General Hospital has turned Ross Cullum into a threat nobody saw coming. His story was meant to end after Rocco shot him on the pier. But Andrew Hawkes has now revealed that Cullum survived because something changed behind the scenes.
Ross Cullum’s Death Was Already Written
Ross Cullum entered Port Charles with danger following every move. He killed Marco Rios and blackmailed Britt Westbourne without fear. He also helped push Anna into a disturbing mental spiral. Then came the pier showdown with Jason and Britt. Cullum tried to kill them, but Rocco stepped in. The young boy shot him in the back, and viewers expected closure.
However, Hawkes has now revealed a major twist. “I was supposed to die when I was shot by Rocco,” he admitted. That statement confirms Cullum’s survival was never the original plan.
General Hospital Spoilers: Andrew Hawkes Was Terrified Of The Role
Hawkes also opened up about his fear of joining daytime drama. He said soap work had always scared him deeply. The pace, pressure, and dialogue felt overwhelming from the start. “My biggest nightmare was to be a regular on a soap opera,” Hawkes said. He even told Frank Valentini that his worst fears came true. Frank laughed, but Hawkes said he was truly terrified.
That fear only grew before his first shooting day. Hawkes had around 65 pages of dialogue waiting for him. Chris McKenna even told him they had thrown him to the wolves.
For Hawkes, Cullum was not an easy character to play. Ross had to sound confident, sharp, and completely controlled. One wrong pause could ruin the character’s dangerous energy. The actor admitted he doubted himself during those early scenes. “I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do this,” he remembered thinking. The pressure made every page feel even heavier.
After watching his first episodes, Hawkes feared the worst. He told his wife they might fire him soon. But that dreaded phone call never came, and Cullum stayed alive.
Cullum’s Survival Changes Port Charles
Now, Cullum’s survival creates bigger trouble for several characters. Britt still has to face his threats and control. Jason also has unfinished business with this ruthless WSB villain. Anna could also be pulled back into his dangerous web. Cullum knows how to manipulate fear, secrets, and power. That makes his continued presence even more unsettling.
Hawkes also praised his scene partners with genuine warmth. He called Chris McKenna a great guy. He also called Kelly Thiebaud “magnificent” and incredibly kind. General Hospital saved Ross Cullum from death, and that twist changes everything. Soap Opera Daily will keep watching his next dangerous move. Stay tuned for more Port Charles drama.