Old School. Biblically Independent.
By Kayleigh Donaldson | Celebrity | June 29, 2026
John Oliver, unsatisfied with being a multi-Emmy-winning comedian and host, has big dreams of being a soap opera maven. After discovering that ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has had a recurring role on General Hospital for about a decade, he declared his plans to follow in those mighty footsteps. “I have a genuine love of soaps,” Oliver said. “Not to sound like an iconic tits-out mermaid, but I want to be a part of that world.” He threw down the gauntlet and offered his services for any show that would have him. And now, two of the great soaps have said yes. Both General Hospital and Days of Our Lives have made him offers.
“When John Oliver publicly threw down the gauntlet and said he wanted to appear on a soap, we didn’t hesitate for a second. He was everything you’d hope he’d be: prepared, professional, funny and genuinely kind to everyone on set,” General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said in a statement to Variety. “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 has already taped a week of episodes for Days of Our Lives. Those actors are tireless. There’s a reason so many major actors came up from soaps and speak of them as though it was acting bootcamp. You have very little room for error, tons of lines to memorize, and a very specific tone to work with.
When making his plea, Oliver had a few stipulations. He wanted to play a character, not cameo as himself, and his name had to be ridiculous. He also wants to do something juicy, whether it’s be slapped or do a lot of slapping, or kill off a secret twin, or be a long-lost something to a major character. Personally, I’m rooting for him to be a missing British prince who gets possessed by a demon raised from the hospital basement by some mad orderlies. Where do I send my spec script?
I know next to nothing about American soap operas, so if anyone in the comments actually watches these shows, please let us know who you think Oliver’s going to play or what you’d like to see him do!
