10 greatest star appearances in General Hospital over the years 

For more than six decades, General Hospital has been a television institution, serving up unforgettable drama, romance, and suspense. As one of the longest-running soap operas ever, it has attracted a diverse range of Hollywood legends, musicians, and emerging stars who have made guest appearances, leaving an indelible mark on audiences. Whether appearing in a main plot or just for a quick but memorable cameo, these actors brought an added level of energy to Port Charles.

A few actors came to GH from humble beginnings, establishing themselves prior to achieving worldwide recognition, whereas other bona fide stars already came aboard in love with the genre.

This countdown showcases 10 of the best star cameos in General Hospital history, including actors, musicians, and pop culture personalities whose appearances helped take the show to the next level. Shocking, laugh-out-loud funny, or just plain nostalgic, these appearances are some of the most remembered moments in soap history.

Disclaimer: This entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.

1) Elizabeth Taylor as Helena Cassadine

Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor broke General Hospital records when she guest-starred as the cunning Helena Cassadine in 1981. An enormous fan of the soap, Taylor allegedly asked for a role and was offered the villainous Cassadine family matriarch. She showed up at Luke and Laura's wedding, casting the legendary Cassadine curse on their marriage—one of the most iconic moments in soap history. Taylor's cameo wasn't merely a celebrity appearance; it brought prestige to the show and elevated Oscar-winning legends to the level where they couldn't deny the Port Charles drama.

2) Rick Springfield as Dr. Noah Drake

Prior to topping the charts with Jessie's Girl, Rick Springfield romanced fans playing Dr. Noah Drake. As the dashing but troubled doc, he became a soap icon in the early '80s. Springfield's double life as a rock star and an actor made him a one-of-a-kind attraction for General Hospital, and he came back numerous times, even playing both Noah and his rocker doppelganger, Eli Love. His musical skills were wisely woven into the series, so his plotline was one of the most engaging.

3) Demi Moore as Jackie Templeton

Years before she was a Hollywood superstar, Demi Moore was stirring up controversy in Port Charles as ambitious reporter Jackie Templeton. Her character was driven to expose the truth and had a memorable love affair with Robert Scorpio. Moore's acting captured the charisma that would one day make her a box office star in movies such as Ghost and A Few Good Men. Years later, in 2020, General Hospital brought back Jackie, and Kim Delaney resumed the role.

4) John Stamos as Blackie Parrish

John Stamos burst onto the soap opera scene as Blackie Parrish, a troublemaking foster child adopted by Rick and Lesley Webber. His life was filled with drama, from starting a rock band to getting prison time for manslaughter. Stamos's charisma and musical ability made Blackie a favorite, and his character helped springboard his career to Full House and beyond. Incidentally, in contrast to his stardom, Stamos never recurred on Blackie, something fans have yet to dream of. He's frequently remarked positively about working on General Hospital, thanking the show for offering him his breakthrough in Hollywood.

5) James Franco as Franco

James Franco surprised viewers when he became a cast member on General Hospital as the offbeat and dark artist Franco. Unlike usual celebrity guest appearances, Franco approached his role with seriousness, integrating himself into key storylines. He even worked with the writers to develop a meta experience, incorporating his GH alter ego into his real-world art endeavors. Franco's stint blurred the line between reality and fiction, one of the most unconventional and discussed appearances on the show. Although Franco eventually departed, the character continued to play an important role in the show's mythology, taken over by Roger Howarth later on. His stint is one of the soap's riskiest experiments.

6) Roseanne Barr as Jennifer Smith

In a soap opera guest stint, comedian Roseanne Barr played mobster Frank Smith's daughter, Jennifer Smith. With her reputation for being outspoken, Barr added a playful and surprising spin to the character. Jennifer, who was determined to win over Luke Spencer, created a lot of havoc before her scheme unraveled. Although Barr's stay on General Hospital was short-lived, it was memorable for its unpredictability. The part of Jennifer Smith has been played by various actresses since then, but the comedic version with Barr is among the most eccentric celebrity guest roles in the program's history.

7) Chandra Wilson as Sydney Val Jean

A die-hard General Hospital fan, Grey's Anatomy actress Chandra Wilson finally realized her dream of being on the show—three times! She guest-starred as Sydney Val Jean, a fashion editor who presided over the Nurses' Ball with sass, in 2019. She had appeared earlier in 2014 as a patient and in 2018 as a therapist. Wilson's passion for GH is legendary, and her glee for being a part of the soap made her visits all the more special. Few guest stars have been as upfront about loving General Hospital as she has.

8) Mark Hamill as Kent Murray

Prior to his days as Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill appeared as Kent Murray on General Hospital. An up-and-coming actor searching for his big break, Hamill's character was one of the show's original family-driven storylines. Although his stint on the soap was brief, it provided him with the experience that would later propel him to Star Wars stardom. Viewers who glance back at early GH shows are usually surprised to find Hamill in a pre-galactic character. Although he never returned to Port Charles, his status in General Hospital history as a future legend Jedi gives his appearance an added intrigue.

9) Jack Wagner as Frisco Jones

Jack Wagner was a General Hospital heartthrob when he first appeared as Frisco Jones, a spy-turned-musician whose love affair with Felicia is the stuff of legend. His saga involved high-octane espionage, tearful breakups, and passionate reunions. Wagner's own music career even crossed over into his character's story, with his hit single All I Need becoming part of GH lore. Wagner has returned as Frisco several times over the years, leaving fans holding out for another return. His work cemented his place as one of the favorite characters in GH history and showed that a soap icon could also top the music charts.

10) Vanessa Marcil as Brenda Barrett

Vanessa Marcil's portrayal of Brenda Barrett made her General Hospital's most iconic leading lady. The glamorous and fiery model had a classic romance with Sonny Corinthos and Jax, solidifying herself as a fan favorite. Marcil's natural charm made Brenda's love triangles, betrayals, and comebacks so fascinating. Even after numerous exits and returns, Brenda is one of the most discussed characters in GH history. Marcil, who went on to succeed in Las Vegas and Beverly Hills, 90210, has never spoken ill of the role, leaving the door open for a possible dramatic Brenda return.