One of the most lovable soap opera sidekicks is joining one of TV's most lovable families: Gregory Zarian, who played Kate Howard's best friend, Julius, on General Hospital, has signed on to guest star in the currently running second season of ABC's The Wonder Years.
The coming-of-age comedy, inspired by the original 1980s Fred Savage series, is set in 1960s Montgomery, Alabama, and takes a nostalgic look at the Williams family through the eyes of imaginative 12-year-old Dean (played by Elisha "EJ" Williams and also voiced by Don Cheadle).
Zarian will be appearing in this Wednesday's episode as Herb Hitman, the father of Dean's best friend, Brad (Julian Lerner).
"I was super thrilled when I got the call to audition and then got cast for the reboot," Zarian tells Soap Central. "The series had been reimagined by show runner Saladin Patterson and executive produced by award-winning filmmaker Lee Daniels. To work for these two powerhouse men was a dream. The whole experience ranks up there as one of the best, ever."
Titled "Blockbusting," Zarian's episode follows Dean as he develops a crush on Brad's mom, played by Lindsay Sloan, who Zarian says he has always admired.
"I'd been a fan way before we ended up working together," the actor shares. "We met a few days before filming, had a tea and just talked: life, family, all of it. There was a great connection. And what's really great is that Lindsay was in the original series with Fred Savage [as Alice Pedermeir]."
Zarian was also thrilled to work with his TV son, Julian Lerner. "He had me at hello!" the actor enthuses, sharing that they greeted each other with a hug and immediately bonded. "May I say, this kid is super talented. His first gig was in the touring company of Les Mis and he just wrapped up Oliver, playing The Artful Dodger at New York City Center. I am such a proud TV dad!"
The second season of The Wonder Years premiered on June 14 and new episodes air every Wednesday on ABC at 9/8C. The first season is currently available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
"The entire set was a joy, truly. Everyone and everything was fantastic," Zarian says of his experience filming his episode of The Wonder Years. "There is so much love all around."
In addition to playing GH's Julius from 2007 to 2008, Zarian starred as Days of our Lives' Brent and Venice: The Series' Nate, for which he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2020. His other credits include Westworld, Mystery Incorporated, The Family Business, 86 Melrose Avenue, and the recent Netflix film That's Amor. (For more on the latter, check out Soap Central's interview with Zarian here).
What do you think about Gregory Zarian appearing in the The Wonder Years reboot as Herb Hitman? Do you hope his guest appearance turns into a recurring role? What moments are you most fond of from Zarian's time as GH's Julius and DAYS' Brent? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
