Kiki Jerome

Kiki Jerome

Hayley Erin as Kiki Jerome
General Hospital character
Portrayed by
Duration 2013–
First appearance May 13, 2013
Created by Ron Carlivati[lower-alpha 1]
Introduced by Frank Valentini[lower-alpha 1]
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Aliases
  • Lauren Frank
  • Lauren Quartermaine
Residence The Brownstone
1242 Elm Street
Port Charles, New York


Kristen Alderson as Kiki Jerome

Lauren Katherine "Kiki" Jerome is a fictional character from the original ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital, currently portrayed by Hayley Erin. Though initially written into the series in 2009, under then-head writer Robert Guza, Jr., the character does not make an on-screen appearance until May 2013. The role was originated by Kristen Alderson, under executive producer Frank Valentini and head writer Ron Carlivati.

Previously known as Lauren Frank, Kiki is initially believed to be the daughter of Robert "Franco" Frank and a long lost heiress of the Quartermaine family. Later this heritage is proven to be false. Kiki's romantic triangle with brothers Morgan and Michael Corinthos tears apart the Corinthos family, and destroys the bond between the two brothers.

Casting and creation

In November 2009, actor James Franco began appearing on General Hospital as a guest star as the crazed artist turned serial killer, Robert "Franco" Frank.[1] The character of Lauren was first written into the series on December 21, 2009 as Franco's daughter. Lauren was apparently taken away by her "bitch" of a mother.[2] In April 2012, Franco is revealed to be the fraternal twin brother of Jason Morgan (Steve Burton), making him, and Lauren by extension, members of the Quartermaine family.[3] It is not until the May 20, 2013, that viewers learn that Alderson is actually Lauren.[4] A student at Vassar College, Lauren is raised by the single Ava. As a child, Ava gives Lauren the nickname Kiki and it sticks. Kiki grows up believing her father is dead. In July 2013, is it revealed that a 21 year old Kiki is actually the daughter of Dr. Silas Clay (Michael Easton).[5]

Alderson had previously appeared on the series as her One Life to Live (OLTL) character, Starr Manning, when Alderson and several co-stars carried their roles over to General Hospital upon One Life's cancellation.[6] When OLTL was relaunched as a web series, the production company Prospect Park reacquired the rights to the character. Instead of waiting to re-introduce the character, the producers of General Hospital created a new role for Alderson.[7] Alderson first appeared on May 13, 2013, as a series regular.[8] In January 2015, it was announced that Alderson would soon vacate the role of Kiki.[9] While Alderson did not immediately comment on her departure, her real-life boyfriend, Chad Duell (Michael Corinthos) revealed on Twitter that it was Alderson's decision to do so. According to Soap Central, Alderson allegedly refused to take a "substantial" pay cut and instead decided not to renew her contract. The website also reported plans for a potential recast, but claimed that those plans might be subject to change. Alderson was slated to film her final scenes during the week of January 12 with her final appearance to air during February Sweeps.[10] In a video post, Alderson explained her exit as "spur of the moment" and that she hadn't pushed or challenged herself to try other abilities.[11] It was later announced that former The Young and the Restless actress Hayley Erin had been tapped to take over the role of Kiki following Alderson's exit.[12][13] Alderson exited the role on February 16, 2015, with Erin assuming the role on February 26, 2015.

Characterization

According to Alderson, Lauren is very different from Starr, though the two still had some similarities. Alderson had been posting several pictures via social media but intentionally hiding her hair, leading to speculation that her appearance would be very different.[8] A SOAPnet promo confirmed Alderson's change in appearance in early May.[14] Alderson revealed to Soap Opera Digest that Kiki is reminiscent of a younger Starr who is quite the trouble maker.[15] Alderson said she "channeled the sassy, spunky bad girl that Starr used to be before she matured." She continued, "Kiki's also a little more seductive."[16] Alderson described Kiki as being "darker and edgier" then her former alter ego. Kiki is "risqué" when compared to Starr who is a "one man kind of girl."[17]

Character development

Introduction

In late 2012, upon the death of Edward Quartermaine (John Ingle), his daughter Tracy (Jane Elliot) and grandson A. J. (Sean Kanan) begin battling for control of the family company ELQ. When the share holders, Edward's children and grandchildren, go into dead lock, A. J. and Tracy begin looking for ways around the situation. Heather Webber leads A. J. to believe that there is another Quartermaine and On January 25, 2013, Carly hints that Heather's theory is true but when A. J. questions her, Carly denies knowing anything.[18] On Tracy's orders, Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) blackmails Carly for the information. On February 8, Carly confirms that Lauren Frank could be the potential heir.[19] The search then begins with Luke working for Tracy, and private investigator Damian Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) working on A. J.'s behalf. In May 2013, Spinelli tracks down a young girl who thanks to Luke pretends to be Lauren to keep him distracted while Luke meets with Ava Jerome (Maura West), Lauren's mother. Ava confirms that Franco is Lauren's biological father and Luke informs her that Lauren is entitled to a share of the Quartermaine fortune.[20]

Relationships

Upon introduction, Kiki is in a relationship with Morgan (Bryan Craig).[21] Kiki and Morgan's relationship is immediately met with opposition due to her involvement in his gambling.[22] According to Alderson, Kiki has genuine feelings for Morgan.[23] A Soapnet promo indicated that Alderson's Kiki could potentially drive a wedge between Morgan and his brother, Michael (Chad Duell).[24] According to Alderson, it is not Michael's looks that pulls her in. Because Michael does not like her, she sees him as a challenge, and she is intent on either making him like her, or getting under his skin to the point where it drives him crazy. She gets off on annoying him.[25] However, things between the two change after Michael opens about his past. The audience is left wonder if Michael and Kiki will learn of their connection before they actually take their relationship too far; fortunately they stop at a kiss. Kiki does not want to have feelings for Michael because they are related, and she is hoping no one will find out, especially Morgan.[16] With her connection to Michael growing, the duo agree to keep their distance and keep the kiss a secret.[26][27] Whether intentional or not, Kiki's actions and feelings pit one brother against the other.[17] Alderson revealed that Kiki accepts Morgan's proposal due to the guilt she feels for her feelings towards Michael.[28] According to Alderson, Kiki is not the kind of girl looking for a serious relationship. Morgan however seems to be the first guy that actually cares about her but at the same time, something is missing for Kiki. Kiki honestly wants to love Morgan, but she just doesn't get which is why she allows her guilt to pull deeper into the relationship. Because she cannot be with Michael, because of their biological connection, Kiki thinks marrying Morgan will make everything better.[28] Morgan chooses to keep Kiki's true paternity a secret to keep Michael and Kiki apart.[5] By the time of their wedding reception, Kiki and Michael have made peace with the fact that they can't be together. Though they've had this talk several times before, Michael has literally put an end to it, and Kiki is forced to accept it. However, everything changes when Michael and Morgan's father, Sonny (Maurice Benard) exposes Morgan's lies about Kiki's paternity. Kiki is so shocked that she doesn't really know how to react, she is angry at Morgan for lying, but also relieved that the truth is about because she did not want the marriage anyway. Things get even worse when Kiki discovers Morgan in bed with her mother and completely cuts her out of her life.[29]

Storylines

Michael tracks his younger brother Morgan to a New York penthouse and finds Kiki. Kiki gets Morgan into some gambling debt which nearly gets him killed. When Morgan is forced back to Port Charles by his parents, Kiki follows and moves in with Michael and Morgan. Though they initially hate each, Kiki and Michael when she realizes why he is so protective of Morgan. Meanwhile, Kiki faces her mother's lies about her father being dead when Franco (Roger Howarth) is revealed to be alive. After sharing a kiss, Michael and Kiki are mistakenly led to believe they are cousins. Despite the revelation, they cannot deny their feelings. However, by the time the truth about Kiki learns that she is really Silas Clay (Michael Easton)'s daughter, she and Morgan have married. To divert his new bride's attention, Morgan resorts to buying Kiki expensive gifts. At their wedding reception, it is revealed that Morgan knew about Kiki's paternity before he married her. Michael and Kiki get together as Morgan beds Ava (Maura West). A disgusted Kiki cuts Ava out of her life as Morgan has the marriage annulled. Michael and Kiki then move in together and begin searching for work.

Reception

The decision to re-introduce all three actors in new roles simultaneously was met with skepticism. "[It] will either be a trainwreck or brilliant," said Sara Bibel.[30] Bibel criticized the overall decision after the dust settled and said it went "very wrong."[31] When Kiki is revealed to be Franco's daughter, Bibel said "it seems like the whole stunt was convoluted way to keep Howarth and Alderson playing father and daughter."[32] Despite the rocky start, Bibel praised the explosive storylines the came from Alderson's re-introduction as Kiki. Bibel compared the triangle between Michael, Kiki and Morgan to the extremely controversial and iconic romantic triangle in the late 90s between Carly (Michael and Morgan's mother) and brothers, A. J. and Jason.[33] A poll in Soap Opera Digest revealed that 48% of viewers loved Michael and Kiki because they were fans of Michael and Starr, while 33% of viewers would only accept the pairing if they turned out not be cousins.[34]

Accolades

Kristin Alderson was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series in 2015 for her portrayal.

References and notes

  1. ↑ Kung, Michelle (November 19, 2009). "James Franco on 'General Hospital': The Guest Arc Commences Early". The Wall Street Journal. wsj.com/speakeasy. Retrieved March 30, 2013.
  2. ↑ Series Producer: Jill Farren Phelps; Writer: Robert Guza, Jr. (December 21, 2009). "Episode 11958". General Hospital. Season 46. ABC.
  3. ↑ Series Producer: Frank Valentini; Writer: Ron Carlivati (April 3, 2012). "Episode 12530". General Hospital. Season 49. ABC.
  4. ↑ Series Producer: Frank Valentini; Writer: Ron Carlivati (May 20, 2013). General Hospital. Season 50. ABC.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Series Producer: Frank Valentini; Writer: Ron Carlivati (July 18, 2013). General Hospital. Season 50. ABC.
  6. ↑ "It's Official! OLTL Stars To GH!". Soap Opera Digest. American Media. January 11, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  7. ↑ Logan, Michael (March 25, 2013). "Breaking News: One Life to Live Stars Head Back to General Hospital". TV Guide. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Fairman, Michael (May 8, 2013). "General Hospital’s Kristen Alderson Interview: Her Daytime Emmy Nomination, New GH Character & OLTL Revival!". On-Air On-Soaps. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  9. ↑ SOD (January 10, 2015). "GH'S KRISTEN ALDERSON OUT!". Soap Opera Digest (United States: soapoperadigest.com). American Media, Inc. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
  10. ↑ Masters, Liz (January 11, 2015). "Kristen Alderson opts to exit General Hospital". Soapcentral.com. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  11. ↑ SOD (January 14, 2015). "KRISTEN ALDERSON ON GH EXIT: “THIS DECISION IS PURELY SPUR OF THE MOMENT"". Soap Opera Digest (United States: soapoperadigest.com). American Media, Inc. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
  12. ↑ SOD (January 23, 2015). "GH TAPS NEW KIKI". Soap Opera Digest (United States: soapoperadigest.com). American Media. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
  13. ↑ Giddens, Jamey (January 23, 2015). "Ex-The Young and the Restless Actress Hayley Erin Cast as General Hospital’s Kiki (EXCLUSIVE)". Daytime Confidential. United States: Confidential Media, Inc. (in partnership with SAY Media). Retrieved January 23, 2015.
  14. ↑ Bowe, Jillian (May 6, 2013). "Get a Peek at Roger Howarth, Kristen Alderson and Michael Easton in Their New General Hospital Roles! (VIDEO)". Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  15. ↑ "GH's Kristen Alderson On Saying Good-Bye To Starr". Soap Opera Digest (American Media, Inc.) 28 (24): 5. June 17, 2013. |chapter= ignored (help)
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Barnert, Deanna (June 21, 2013). "Daytime Emmy red carpet Q&A: Kristen Alderson". TV Buzz. MSN. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Dallman, William (June 19, 2013). "Red Carpet Interviews: 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards – Kristen Alderson, Scott Clifton & Heather Tom". TV Source Magazine. SoSource Media LLC. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  18. ↑ Series Producer: Frank Valentini; Writer: Ron Carlivati (January 25, 2013). General Hospital. Season 50. ABC.
  19. ↑ Series Producer: Frank Valentini; Writer: Ron Carlivati (February 8, 2013). General Hospital. Season 50. ABC.
  20. ↑ Series Producer: Frank Valentini; Writer: Ron Carlivati (May 9, 2013). General Hospital. Season 50. ABC.
  21. ↑ Series Producer: Frank Valentini; Writer: Ron Carlivati (May 14, 2013). General Hospital. Season 50. ABC.
  22. ↑ Cellura, Regan (May 14, 2013). "SPOILERS: Tracy Finds Out About AJ and Carly on General Hospital!". Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
  23. ↑ "FAMILIAL TERRITORY". Soap Opera Digest (American Media, Inc.): 83. June 24, 2013. |chapter= ignored (help)
  24. ↑ Kerr, Luke (May 14, 2013). "Will a Girl Come Between Michael and Morgan on General Hospital? (VIDEO)". Daytime Confidential. Zap2it. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  25. ↑ "General Hospital: Sparks Fly For Kiki and Michael". Soap Opera Digest (American Media, Inc.) 38 (23): 13. June 10, 2013. |chapter= ignored (help)
  26. ↑ "GH's Michael And Kiki Kiss But DON'T Tell!". Soaps In Depth. Bauer Media Group. June 22, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  27. ↑ Nobles, Omar (June 2, 2013). "#SorryNotSorry, The Brilliance of ‘General Hospital’s’ Franco Resurrection". TV Source. SoSource Media. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Rossi, Rosemary A (August 5, 2013). "You've Come A Long Way, Baby". Soaps In Depth (Bauer Media Group) 17 (31): 88–91.
  29. ↑ "GH: Sonny's Bombshell Reveal! Ava's Shocking Hookup!". Soap Opera Digest (American Media, Inc.) 38 (39): 7. September 30, 2013. |chapter= ignored (help)
  30. ↑ Bibel, Sara (April 12, 2013). "Deep Soap: The ‘Llanview Three’ Returning to ‘General Hospital’ as New Characters". XFINITY. Comcast. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  31. ↑ Bibel, Sara (October 25, 2013). "Deep Soap: Stars Return to ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Days of Our Lives’". XFINITY. Comcast. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  32. ↑ Bibel, Sara (May 31, 2013). "Deep Soap: ‘General Hospital’ Character Makes Unwelcome Return". XFINITY. Comcast. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  33. ↑ Bibel, Sara (September 27, 2013). "Deep Soap: Scandalous Sex on ‘General Hospital,’ Instant Engagements on ‘Bold & the Beautiful’". XFINITY. Comcast. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  34. ↑ "How are you feeling about the Michael/Kiki story on GH?". Soap Opera Digest (American Media, Inc.) 38 (30): 16. July 29, 2013. |chapter= ignored (help)
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 The character's introduction as Franco's child was shown in late 2009, under executive producer Jill Farren Phelps and head writer Robert Guza, Jr. The character was later developed and introduced under executive producer, Frank Valentini and head writer, Ron Carlivati.