After begging to be cast in a soap opera cameo back in a March 8th episode of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver has now achieved his goal: He’s been cast in a “significant” three-episode guest role on ABC’s General Hospital.
The three Oliver-featuring episodes are scheduled to air on Thursday, July 2nd; Friday, July 3rd; and Monday, July 6th. The details of his character and the scope of his appearance remain unknown, but Oliver revealed the news during his Sunday, June 28th episode of Last Week Tonight; a preview photo shows Oliver donned in a sleek suit with his hair died black, so chances are the guest arc won’t be Oliver’s usual comedic fare.
“When John Oliver publicly threw down the gauntlet and said he wanted to appear on a soap, we didn’t hesitate for a second,” said General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini in a statement. “He was everything you’d hope he’d be: prepared, professional, funny, and genuinely kind to everyone on set. He plays an integral character in the story, and I can’t wait for fans to see who he crosses paths within Port Charles.” Oliver echoed the enthusiasm, saying in a statement, “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.”
Oliver originally called on soap opera producers and casting directors to tap him for a guest role after spotlighting the fact that ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has been guest starring on General Hospital for nearly a decade. “To all the soap operas out there, let me say this: I am officially offering myself to you,” Oliver said. “Write me a role, and I will be on your set so fast, it will make your head spin.”
Rather than playing himself, Oliver requested to play someone with a “ridiculous” name: “I want to do something juicy, like murder, or slapping, or being slapped, or being someone’s long-lost something.” In response to his ask, General Hospital‘s official Instagram account wrote “You’re welcome in Port Charles anytime. Our DMs are open” in a comment on the Last Week Tonight clip. Watch Oliver’s plea from the March 8th episode of Last Week Tonight below.
