It seems like just yesterday that the news broke that Jonathan Jackson would be returning to General Hospital as Lucky. In June of 2024, fans were ecstatic to hear that after nearly 10 years, they would have the Emmy magnet back in Port Charles. However, after the June 5 episode, it became clear that the actor was unexpectedly exiting. And although we hoped to be reading too much into the drama that unfolded, we can confirm that the actor — and his much-loved character — are indeed exiting the canvas.
The scenes hinting at his departure took place after Lucky asked Elizabeth to remarry him. The stage had been set for the perfect proposal, but in the end, no matter how much she professed to love him, Elizabeth could not become his wife again. Despite agreeing that they had always loved and would always love one another, Elizabeth knew that he could never be happy living a settled life in Port Charles.
Acknowledging his wanderlust, Lucky suggested that Elizabeth leave town with him — to travel the world and take in everything it had to offer. But again, she replied no and reminded him of the commitments she had in Port Charles. Finally, both agreed that they had gone down different paths in life but vowed to always love each other. “Being here and knowing we can’t be together would be too hard,” Lucky added before expressing that he wanted to find Aidan and explain to him that he’s leaving again.
While talking to his castmates Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) last year, Jackson shared that he and executive producer Frank Valentini had kept in touch and this time, in regards to his latest return, “it just kind of happened organically. It just felt like the right time. It all came together.” However, he also added that there had been other instances where a return for Lucky had almost happened but the timing hadn’t been right for various reasons.
Now comes word that Jackson’s last episode will air next week. “We were so glad Jonathan was able to reprise the role of Lucky, even if it was for a limited time,” Valentini said in a statement to TV Insider. “We wish him nothing but the best, and the door is always open for Jonathan to return.”
