Jonathan Bennett is arriving in Port Charles soon.
The Hallmark fan favorite is officially making his “General Hospital” debut as Joe Fitzpatrick on Monday, May 18, per TV Guide (via Michael Fairman TV).
Bennett shared some insights into what fans can expect from his character when he makes his debut next week.
“Returning to daytime television was not on my bingo card for 2026,” the actor told the outlet. “I feel like I hit the jackpot when this opportunity came because the character is something that I really wanted to play.”
Bennett also admitted that returning to a soap opera set after 25 years was not easy, but he’s more than ready for the challenge.
The “Mean Girls” actor teased some major surprises when Officer Fitzpatrick enters the picture.
“I’m feeling excited, and I’m also laughing because I can’t wait for the world to see what Joe Fitzpatrick is really all about,” Bennett added.
Jonathan Bennett as Joe Fitzpatrick on ‘General Hospital’
Last month, “General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed in a statement that Bennett is the newest addition to the long-running ABC soap, Deadline reported.
“We’re so excited to have Jonathan joining our cast,” Valentini said. “He’s a tremendous talent and will be a fantastic addition to GH.”
Bennett is not new to the world of soap operas. Before his latest role on “General Hospital,” the actor played JR Chandler on “All My Children,” between 2001 and 2002.
Bennett is also known for his Hallmark hits, including “The Groomsmen” trilogy, “Finding Mr. Christmas,” “A Keller Christmas Vacation,” “The Holiday Sitter,” “The Christmas House,” and “Cherry Lane.”
Other projects he’s worked on include “Van Wilder: Freshman Year,” “Cheaper By the Dozen 2,” “Dr. Odyssey,” “Station 19,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Fantasy Island,” and more.
Jonathan Bennett on Joining ‘General Hospital’: ‘No-Brainer’
Previously, Bennett described his “General Hospital” role as a full-circle moment, adding that the decision to join the show had been easy.
“I started my career on soaps, and when the opportunity to go and play a really fun character on ‘General Hospital’ came up, it felt like a no-brainer,” the actor told PEOPLE in April. “I learned how to act on daytime television when I was 19 years old. Now I’m coming back, but I have a few more tools in my tool belt, so this should be fun!”
Meanwhile, “General Hospital” fans are already looking forward to Bennett’s debut as Joe Fitzpatrick.
One fan commented, ” I’m already in front of the TV waiting patiently!”
Another wrote, “Guess after a gazillion years I’ll be going back to watching GH!”
Someone added, “I’m excited and happy can’t wait to see the drama and chaos that you’re character will bring to the town and citizens of Port Charles.”
Another chimed in, “Congratulations. Looks like I’ll have to start watching it again lol!”
“General Hospital” airs weekdays on ABC.
