Even an accomplished figure like comedian and late-night host John Oliver can still long for something greater. By early July, he will be able to declare that he’s fulfilled his lifelong ambition: to star in a daytime soap opera.
The Emmy-winning host is set to take on a “substantial guest role” in ABC’s General Hospital, as announced in a press release on Monday. His debut, which is part of a “three-episode arc,” will air this Thursday, with subsequent episodes scheduled for Friday, July 3, and Monday, July 6.
So, how did this come about? Earlier this year, the British host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight made a heartfelt on-air request to be cast in a daytime soap opera. During the March 8 episode, after noting that ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith had been part of General Hospital for over a decade, Oliver expressed his envy, revealing his own “genuine” love for soaps. He then proceeded to make his own appeal.
“To all the soap operas out there, I officially offer my services,” he announced to cheers and laughter from the audience. “Write me a role, and I will be on your set so quickly it will make your head spin.”
To clarify, Oliver emphasized that he was not looking to play himself but rather an actual character.
“–And I want his name to be something outrageous.”
He then outlined a few additional “conditions.”
“I would also like to take on something thrilling, like committing murder or slapping someone, or being slapped, or being someone’s long-lost relative, and ideally, I’d want a dramatic close-up of my face.”
In exchange, he promised to “give [his] all to this performance.”
The response from the long-running daytime soap came swiftly. Just weeks after his request, General Hospital’s Instagram account replied, “You’re welcome in Port Charles anytime. Our DMs are open.”
Fast forward several months, and Oliver is finally arriving in Port Charles. While specifics about his role remain closely guarded, ABC has released a first-look image featuring Oliver in a navy blue suit with a serious expression, flanked by two men in tactical attire.
Oliver steps out from behind the Last Week Tonight desk, left, to join ABC’s General Hospital, right, where he can be seen in this first-look image. (Lloyd Bishop/HBO, Christine Bartolucci/Disney)
In the press release, General Hospital stated it was “pleased to fulfill” Oliver’s request for a “juicy” role, with the show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, noting:
“He was everything you would hope for: prepared, professional, humorous, and genuinely kind to everyone on set. He plays a crucial character in the storyline, and I can’t wait for fans to see who he interacts with in Port Charles.”
Oliver also expressed his enthusiasm in a statement included in the press release.
“General Hospital was everything I hoped it would be. It’s a true honor to be a small part of the legacy of this remarkable show,” he stated.
