End of an Era: Jean Passanante Retires from Soap Writing

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End of an Era: Jean Passanante Retires from Soap Writing

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Jean Passanante, General Hospital, GH, GH ABC, #GH, #GeneralHospital
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Daytime Emmy Award winning co-head writer of “General Hospital,” Jean Passanante, has officially retired from the soap world. The daytime veteran announced that today, July 27, was her last work day before beginning a new chapter in her life.

“Today is my last day at and I’m retiring from writing soaps — at least for now. Love and respect to all of you who adore the genre,” wrote Passanante on Twitter in announcing her last day. “To quote the immortal Casey the Alien, ‘Be good to one another.’ (I think those were his dying words. I know you’ll tell me if wrong!) #GH.”

Passanante went on to thank a multitude of “GH” cast and crew via tweets of hearts and thanks, including “GH” executive producer Frank Valentini, who she called “astonishing,” Vicki Dummer, Head of Current Series Programming, ABC Entertainment, and Nathan Varni, Current Series Executive for “GH,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Scandal,” and the upcoming “Roseanne” reboot and comedy “Kevin Probably,” who Passanante called “[the] great, generous #GH guardians at ABC.”

In the more than 25 years since she began writing for daytime dramas, Passanante had been the head writer, co-head writer, associate head writer or breakdown writer of “All My Children,” “Another World,” “As The World Turns,” “General Hospital,” “One Life to Live” and “The Young and the Restless.” She won three Daytime Emmy Awards for her writing work on the soaps out of five nominations. She’s also won four Writers Guild of America Awards for her writing contributions to daytime out of five nominations.

Since her original tweet about her last day, cast and crew members from “GH” and even “The Young and the Restless,” among others, took the time to wish Passanante well as she journeys away from soaps.

“We adore YOU. You are a woman of integrity, heart and balls. Not necessarily in that order. Go thrive, you gorgeous woman!” said “GH’s” Michelle Stafford (Nina; ex-Phyllis Summers, “The Young and the Restless”).

“All the best Jean. Your contribution is exceptional,” wrote actor Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott, “Y&R”), who has enjoyed material written by Passanante during his time as Patrick Drake on “GH.”

“It’s been a privilege. Truly. Now go kick your heels up, bake some pies, and enjoy some MUCH deserved “you” time! You will be missed,” said “GH” writer Kate Hall in response to Passanante’s tweet.

“Thank you for all that you’ve done. It is a pleasure playing Griffin. xxxxx,” said Matt Cohen (Griffin).

“Go have a blast!” stated “GH’s” Marc Anthony Samuel (Felix).

Scripts bearing Passanante’s name are expected to appear on-screen through at least the end of August.

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