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Even someone as seasoned as comedian and late-night host John Oliver can still harbor a desire for something more.. And in early July, he’ll finally be able to say he’s achieved it: his lifelong dream… to star in a daytime soap opera.
The Emmy winner will appear in a “significant guest role” on ABC. General Hospitalthe network said in a press release Monday. His first appearance, part of a “three-episode arc,” will air this Thursday, with the remaining episodes airing Friday, July 3 and Monday, July 6.
So how did we get here? Earlier this year, the British presenter of HBO’s Last week tonight made an impassioned on-air plea to star in a daytime soap. For episode of March 8after he noted that ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was on and off. General Hospital for over a decade, Oliver admitted he was jealous, given his “genuine” lifelong love of the soap. He then made his own presentation.
“To all the soap operas out there, let me say this: I officially offer myself to you,” Oliver said to applause and laughter from the audience. “Write me a role and I’ll be on your set so fast your head will spin.”
And just in case, Oliver made it clear that he was interested in playing not himself, but a real character.
“…And I want his name to be funny.”
He then laid out a few more “conditions.”
“Plus, I want to do something spicy, like kill, or slap, or get slapped, or become someone’s long-lost something, and ideally I’d like a dramatic close-up of my face.”
In return, he vowed to “give [his] everything for the sake of this performance.”
It didn’t take long for the long-running daytime soap to answer the call. Just a few weeks after the video aired, General HospitalThe Instagram account commented, “Welcome to Port Charles anytime. Our DMs are open.”
Fast forward a few months and Oliver finally checked into Port Charles. While details of his role are being kept under wraps, ABC did release the first image, which shows Oliver in a dark blue suit with a stern expression flanked by two men in tactical gear.
In the issue General Hospital said they were “delighted to accommodate” Oliver’s request for a “juicy” role, with the show’s executive producer Frank Valentini adding:
“He was everything you’d hope for: prepared, professional, funny and genuinely kind to everyone on set. He plays an integral character in the story, and I can’t wait for fans to see who he meets in Port Charles.”
Oliver also shared his excitement in a statement included in the press release.
“General Hospital was everything I hoped for. I am honored to be a small blemish on the history of this outstanding show,” he said.