All grown up, Jonathan Jackson returns to ABC’s ‘General Hospital’ as Lucky Spencer

Jonathan Jackson returns to ‘General Hospital’

LOS ANGELES — Jonathan Jackson, the actor who originally played Luke and Laura Spencer’s son Lucky on ABC’s “General Hospital,” returns to the show Tuesday.

Jackson, 27, began playing Lucky Spencer at 11 years old with an intensity that earned him three daytime Emmy awards in six years.

When he left the show in May 1999, actors Jacob Young and then Greg Vaughan assumed the role. Jackson went on to other acting gigs, playing music and married a fellow GH alum, Lisa Vultaggio, who played Hannah.

“It feels like a familiar, brand new experience,” Jackson said.

His return is a big deal for many “General Hospital” fans. Message boards and Web sites devoted to the show have viewers curious to see what will happen next. Some fans said it will prompt them to tune in again.

“I can’t believe the real Lucky is coming back,” said Kathryn Quinn of Lansing, Mich.

“It’s always an adjustment when they replace a character with a different actor, but I think it will kind of cool to have the original one back,” said Liz Gurgel of Canton, Mich.

Jackson’s portrayal of Lucky Spencer was popular with viewers, especially because of a relationship with Elizabeth Webber, played by Rebecca Herbst, which developed after her character was raped.

“The story line between Lucky and Elizabeth to me was more deep and intense than the average teenage story line,” Jackson said.

Things haven’t been easy for the grown-up Lucky Spencer. He has battled prescription drug use, and Lucky and Elizabeth have been on-and-off over the years. They’re currently engaged to remarry, but Elizabeth is harboring secret feelings for her brother-in-law, Nikolas.

Jackson said he thinks the chemistry he shares with Herbst will help the story, even if Lucky and Elizabeth are on the outs.

He said he felt the timing was right when ABC contacted him recently to retake the role.

“I thought about it and felt like it would be a sort of fun adventure to go back and just see what things are like,” Jackson said, acknowledging he hasn’t really kept up with the show.

Jackson credits Anthony Geary, who plays Luke, and Genie Francis, who played Laura, with helping him to develop his acting skills.

“They were both so open, kind and respectful and didn’t really treat me like a kid. They treated me like an actor who was willing to grow. I am hugely indebted to both of them for a lot of what I’ve learned,” he said.

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On the Net:

General Hospital: www.abc.go.com/shows/general-hospital