‘General Hospital’s Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Daytime Emmys

Michelle Stein
7 Comments
Genie Francis - 'General Hospital'
ABC/Craig Sjodin

General Hospital star Genie Francis will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

On Tuesday, September 3, NATAS announced Francis as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious accolade. Francis has played Laura Spencer for nearly 50 years, having joined General Hospital in 1977.

“I want to offer my deepest gratitude to the leadership of NATAS for honoring me with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” the actress said in a statement. “This February marks 50 years since I first portrayed Laura on General Hospital. Stepping onto that set at just 14, I could never have imagined the extraordinary journey that lay ahead.”

Francis’ message continued, “I am deeply grateful to have been welcomed onto your television screens and into your homes for five decades; for the love, support and loyalty I’ve been given; and for the privilege of being a small part of your lives.”

Genie Francis, General Hospital

Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images

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To conclude her statement, Francis shared, “Thank you to NATAS, my colleagues, the daytime community and, most of all, the viewers. My career in daytime television has truly been the adventure of a lifetime, and I am deeply honored by this recognition.”

On Friday, October 30, Francis will accept her Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.

NATAS President and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement, “We are thrilled to celebrate Genie Francis’ remarkable career. From Port Charles and beyond, she has left an indelible mark on the landscape of daytime television, and she continues to tackle bold topics as a courageous storyteller to this day.”

In addition to General Hospital, Francis has appeared in soap operas like Days of Our Lives, All My Children, and The Young and the Restless. She also made history for a 1981 GH episode featuring Laura and Luke’s wedding, which attracted a staggering 30 million viewers.

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2026 Daytime Emmy Awards, Friday, October 30, Streaming live on the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and via The Emmys app

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  1. J

    Jena

    Congratulations to Ms. Francis! Staying at any job for 50 years in quite an accomplishment.

  2. F

    Fellaway

    Well earned and deserved. Congratulations to her!

  3. J

    Jaylena

    Genie Francis you are a legend for all us G.H. fans. We have cried, laughed, and even gotten angry with your escapades on G.H. We love you as Laura. But...we love you even more as Genie Francis. You gave us a place to come every afternoon and escape to a make believe place. Thank you so very much. You have earned your award. , and so much more. CONGRATULATION!

  4. G

    Guest

    Congratulations Ms. Genie Francis. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all. Wow, 50 years deserves a Lifetime Achievement Award.

  5. N

    Norvy

    I have watched Genie Francis on General Hospital since I was almost 11, and she was 15. She is now 64, and I’m 60.

    1. N

      Nancy

      I have been watching for years as well.I started at the age 9 And I an now 55 😂😂.

  6. M

    MSe6144525

    She deserves it ❤️