In the world of daytime television, where characters come and go like the tide, the recent departure of Andrew Hawkes from General Hospital has left a void that many viewers are still trying to fill. As the duplicitous WSB agent, Ross Cullum, Hawkes brought a unique blend of charm and danger to the show, and his exit was nothing short of epic. But what makes this story truly fascinating is not just the dramatic conclusion, but the journey that led to it, and the impact it had on both the cast and crew, as well as the dedicated fans.
A Brief but Impactful Run
At first, Hawkes' run on General Hospital was supposed to be a brief three episodes. But as he notes, 'I think now, when all is said and done, I’ve done about 40 episodes!'. This extended run was a gift to the actor, who embraced the challenge of playing a complex and often despicable character. Despite knowing that his time on the show was limited, Hawkes threw himself into the role with the same dedication he would bring to Shakespeare or 'Death of a Salesman'.
The Emotional Goodbye
The actor's departure was inevitable, but that didn't make it any easier. 'I knew it was coming at some point,' he says. 'It was just an incredible experience as an actor at this point in my life.' The final day of shooting was particularly intense, with a ton of stunts, a location shoot, and a helicopter. But Hawkes was able to share the bulk of his final scenes with Ryan Paevey, who played Cassius. 'I love Ryan,' he says. 'We got to really dig into our scenes when we worked together.'
A Team Effort
What makes General Hospital so special is the team that brings it to life. Hawkes was impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the cast and crew. 'They’re just incredible people, and I’m astonished by them and all the work that goes into putting the show together,' he says. 'When you’re working with professionals who are really enjoying what they’re doing and trying to do their best work, it’s just the best feeling.'
A Character to Remember
Ross Cullum was a character that viewers either loved to hate or hated to love. But behind the villain was a man who connected with fans on a personal level. 'I’m a goofball, and the fans responded so beautifully to that,' Hawkes says. 'That’s been such a lovely part of this whole experience.'
A Future in Port Charles?
Despite his departure, Hawkes would return to Port Charles 'in a heartbeat'. 'I’d say yes in a heartbeat,' he says. 'The people over at General Hospital, to a person, have been nothing but beautifully kind and supportive of me. Would I like to have stayed? Yes, of course. But at the same time, I feel like I had an incredibly rounded experience.'
A Lasting Impact
Hawkes' time on General Hospital has left a lasting impact on both the show and its fans. His performance as Ross Cullum will be remembered as one of the most memorable exits in recent memory. But what makes this story truly fascinating is the way in which Hawkes connected with viewers, both on and off the screen. His openness and vulnerability, both on 'State of Mind' and on social media, have created a bond that goes beyond the screen. As he says, 'Best damn fans in the business.'
In the end, Andrew Hawkes' time on General Hospital was a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on both the characters and the people who watch them. His exit may have been inevitable, but the legacy he leaves behind is anything but.
