John Oliver bags role in 'General Hospital' after asking for "juicy" part on the soap
Los Angeles, June 29
Months after jokingly asking for a "juicy" role on the popular soap opera General Hospital, comedian and television host John Oliver, is all set to make his appearance on the show.
According to PEOPLE magazine, the Emmy-winning host of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver will feature in a special three-episode arc, which will air on July 2, 3 and 6 on ABC.
Oliver had first shared his wish to appear on the long-running daytime drama during the March 8 episode of Last Week Tonight. His request soon caught the attention of the show's makers, and he later confirmed the casting during the June 28 episode of his HBO show, according to PEOPLE magazine.
Talking about Oliver joining the cast, General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini as per a release, said, "When John Oliver publicly threw down the gauntlet and said he wanted to appear on a soap, we didn't hesitate for a second."
"He was everything you'd hope he'd be: prepared, professional, funny and genuinely kind to everyone on set. He plays an integral character in the story, and I can't wait for fans to see who he crosses paths with in Port Charles," he added.
Oliver also spoke about being part of the show and shared how much he enjoyed the experience.
"General Hospital was everything I hoped it would be. It's a true honor to be a small stain on the history of this illustrious show," Oliver said in a statement as per PEOPLE.
General Hospital, now in its 64th year, remains the longest-running scripted American drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production. The show has won 18 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Daytime Drama and continues to air on ABC, with episodes also streaming on Hulu.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who grew up watching Indian saas-bahu serials, this feels oddly familiar—celebrities begging for roles and getting them! But at least Oliver's approach was funny and self-deprecating. Not many Indian TV hosts could pull this off without coming across as desperate. 😂 Will check out his episodes if they're available streaming!
I mean, good for him, but isn't this kind of a waste of his talents? John Oliver does serious investigative journalism on his show. Coming on a soap opera just for a laugh feels like a step backwards. Still, I guess it's his career, and if he's having fun, who am I to judge? Just hope he doesn't get addicted to this world and forget about real issues!
This is exactly the kind of wholesome news I needed today. 😊 Oliver's dry humour will fit right into the over-the-top drama of General Hospital. As an Indian living abroad, I've seen both worlds—our over-the-top serials and Western soaps. This crossover feels like a perfect blend. Can't wait to see him melodramatically deliver some cheesy dialogue! Also, 64 years running? That's incredible longevity!
Love how he turned a joke into reality! This is what happens when you have connections and charm. I wonder if any Indian TV host could pull this off—barging into a long-running serial like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Probably not. But Oliver is a different breed. His humility is refreshing too: "a small stain on the history of this illustrious show." Haha!
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