Daniel Goddard, known for “The Young and the Restless”, joins “General Hospital” as a professor with a mysterious past, reuniting with former co-stars.
In a casting coup that’s sure to delight daytime drama aficionados, General Hospital has tapped soap opera veteran Daniel Goddard for a fresh role in Port Charles. Best known for his 15-year stint as Cane Ashby on The Young and the Restless, Goddard is set to bring his seasoned talent to the ABC daytime juggernaut, marking his return to the genre after a notable hiatus.
The news, first broken by Deadline, has fans buzzing about what’s in store.
Goddard will embody Professor Henry Dalton, a newly minted character crafted just for him. Described as an environmental physics professor at Port Charles University, Dalton comes with a shadowy past that promises to stir intrigue.
While the specifics of his storyline remain tightly guarded—classic soap opera secrecy—Goddard hinted at the complexity ahead, telling TV Insider, “It seems there are some things in his past that he’s done that have left him in a position of some form of investigation.” It’s the kind of enigmatic hook that General Hospital thrives on, ensuring viewers will be glued to their screens.
The path to this role wasn’t a straight shot for Goddard. Initially, he auditioned for the recast of Jack Brennan—a part that ultimately went to Chris McKenna—but fate had other plans. “A few weeks later, Michael [Bruno, his agent] called me and said, ‘General Hospital called, and they’ve got this character, and they’re writing it, and they want you to do it,’” Goddard recounted. “I was just gobsmacked by it. It wasn’t a recast. It was a new character, and I was so blown away.” That serendipitous pivot underscores the show’s confidence in Goddard’s ability to breathe life into a bespoke role.
For Goddard, stepping back into daytime television has been both a homecoming and a revelation. “It’s the first audition I’ve had in many years, and it was a bizarre experience for me,” he shared. “You feel like, in a way, you’re going back to ground zero … even though you’ve been on a different soap opera for, like, 15 years. It was humbling, but it was more of an awakening.” His raw honesty about the vulnerability of the process adds a relatable layer to his journey, resonating with anyone who’s faced a career crossroads.
Adding a touch of soap opera serendipity, Goddard’s arrival in Port Charles reunites him with familiar faces. He’s already encountered Genie Francis (Laura Collins) and Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio), who portrayed his parents, Genevieve and Colin Atkinson, on The Young and the Restless. “I’ve been waiting for my moment to see Genie and give her a big hello and a big hug,” he said warmly. “Daytime is a family, and until you’ve been in it, you don’t really understand how tight it is.” These connections are a treat for longtime fans, bridging two iconic shows in a way that feels organic and heartfelt.
General Hospital, now in its 61st year, continues to cement its legacy as a daytime titan, blending rich history with forward momentum. Goddard’s casting arrives amid a whirlwind of roster shifts—19 exits and 13 returns in 2024 alone—and his addition signals the show’s commitment to keeping its storytelling vibrant. With over a decade of soap experience, Goddard is poised to elevate the ensemble, bringing both gravitas and a fresh perspective.
Ever the actor’s actor, Goddard opted for a blind approach to his character. “I said to Frank [Valentini, executive producer], ‘Don’t tell me anything about the character,’” he revealed. “I don’t want to know what it is because I don’t want to play it that I know. I’d rather have the character be sort of a clean slate to me.” It’s a bold choice, echoing the likes of Woody Allen’s penchant for keeping actors in the dark, and it promises an authentic unraveling of Professor Dalton’s arc.
As anticipation builds, Goddard’s gratitude shines through. “I can’t begin to express my gratitude to Frank and everyone at General Hospital and to Michael Bruno for really believing in me and being there,” he said. It’s a sentiment that reflects the collaborative heartbeat of daytime television, a genre built on passion and perseverance.
Mark your calendars: Goddard debuts as Professor Henry Dalton on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Whether you’re a General Hospital diehard or a Young and the Restless loyalist eager to see Cane Ashby’s next chapter, this is one soap event you won’t want to miss. Catch it on ABC or stream it on Hulu—and prepare for Port Charles to get a whole lot more intriguing.
