Courtney Matthews

Last updated
Courtney Matthews
General Hospital character
Alicia Leigh Willis as Courtney Matthews.png
Portrayed by Alicia Leigh Willis
Duration
  • 2001–2006
  • 2015
  • 2020
First appearanceDecember 20, 2001
Last appearanceSeptember 17, 2020
Classification Past; guest
Created by Megan McTavish
Introduced by
In-universe information
Other namesCourtney Quartermaine
Courtney Morgan
Courtney Jacks
Occupation
  • Founder of the Courtney Matthews Foundation
  • CEO of Pride-Phillips
  • Waitress
  • Stripper at the Oasis
Family Corinthos
Father Mike Corbin
MotherJanine Matthews
Half-brothers Sonny Corinthos
Spouse
Sons Spencer Cassadine
Nephews
Nieces Kristina Davis
Lila McCall
Avery Corinthos
Donna Corinthos

Courtney Matthews is a fictional character from General Hospital , an American soap opera on the ABC network. She is the daughter of Mike Corbin and Janine Matthews, and the half sister of mobster Sonny Corinthos. Courtney was portrayed by Alicia Leigh Willis from December 20, 2001, until February 21, 2006. Willis received two consecutive Emmy nominations for "Outstanding Younger Actress." Willis returned to the role of Courtney for a guest stint in May 2015, as part of a fan-favorite vote; she again returned in 2020.

Contents

Casting

In September 2001, General Hospital released a casting call for Courtney, described to be in her early 20s and "sexy, vibrant and dynamic." [2] The character was speculated to be the sister of Sonny Corinthos, played by Maurice Benard. Benard had hinted at a recent fan club event that Sonny's sister would be brought on canvas. [2] Alicia Leigh Willis was cast in the role of Courtney in December 2001. Casting director Mark Teschner fought for her to be hired in the role, and coached her before her callback with the show's executive producer at the time Jill Farren Phelps. [3] Years later, Teschner spoke highly of his experience with Willis, "She nailed it and she got the role and four years later, she was one of the most successful additions on the show. That's also very gratifying when you fight for somebody and they do you right by doing a great job with the role." [3]

In 2006, Willis chose not to renew her contract. She was written off the show, but at her goodbye party on set, Jill Farren Phelps asked if she would stay on and wrap up her character's pregnancy storyline, to which Willis agreed. [4] As the story played out, Willis voiced her opinion on Soap Talk on her character's future, "I love playing Courtney and to see someone else come in, it's like, 'It's my character!' I don't want to see someone else come in, but if they do, I wish them all the luck." [4] Although the network had initially announced recasting the role, [5] it was later confirmed that the character would in fact be killed off. [6] Willis last appeared on February 21, 2006. She briefly returned in 2015, and on September 17, 2020, as a ghost, to facilitate Max Gail's exit from the role of Mike Corbin. [7]

Storylines

2001–2004

Soon after her arrival in Port Charles, Courtney falls in love and marries A. J. Quartermaine . A.J. uses her to get to his biological son Michael Corinthos III, the illegally adopted child of Courtney's half-brother Sonny Corinthos. When Courtney defends A.J. to his family, he realizes he truly loves her, and stops trying to trade Courtney for Michael. The Quartermaine family freezes A.J.'s bank account, leading him further into his alcoholism. After being blackmailed into stripping due to A.J.'s drunk driving crash, [8] A.J. becomes verbally abusive and has Courtney purposely stalked by Coleman Ratcliffe, the strip club's owner, so that he can finally feel like a hero and rescue her.

Courtney finds out what A.J. is doing and asks for a divorce, with which he presumably complies. Meanwhile, Courtney had turned to Sonny's enforcer Jason Morgan for help with the stalker, and develops feelings for him. Courtney falls in love with Jason, which causes tension between Jason and Sonny. After many trials, they finally marry in a private ceremony in France. However, Courtney miscarries their child, which causes strain on their relationship. She also feels that Jason's lifestyle makes her act in ways she never had before, including shooting officer Brian Beck. Although Brian knows Courtney had shot him, he frames Zander Smith, because he has fallen in love with Courtney. During a fire at the Port Charles Hotel, Detective Capelli mortally wounds Brian, who dies in the hospital with Courtney at his side. Courtney eventually decides that due to the dangerous nature of Jason's lifestyle, she would rather leave him than watch him die for the mob, and they divorce.

2005–06, 2015, 2020

Months later, Courtney declares her independence and begins a foundation for underprivileged children. Jasper "Jax" Jacks signs on to lend credibility to her new endeavor. Courtney also takes in a foster child, 17-year-old Diego, who she finds out is the son of weapons dealer Lorenzo Alcazar. She tries to protect Diego from the truth but eventually tells him. [9] Meanwhile, Jax and Courtney continue to bond. Jax bets Courtney $10 million that he can seduce her in three months. Courtney accepts, believing beating Jax at his own game will be a breeze. Jax proves more difficult to resist than she bargained for. The two slowly fall in love and Jax eventually proposes to Courtney. A.J. returns to town and announces that his divorce from Courtney was never finalized, but he is presumed dead shortly thereafter. Courtney and Jax marry on June 3, 2005, in a ceremony in the park.

The newlyweds decide to have a surrogate child, as Courtney was left barren from her miscarriage. When Jax begins bonding with their surrogate mother, Elizabeth Spencer, it marks the beginning of the demise of their relationship. During this time, Courtney finds friendship and solace in Nikolas Cassadine, who is married to Emily Quartermaine, which quickly turns into an adulterous affair. Courtney miraculously becomes pregnant. Jax changes the DNA results to say he is the father, but Courtney and Nikolas still choose to fight Jax for custody. However, Courtney sees Nikolas and his ex-wife Emily together, and she breaks up with Nikolas, thinking that Nikolas and Emily belong together.

In early January 2006, Courtney leaves town to have her baby in peace. She returns in February 2006, and contracts the Encephalitis virus plaguing Port Charles. She sees Nikolas, and the two renew their love and get engaged. Faced with the choice between her life or her baby's, Courtney chooses her son's life over her own. [10] After the birth, Courtney suggests that Jax names the baby John, after his father. Jax finally admits to Courtney that Nikolas is the father. Though upset with him for lying, she forgives him, and asks to see Nikolas. However, Nikolas arrives too late, and Courtney dies before she can tell Nikolas he is the father. [10] Jax hides the truth after her death and raises her baby as his own, naming him John Michael Jacks. [10] The truth is eventually revealed to Nikolas a few months later by Robin Scorpio, and Nikolas subsequently changes John's name to Spencer Cassadine.

In May 2015, Courtney appears to her son Spencer to help him realize that he is not disfigured from the fire that injured him months earlier, and to help him to become a better person. Before leaving, Courtney assures Spencer that she loves him and that she is always with him. In September 2020, Courtney appears as an angel to help her father with passing away.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diego Alcazar</span> Fictional character

Diego Alcazar is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network. Diego is the son of Lorenzo Alcazar and Maria Sanchez. Ignacio Serricchio originated the role of Diego in October 2004 and portrayed him until the character's supposed death in November 2006. Serricchio returned briefly in 2008, when it is revealed Diego is alive and terrorizing the citizens of Port Charles as the Text Message Killer.

Jason Morgan (<i>General Hospital</i>) Soap opera character

Jason Morgan was a fictional character on the ABC soap opera, General Hospital. Created by Thom Racina and Leah Laiman, he is most notably played by Daytime Emmy Award-winning actor Steve Burton, who joined the cast in 1991 and vacated the role in 2012. Burton later reprised the role from 2017 to 2021. Jason was born offscreen in September 1981 and the character made his onscreen debut weeks later but was seen portrayed by a child actor in November 1981 as the son of Dr. Alan Quartermaine and his mistress, Susan Moore, later adopted by Alan's wife Dr. Monica Quartermaine. As one of the longest-running characters on the show, the role was played by various child actors from 1981 to 1988. In 2014, Billy Miller was cast in the role. With Burton's 2017 return, Miller's casting was later retconned as Jason's twin brother, Andrew Cain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikolas Cassadine</span> Fictional character

Nikolas Cassadine is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network. Originated by actor Tyler Christopher in 1996, he left the show on July 14, 1999. Due to Nikolas' importance on the soap, he was immediately replaced by Coltin Scott on July 20, 1999. Scott left the role on April 16, 2003, as Christopher made his return on April 21, 2003. Chris Beetem temporarily played the role in 2005. Christopher vacated the role on July 28, 2011, after he was let go from the series. Christopher once again reprised the role on a recurring basis in honor of the soaps' fiftieth anniversary; he was later upgraded to a series regular. Actor Nick Stabile took claim of the role in June 2016 in Christopher's absence. In 2019, Marcus Coloma was cast in the role as a series regular, with Adam Huss temporarily stepping in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Coloma departed in January 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ric Lansing</span> Soap opera character

Ric Lansing is a fictional character from the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital. The role has been portrayed by Rick Hearst, who joined the series on November 8, 2002 and exited the series on June 25, 2009. Following a five-year absence, Hearst returned to the series on February 24, 2014. He later left the series again on June 13, 2014. Hearst, once again, returned to the series on December 23, 2014. His last on air appearance was on July 20, 2016. His exit from the show remains unexplained.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sonny Corinthos</span> Fictional character

Sonny Corinthos is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera General Hospital. Maurice Benard has played the role of the manic depressive mob kingpin, living in Port Charles, since the character's storyline originated on August 13, 1993. Sonny is also known for supercouple pairings with Brenda Barrett and Carly Benson. Since joining the show he has become a central character with many storylines focusing on his family, friends, and criminal enterprise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carly Corinthos</span> Fictional character

Carly Corinthos is a fictional character from General Hospital, a soap opera on the ABC network, portrayed by Laura Wright from 2005. A collaborative effort between the writers, Carly – originally played by Sarah Joy Brown from 1996 to 2001 — was introduced under executive producer Wendy Riche. A "love to hate" character who brings excitement to storylines because of her devious ways, Carly is the illegitimate daughter of former bad girl turned heroine, Bobbie Spencer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emily Quartermaine</span> Soap opera character

Emily Quartermaine is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera General Hospital. The role was originated on January 20, 1995 by Amber Tamblyn, who portrayed the role until July 11, 2001. Natalia Livingston subsequently played Emily from April 1, 2003 until May 7, 2008, despite the character's death in November 2007. Livingston also appeared for two episodes in 2009, last appearing on June 23. Livingston made a surprise return for the show's 50th anniversary, appearing on April 2, 2013. She returned once again on March 18, 2014 & April 1, 2014. In 2005, Livingston won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Emily.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lorenzo Alcazar</span> Fictional character in the soap opera General Hospital

Lorenzo Alcazar is a fictional character on the American ABC soap opera General Hospital, originated by actor Ted King, who previously played Lorenzo's deceased brother Luis Alcazar. He was temporarily portrayed by Jay Pickett in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jasper Jacks</span> Fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network

Jasper Jacks is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network. He has been portrayed off-and-on by actor Ingo Rademacher since 1996. The role was temporarily played by Gideon Emery during Rademacher's absence in January 2008. Jack gained popularity due to the love triangle involving him and supercouple Sonny Corinthos and Brenda Barrett. When Brenda left the show, it continued on with Sonny and Carly Benson. Sonny and Jax became enemies due to their frequent affections for the same woman. Jax has left the show numerous times, but for the most part has been a steady presence since his debut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cassadine family</span>

The Cassadines are a fictional aristocratic family from the American soap opera General Hospital. Created by executive producer Gloria Monty, the family was first introduced in February 1981, with the arrival of Tony Cassadine. Brothers Victor and Mikkos were introduced months later. The Cassadines are descendants of Russian royalty and own their own private island in Greece. Various family members have been sometime residents of Port Charles, living in Wyndemere Castle on Spoon Island. The family is known for their longtime feud with the Spencer family. After the family's initial appearance in 1981, they were absent from the series until the arrival of Stavros Cassadine in 1983. The Cassadine family owns and operates the international conglomerate Cassadine Industries. The family is currently represented on canvas by Valentin, Victor, Alexis, Sam, Kristina, Molly, Danny, Spencer, Scout and Ace.

The history of General Hospital refers to the ABC Daytime soap opera General Hospital that has lasted for nearly 60 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edward Quartermaine</span> Fictional character from the soap opera General Hospital

Edward Quartermaine is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network. The character was created in 1978, originally played by David Lewis. John Ingle stepped into the role in 1993, and besides a brief hiatus from 2004 until 2006, he portrayed Edward up until his death on September 16, 2012.

Spencer family (<i>General Hospital</i>)

The Spencer family is a fictional family on the American soap opera General Hospital. The family is created by Douglas Marland and first introduced in 1977 when Bobbie Spencer arrives in Port Charles. Bobbie's brother, Luke arrived a year later in 1978. Supercouple Luke and Laura Spencer are part of this family, known for their romance and many adventures. The Spencer family is characterized as an adventurous bunch, but many in the family have struggled with various types of substance abuse. They are known for their longstanding feud with the Cassadine family. The family is currently represented by: Laura, Bobbie, Carly, Lucas, Michael, Josslyn, Cameron, Jake, Aiden, Rocco, Charlotte, Wiley, Donna, and Amelia. The Spencers are the owners of the Haunted Star yacht, which is a staple establishment in the Port Charles community.

General Hospital is an American television serial drama, airing on ABC. The show was created by Frank and Doris Hursley, who originally set it in a general hospital in an unnamed fictional city. The series premiered on April 1, 1963. In the 1970s, the city was named Port Charles, New York.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dante Falconeri</span> Fictional character from General Hospital

Dante Falconeri is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network, played by Dominic Zamprogna. Zamprogna made his debut on June 22, 2009. In 2018, Zamprogna announced his decision to leave the role, and departed on June 28, 2018; he later returned for a one-off episode on November 12, 2018. In 2019, he again reprised the role from March 15 to March 29. The following year, he returned in a full-time capacity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Claudia Zacchara</span> Soap opera character

Claudia Zacchara is a fictional character from the ABC soap opera General Hospital. Claudia is the daughter of New York City mob boss Anthony Zacchara. Claudia was portrayed by Sarah Brown beginning January 31, 2008. She left the role of Claudia on November 4, 2009, to join the cast of The Bold and the Beautiful, starting on November 5. Brown also originated the role of Carly Corinthos on General Hospital in 1996, leaving the series in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sonny Corinthos and Carly Benson</span> Soap opera character

Michael "Sonny" Corinthos, Jr. and Caroline Leigh "Carly" Benson are fictional characters of the long running ABC daytime soap opera, General Hospital and also a supercouple. Sonny is the most powerful mobster in Port Charles, New York and Carly is the daughter of one of the show's popular characters, Bobbie Spencer, and the niece of soap opera supercouple, Luke and Laura.

References

  1. ↑ Jill Farren Phelps (Executive producer); Robert Guza, Jr. and Charles Pratt, Jr. (Head writers) (April 22, 2005). General Hospital. Season 42. American Broadcasting Company. GH Transcript Friday 4/22/05. Jax: Well, it's all done. Your ties to A.J. are officially severed.
  2. 1 2 Kroll, Dan J. (September 30, 2001). "Sonny's family coming to town?". Soapcentral . Retrieved March 11, 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Five Minutes With … Mark Teschner". Soap Opera Digest. soapoperadigest.com. 2009-05-06. Archived from the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  4. 1 2 TV Guide News (2006-01-25). "Viewers of yesterday's episode..." TV Guide. tvguide.com. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  5. ↑ Kroll, Dan J. (2005-11-04). "Alicia Leigh Willis Confirms She's Leaving GH". Soap Central. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  6. ↑ TV Guide News (2006-02-15). "Last month on SoapNet's Soap Talk,..." TV Guide. tvguide.com. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  7. ↑ Cushman, Dustin (September 17, 2020). "Courtney returns to help Mike; Ethan punches Robert". Soaps.com . United States: SheKnows Media . Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  8. ↑ Bhattacharjee, Mala (2005-06-17). "How GH's Coleman Gets His Groove". Soap Opera Digest. soapoperadigest.com. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  9. ↑ Di Lauro, Janet (2004-12-20). "Gunning For Dad". Soap Opera Digest. soapoperadigest.com. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  10. 1 2 3 "Deadwatch Page 2". Soap Opera Digest. soapoperadigest.com. 2007-01-02. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.