General Hospital Performer of the Week: Giovanni Mazza as Gio Palmeri

General Hospital has another rising star on its hands, and Giovanni Mazza proved it in spades. It took a year for GH to give the young actor the right material, but when it did, Mazza delivered, making him Soap Central's choice for Performer of the Week.

General Hospital's Gio meant well

Giovanni Mazza has come a long way since his General Hospital debut a year ago | Image: ABC

For a while, Gio Palmeri seemed like nothing more than the show's town crier, relishing all the gossip in the Quartermaine madhouse without really having a life of his own. All we knew was that his parents died when he was young, he was a master violinist, and Sonny (Maurice Benard) was his benefactor, while Lois (Rena Sofer) took care of him. Now, we know that Gio is actually a Quartermaine and a Corinthos, but Gio doesn't know it yet.

All Gio knows is that Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) doesn't think very much of him, something that surprised Gio. Thanks to Mazza truly honing in on his character, we know just how hurt Gio was. As Dante ranted and raved at whomever would listen after Rocco (Finn Carr) nearly died from alcohol poisoning, Gio did not say much, but he didn't have to. It was all over his face.

Dante may have been the center of attention as he voiced his fears and frustrations, but we couldn't take our eyes off Gio as Mazza's reaction to everything Dante said told us how much Dante's words stung.

Mazza brings depth to Gio

General Hospital's Gio was shocked by Dante's attitude | Image: ABC

We have been loving the slow evolution of Gio and Emma's (Braedyn Bruner) friendship, which we know is bound to turn into a lot more as the summer heats up. For now, Emma is someone Gio can open up to. At the beach after Dante's tirade, he did just that. His hurt and anger were apparent on his face and in his voice.

There was almost a quiet rage on Mazza's face as it seemed Gio wasn't even sure where he belonged. The Qs have done their best to make him feel at home, especially Tracy (Jane Elliot), but after Dante's meltdown, Gio might not be so sure. Mazza let us know how conflicted Gio felt and gave us a window into this young man we never had before. We can't wait to see what he does when the big reveal finally takes place and Gio learns he really does belong with the Quartermaines after all.

Catch all-new episodes of General Hospital weekdays on ABC and Hulu.