‘General Hospital’ turns 60: Creatives take us behind the scenes of a soap opera

Co-head writer Chris Van Etten (from left), and actors Donnell Turner, Rebecca Herbst, Maurice Bernard, Genie Francis, Tabyana Ali, Kristina Wagner, co-head writer Dan O’Connor, and actor Nicholas Chavez from “General Hospital” are photographed at the ABC Winter TCA Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 11, 2023. (AP)

ABC’s “General Hospital” marks its 60th anniversary this week, making it the longest-running scripted show currently in production on American television.

The soap is marking the milestone with a fan favorite storyline, the Nurses Ball, a gala that raises money for charity. This week the residents of the fictional city of Port Charles dress to the nines and walk a red carpet. In a guest appearance, Chandra Wilson of “Grey’s Anatomy” plays fashion editor Sydney Val Jean.