John Oliver has been cast in two soap operas after previously offering himself to any show that would take him—first landing a three-episode arc on “General Hospital” beginning July 2, then a week-long run on “Days of Our Lives” airing August 11, 12, and 14.
John Oliver didn’t just say he wanted to join a soap opera—he made a public offer, and this summer, the pitch is being answered on schedule.
During Sunday night’s (June 28) episode of Last Week Tonight, the 49-year-old host revealed he’s been cast in not one, but two soap operas, with both appearances airing this summer. First up is a three-episode arc on General Hospital, followed by a week-long appearance on Days of Our Lives.
Oliver’s General Hospital debut is set for Thursday (July 2). with his next two episodes airing Friday (July 3) and Monday (July 6). He previously said he was interested in appearing on a soap months earlier. telling soap operas. “To all the soap operas out there. let me say this: I am officially offering myself to you. Write me a role. and I will be on your set so fast. it will make your head spin. ” back in March.
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini shared that the show’s team “didn’t hesitate for a second” after Oliver’s plea. In a statement. Valentini said Oliver was “everything you’d hope he’d be: prepared. professional. funny. and genuinely kind to everyone on set.” He added that Oliver plays “an integral character in the story. ” and that fans will get to see “who he crosses paths within Port Charles.”.
In his own statement, Oliver said, “General Hospital was everything I hoped it would be. It’s a true honor to be a small stain on the history of this illustrious show.”
The soap casting news landed with extra heat on Last Week Tonight as well. Oliver said he was “filled with scorching-hot jealousy” over ESPN’s Stephen A Smith appearing on General Hospital. then clarified Sunday that soap-opera acting wasn’t his “Plan B.” Instead. he explained that he offered his hypothetical acting abilities to any soap that would meet his terms: he wanted “a character with a ridiculous name. ” “a juicy storyline like murder or slapping. ” and “a dramatic close-up of my face.”.
By the time he delivered his update on June 28, those wishes were no longer hypothetical. Oliver said he’s already taped a week of episodes on Days of Our Lives. calling it “clearly a huge honor.” He pointed to the show’s legacy. naming Deidre Hall. Susan Seaforth Hayes. and John Aniston among some of its renowned soap actors. He also referenced guest appearances from legends like Dick Van Dyke and Betty White, adding, “and now me.”.
Oliver’s Days of Our Lives appearance is scheduled to air on August 11, 12, and 14.
John Oliver General Hospital Days of Our Lives Last Week Tonight Soap Operas Frank Valentini Casting
So he’s on daytime TV now? I always thought soaps were like 90% background noise lol
Wait when did this happen, like is it real or another prank segment? Because Last Week Tonight does that mashup thing sometimes.
I mean I get it but “small stain”?? That’s kinda weird wording. Also Port Charles?? I thought that was the city not the show name.
Can’t tell if this is actually acting or just him promoting himself. Like he literally begged soaps for a role and now he’s jealous of Stephen A Smith? Sounds like he just wants attention on different channels.