Emmy Winner Jonathan Jackson Quits 'General Hospital'

Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) quits ABC’s General Hospital!

General Hospital star Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) has quit the show amidst reports of unhappiness behind the scenes reported TV Guide today.

According to the outlet’s exclusive report, Jackson has been unhappy with his heavy work schedule and exhausting storylines including the death of Lucky’s son, drug addiction and the death of his wife Siobhan (played by Erin Chambers). The actor’s request to lighten his schedule was denied, as was his request to be reteamed with former leady lady Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth). Jackson is expected to finish taping next Thursday, November 17 and should be off air by the end of December.

ABC would neither “confirm nor deny” reports of Jackson’s exit. It’s unknown at this time if the show plans to recast.

Jackson returned to General Hospital in the fall of 2009 after a 12 year absence, replacing Greg Vaughan, who had portrayed Lucky since 2003. At the time, ABC claimed Vaughan had “decided to vacate to the role to explore new opportunities,” a claim Vaughan later denied. Jackson began taping October 1, 2009 and began airing October 27, 2009.

Jackson was nominated by his peers for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2010 and 2011, taking him the statuette during the 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards this June. The win was the actor’s fourth overall (Jackson previously won for Outstanding Younger Actor in 1995, 1998 and 1999).

TV Source wishes Jonathan Jackson the best in his future endeavors.

My POV: Obviously fans of the actor will be disappointed with this news. I didn’t see the point in axing Greg Vaughan to bring Jonathan Jackson back to begin with. Jackson gave some wonderful performances during his return, but I had a hard time accepting his portrayal as adult Lucky. I wish him nothing but the best moving forward. I also can’t wait to read his exit interviews.