Jonathan Jackson, Nathan Parsons Returning to ‘General Hospital’ this Summer

More fan favorites are returning to ABC’s General Hospital this summer to usher out longtime star Anthony Geary (Luke). EW reports Nashville star Jonathan Jackson and The Originals star Nathan Parsons will reprise their roles as Luke Spencer’s sons Lucky Spencer and Ethan Lovett.

Jonathan Jackson originated the role of Lucky Spencer in 1993. Lucky, the son of Luke and Laura, anchored the teen scene in the late 90s and was as the character entered into adulthood, his fairy tale romance with Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) took center stage.

Jackson left the soap in 1999, prompting the show to recast the role with The Bold and the Beautiful’s Jacob Young. Jackson returned to GH 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 quit the soap two years later in November 2011, allegedly due to the heavy work schedule and emotionally exhausting material. It all worked out for the four-time Daytime Emmy winner, who landed a series regular role in the ABC primetime drama Nashville.

Parsons, who joined the cast in 2009, quickly rose to popularity as Ethan Lovett, a conman with a heart of gold. Ethan came to town seeking out Luke at the behest of Luke’s former flame Holly. Viewers soon learned that Ethan was the product of an affair between Luke and Holly while they were married to Laura and Robert! Parsons departed the soap in 2013, landing high profile roles in HBO’s True Blood and later The CW’s The Originals in 2014.

Also returning for Luke’s 10-week exit arc is Genie Francis (Laura), who’s first episode airs June 5, and Emma Samms (Holly).