In an exciting development for soap opera fans, actor Van Hansis has officially joined the cast of the iconic daytime drama General Hospital. This announcement has generated significant buzz, especially among followers of the genre, as Hansis is set to portray Lucas Jones, a character with a rich history on the show.
Lucas Jones first graced the screens in the late 1990s and has been portrayed by various actors over the years. Notably, Ryan Carnes took on the role multiple times between 2004 and 2020, and briefly earlier this year. Hansis, who is 43 years old, is widely recognized for his previous work as Luke Snyder on the beloved soap As the World Turns, where he made a significant impact from 2005 to 2010. He also gained acclaim for his role in the queer web series Eastsiders, for which he received a Queerties award.
Hansis, who publicly came out in 2014, has been in a long-term relationship with his partner, Tyler Hanes, since 2007. His first appearance on General Hospital is scheduled for Friday, October 4, and he expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter in his career.
In an interview with TV Insider, Hansis shared his thoughts on joining the cast, stating, “Being on General Hospital, I guess, is literally a dream come true.” He reflected on his time on As the World Turns, noting, “There was so much I got out of being on World Turns. It was my first job. There was so much, especially with the character, and I think I was just so young, I didn’t understand and I didn’t really appreciate that.”
Hansis acknowledged the significance of his previous role as Luke, who was one of the first gay male lead characters in daytime television. He added, “With some time and some distance, I’m like, ‘Wow, that was a really cool experience,’ but I was in the moment and it didn’t feel like how it feels now.”
The actor has been welcomed warmly by his new co-stars, describing the atmosphere on set as a supportive family environment. He noted, “Everybody’s been super helpful. I’ve had scenes with a lot of different people because Lucas was born on the show, so he knows a lot of people in town.” Hansis emphasized the collaborative spirit among the cast, saying, “I did as much research as I could, but there were some times where I just asked whichever actor I was working with, ‘How do I know you? Do we like each other? Am I happy about you being back with so and so?’ And everybody was so helpful in filling in the back story.”
One of the noteworthy aspects of Hansis’ new role is that Lucas Jones is also a gay character, similar to his previous role on As the World Turns. Hansis expressed his satisfaction with the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in daytime dramas, highlighting the normalcy of having diverse representation in the genre. He remarked, “I love that Lucas is not the only gay character on the show. I remember when Luke and Noah kissed [on As the World Turns] for the first time, we had Entertainment Tonight come.”
Hansis articulated the progress made in the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters on television, stating, “It’s great that we’re in a place where it’s so casual, just like how it is in life. There are gay people in life so there should be gay people on soaps and queer people and trans people and all of that. So, the fact that it’s so ingrained and it’s not like ‘the gay character’ or ‘the gay storyline’ feels like a win for representation.”
With his rich experience and passion for storytelling, Hansis is set to bring depth and authenticity to the character of Lucas Jones. Fans of General Hospital and newcomers alike are eager to see how he will navigate the intricate relationships and dramatic storylines that the soap opera is known for. As he steps into this iconic role, Hansis continues to be a beacon of representation in the entertainment industry, inspiring many with his journey and commitment to authentic storytelling.
As the premiere date approaches, excitement builds among fans who are ready to witness Hansis’ portrayal of Lucas Jones and the new dynamics he will bring to the show. With a legacy of groundbreaking storytelling and character development, General Hospital continues to evolve, reflecting the diverse experiences of its audience.
