John Stamos opens up about referring to Elizabeth Taylor as 'Old Woman' on General Hospital set

In the entertainment world, the most cherished stories often emerge from the unscripted moments that transpire behind the scenes, just like one that happened on the sets of General Hospital. Delve into a surprising and candid revelation straight from the pages of John Stamos' memoir, If You Would Have Told Me.

The story unfolds during his early days on the iconic soap opera General Hospital, which marked a significant juncture in his burgeoning acting career. It has long been celebrated for its captivating narratives and larger-than-life characters. However, the unexpected, real-life moments frequently leave the deepest impressions. John Stamos' account is a striking example.

During a routine scene on the General Hospital (often abbreviated as GH) set, Stamos found himself distracted by an unusual commotion in the background. But as the disruption escalated, his patience wore thin.

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Why did John Stamos call Elizabeth Taylor an 'old woman' on General Hospital?

In a moment of unbridled frustration, John Stamos let out an unrestrained outburst that reverberated across the General Hospital set. Little did he know that the 'old woman' he was referring to was none other than the iconic Elizabeth Taylor, who sat gracefully in a director's chair, sipping champagne and exuding her legendary lavender-eyed charm. He shouted:

"Will someone get that old woman out of my eyeline!"

The reason behind Elizabeth Taylor's visit to the General Hospital set adds a heartwarming dimension to this tale. She was there to reunite with her close friend, Anthony Geary, known for his portrayal of Luke Spencer on the show. Elizabeth's prior appearances on GH as the unforgettable Helena Cassidine had cemented her status in soap opera history.

The moment of realization was not kind to John Stamos. As he recollects in his memoir:

"Chris [Robinson] quickly tells me who she is, and I'm so embarrassed. I can't believe I lost my s**t in front of Elizabeth Taylor. My dad is going to kill me."

Stamos quickly reined in his outburst, offering profuse apologies to the Hollywood legend and attempting to rectify his ill-considered comment about her age. He returned to the GH set with the weight of the awkward encounter on his shoulders. This time, however, he channeled the emotional turmoil into a scene in the series, delivering a performance that left an indelible mark.

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How did General Hospital shape John Stamos' career?

The stint at GH from 1982 to 1984 was a turning point for John Stamos. It earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, setting the stage for the opportunities that awaited him. Just a few years later, he'd embark on the role of a lifetime as heartthrob Jesse Katsopolis in the beloved sitcom Full House.

General Hospital wasn't just a stepping stone in his career but also a breeding ground for lifelong friendships. His time on the set introduced him to stars like Lori Loughlin, Dave Coulier, and the late Bob Saget, relationships that have endured throughout his life.

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Final thoughts

In sharing this candid reflection that took a lot of people by surprise. John Stamos offers his fans and GH lovers a reminder that even on the glamorous sets and flamboyance of General Hospital, the line between fiction and reality is, more often than not, very blurred. Sometimes, in hilarious and ridiculous ways!

The soap opera domain may be known for its scripted drama and storylines that are pre-planned to be jaw-droppers, but these unscripted, authentic moments truly define the legacy of this iconic show.