It’s always news when a 10-year veteran of a soap is taken off contract — but it’s even bigger news when they’re put back on! GENERAL HOSPITAL’s John J. York (Mac) is one such very lucky (and happy) fellow. With Felicia’s unexpected departure, Maxie and Georgie’s hormones raging, and a gang war all but taking over Port Charles, you can bet this handsome cop will have his hands full.
Happy Homecoming
After being bumped to recurring day-player status back in November 2001, York got the surprise of his life when he recently got a call from the powers that be, saying they’d like him to sign a long-term contract. "It did come as a shock to me," laughs York. "[Executive producer] Jill Farren Phelps has been extremely generous and loyal. She’s loyal to the show, she’s loyal to the fans. It’s a business, and there was a reason why I was taken off contract. There are so many talented people on the show, and there is the reality of the business. But, ultimately, Jill didn’t bail on me. She said, basically, that the writers have story ideas. There are a lot of different reasons why it’s terrific!"
The Teen Scene
Considering he’s the police commissioner, there’s always going to be plenty for Mac to do. But now that Felicia has skipped town, leaving her daughters in Mac’s care, he’ll also have teenager issues to deal with. As a real-life parent to a teenage daughter himself, York knows that Mac may be teaching him a thing or two. "They’ll be throwing stuff at me and I’ll be saying, ‘Okay, if this situation comes up with my daughter, this is how I’m going to handle it!’ Either that or Maxie will leave me shakin’ in my shoes!"
Dating Game
As the buzz continues to build that Finola Hughes might bring her AMC character of Anna back to GH, York ponders the wonderful possibility of Mac reuniting with his former sister-in-law. "I think that would be great. It just depends on what the writers and the people behind the scenes feel would be in the best interest of the characters. How would it all work? How would it all fall into place? How would it all play out? What does Anna want when she comes to Port Charles? What’s she coming from? How does that involve Robin? How do you set it all up and where does it all go? Is Robert still alive? These are all questions that fans have."
Futurescape
As for York leaking storyline details, don’t count on it. "I kind of asked what they had planned and I kind of care — but I really don’t," grins an optimistic York. "I like being surprised with what I’m going to do. Even if somebody tells me what’s going to happen, it could change, then you’re disappointed. I don’t want to be that. I want to tackle each challenge as it comes up, and I just look forward to the new stories in whatever way they’re asking me to contribute." — Rosemary A. Rossi
John J. York
