THE SCOOP

The next time Mayor Janice Lomax surfaces in Port Charles, she’ll be played by a new, yet familiar face. Shari Belafonte has been cast in the “General Hospital” role, previously portrayed by Saidah Arrika Ekulona.

Belafonte, best known for her role as Julie Gilette on the 1983 to 1988 series Hotel, is the daughter of crooner Harry Belafonte. She also has a tie to “GH.” She’s the wife of Sam Behrens, who starred as Jake Meyer from 1983 to 1988.

Look for Belafonte to make her first appearance on the soap in mid-January.