Catching up With General Hospital's Nathan Parsons

Believe it or not, it’s been 10 years since Nathan Dean Parsons debuted on GENERAL HOSPITAL, where he set hearts fluttering as Ethan Lovett. So extraordinary and unmistakable is his talent that after his audition, the writers created a role that would allow him to shine. That being the case, it should come as no surprise that he has since taken on one unique character after another, the latest of which is lovelorn alien Max on The CW’s hot new series, ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO. In a rather unexpected twist, Parsons told Soaps In Depth that playing a being from another planet has “sort of forced me to examine parts of myself that I generally shy away from. But it’s been a really fun journey to sort of discover the second, third and fourth layers of Max.”

In other ways, the role has proven to be a natural fit for the actor. “I’ve always been drawn to… I won’t say science fiction but science in general and the search for life outside of this planet,” he admitted. “I mean, we feel so isolated as we are, but the more we learn about the galaxy — and we’re finding Earth-like planets everywhere — it’s just weird to think that we’re alone!” And yes, that does mean that he believes in aliens. “I’ve always thought that the universe is just too big, and even the Milky Way is far too vast, to not have developed intelligent life. It’s absurd to think that we’re all by ourselves, that we are the one standout in a galaxy with billions of stars and planets and potentials for life!”

Liz’s return “completely rocks Max’s world,” Parsons says of his ROSWELL storyline.

This isn’t the first non-human character Parsons has played, thanks to TRUE BLOOD (where he was vampire James) and THE ORIGINALS (where his Jackson was a werewolf). “I think the only thing I haven’t done is play a zombie,” he laughed. “I love exploring characters that sort of push the boundaries of reality.” As the leads of ROSWELL, Parsons and his co-star, Jeanine Mason (Liz), have amazing chemistry. “Liz is a girl who Max went to high school with — and he’s been madly in love with her ever since,” he smiled. “Jeanine is great, an incredible actress and a wonderful person.” Clearly, the two connected on screen from the very first episode, and their scenes are exciting to watch. “The energy Jeanine brings to Liz and to ROSWELL is infectious — I couldn’t ask for a better scene partner.”

Like Max, Parsons often reflects on the path which led him to where he is now, including the time he spent in Port Charles. “I was 20,” he says flashing back to that life-changing time. “A kid. I probably was more fun back when I was in my early 20s, but I think I’ve become much wiser. And more adept at navigating how to operate on a set, how to comport yourself with respect, and I learned all that from the wonderful people I got to work with on GH. I was welcomed by Tony Geary (ex-Luke), Maurice Benard (Sonny), and the whole crew over there. They were amazing to me and so welcoming. It was a wonderful time in my life.”

Parsons is grateful for everything he learned from co-stars like Geary. (Photo Credit: Howard Wise/jpistudios.com)

And where does he see himself 10 years from now? “I hope I’m sipping mojitos in Costa Rica,” he smiles, “and able to go retire in the evenings to my ski house up in the mountains somewhere, and go shot a movie every now and then. And just relax and raise my kids and maybe teach and take care of myself a little bit.”

For more on your favorite GH stars — past and present — keep reading the ABC edition of Soaps In Depth magazine!

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