Music and the American Academy of the Dramatic Arts. Her first professional role was in a summer stock production of "Carousel," which inspired her to forget her operatic aspirations and pursue a career in musical theater. She is now a respected veteran of the Broadway stage who is remembered most for her starring role as Mrs. Anna in the 1978 revival of "The King and I," opposite Yul Brynner. Ms. Towers' other stage appearances include "The Sound of Music," "Kiss Me Kate," "42nd Street," "Oklahoma!," "Camelot" and "Mame."  She has been honored for her work on stage on many occasions. She is a recipient of the New York Critic's Outer Circle Award for Excellence in Theater, the American Academy of the Dramatic Arts Achievement Award, and the Best Musical Actress of 1974 Award by the New Jersey Drama Critics Association.  In addition to her many stage appearances, she is also an accomplished actress in television and motion pictures. Her big screen debut came opposite John Wayne and William Holden in John Ford's "The Horse Soldiers." She went on to appear in another Ford film, "Sergeant Rutledge," and her recent films include "A Perfect Murder" with Gwyneth Paltrow, "The Relic" and "Karate Kid IV."  On television, she has appeared on many shows including a starring role on "Capitol," and guest appearances on such series as "Sunset Beach," "L.A. Law," "Designing Women," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Silk Stalkings," "Baywatch," "Caroline in the City" and "Frasier." She received an Emmy nomination for her dramatic performance in the Television Network special, "Once in Her Life." She has also appeared on "The Home Show," "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," "The Merv Griffin Show" and "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson."

Kristina Wagner returned to General Hospital following the birth of her son, Petey, in 1991. And so it is that Ms. Wagner continues to charm television viewers in the role of Felicia Jones-Scorpio.  A native of Indianapolis, Kristina has had a penchant for performing since her earliest recollections. She was active in high school drama, dance and local theater before enrolling in Indiana Central University as a drama major.  She then transferred to Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, where she majored in theater. Kristina continued to study dance and took lessons to refine her speech. While in school, she performed extensively with the University Theater Group, and in her spare time worked in local commercials. On her brother's recommendation, she sent her picture and résumé to a modeling consultancy, which led to auditions for roles on All My Children, Ryan's Hope, and, eventually, the part on General Hospital Kristina's television drama debut. (Ms. Wagner first joined the show in August of 1984.)  A self-proclaimed adventurous type, Kristina loves camping, river rafting and mountaineering, as well as ice skating, swimming and gymnastics.  "Africa was a very emotional experience for me," Ms. Wagner explains of her trip to Africa several years ago. As a result of that visit, Ms. Wagner has become an advocate for the protection of wildlife and is a board member of the Africa Wildlife Foundation.  Kristina and former General Hospital cast member Jack Wagner were married in December 1993. They reside in Los Angeles with their sons, Petey and Harrison. 

Billy Warlock took over the role of A.J. Quartermaine in June, 1997. Heir to his family's multi-national holdings, and multi-leveled domestic squabbles, A.J. Quartermaine has his hands full balancing between the man his parents want him to become and the mature adult that he desires to be. But the real-life Billy Warlock brings intense maturity and refined skill to the role. Growing up in Southern California, Warlock wanted to follow in his father's footsteps -- as a stuntman.  When he was hired to double for Robin Williams in an episode of Mork & Mindy, Billy had the opportunity of working with director Garry Marshall. Six months after he taped that episode, Warlock auditioned for Marshall and landed the role of Flip Phillips in the hit series, Happy Days, marking his first step in a very successful career.  Warlock's first taste of daytime came in 1984 when he starred for one year as Ricky Driscoll on Capitol. In the spring of 1986, Warlock auditioned for Days of Our Lives, where he spent three years portraying the memorable Frankie Brady, which garnered him an Emmy for Best Actor/Younger Leading Man in 1988. Warlock left Days of Our Lives for a year to star as Eddie Kramer in the popular syndicated television series, Baywatch.

John J. York portrays Mac Scorpio, whose multiple professional positions include Police Commissioner and majority owner of The Outback. While managing to juggle all these responsibilities, Mac always makes time for the women in his life -- his new wife, Felicia Scorpio-Jones (Kristina Wagner), and her two daughters from a previous marriage, Maxie and Georgie.  York, a native of Chicago's South Side, studied marketing for two years at the University of Whitewater in Wisconsin before returning to Chicago to study acting with Edward Kaye-Martin.  He made his professional debut at the Wisdom Bridge Theatre, where he appeared in Picnic, Loss of Roses, Career and Golden Boy. York moved to Hollywood in 1983 and began appearing on such television series as 21 Jump Street, Murder, She Wrote, Sydney, Family Ties, Newhart, Hunter, and Arthur Hailey's Hotel. He then starred for two seasons as Eric Cord on Werewolf, a horror-action series.  His feature film credits include roles in Steel and Lace, House of the Rising Sun, The Bear (about University of Alabama coach Bear Bryant, with Gary Busey), and Chattanooga Choo Choo. During the filming of the latter project, York met his wife, Vicki, a casting director. They were married on August 15, 1986, and have a daughter, Schyler.  In the few leisure moments he has, York enjoys spending time with his family, riding his bike, working in the yard and garden, and playing golf.

Jacob Young joined the cast of "General Hospital" in the coveted role of Lucky Spencer in February 2000. The character was presumed to have died in April 1999, devastating his parents, Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis) and leaving his soulmate Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst), heartbroken.  Most recently, Jacob portrayed portrayed Rick Forrester on "The Bold and the Beautiful" during which time he received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Younger Lead Actor. He can also be seen in a featured role in the upcoming ABC television movie, "Beach Boys: An All American Family," which airs on February 27.  Growing up in Washington State, Jacob began to showcase his talent in leading roles of stage productions of "Guys and Dolls," Grease," "Wizard of Oz," and "Our Town."  In his spare time, Jacob can be found doing just about anything athletic, from skateboarding to surfing, and also pursues another passion-singing. Jacob lives in the Los Angeles area. 

Jacklyn Zeman does it all! Wife -- mother -- actress -- author. After 22 years and more than 4,000 episodes as nurse Bobbie Spencer (Chief Surgical RN on General Hospital), Jacklyn has become to millions of daytime viewers a true contemporary, a role model. She is one of the most visible and likable actresses on network television.  Born in Englewood, New Jersey, Jacklyn completed her high school studies at 15 and studied dance on a scholarship at New York University. Soon she was dancing and modeling professionally while continuing her studies. A desire to act on daytime television led Jacklyn to her debut on ABC's One Life to Live. After her character's untimely demise, Jacklyn was asked to go to Los Angeles to create the role of Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital.   In addition to television work, she has performed in off-Broadway and community productions, including Come Blow Your Horn, Barefoot in the Park and The Boyfriend. Over the years, she has appeared in numerous feature films, such as Gary Marshall's Young Doctors in Love, John Hughes' National Lampoon's Class Reunion, and The Day the Music Died, to name a few. She has also appeared in episodic primetime dramas and situation comedies such as Chicago Hope, Mike Hammer, Love American Style, Fantasy and Sledge Hammer.  Jacklyn received critical acclaim for her starring role in Montana Crossroads, an ABC Afterschool Special; and took a break from her busy General Hospital schedule to co-star as a lawyer in the ABC comedy movie for television, Jury Duty. Under her own production banner she co-produced and co-starred in an original stage play, Seacliff California. Recently, Jacklyn was also featured in a General Hospital primetime special for ABC.