Finola Hughes explains how General Hospital producer Gloria Monty balanced creativity and discipline

During the heyday of General Hospital, Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) and Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio) became central figures in some of the soap’s most iconic storylines, all under the watchful eye of trailblazing executive producer Gloria Monty. She saved the show from cancellation and turned it into must-watch television in the late 1970s and 1980s. Since Rogers’ passing, Hughes has been sharing her loving memories of working with him, and recently opened up about how working with Monty wasn’t just about high-stakes, world-saving spy games on daytime TV; it was also about a collaborative spirit behind the scenes that helped cement their legacy in soap history.

Behind-the-scenes memories

On Instagram, General Hospital’s Finola Hughes shared some pics of her and Tristan Rogers dressed up in 1920s formal attire. She captioned them, “I literally have no clue what story this was or what we were doing! If anyone remembers, go for it! It was either a sting op or fancy dress. I’ve got nada! All I know is that whatever the scene was, we would be planning ideas.” She then referenced the legendary Gloria Monty, explaining that the powerhouse producer was okay with their improv. She noted that they were only allowed to do so if they didn’t make any mistakes. She added that Monty, “was very supportive of any kind of exploration, she’d hear us out. But then, just as easily, roll her eyes up and say ‘Good God, absolutely not’. So, ya never knew which way the proverbial cookie would crumble.” She lovingly ended it with, “For Tris.”

Hughes had also referenced a fan, @imaginaryerika, who had an amazing General Hospital recall, writing, “It was 1987. The caper that would later take you to Mt Rushmore. You were at a 20’s 20s-themed party at Elena’s [Rebecca Holden] Hamptons house with Dusty [Shawn Cassidy] and Terry [Robin Bernard].” The fan continued by explaining that Elena tried killing Anna with carbon monoxide, but Duke Lavery (Ian Buchanan) and Sean Donely (John Rielly) rescued her. They continued, noting, “You and Robert faked your deaths, hiding in the catacombs…with one of Olin’s [Beulah Quo] many cousins in the Asian District.” Hughes was thrilled with this and responded to the fan, “@imaginaryerika omg! Ftw! Thank you.”

It was a special time

General Hospital's Robert and Anna. | Image Source: ABC

The fans were thrilled at the photos and story recap, as General Hospital follower @luv4tswift13 commented, “Thank you for sharing these, not only to honor a great actor, but for allowing us to return down memory lane.” @dmk1207 shared the sentiment of many by writing, “Sharing these memories is such a beautiful way to remember Tristan and your iconic collaboration and long friendship. Thank you.”

Many fans were blown right down memory lane as @kstoobie commented, “I love this!! Absolutely gorgeous, both of you!! Mt. Rushmore Caper. 1920s party, Dusty and Terry. Dusty was programmed by Elena. The good old days!! Again, thanks for sharing your wonderful memories of Tristan. He was just the BEST.” And @amandag113 wrote the heartfelt, “I'm loving this look back on GH memory lane of one of the greatest super couples of all time! I hope the current show runners honor his legacy and showcase how special this all was!”

General Hospital can be seen weekdays on ABC and Hulu.