GH Headwriter Out!

GENERAL HOSPITAL headwriter Ron Carlivati has been let go from the ABC soap. The scribe had moved to GH, along with executive producer Frank Valentini, upon the cancelation of ONE LIFE TO LIVE in January 2012. During his tenure at OLTL, Carlivati’s team won the 2008 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team.

Daytime veterans Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante have been named co-headwriters, effective August 10. “We are pleased to welcome back two esteemed writers to our GH family,” said Vicki Dummer, executive vice president current series programming, in the announcement. “Shelly and Jean’s combined talents and experiences promise to continue the show’s legacy of compelling storytelling that will resonate with our impassioned viewers. We’re delighted with what they have in store for the show as they continue honoring the rich, diverse environs of Port Charles.”

Both scribes come to Port Charles with plenty of soap experience — and Daytime Emmy Awards. Altman’s writing credits include OLTL, ANOTHER WORLD and headwriter at THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS. She was previously co-headwriter for GH back in 2012. Passanante, who joined the GH writing staff a few months back, has held the headwriter or co-headwriter position at AS THE WORLD TURNS, Y&R, ALL MY CHILDREN and AW, and also served on the OLTL writing staff.