Soaps - Jonathan Jackson//Lucky Spencer Appreciation #2: It was our "lucky" day when JJ came home

**Cristofle** · 10-28-2009, 04:28 PM

Hi, everyone! We're already on our second thread, two days into our boy coming home. Jonathan Jackson is the three-time Emmy winner who originated the role of Lucky Spencer in 1993 and played him until 1999, and returns in 2009 after ten years. He is a very talented actor and musician, and I am very excited to see what he does with Lucky as an adult!

Fans

1. Cristofle (Liz)
2. PiCkLeS4dAwSoN (Anji)
3. chadfreak (Samia)
4. Liliya
5. Laurababora (Laura)
6. - Nina -
7. Scheming Star
8. toxicgurl169
9. mmmbacon
10. lasha4god
11. Ellie Cameron
12. angel_wings05
13. Mich (Michelle)
14. Carie M.
15. LiVenLoVe902
16. DreamOn777
17. butterfly_girl

Photos

A still from Jon's return- see more at the link underneath!

Where You Are | The Lucky & Elizabeth Gallery

Media

A promo hailing Jon's return:

YouTube - Jonathan Jackson Returns Promo 10/21/09

New Jon interviews:

"I’m coming back to play the character as an adult but because I don’t know what that really means yet, I’ll be like a child—coming into it with a sense of wonder and curiosity because it’ll all be so new. I have no idea what this is going to feel like."

TV Guide Magazine | Soaps | Jonathan Jackson Returns to General Hospital

"Working with Tony, Becky, and Tyler, it just felt like I'd been away for a couple months."

Where You Are | The Lucky & Elizabeth Gallery

"There’s a lot available to work with. The relationship with Luke, there’s a lot that could happen there. And I am a big fan of the love story between Lucky and Elizabeth, so there’s a lot of potential there for tapping into some of those original elements we had going.”

Daytime Dial: Jonathan Jackson Is Back!

Tony and Jonathan do a radio interview together:

YouTube - Anthony Geary & Jonathan Jackson from General Hospital 10/28/09
stay tuned for more

Check out the scenes from 97 and 98 which won Jonathan his second and third Emmys:

YouTube - Luke and Lucky Discuss Nikolas Getting Shot
YouTube - GH - Nik & Lucky Hospital Scenes (1997-98)

YouTube - Lucky Confronts Laura about the Rape (Part 1)
YouTube - Lucky Confronts Laura about the Rape (Part 2)

New!!! JJ clips from his return to Lucky Spencer

YouTube - GH Lucky Scenes 10/27/09 - Jonathan Jackson Returns
YouTube - Lucky Spencer Scenes 10/28/09
YouTube - GH 11/2/09 Lucky Scenes
YouTube - ♥♥Jonathan Jackson Scenes as Lucky Spencer 11/06/09
YouTube - GH 11/9/09 Lucky & Elizabeth
YouTube - GH 11/10/09 Lucky & Elizabeth
YouTube - General Hospital 11/11/09 - Luke, Lucky, Elizabeth & Nikolas scenes part 1
YouTube - General Hospital 11/11/09 - Luke, Lucky, Elizabeth & Nikolas scenes part 2
YouTube - GH 11/12/09 Lucky & Elizabeth
YouTube - GH 11/13/09 Lucky & Elizabeth part 1
YouTube - GH 11/13/09 Lucky & Elizabeth part 2

Information

Jonathan Jackson (I)
Jonathan Jackson - the official site
Jonathan Jackson is Lucky- Livejournal Community

Enjoy!

Scheming Star · 10-28-2009, 04:43 PM

TFTNT!

Greeeeat title!

Love it!

**Cristofle** · 10-28-2009, 04:45 PM

Hee

I was using the title of JJ's new SID feature, btw.

Quote:

"Our Lucky Day!"

It was the last thing many thought would happen, but fans were happy to hear that JJ is back as Lucky Spencer. Will the audience step back in time as well?

"The connection people had with the character & storylines really did floor me" says JJ "It's a tricky thing with daytime. There were two other actors playing the roll, and they did a fantastic job. But coming back into it is sorta like re-establishing the original essense."

JJ Article Part 2

Growing Pains.

When JJ last had the roll Lucky was a teenager in love with Liz. Fastforward 10 years & the character has taken a turn towards the darker side.

Thanks to an affair with Maxie & a drug addiction & the arrival of Ethan. Is JJ nervous about incorporating this all into his version of Lucky?

"It comes down to the way the character is written" says JJ "You can't really act history. YOu have to approach it on an emotional level. but there is no way to act the history of committing adultery, unless there is guilt there"

"There is a lot of history between LL2. The overriding sense of newness & sense of starting over, yet continuing from exactly where we were". In other words every thing old is new again...but with a bit of a twist.
JJ Article Part 3

Ch-Ch-Changes

Like his onscreen alter-ego JJ has gone through many changes. He's married & has 2 kids. "It's a paradox because I feel like exactly the same person, yet alot has happened. Getting married & having kids is huge. It's an amazing blessing"

"As an actor all my acting experience -working with so many people in films - is amazing. But on GH there is a sort of freedom to really inhabit the character with your own SOUL. For me I am focused on the essense of Lucky. In that regard I completely connected to where I left off. The heart and essense of Lucky is exactly the same."

Part 4...

Coming Home.

"I do feel like I've come back as an adult & relating to, say, Luke there is a different dynamic."

"There is a SOUL connection there with Tony that is very strong, and yet there is a newness to it. If I had stayed I don't think we would have been able to experience the differences as much as it would have been gradual. so now we get the benefit of really feeling the difference."

"It's really been seemless, which is shocking to me. I thought it would be more jarring, a little bit trying to feel the flow. BUt it wasn't. The writers helped the transition and have been open to my heart and perspective coming into it"

As soon as scans pop up, I'll post them.

Scheming Star · 10-28-2009, 04:50 PM

Aww, wow! That's great interview there!

DreamOn777 · 10-28-2009, 04:52 PM

I don't know if anyone's posting these...but I read a tv blog called TV Squad...they rarely mention soaps but in the last two days,they've had no one but TWO posts (by different people) about JJ's return.

Quote:

Lucky's Back...Jonathan Jackson's Terrific Return to General Hospital!

Tuesday was Jonathan Jackson's first day back on General Hospital in the role of Lucky Spencer. It's a role he originated (as a youngster), coming onto the show in 1993 when Luke and Laura -- Anthony Geary and Genie Francis -- made their much-heralded return. Jonathan stayed on General Hospital till 1999, winning three Daytime Emmys in his tenure, and basically stamped the character as his own. That's why when he decided to return now, it's been a big deal.

After watching him Tuesday, working with Rebecca Herbst and Anthony Geary, I can say that it was a wise move to bring him back. No offense to Greg Vaughn, but he was never quite right as Lucky. Jonathan fell right back into the role and immediately made a huge difference.

When Elizabeth was torn between her longtime love for Lucky and her recent lust for Nikolas, Lucky's half-brother, it suddenly had some emotional heft. Previously, I was all for Liz leaving Lucky, but not now. Not when the man she's rejecting is Jonathan's version of Lucky, a really good, really gentle soul who helped Liz through the toughest times of her life. They have so much history together, Herbst and Jackson, and it all came through.

The same was true with Jackson and Geary. Luke gested with his son, called him "cowboy," like he always did, only it rings true between these two actors. Even Luke's disappointment when Lucky dissed his father for his history as a hustler was more dynamic. Luke seemed genuinely hurt.

Finally, at the end of the episode, Jonathan had a scene alone, Lucky called Laura in France. Without Genie Francis being shown, her presence was still there because Jackson had a history with her. While the character was telling his mother about his troubled relationship with Elizabeth, as a viewer, the connection came through.

It was a great first day. I'm hooked... again.

Quote:

What's Hot on Slash Control: Jonathan Jackson's Return to General Hospital

I used to be a devoted fan of General Hospital, and some of my favorite episodes involved Luke and Laura, and later, their son, Lucky. In fact, now that I think about it, I started to stray from the show about the time that Jonathan Jackson, who played the first Lucky, left the show in 1999.

The other actors who played Lucky -- Jacob Young and Greg Vaughan -- did a fine job, but I so associated the role with Jackson that it was impossible for me to accept anyone else as Lucky.

As luck would have it, I just happened to flip on One Life to Live yesterday and saw a promo for Jonathan Jackson coming back to General Hospital as Lucky. What a stroke of "luck" for me!

As Allison wrote in her post earlier today, "After watching him Tuesday, working with Rebecca Herbst and Anthony Geary, I can say that it was a wise move to bring him back. No offense to Greg Vaughan, but he was never quite right as Lucky. Jonathan fell right back into the role and immediately made a huge difference."

I totally agree, and just might have to make General Hospital a must-see show every afternoon -- just like in the old days. Who says soaps are dead?! Just bring back the old guard, and us soap veterans will start watching again. My dream returns would include Vanessa Marcil (Brenda), Genie Francis (Laura), Finola Hughes (Anna), and Tristan Rogers (Robert). I know some of these have come and gone through the years, but I'd love to see them come back and stay for a while.

And speaking of which, Lucky talked to Laura on the phone, but the last I heard, she was still in a vegetative state. Someone get me up to speed on what Laura's doing these days.

chadfreak · 10-28-2009, 04:53 PM

TFTNT!

The title is so cute

Thanks for posting the articles as well.

**Cristofle** · 10-28-2009, 05:04 PM

This:

Quote:

but I so associated the role with Jackson that it was impossible for me to accept anyone else as Lucky.

is TRUTH for me. I have nothing against Greg, I like Greg (we won't talk about Jacob, lol) but JJ is MY Lucky. I profoundly, profoundly associated him with this role.

lasha4god · 10-28-2009, 06:19 PM

I think it's wonderful that Soaps in general are making it's way back into the general pop culture realm. EW.com has surprised me by giving full attentions to Jonathan's return. I couldn't be more pleased.

As soon as I stepped in the door I raced to the TV and turned on my DVR. I couldn't wait to see with my own two-eyes how he would deliver those epic lines. And he certainly didn't disappoint. Is it too soon to talk Emmy-Reel material, because his scenes with Luke today were phenomenal. I actually clapped and cheered, to which doing so caught the attention of my husband. I could only respond by saying that Jonathan just out-acted the entire cast in a mere few seconds of dialog (and this was just before he really tore it into Luke). That deserves my applause. There's a moment where Luke gives a half-smirk half-smile and all I could imagine was this was the precise moment where Geary could no longer control his adulation. But in mentioning that I do hope his overwhelming bliss will subside so I can get Luke back in all his gritty, textured, glory. The fawning time is over. Time to start acting again.

butterfly_girl · 10-28-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cristofle (View Post)

This:

is TRUTH for me. I have nothing against Greg, I like Greg (we won't talk about Jacob, lol) but JJ is MY Lucky. I profoundly, profoundly associated him with this role.

I feel the same way. After JJ left I think it was a horrible thing to recast Lucky. They should of just waited for if and when JJ decided to come back and kept Lucky away until the time was right. I think that would have been really good story telling. Everybody thinking Lucky was dead for those 10 years and he comes back. THAT would have been a lot better than during those 10 years the writers destroying the character.

BTW could you put me on the list too.

**Cristofle** · 10-28-2009, 07:01 PM

Of course! I added you

I said the same thing! I was like "Damn, is this General Hospital or Lucky Hospital? Because is anyone else on the show?" JJ is SO dynamic, so present in his scenes.

New interview!

Jonathan Jackson talks about his 'GH' return and his onscreen family | EW.com

Liliya · 10-28-2009, 07:31 PM

JJ was simply amazing today!

Seriously, I just can't stop watching his scenes. When he said, "They are my sons", I just about cried. The emotion in his voice...I can't even explain it. I had ablsoutely noooo idea how much I missed him as Lucky until I watched yesterday's and today's scenes.

JJ and Becky have such amazing chemistry together. Lucky's speech to Elizabeth was so amazing. I really can't wait until he finds out about her and Nik because I can just imagine the amazing scenes that will bring us.

I know I keep repeating myself but I don't know what else to say except that JJ coming back as Lucky has been one of the greatest things to happen....ever

**- Nina -** · 10-28-2009, 07:38 PM

TFTNT. JJ was amazing today.. I'm starting to be content with the fact that Lucky is actually getting his side of the story out.

Scheming Star · 10-28-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

When Elizabeth was torn between her longtime love for Lucky and her recent lust for Nikolas, Lucky's half-brother, it suddenly had some emotional heft. Previously, I was all for Liz leaving Lucky, but not now. Not when the man she's rejecting is Jonathan's version of Lucky, a really good, really gentle soul who helped Liz through the toughest times of her life. They have so much history together, Herbst and Jackson, and it all came through.

You guys want to know what's funny? I am sure that most of you guys know that I am a fan of JaSam, apparently from my icons or whatever. So when I first found out that Liz was sleeping with Nik last few weeks ago, and I was smiling from ear to ear because apparently I was no Liz fan since she was the reason JaSam ended horribly, and that I was kinda bitter that she had his kid, but that doesn't mean I was thrilled that Lucky was betrayed again, but the whole time I was on Lucky's side, hoping that he would dump her and move on, etc, etc, etc. But also I was happy that the writers were showing Liz's bad side because it would serve Liz fans right for bashing Sam or defending their precious Liz, so I was like whatever when she was with Nik. I wasn't affected, but I was feeling for Lucky, but NOT on that level that you guys would be brokenheart, hurting, and are in extreme pain at the sight of them together, you know what I am saying?

So anyways, the point is when JJ came back as yesterday, here I was watching them showing up at the casino palace, and Liz's fantasy about Nik doing stuff with her, I never felt this weird feeling emerging inside of myself, the pain, anger, and worried. Something just snapped in me that I was not too thrilled so when it showed Lucky stopping her fantasy, I was like to myself, "Lucky! Get away from her because she doesn't deserve you! She should pay for this! Oh no! Poor you, baby! You poor thing!" I don't know why but I just felt something for JJ's Lucky and the whole episode just ruined because of Niz crap, but yeah, that's my thoughts for yall to know. So yeah.

Quote:

Originally Posted by butterfly_girl (View Post)

I feel the same way. After JJ left I think it was a horrible thing to recast Lucky. They should of just waited for if and when JJ decided to come back and kept Lucky away until the time was right. I think that would have been really good story telling. Everybody thinking Lucky was dead for those 10 years and he comes back. THAT would have been a lot better than during those 10 years the writers destroying the character.

Think about this. If they sticked with that plan and let him die for 10 years, Liz would be married to some guy, maybe Nik, and have tons of kids from different men, or worst. Yes she has two kids from two different men, but she would have more than that if Lucky was dead. So I dont know what this would be like if that happened.

**Cristofle** · 10-28-2009, 08:16 PM

These just keep coming in! For the first time, JJ talks about realizing Greg had been fired after accepting the job.

Michael Fairman - Soap Opera interviews, Daytime Emmy Soap Opera coverage, Soap Opera, Blog � Articles � THE JONATHAN JACKSON INTERVIEW - GENERAL HOSPITAL

Quote:

MICHAEL:

Yeah, drug addictions! I am all for that, anything that puts you in misery I am all for. (Laughs) Greg Vaughan was let-go to pave the way for your return. How does that make you feel? Is it bittersweet in some way?

JONATHAN:

For me, it was a tough situation. I was not under any sort of headspace that someone was losing their job; it was that the role was opening up. So I was going to be able to come back into it. It sort of has been confusing how things have been getting out there. I think I met Greg once or twice, and for what I know, he is an absolutely amazing person. So obviously, that is not a very fun angle for me. I wish him the best and that part of this has not been very fun. But it was more of a confusing thing for me coming back and not knowing exactly what was going on, on the other end of things.

Scheming Star · 10-28-2009, 08:32 PM

Quote:

it was that the role was opening up. So I was going to be able to come back into it.

See! So now people have NO reason to bash JJ for "taking over" Greg's job.

But at same time, it made me look at the writers in a whole new light. How could they betray Greg like that in a worst possible way? It's not JJ's fault and it's def not Greg's fault, but the writers. Unbelievable.