by Ginger Voight

Created on: April 13, 2008   Last Updated: April 06, 2010

In 1963, creators Doris and Frank Hursley introduced the world to the citizens of Port Charles, New York, and thus they changed daytime history forever.

General Hospital is one of the most recognizable daytime dramas still in production today. During its heyday in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the entire world was abuzz with the goings on of this fictional city. With outrageous story lines, beautiful actors and actresses and no fear of ever going too far, "GH" has successfully pushed the envelope of what a "soap opera" should be.

No one raised the bar more than General Hospital, setting the stage for medical melodrama for years to come.  

With over 170 awards under its belt, "GH" remains a strong draw for daytime viewers. The stories have evolved to an extent over the years. Things have certainly changed from the black and white, organ underscored minimal set it used to be. There have been location shots, aliens, gangsters and even special effects, but the typical formula that has always worked is keeping its focus on the hospital itself.

They've dealt with such topics as breast cancer, AIDS, drunk driving and heart transplants; along with adultery, back stabbing and your general saving the world from being frozen by a huge carbon snow making machine.  

And with the introduction of Luke Spencer (award winning Tony Geary) and Laura Baldwin (Genie Francis) they were able to do all this on a world stage. In fact it was thanks to these two actors GH wound up on notable news magazine covers; much to the shock and amazement of everyone involved, and hence the term "supercouple" was coined.

Many notable stars have made appearances on or started their career with General Hospital. A few names you might recognize: Demi Moore, John Stamos, Rick Springfield, and Vanessa Marcil all cut their acting teeth in GH's hallowed halls. Even Elizabeth Taylor made a memorable appearance at the 1981 wedding of Luke and Laura (watched by close to 30 million viewers, the highest rated daytime event in history).

Because of this, GH managed to do what many of their peers could never do.  Their characters and their story lines were known even by those who never watched the show.  It transcended the daytime audience and cemented its own place in television and pop culture history.

Through familiarity with the characters and respect for its history, GH's heart continues to beat strong in this dwindling medium.  The name "Luke Spencer" can still be heard and recognized by people from their teens all the way to their 80s.  

It has made Port Charles a familiar spot for so many of us to return over the years.

So congratulations, General Hospital. May you enjoy 45 more years of murder, mayhem, medicine and soul.

A

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