Lulu Spencer
Lulu Spencer | |||||||||||||||||||||
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General Hospital character | |||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by |
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Duration | 1994–2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
First appearance | August 8, 1994 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Last appearance | December 1, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||||||||||
Created by | Claire Labine | ||||||||||||||||||||
Introduced by | Wendy Riche | ||||||||||||||||||||
Book appearances | The Secret Life of Damian Spinelli | ||||||||||||||||||||
Spin-off appearances | General Hospital: Night Shift | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Lulu Spencer is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network, portrayed by Emme Rylan. Previously, Lulu was portrayed by child actress, Tessa Allen from 2004 to 2005. The role was most notably portrayed by Julie Marie Berman from 2005 to 2013. Rylan stepped into the role in 2013 and exited in 2020.
Originally introduced in 1994, under executive producer, Wendy Riche, and created by head writer
In addition to her early romances, Lulu is also known for the show's first onscreen abortion as well her supercouple pairing with Dante Falconeri, and her rivalry turned friendship with Maxie Jones. Berman earned two Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series category for her portrayal of Lulu in 2009 and 2010, and a third for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2013.
Casting
Since her on-screen birth, Lulu was portrayed by several child actors; first by Amanda and Kerrianne Harrington from 1994 to 1995, then Clare and Maribel Moses, from March 1995 to September 1995, next by Alysin and Kelli Griffith from 1995[3] to 2001, followed by Stephanie Allen from September 11, 2001[4] to December 23, 2003. Child actress, Tessa Allen stepped into the role on April 19, 2004, and last appeared on June 17, 2005.[5]
Julie Marie Berman joined the cast of General Hospital in the fall of 2005 as a
On March 6, 2013,
On December 1, 2020, after increased speculation,[15] Rylan exited the role.[16]
Storylines
Lesley Lu Spencer is born on August 8, 1994, in
Lulu is reintroduced as a teenaged troublemaker sent to live with her father and stepmother,
After Lulu kills Logan in self-defense, she and Johnny go on the run and when they return, Johnny admits to the crime while Lulu is committed to Shadybrook. Scott returns, threatening Lulu with the death penalty for Logan's murder, spurring Laura to wake up and defend her daughter. Following her split with Johnny, Lulu begins bonding with drifter
When crazed artist
Lulu ends up working as the evidence room clerk for the Port Charles Police Department and falsely accuses Detective
Despite the efforts of Dante and her parents, Lulu's amnesia remains persistent. Soon after, Lulu begins to remember details of her past in waves. Eventually, her memory is restored, thrilling Dante. They then proceed to make plans for their unborn baby. In September, Maxie has a C-section and becomes a bit obsessive with the daughter Dante and Lulu named Connie (after Sonny's girlfriend Connie Falconeri, who was found murdered months before). Both Lulu and Dante are alarmed when Maxie claims that Connie is her biological child. After much persuasion by family and Lulu, Maxie later recants and agrees to therapy to help her with her clinginess to Connie. As Maxie appears to be recovering well, Dante and Lulu agree to ask Maxie and Spinelli to be Connie's godparents. They both accept, but with less enthusiasm than expected. On the day of Connie's christening, it is revealed that she is indeed the biological daughter of Maxie and Spinelli. Lulu is at first in disbelief until Maxie confirms this and reveals that she miscarriaged Dante and Lulu's baby on New Year's Eve. She planned on having another set of embryos implanted in her, but Britt was unable to proceed with the procedure because Maxie was already pregnant from a one-night stand she had with Spinelli. Lulu is furious that Maxie lied and tried to cover it up. Maxie offers that Dante and Lulu still keep custody of Connie, but Lulu is unable to forgive Maxie and cuts her out of her life. Lulu wants to keep Connie, but Dante is unsure about this. He believes that since the truth is now out that Maxie and Spinelli might want custody. Lulu still holds Maxie to her promise of giving them full custody. Maxie is persuaded to fight for custody of her daughter and feels that Lulu should understand why. Lulu doesn't, and the matter goes to trial, where Lulu and Maxie slander each other on the stand. When Lulu is asked about whether or not she planned to flee the country with Connie to avoid standing trial, she denies it. However, when Dante takes the stand and reveals this to be true, the judge accuses Lulu of perjury. She and Dante are denied custody of Connie, breaking Lulu's heart. For weeks Lulu sinks into depression and blames Dante for the reason that they lost Connie. In mid-December, Lulu eventually agrees to try surrogacy again, much to Dante's delight. Sadly, Ellie announces that their embryos were accidentally scheduled to be destroyed and were now gone. Lulu is still determined to have a baby and makes an appointment with Dr. Westbourne to harvest more embryos. However, Britt tells them that she sees nothing viable in Lulu to produce any more embryos. This is the last straw for Lulu as she has a breakdown and (as she still cannot forgive him for them losing Connie), packs a bag and leaves Dante on New Year's Eve.
Development
Characterization
As the product of the town's greatest love story, Lulu has a lot to live up to. Growing up virtually without both her parents hasn't been easy, but Lulu's slowly learning to move beyond her rebellious teen years. And while Lulu has admirers fighting over her left and right, the only guy she really wants in her life is her father.[18]
The writers originally introduce the teenaged Lulu as being "very rebellious and independent and open-minded as well," leaving Berman and the writers a lot of leeway to develop the character and figure out what works for her.[19] The character of Lulu is often very feisty, and can at times come off as fearless. According to Berman, Lulu is anything but fearless, though she manages to hide her fear by mouthing off.[20] Most significantly, Lulu has problems keeping her mouth shut when she and several others are taken hostage by Jerry Jacks (Sebastian Roché) at The Metro Court Hotel in February 2007; Berman explains that Lulu's comments come from a genuine place of survival, and as long as she can help it, she will never appear weak.[20] Being the first adult performer in the role also allows Berman to put her own unique spin on the character, giving her specific strengths and weaknesses, adding more layers to the character.[19] Berman describes Lulu as being "young and naive" one day, and "extremely wise and mature" the next day. Lulu comes out of every situation, and hardship in her life having learned something which Berman believes makes Lulu seem more "human" as opposed to appearing as a "hero" or "anti-hero," she's right in the middle which allows for the character to be easily redeemed when she messes up. However, Berman has expressed her desire to take the character a bit darker.[19] Following her first Daytime Emmy win in 2009, Berman describes Lulu as being "a bulldozer," being "unlucky in love" which makes the character so much more "endearing."[21] Berman sees Lulu as being one of the few characters who actually learns from her mistakes and does not repeat them.[22]
Relationships with Luke and Laura
Berman had the chance to develop and experience most of her character's relationships, due to Lulu being so young prior to the 2005 recast. However, the relationship Lulu longed for the most is with her father, due to him being absent for most of her life.[23] Even when her mother suffers a severe psychotic breakdown, Lulu is sent to live with and be raised by her maternal grandmother, Lesley Webber (Denise Alexander). In the fall of 2006, Lulu is finally reunited with her mother, and just as she seems to have finally gained the family she's always wanted, she loses her mother all over again, making her very bitter. To make matters worse, Lulu finds out about Luke raping her mother in 1979, prior to them falling in love. "It hurts her to have to give up what she thought she had. So she lashes out at Luke for it. He's the one who had the knowledge and didn't relay it to her," Berman states during an interview with Soap Opera Weekly.[8] Lulu's longing for a relationship with her mother factors into Francis' most recent return to the series in 2008.
It's a mother-daughter story. Years ago when I started playing the character as a 14-year-old girl, it was a mother-daughter story, only I was the daughter. So it's kinda cool this is full circle.
—Francis on her 2008 return[24]
Affair with Dillon and abortion
Berman's Lulu has been featured in several major storylines, including her decision to get an
Other romances
Since the recast, Lulu has been written as the object of every young male's affection in Port Charles, Dillon included. Following the abortion, the two remain friends as Dillon tries to fix his marriage to
Relationship with Logan Hayes
"Obviously, Kin Shriner [Scott] and Tony Geary [Luke] have great history, and I think Julie Berman [Lulu] and I possess serious sparks. So the story won't just be between us, but the four of us - like trains colliding."
—Duhon, Daily News[28]
In the spring of 2007, the writers began testing Berman's chemistry with newcomer,
Logan and Lulu shared their first kiss in July 2007 only to be interrupted by Scott and her stepmother, Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot), who also disapproved of the relationship. Though Lulu hates Scott, he is nice to her because Laura is her mother. Berman acknowledges that Logan actually being attracted to Maxie, but falling for Lulu, made the storyline much more compelling. Logan is torn, while Maxie has no idea that he actually has feelings for Lulu.[31] Though Luke will never approve, he always lets his children "live and learn" and he would never risk his relationship with Lulu to keep her away from Logan.[31] Lulu and Logan make love for the first time in August 2007 and later move in together only for her to discover his tryst with Maxie in October 2007.
Relationship with Johnny Zacchara
A distraught Lulu found comfort in the arms of Johnny Zacchara (Brandon Barash) and the two bonded, as Lulu was attracted to Johnny's dangerous life style. However, after Luke skips town with a comatose Laura, Scott charged him with kidnapping; in order to get the charges dropped, and her older brother Nikolas Cassadine (Tyler Christopher) reinstated as Laura's guardian, Lulu promised to give Logan a second chance.[32] Despite Logan's betrayal, Lulu still cared for him and tried to maintain their friendship. Also, seeing Scott willing to give up Laura for Logan to be happy, caused Lulu to see Scott in a different light, much to her father's dismay. Johnny enters the picture at a very convenient time as Lulu ran off with him to avoid facing Logan. Berman describes Lulu as being attracted to people with "baggage," as she can relate to them, due to her own chaotic life. Johnny is the perfect type of guy for Lulu because his life is one big question mark; she can't really figure him out, and in trying to find out more about him, she begins falling for Johnny.[32] The danger Johnny brings is very familiar to Lulu. At times, he scared her, and was very unpredictable, but Lulu seemed to have a calming effect on him, which only strengthened their attraction. When the duo break into a cabin, Johnny pulls a gun on the owner, threatening to kill him, and Lulu is able to talk him out of it. A confrontation between Logan and Johnny was inevitable; "I don't think she intentionally seeks out Johnny to spite Logan, but they do keep bumping into each other. And if Logan finds out about it? That's his problem," Berman stated in an interview.[32]
Johnny and Lulu officially began dating in early 2008, as Lulu suspected Logan of being the Text Message Killer and accidentally put him in a coma after hitting him with a wrench. Barash reveals in an interview that Lulu is very conflicted when it comes to her feelings for both men; she tries to do the right thing while also thinking about what is best for her.[33] However, Logan waking from the coma complicated the new relationship even more.[33] The writers then start to develop the trio as a triangle, with Lulu in a committed relationship with Johnny, while she harbors guilt about Logan's coma.[19]
Logan's murder and mental instability
Berman expressed her hope that the triangle would go beyond the typical, "fighting over a girl thing" hoping it would eventually bring a sense of stability to Lulu's love life, as it had become quite unpredictable.
"The thing that is interesting is that very similar situations drove them into the institution. Laura believed that she killed Rick Webber and found that intolerable; her mind just could not wrap around it. Lulu knows she killed Logan, so it's very much Lulu's terror that she is going to go down the same path as her mother."
—Guza, Soap Opera Weekly[38]
Lulu's family has her committed to Shadybrook Sanitarium, the same hospital that cares for Laura, where she begins hallucinating a bloody Logan. The storyline allows for Genie Francis to reprise her role as Laura to assist Lulu in coping with her role in Logan's death.
Relationship with Dante Falconeri
Dante brings something different to her that she hasn’t had before. At this point Lulu is in such a different place. The timing of where her life is now, she is in a better place, and more mature.
— Berman, We Love Soaps[22]
The most popular of Berman's romantic pairings proved to be with Dominic Zamprogna's Dante Falconeri and Berman's accredits the couple's popularity to her co-star.[22] Long before the characters are officially paired together on-screen, the writers relished teasing a potential romance, and allowing them to get to know one another. Dante and Lulu meet for the first time on July 31, 2009, while he is undercover as Dominic, and don't go on an official first date until late December 2009. Berman appreciated the pacing of the story as it gave viewers a chance to watch, and actually enjoy their courtship.[40] The couple shares their first kiss on August 26, 2009, after Lulu stops her con artist brother from cheating him out money during a card game.[41] By the spring of 2010, the pairing had become a hit with fans and critics alike, considering they were the children of two of the show's most popular characters, Sonny and Luke.[40] The couple's relationship is constantly tested, starting with Sonny shooting Dante, forcing Lulu to write him off, despite the fact that he has been like a father figure to her.[42] Being Luke's daughter, Lulu grows up never trusting the cops, and depending on criminals like her father and Sonny for protection; according to Berman, Lulu is terribly confused after the shooting because Sonny's actions contradict everything she grew up believing. For the first time, Lulu must actually depend on the justice system. The couple's lack of "love making" became the focus of the media considering it went against the usual soap staple of a couple consummating the relationship, not long after meeting.[42] In March 2010, Berman and Zamprogna appeared on Entertainment Tonight and gave viewers an inside look at the taping of the couple's first love scene, with the scene first airing on May 5. At the time, Lulu and Dante are two of the most hated people in town as Dante's law-abiding ways have landed his little brother, and her cousin, Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) in prison. The consummating of their relationship occurs at a time when everyone else is against them.[43][44] The relationship is tested again when Dante's past with Sonny's new wife, Brenda Barrett (Vanessa Marcil) is revealed and Lulu refuses to tolerate him keeping secrets due how secrets almost destroyed their relationship before.
"She loves him, but she's not sure she wants to marry him, because of his career and her fear of completely investing in someone she can lose. Then that falls into her other problem with marriage, as an institution itself. She's grown up with a lot of questions about marriage and whether it's really special, really means anything or is necessary. Obviously, relationships in Port Charles don't last, so she's right to feel skeptical, but deep down in her heart, she would love to get married and have it last forever. There are a lot of things she needs to accept, including the potential for things to not end happily ever after, and that's hard for her. "
—TV Buzz Marriage Q&A[45]
In September 2011, Lulu begins dreaming about marriage and Dante even catches her admiring a wedding dress. Dante initially proposes on September 21 and Lulu does not give him an answer. As Lulu is finally able to forgive Dante for covering for Lucky's drug use, she sets up a romantic dinner, reminiscent of their first date to opera, where Dante is supposed to officially propose. On September 23, as Lulu is waiting for Dante to come home from work, she gets a call from his mother, Olivia about Dante's being hospitalized. After Dante wakes up from surgery, Lulu reluctantly accepts the proposal but refuses to acknowledge it. It is Dante's father Sonny realizes the reason for Lulu's hesitation and advises her to be honest with Dante, and herself, about her fears. Once Lulu opens up about her fears, she suggests that Dante take a desk job, which according to Berman, would cause Dante to resent her. Berman explained that it is not a question of how much Dante and Lulu love one another, but "I think it's about accepting that life is going to deal you cards and you've got to let the chips fall where they may, but it takes time to accept something like that, because it's not how she's wired."
Ice Princess revisit
Upon Lulu's disappearance, Helena is believed the prime suspect. In March 2013, Regan Cellura of
Reception
Lulu's 2006
Notes
- ^ Dante and Lulu divorced in early 2016 and remarried that same year.
References
- ^ Mentioned in a 1978 episode.
- ^ "GH ~ 1978 ~ Fall Ep #9 - Part 2 (Full Episode) - YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ "Kimberlin Brown Got Canned From 'B&B'". Orlando Sentinel. orlandosentinel.com. March 6, 1999. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
- ^ "As the World Turns: Al Decristo..." TV Guide. tvguide.com. September 7, 2001. Retrieved February 23, 2013.
- ^ "About GH: About the Actors: Julie Berman". Soap Central. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Who's Who in Port Charles: Lulu Spencer | General Hospital on Soap Central".
- ^ "About GH: About the Actors | Julie Berman | General Hospital @ soapcentral.com". soapcentral.com. Archived from the original on 2009-08-26.
- ^ Source Interlink. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- ^ a b c Treccia, Mandy (February 26, 2013). "Julie Marie Berman Checks Out of 'General Hospital'". TVSource. SoSource Media. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
- ^ Nobles, Omar (March 6, 2013). "'Young and the Restless' Star Emme Rylan Is 'General Hospital's' New Lulu Spencer!". TVSource. SoSource Media. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
- Tribune Media Services). Archived from the originalon March 7, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
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- American Media, Inc.Retrieved February 5, 2019.
- Daytime Confidential. United States: Confidential Media, Inc.Retrieved November 26, 2020.
- SheKnows Media. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
- ^ CurlyQgrl (August 8, 1994). "Curlyqgrl's General Hospital 1994 episodes". Angelfire. Lycos. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- Disney–ABC Television Group. Archived from the originalon 2012-08-24. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ a b c d e f "Soap Town USA: Interviews: Julie Marie Berman". Soap Town USA. February 13, 2008. Archived from the original on September 25, 2008. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ a b c d "A Chat with Julie Marie Berman". Soaps She Knows. AtomicOnline. March 17, 2007. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ a b Dan J. Kroll (August 31, 2009). "Brooks, Berman struggle to find words to express their feelings". Soap Central. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ a b c d Damon L. Jacobs (June 26, 2010). "INTERVIEW: GENERAL HOSPITAL's Julie Marie Berman". We Love Soaps. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ a b c John Kubicek (July 25, 2007). "Exclusive Interview: Julie Berman, from 'General Hospital'". BuddyTV. David Niu, Andy Liu. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- ^ a b Errol Lewis (July 11, 2008). "Genie Francis Brings Laura Back to 'GH'". Soap Opera Network. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ a b c Stephanie Dray (September 7, 2006). "General Hospital Tackles Abortion: Why Lulu Should Have One". Yahoo! Voices. Yahoo!. Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- ^ Regan Cellura (March 30, 2010). "General Hospital Spoilers!". Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the original on February 17, 2013. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- ^ a b "Julie Berman Exclusive Interview". The Star Scoop. August 2, 2007. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- ^ Daily News. Mortimer Zuckerman. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Source Interlink. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- American Media. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Daily News. Mortimer Zuckerman. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Daily News. Mortimer Zuckerman. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ a b Gina Scarpa (March 21, 2008). "Exclusive Interview: Brandon Barash of 'General Hospital'". BuddyTV. David Niu, Andy Liu. Archived from the original on February 18, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Regan Cellura (June 26, 2008). "General Hospital Spoilers & Scoops!". Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Errol Lewis (June 26, 2008). "'General Hospital' Expires Logan Hayes". Soap Opera Network. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Regan Cellura (June 26, 2008). "General Hospital: Logan's Last Day Alive, Announced!". Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the original on February 10, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Errol Lewis (July 10, 2008). "Two Roles Cast on 'General Hospital'". Soap Opera Network. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Source Interlink. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Cindy Elavsky (April 12, 2009). "Interview: 'GH's' Brandon Barash". Tulsa World. World Publishing Company. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Condé Nast Publications. Archived from the originalon September 12, 2011. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
- ^ "Love and Hate is in the Air". Soaps She Knows. AtomicOnline. August 26, 2009. Retrieved August 11, 2012.
- ^ a b Cindy Elavsky (May 10, 2010). "Interview: Dante & Lulu". Tulsa World. World Publishing Company. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
- ^ "'General Hospital': The Making of a Sex Scene". Entertainment Tonight. CBS. March 19, 2010. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
- ^ "'General Hospitals Dante and Lulu Make Love For the First Time". Entertainment Tonight. CBS. May 3, 2010. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
- ^ a b Barnert, Deanna (October 31, 2011). "'General Hospital' Q&A: Julie Berman Talks Marriage". TV Buzz. MSN. Archived from the original on January 2, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
- ^ Barnert, Deanna (December 16, 2011). "It's a 'General Hospital' Christmas Eve Wedding for Lulu and Dante". TV Buzz. MSN. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
- Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the originalon February 9, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
- Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the originalon March 30, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2013.
- ^ a b Logan, Michael (April 10, 2013). "General Hospital Exclusive: The Shocking Return of Stavros Cassadine". TV Guide. Retrieved April 11, 2013.
- ^ "SECRETS & LIES". Soaps In Depth. Bauer Media Group: 28–30. April 24, 2013.
- ^ Dan J. Kroll (May 25, 2010). "The Reel Emmy story: Younger Actor/Actress". Soap Central. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
- ^ Jillian Bowe (June 27, 2010). "BREAKING: Julie Marie Berman Wins Outstanding Younger Actress (Updated)". Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Archived from the original on February 10, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
External links
- Character biography at SoapCentral.com