Valentin Cassadine
Valentin Cassadine | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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General Hospital character | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by | James Patrick Stuart | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Duration | 2016–present | ||||||||||||||||||||||
First appearance | July 8, 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Present; recurring | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Created by | Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduced by | Frank Valentini1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Valentin Cassadine is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network. The character was initially conceived in 2009 by head writer Robert Guza Jr., as a previously unknown member of the wealthy Cassadine family looking to wreak havoc on both the Cassadine and Spencer families. However, initial plans for the character's introduction were delayed and completely abandoned by 2010. In 2016, it was announced that All My Children alumnus James Patrick Stuart had joined the cast in the mystery role of Theo – who is revealed to be Valentin. Valentin is known for being the most evil of the Cassadine sons, having been disowned by his father at a very young age. At one point, he poisons his mother Helena (Constance Towers).
Stuart's performance has been met with critical acclaim, having garnered him three consecutive
Storylines
In October 2009, a deathly ill
Helena contacts Valentin hoping to use him against her rebellious grandson, Nikolas (Tyler Christopher) but instead, Valentin overpowers Helena taking over the family's private island in Greece and Nicholas slowly poisoning Helena. Valentin's henchmen try to keep Helena and Luke from escaping only for Nikolas to come to her rescue. She warns everyone Nicholas has promised to destroy not only the Cassadines, but also the Spencers.[3][4] Mikkos's daughter Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) reveals she had only heard of her brother's treachery toward their father specifically, but Alexis had come to believe the never before seen Valentin was only a front for Helena and her schemes.[5]
Luke later accuses Helena of having had Valentin murdered. She admits she thought Valentin had indeed died before realizing he is actually alive and well.[6] Much like Luke and Alexis, Nikolas believes Valentin is long dead and Helena is just using the threat of Valentin to manipulate him.[7]
In July 2016, fisherman Theo Hart claims to have been trapped on Cassadine Island due to bad weather. Jason (Billy Miller) and Sam (Kelly Monaco) agree to let him stay. Theo feigns surprise at Nikolas (Nick Stabile) also being on the island, and explains they met briefly when Nikolas was a teenager. Theo announces his plans to leave the island when the storm clears only to return and take several hostages at gun point and reveal himself to be Valentin.
He then separates Nikolas and
Valentin decides his plan isn't working and while escaping himself sabotages the group's boat, stranding them on the island until a mysterious woman comes to their aid. Using his alias, Valentin makes his way to
Valentin resurfaces in October 2016 to confront his ex-lover
Meanwhile, WSB Agent
With the help of her colleague
Valentin begins to pursue Nina romantically, the two sleeping together. Nina asserts she sees a vulnerable, good side to Valentin and adores his daughter Charlotte, a little girl she now believes is motherless after the alleged death of Claudette, who was last seen boarding a plane with Valentin. In 2020, following Nikolas' return the previous year, it is revealed Valentin is not Mikkos' son, but in fact Helena's and his brother Victor's.
On October 8, 2021, it was revealed that Victor Cassadine is actually Valentin's father making him a true Cassadine after all. Wyndemere should now return to Valentin.
Development
Creation and casting
In late September 2009, it was announced that Matt Borlenghi, best known to daytime viewers for his portrayal of Brian Bodine on All My Children had been cast in the role of Valentin Cassadine.[10] Borlenghi expressed his excitement about joining the cast, admitting that he always wanted to work on the series; "I can't imagine anywhere I'd rather be right now" he continued. The actor further stated "I don't know the extent of my stay, but I can only hope it's long enough for me to hang my shingle up and get down and dirty with Valentin."[11] However, the character of Valentin seemed to have been abandoned completely until 2013, when it was rumored that daytime actor Vincent Irizarry had been hired as a recast. Borlenghi took to Twitter with "Wasn't enough that I got Franco'd before? Hurts." Then head writer Ron Carlivati denied the rumors immediately, claiming that Borlenghi had no reason to be upset. Borlgenhi released a statement in which he explained that the false news "opened an old wound."[12]
On June 16, 2016,
Characterization
Borlenghi described Valentin as "morally bankrupt."
Introduction
Borlenghi was expected to make his debut on October 14, 2009, and the actor had already reported for his first day of work when he learned of plans to postpone the role due to several creative changes behind the scenes, including the departure of
On July 1, 2016, Jamey Giddens of
Return
The November 7 edition of Soaps in Depth reported that Stuart was set to return for a lengthier stint and had already been filming.[18] After wrapping his first stint, Stuart wasn't aware of any plans to bring Valentin back until he was contacted by the series several weeks prior and they told him "We've got a ton of stuff for you to do!"[21] "I hit the ground running" Stuart said of his returns as he filmed five episodes in three days.[27][28] Stuart had much more information about his character upon his return. "Last time, [Frank Valentini] didn't really give me much of a backstory and this time, he did." However, Stuart was warned to keep quiet about the information.[28] "There's a reason Valentin's come to town, and it makes sense" the actor explained.[18] Stuart continued, "I actually think it's really cool."[28] Valentin is adamant about getting what he feels he is owed, the Cassadine fortune and "He's not secretive about it." He has "massive chip on his shoulder" due to his father Mikkos not fighting for him to avoid upsetting his stepmother Helena. Valentin was shipped off and did not have any contact with his family for years so he doesn't have an allegiance to family.[29]
Nikki Gantt from Soap Opera Spy speculated that Valentin could be the father of Charlotte (Scarlett Fernandez), the daughter of his ex-lover
Romances
Upon his arrival in Port Charles, Valentin takes a romantic interest in
Reception
The announcement of Stuart's casting was well received by fans and critics alike. Fans took to social media to congratulate Stuart on his new gig and welcome him to the show.[34] "The summer keeps getting hotter on 'General Hospital'," Soap Opera Spy said of the casting news.[35] Stuart's memorable tenure on and exit from All My Children immediately struck a chord with longtime ABC soap fans after nearly 25 years and Dan J. Kroll said "That means Stuart's upcoming General Hospital stint better deliver."[36] Jamey Giddens of Daytime Confidential described Valentin as "one of the most talked about, yet previously unseen, supervillains" in the history of the series. "This could be exactly the kind of game-changer this soap needs," Giddens said in praise of Stuart's casting.[25] "Intriguing casting news" Michael Fairman said in reaction the announcement of Stuart's casting.[37] "And that role is turning out to be quite the humdinger!" Michael Fairman exclaimed in reaction to the news of the character's true identity.[34] Jenn Bishop of TVSource Magazine raved about Stuart as "excellent casting."[38] "He's very entertaining," Bishop later said of Valentin.[39] Soaps in Depth said in praise of Valentin's introduction, "Go figure – sometimes, the wait is really worth it!"[40] Donald Thompson of Canyon News believed that Valentin was "evil enough" to fulfill the much-needed role of a resident villain, which the series had not had since Helena Cassadine's demise.[41]
In 2020, Candace Young from
Notes
- Robert Guza, Jr. However, the character was further developed by head writers Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman and first appeared under executive producer Frank Valentiniin 2016.
References
- ^ Frank Valentini (Executive producer); Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante (Head writers) (June 6, 2017). General Hospital. Season 55. Episode 13821. ABC.
- Robert Guza, Jr. (Head writer) (October 6, 2009). General Hospital. Season 46. ABC. GH Transcript Tuesday 10/6/09.
- Robert Guza, Jr. (Head writer) (October 7, 2009). General Hospital. Season 46. ABC. GH Transcript Tuesday 10/7/09.
- American Media, Inc.March 17, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
- Robert Guza, Jr. (Head writer) (October 15, 2009). General Hospital. Season 46. ABC. GH Transcript Tuesday 10/15/09.
- Robert Guza, Jr. (Head writer) (October 19, 2009). General Hospital. Season 46. ABC. General Hospital Transcript Monday 10/19/09.
- Robert Guza, Jr. (Head writer) (October 20, 2009). General Hospital. Season 46. ABC. General Hospital Transcript Monday 10/20/09.
- ^ American Media, Inc.: 5. August 1, 2016.
- ^ a b "Gone For Good?". Ins & Outs. ABC Soaps in Depth. Bauer Media Group: 10. September 12, 2016.
- ^ Kroll, Dan J (September 28, 2009). "GH puts its plans for a Cassadine return on ice". soapcentral.com. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
- ^ American Media, Inc.: 8. October 20, 2009.
- On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
- American Media Inc.June 16, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
- ABC Soaps in Depth. United States: Bauer Media Group. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
- ^ American Media, Inc.: 38–41.
- ^ American Media, Inc.: 4–5. July 11, 2016.
- ^ a b "Is Theo a Baddie?". Ins & Outs. ABC Soaps in Depth. 20 (29). Bauer Media Group: 9. July 18, 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Valentin's Back!". Ins & Outs. ABC Soaps in Depth. 20 (45). Bauer Media Group: 11. November 7, 2016.
- ^ Daytime Confidential. Confidential Media, Inc. (SAY Media). Retrieved July 1, 2016.
- ^ American Media, Inc.: 6. July 25, 2016.
- ^ Soaps in Depth. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ^ American Media, Inc.: 5. December 1, 2009.
- ^ "Hunk "Temporarily" On Hold". Ins & Outs. ABC Soaps in Depth. 14 (4). Bauer Media Group: 12. January 25, 2010.
- On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
- ^ Daytime Confidential. United States: Confidential Media (SAY Media). Retrieved July 1, 2016.
- ABC Soaps in Depth. 20 (31). Bauer Media Group: 24–27. August 1, 2016.
- ^ American Media, Inc.October 20, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ^ American Media, Inc.: 5. November 7, 2016.
- ^ American Media, Inc.: 8. November 7, 2016.
- ^ Gantt, Nikki (October 21, 2016). "'General Hospital' Spoilers: James Patrick Stuart Returns – Valentin Cassadine Headed Back To Port Charles For Charlotte, Is She His Daughter?". Soap Opera Spy. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ^ Campbell, Hope (October 20, 2016). "The Triumphant Return of Valentin on General Hospital". SoapHub. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ^ "GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Hits The Sheets With Valentin, Laura Laments Leaving Nikolas Behind!". August 3, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
- ^ On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
- ^ MiguelJT (June 16, 2016). "'General Hospital' News: 'AMC' Alum James Patrick Stuart Joins 'GH' Cast". Soap Opera Spy. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
- ^ Kroll, Dan J (July 1, 2016). "AMC alum James Patrick Stuart to hit GH with a bang". soapcentral.com. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
- On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
- TVSource Magazine. SoSource Media, LLC. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
- TVSource Magazine. SoSource Media LLC. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
- ABC Soaps in Depth. 20 (33). Bauer Media Group: 28. August 15, 2016.
- ^ Thompson, Donald (July 31, 2016). "Valentin Cassadine Arrives To General Hospital". Canyon News. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- She Media. Retrieved July 23, 2023.