Just over a year since making his on-screen debut as Marco Rios on “General Hospital,” Adrian Anchondo is exiting the daytime drama series after his character was killed off on the Wednesday, March 25 episode.
Since Friday, fans had been wondering what Marco’s fate would be following his encounter with Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), who had stabbed Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) son multiple times in his office at Miller & Davis before the young lawyer would later succumb to his injuries while being treated at General Hospital.
In a post on Instagram, Anchondo thanked the show’s cast, crew and the fans for embracing him on the show, giving particular shout-outs to executive producer Frank Valentini, casting director Mark Teschner, co-stars Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) and Van Hansis (Lucas Jones), among others.
“I started this journey with a story about my mother, how she was with me in spirit at my screen test for Marco, hiding in the compact she used to do her make up in while she watched soap operas on the couch,” said Anchondo in his post. “Now, I know she is looking down and proud of me for all the work I’ve done in the past year on one of the best shows ever created. She is proud of me for showing up every day and leading with kindness and respect, for fighting through my insecurities and anxiety, and for letting my heart shine through a character that had questionable intentions. I’m also proud of myself for doing the work, for representing the LGBTQI and Latino community, and for constantly recognizing the magic that every single person on the show creates.”
“I know fans are sad (believe me I’m still grieving) but I’m just one small piece in a much bigger picture,” continued Anchondo. “This isn’t about me, it’s about what’s best for the story. I can’t believe the amount of love I’ve received especially in the last few days. I hope I made you proud. To my queer fans, don’t be discouraged, we will keep spreading our love and fighting for that happy ending.”
Anchondo went on to thank the show, and its parent company, Disney and ABC, “for making a dream come true.” Meanwhile, he thanked Teschner “for seeing something in me,” while crediting Valentini and the show’s directors “for bringing that something out of me. You changed my life and I will be forever grateful.”
As for his real-life love, “Days of our Lives” star Colton Little, he said, “Thank you @littlecolton for being by my side, running lines. hyping me up, and holding me through the sad parts.”
Christine Bartolucci/Disney
“Thank you to my Grandma and cousins for cheering me on,” Anchondo said. “Thank you to the amazing cast especially @nancyleegrahn for your wisdom and kindness @carlodanterota for your support, guidance and friendship, and of course to my amazing friend @van.hansis for holding my hand in more ways than one- you made it easy to fall in love with you.
Anchondo concluded his message, saying, “Thats a wrap on Marco! I hope everyone loved him as much as I did. We went out with a bang. On to the next big thing.”
