Who Is Irene Ashford on GENERAL HOSPITAL?
Irene Ashford may be dead, but that hasn’t stopped the character from appearing on GENERAL HOSPITAL! And for those fans wondering who plays Curtis’ mom (and Marshall’s wife), it’s Cheryl Francis Harrington. The actress made her first appearance as Curtis’ mom in the July 13, 2023 episode and then returned for another on Dec. 7.
GH isn’t even Harrington’s daytime debut — that was back in 2008 when she played Nurse Sherry on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. And in fact, the actress has appeared in Port Charles before! Back in April 2015, she played a Child Protective Services agent named Doreen Zupan, who arrived with Morgan and Kiki to take custody of Avery away from Michael.
Viewers might have also recognized Harrington from one of her numerous other roles in film and television. Launching her showbiz career back in the 80s, she’s worked regularly in the years that followed, with roles on shows like QUANTUM LEAP, L.A. LAW, SEINFELD, CHICAGO HOPE, DIAGNOSIS MURDER, BOSTON PUBLIC, NYPD BLUE, CRIMINAL MINDS, GREY’S ANATOMY, JANE THE VIRGIN, and BEL-AIR.
Harrington also voiced the character of Ms. Mambo Garcelle on the FOX/WB animated series THE PJs from 1999-2001 and can be seen in movies like American Tragedy, Domino, and Dolemite Is My Name.
Previously mentioned by Curtis Ashford and Marshall Ashford, Irene finally appeared on screen in July 2023 to welcome her son to the other side as he was fighting for his life while undergoing surgery. She urged him to come with her to see his brother, Tommy, but Curtis kept hearing Dr. TJ Ashford urging him to fight for Trina and Portia. Irene was eager to meet her granddaughter but soon realized that Curtis would not be coming with her today. She assured him that they would be together in the future, and vanished.
In December 2023, as Marshall was sitting alone lamenting all the Christmases he missed while away from his family, Irene appeared to him to remind her beloved husband that he can’t dwell on the past, but should instead look forward to the future he has now that he’s been re-diagnosed. She explained how when he left, she was angry, but focused on the present and raising their sons. Irene urged him to do the same and be there for Curtis and the rest of his family this Christmas and all the Christmases to come.
Might Irene make more spectral visits from the great beyond? Or perhaps Harrington could find herself cast in yet another new role on GH? Keep watching!
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