Where have you seen these two before?
Long before they were wise women of Port Charles, General Hospital’s Vernee Watson and Ellen Travolta had notable roles on another show.
Welcome Back
Watson (Stella) has been in dozens of TV shows and films throughout her career, and one viewers may remember her from is the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter. From 1975-1976, Watson played Verna in what was one of her earliest roles.
As for Travolta (Gloria), the actress played Mrs. Horshack-O’Hara on the sitcom from 1977-1978. Sure, the two didn’t share the screen back then, but the connection? They both worked alongside John Travolta, the younger brother of Ellen.
Where Are They Now?
With their days at James Buchanan High School (which, funny enough, is set in Bensonhurst, New York, where Travolta’s GH character is from) behind them, both Watson and Travolta have found a beloved home in Port Charles.
Travolta first joined GH in 1994 when she originated the role of Lois’ (Rena Sofer) mom Gloria. After nearly three decades away from the soap, Travolta returned in 2023 and had popped in and out of Port Charles whenever her family needs her. More recently, the grandmother of Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) has had to play referee between her daughter and granddaughter after Brook Lynn learned that Lois had told Gloria about her teen pregnancy.
Watson’s character joined the canvas in 2017 as Aunt Stella, a role that would later win the actress a back-to-back Daytime Emmy Awards. From family crises to tending to the late Mike Corbin (ex-Max Gail) to surviving a stroke, Stella hasn’t had it easy in Port Charles. Most recently, the character has been advocating for kidney health after an important checkup at GH.
