Jesse’s Whirl
Soap Opera Digest: What was your reaction when you heard that Jesse was going to be mortally wounded?
Matt Marraccini: “You mean it’s fatal [laughs]?” Jill [Farren Phelps, executive producer] actually gave me a call to let me know that Jesse Beaudry’s days in Port Charles would be coming to an end, and she couldn’t have been sweeter and more caring. It’s not easy to let people go and she did it in such a wonderful way. [ABC Daytime President] Brian Frons made it a point to come over to me on set and say it was purely storyline-driven, and I understand. That’s the way it goes. It’s not personal. It happens.Digest: What did you think of your final scenes?
Marraccini: I had my eyes closed the whole time because [Jesse] was dying, but I got to see some of the playback and Kirsten [Storms, Maxie] did an amazing job. She’s an amazing actress. She’s probably going to hate me for saying this, but she is my Meg Ryan [ex-Betsy, ATWT]. She is the cutest. She’s my doll.Digest: What was a highlight during your time at GH?
Marraccini: Absolutely, hands down, it was the cast. There are no words to describe what a lovely group of people they are. They’re like a wonderful Italian family [laughs]. I felt so at home with them, from the first day on set until the last day. They welcomed me with open arms and big smiles.
Digest: What was your last day of taping like?
Marraccini: It really didn’t hit me until they called, “Cut,” on the last scene and they all got in a semicircle and wished me farewell. It made me cry. It’s not that I wouldn’t be seeing them again, but it was an ending. Everybody came over and said good-bye and gave me hugs and kisses. It was emotional.Digest: Is there anyone you wish you’d worked with more?
Marraccini: Rick [Hearst, Ric]. I cannot say enough great things about Rick. And Robert LaSardo [Manny] — he’s a fantastic actor and a fantastic person.Digest: Any fond memories?
Marraccini: For Lindze‘s [Letherman, Georgie] birthday, all “the kids” went out for dinner to Asia de Cuba and we closed the place down that night. There was the Vegas strip [appearance] with the cast. That was an absolute blast. That was the second month I was with them and it honestly felt like I had been friends with them and had been working with them for years. That was a hell of an introduction to the GENERAL HOSPITAL family.Digest: Were you happy the character had a funeral?
Marraccini: That was extremely gratifying and very unexpected. It was what you would have for a fallen law enforcement officer. I heard it was off the hook. There were bagpipes, “Taps” on the bugle. It was a hero’s funeral. He was one hell of a kid.Digest: If it were up to you, what would you want to say on Jesse’s tombstone?
Marraccini: He made a good life for himself without having a support system, a family or many friends. He didn’t have anybody other than Maxie, so I would say, “He was a survivor [laughs].” He was the epitome of survival.Digest: If he could, who would Jesse choose for Maxie’s next man?
Marraccini: Lucas [laughs]. The fans could call them “Laxie” [laughs]. I can’t wait to tell Kirsten that.Digest: What do you want to say to the fans?
Marraccini: I was stunned and was amazed at the support and the love they have for the character and for me. After having the chance to talk to the fans and being close to them at Super Soap Weekend and Fun In The Sun, just thinking about them brings a smile to my face. They love the show, and the MMO [Matt Marraccini Online] Girls have been so amazing. Digest: Considering the circumstances of Jesse’s death, do you despise clowns now?
Marraccini: I love clowns! That was one bad apple who gives the rest of the clowns a bad name. That carnival set made you feel like you were at a real carnival. Props to the art department. They did a hell of a job. At least [Jesse] didn’t get kicked down an elevator shaft. I had clowns and jugglers, cotton candy and popcorn. Who can say that about their on-screen death? Good times!Digest: Was it fun to be on hand when so much of the GH old guard came through town?
Marraccini: Tristan [Rogers, Robert] is younger at heart than I am. My Aunt Pat has been watching GH for years, so she got a kick out of that and so did I. That man has got some stories.Digest: What advice would you offer Lucky’s next partner?
Marraccini: Wear a bullet-proof vest [laughs]. You’re always going to have to save his ass. If you hear the word “shooter,” run! Digest: So, what’s next?
Marraccini: I’ve been auditioning a lot. I managed to get in at the tail end of pilot season, so I’ve been going out a lot.Digest: Would you consider doing another soap?
Marraccini: Absolutely. I wasn’t expecting GENERAL HOSPITAL, and what a wonderful gift that was. For me, the future’s wide open, and I like that.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Soap Opera Digest does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.