25 Years After His 'All My Children' Debut, This Daytime Icon Returns to ABC in a Surprising New Role
After weeks of speculation and theories, it's finally been confirmed just who Jonathan Bennett will be playing on the ABC soap opera General Hospital.
In an interview with TV Guide Magazine's Stephanie Sloane, Bennett confirmed that he will be playing Joe Fitzpatrick, a police officer with the Port Charles Police Department.
This will be Bennett's second daytime role, having previously appeared on All My Children as JR. Chandler, the son of Adam Chandler (David Canary) and Dixie Cooney (Cady McClain) in 2001.
While specific details about Fitzpatrick's role remain scarce, Bennett expressed his anticipation for his debut, stating, "I'm also laughing because I can't wait for the world to see what Joe Fitzpatrick is all about."
When the role was originally announced, Bennett shared the news on his personal Instagram, where his co-stars welcomed him with open arms. Chris McKenna (Jack Brennan) wrote, "Welcome, bud!🎉," while Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake) shared, "You are already such a light! WELCOME 🥳❤️"
Fans also welcomed Bennett back to ABC daytime, with one user sharing, "Congratulations🎊🎉 welcome to the GH. I'm excited and happy, can't wait to see the drama and chaos that your character will bring to the town and citizens of Port Charles 😍❤️🙌," and a second user added, "This is truly amazing to have Jonathan Bennett on General Hospital. Gives me more enjoyment in watching . 😚💖."
Bennett is best known for his role as Aaron Samuels in the 2004 feature film Mean Girls.
In addition, Bennett participated in Celebrity Big Brotherin 2019, where he was the first houseguest to be evicted.
Bennett has become a regular host of various Food Network series, including Food Network's Battle of the Decades, as well as many Hallmark Channel films, including The Groomsmen series and, most recently, Finding Mr. Christmas and Happy Howlidays.
Bennet has made various TV cameos over the years, including on Station 19, Fantasy Island, and Doctor Odyssey.
Fans can catch Bennett's eagerly awaited debut on General Hospital on May 18, 2026.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams weeknights on Hulu.
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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 2:27 PM.