Photo: ABC
Soap Opera News got the opportunity to talk
with Coby Ryan McLaughlin about his upcoming exit from General Hospital. The moment was bittersweet because even if you hated the character of Shiloh there is no denying that Coby is a high caliber actor. The level of talent he brought to Port Charles will be missed.
McLaughlin began with a six-month deal when he started airing in December of 2018 and was then given a contract role. So, Shiloh’s impending exit did come as a surprise to Coby. “They didn’t re-up my contract. I think the reason being was because it had just gotten so incredibly dark that there didn’t really seem to be much room for redemption.” Which we all can agree upon with the morbid descension that the character took. With the show initially offering him a longer contract maybe the plan was to eventually redeem him, but they wrote themselves into a hole? “I’m not quite sure. I think that they kinda got locked into a certain specific thing, but I can’t even imagine what all these writers have to juggle. I think it got dark and stayed there.”
Though he is saying goodbye to General Hospital he will take away some very important things. The first being the relationships he has built during his time there. “Everyone was rad! Everyone was really kind and helpful. I’ve never had an experience quite like that.” He noted that he made a couple of really good friends including Josh Swickard (Harrison Chase). Another thing that he learned from the fast-paced environment was efficiency. “I’m definitely a much more efficient actor having that experience.”
“It was cool being a part of history. This show has been on for 56 [years]! It’s neat being a footnote in the epic machine that is General Hospital.” Even though Coby appreciates his time in the soap genre he doesn’t feel like it was the right fit for him as an actor. “It wasn’t my bag. I loved the people, and Frank Valentini really knows how to run a set. I had a great time while I was on there, but I don’t think it’s anything that I’d care to revisit.” Coby sited that the genre moves rapidly and is worked down so efficiently that a lot is left on the table. “Trimming a little too much of the fat.” And though it was difficult to make his character and the stories work without much character development it did offer him a new and exciting challenge. “I really had to find a way to make it compelling.” And he certainly did that!
What is truly exciting for Coby is that he already has a new project in the works! He will start shooting a pilot for a new series next week! He can’t say too much about the show, but “it’s something COMPLETELY different. Totally different in every aspect!” We will be keeping our eyes out for that announcement when it comes!
Coby also wanted to thank General Hospital’s incredible fanbase for their support. “I have never ever in my life had any sort of fanbase. I don’t know if I ever will again. The fans of this show are hands down the best, f-in craziest, most awesome and loyal fans I have ever experienced. It really is the fans’ show and the fact that they welcomed me so openly. Even the ones that just hated me! It was wonderful! Those are the people that I’m going to miss the most.”
Thank you to Coby Ryan McLaughlin for a wonderful chat. You will be missed at General Hospital, but here is to bigger and better things!
Tori
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