Dante Falconeri
Dante Falconeri | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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General Hospital character | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Robert Guza, Jr. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduced by |
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Book appearances | The Secret Life of Damian Spinelli | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dante Falconeri is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network, played by Dominic Zamprogna. Zamprogna made his debut on June 22, 2009. In 2018, Zamprogna announced his decision to leave the role, and departed on June 28, 2018; he later returned for a one-off episode on November 12, 2018. In 2019, he again reprised the role from March 15 to March 29. The following year, he returned in a full-time capacity.
Under executive producer
In 2011, Dante and Lulu are married and under executive producer Frank Valentini and head writer Ron Carlivati, the couple embarks on a journey to have a child. However, they are forced to utilize Maxie Jones as a surrogate which ends in them losing custody of another child which proves to be Maxie's own. It is then revealed that Dante and Lulu's embryo was stolen and birthed by Dr. Britt Westbourne. The couple is eventually reunited with their son whom they name Rocco. In 2013, in honor of General Hospital's 50th anniversary celebration, Dante and Lulu are featured in a revisit of the iconic 1980s storyline, known as the Ice Princess, the original of which featured Lulu's legendary supercouple parents, Luke and Laura.
Zamprogna's performance has been met with critical acclaim, having garnered him
Storylines
Dominic Pirelli arrives in town and immediately ingratiates himself to mob boss Sonny Corinthos (
In January 2010, Dante's attempt to arrest Sonny ends with him getting shot. Dante is shocked to learn Sonny is his father, but instead of turning Sonny in for shooting him, he decides to send him to prison for killing his wife,
In early 2015, having been made aware of Luke's recent behavior thanks to
In March 2019, Sonny goes undercover to find Dante, bringing him to Turkey, where they work together to escape, resulting in Dante killing Raj in
In March 2021, following Peter's exposure, Obrecht activates Dante's programming and orders him to kill Peter. After she leaves, Dante lures Peter down to the cemetery, and aims a gun at him once he arrives. Dante almost kills Peter, but
Character creation
Background
In September 2008, the series introduced Lisa LoCicero as Olivia Falconeri, the streetwise cousin of Kate Howard (aka Connie Falconeri), played by Megan Ward. Kate is the fiancée of Maurice Benard's Sonny Corinthos. Rumors began to circulate that the character of Olivia and Sonny would share a past.[3] LoCicero confirmed that the rumors were true and it was revealed that Olivia and Sonny dated briefly before he dated Connie. LoCicero said that when Sonny invites Olivia to his and Kate's impending nuptials, "[Sonny] doesn't know there was quite a rivalry between the two women or that Olivia has something under her belt that’s going to create big excitement-and a lot of friction."[4] In mid September, spoilers hinted that Olivia had a major secret that was set to be revealed very soon.[5] On October 3, 2008, viewers learn of Olivia's son, Dante Angelo Falconeri during a phone conversation. At the end of the episode, a delirious Kate admits to Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson) that Dante is actually Sonny's son.[6] Olivia gives birth to Dante in 1984[7] and swears Connie to secrecy while leading the entire neighborhood to believe that she is very promiscuous and has no idea who the child's father is.[8]
Casting
The series put out a casting call for the character and newcomer
In late May 2009, Soapnet reported that Dominic Zamprogna was set to join the cast of the soap in the mysterious role of Dominic.[20] Soap Opera Digest confirmed the news and confirmed that the Canadian actor's first air date was June 22, 2009.[21] Zamprogna revealed in an interview that his manager told him about the role; he filmed the audition and sent to the casting director, Mark Teschner. Teschner loved the tape and sent it to the producers. A week later, the producers had Zamprogna fly to Los Angeles to read with Maurice Benard, and they immediately offered him a contract.[22] Teschner remembered Zamprogna from when he auditioned for role of Juan Santiago about 10 years earlier, a role that went to Michael Saucedo.[23]
Departure and guest returns (2018–2019)
In June 2018, Zamprogna announced his decision to depart the role of Dante. In a statement, he said: "I feel I owe it to you awesome fans to tell you that I've taped my final scenes.".[24] Zamprogna last appeared on June 28, 2018. Zamprogna returned in a guest capacity for a special one-off episode, centered around a "What If?" scenario concerning Benard's Sonny; the episode aired on November 12, 2018.[25][26] In February 2019, it was announced that Zamprogna would once again return to the soap for a short-term period of time.[27] He returned on March 15, 2019.[28] He left again on March 29, 2019.
Return (2020)
In May 2020, Zamprogna disclosed to Soaps In Depth that he was "ready to come home," and had opened discussion to return to the role with executive producer Frank Valentini.[29][30] In July of the same year, it was announced that Zamprogna would return to the role;[31] returning during the August 3, 2020 episode.[32][33][34]
Characterization
It's just interesting to play a character like that when there's a lot of tough guys on the canvas. I think this is a new, fresh take on [tough guys]…
According to the initial casting call, the character of Dante is "charming and flirtatious" with and abundantly arrogant, much like his father.[18] Zamprogna initially described the character as a "smart, intelligent, loving kind of thug." The character is also written as very "witty," and "funny." He is almost fearless. "He's putting himself in front of people that could pull out a gun and shoot him right there." However, the character's fearless attitude is what makes the other character's respect him. Zamprogna continued, "[Dante]'s gutsy" but not the typical "tough guy." The character is also very loyal to his family, and he is always "quick on his feet" said Zamprogna.[35] Dante has a strong stance on morality that is very "black and white." For him, there are no "grey areas."[36] Of his character, Zamprogna said that even when Dante is working undercover, "He's real. No BS."[37]
Development
The character's onscreen introduction was very ambiguous due to the fact that he is introduced as Dominic, hired by
Reception
Despite critics like Nelson Branco of
References
- ^ "ROBERT PALMER WATKINS DEBUTS AS GH'S DILLON QUARTERMAINE". TV Source Magazine. SoSource Media LLC. June 3, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
- ^ Levinsky, Mara (September 21, 2015). "Spencer for Hire". Soap Opera Digest. 40 (38). United States: 44–47.
{{cite journal}}
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ignored (help) - ^ a b Kroll, Dan J. (September 15, 2008). "GL star rumored up for still-uncertain GH role". Soap Central. Soapcentral.com. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
- ^ Snyder, Jen (September 2, 2008). "Lisa LoCicero Joins 'GH' As Olivia". TV Source. SoSource Media. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Nobles, Omar (September 19, 2008). "GH Previews: Week of September 22". TV Source. SoSource Media. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- Robert Guza, Jr. (October 3, 2008). "Episode 11655". General Hospital. Season 45. ABC.
- ^ "About GH: Who's Who in Port Charles|Dante Falconeri". Soap Central. Soapcentral.com. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- Robert Guza, Jr. (October 6, 2008). "Episode 11656". General Hospital. Season 45. ABC.
- ^ Stacy, Tom (June 2, 2009). Port Charles Newcomer Nathan Parsons: Man of Mystery. pp. 48–51 (Vol. 34, No. 22).
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ignored (help) - ^ Rossi, Rosemary A. (June 1, 2009). In Fate's Hands. pp. 62–65.
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:|work=
ignored (help) - Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the originalon March 26, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Branco, Nelson (October 24, 2008). "The Suds Report: Oct. 24, 2008". TV Guide. Archived from the original on October 27, 2008. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the originalon June 15, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Kroll, Dan J. (November 10, 2008). "Report: David Lago edges out other actors for role of GH's Dante". Soap Central. Soapcentral.com. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Clark Robinson, Julie (October 30, 2008). "Introducing David Lago as General Hospital's Dante". Soaps She Knows. Atomic Online. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Kroll, Dan J. (January 1, 2009). "General Hospital set to decide on its Dante this month". Soap Central. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
- ^ a b "Tom Pelphrey's 'Light' Shines Again". TV Source. SoSource Media. May 6, 2009.
- ^ a b "General Hospital Still Looking for Dante". Soaps She Knows. April 23, 2009. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
- ^ a b Kroll, Dan J (July 1, 2009). "General Hospital finally casts Dante". Soap Central. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the originalon June 15, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
- ^ a b De Leon, Kris (June 10, 2009). "Dominic Zamprogna Joins 'General Hospital'". BuddyTV. David Niu and Andy Liu. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
- Disney-ABC Television Group. June 2010. p. 2. Archived from the originalon May 19, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Wilson, Lori (July 29, 2009). "Dominic Zamprogna Talks General Hospital with Soaps.com!". Soaps She Knows. Atomic Online. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- American Media, Inc.Odyssey Magazine Publishing Group Inc. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
- American Media, Inc.Odyssey Magazine Publishing Group Inc. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
- American Media, Inc.Odyssey Magazine Publishing Group Inc. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
- American Media, Inc.Odyssey Magazine Publishing Group Inc. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
- ^ Shelly Altman and Chris Van Etten (Head writers); William Ludel (Director); Suzanne Flynn (Script writer) (March 15, 2019). General Hospital. Season 56. ABC.
- Daytime Confidential. United States: Confidential Media, Inc. Archivedfrom the original on May 19, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
- ^ Barnert, Deanna (May 19, 2020). "Dominic Zamprogna: 'I'm Ready to Come Home' to GH (EXCLUSIVE)". Soaps In Depth. United States: Bauer Media Group. Archived from the original on May 19, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
- Daytime Confidential. United States: Confidential Media, Inc.Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- ^ Frank Valentini (executive producer); Chris Van Etten and Dan O'Connor (head writers); Suzanne Flynn, Charlotte Gibson and Elizabeth Korte (script writers); Phideaux Xavier (director) (August 3, 2020). General Hospital. ABC.
- ^ Rice, Lynette (August 3, 2020). "See Dominic Zamprogna back on General Hospital". Entertainment Weekly. United States: Meredith Corporation. Archived from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
- American Media, Inc.Retrieved August 3, 2020.
- ^ Disney-ABC Television Group. June 2009. p. 4. Archived from the originalon February 25, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
- ^ a b Branco, Nelson (September 13, 2010). "The Soap Geist "Meet the Falconeris (and Friend)"". TV Guide. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
- ^ Disney-ABC Television Group. January 2010. p. 3. Archived from the originalon August 12, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Fairman, Michael (January 29, 2010). "The Dominic Zamprogna Interview". On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
- Disney-ABC Television Group. January 2010. p. 1. Archived from the originalon February 1, 2010. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
- Disney-ABC Television Group. January 2010. p. 2. Archived from the originalon January 29, 2010. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
- Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the originalon June 15, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ "Daytime Confidential's Top 10 Soap Newcomers of 2009". Daytime Confidential. January 26, 2010. Archived from the original on February 17, 2013. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
- Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the originalon February 9, 2013. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
- Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the originalon June 15, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
- Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the originalon June 15, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the originalon June 15, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.