General Hospital fans are buzzing as Daniel Goddard returns to daytime in a brand-new role. After his long Y&R run, he’s now shaking things up as the suspicious Professor Henry Dalton. This character may bring secrets, danger, and an unforgettable twist to Port Charles.
Daniel Goddard’s Daytime Comeback
After exiting The Young and the Restless in 2019, Daniel Goddard took a break from acting. He shifted his focus toward business. But daytime drama pulled him back in—this time to General Hospital. Although he initially auditioned for the role of Jack Brennan, that part went to Chris McKenna. Still, executive producer Frank Valentini had other plans and cast him as Professor Henry Dalton.
Goddard’s comeback wasn’t just about getting a role—it was about overcoming fear. He admitted feeling intense pressure and hesitation. Returning to soaps meant starting over, and that stirred up plenty of insecurities. Getting an offer without an audition, however, marked a turning point. It was his first-ever straight offer, making this role even more special.
General Hospital: The Villain Twist in Port Charles
Professor Henry Dalton isn’t your average academic. While Goddard calls him “villainous, not evil,” the line is blurry. The actor explained that compelling villains like Sonny Corinthos or Victor Newman have dark sides but firm values—usually family. That, he believes, keeps viewers anchored and invested.
Goddard teased that viewers should expect surprises as Dalton’s story unfolds. We’ll learn more about his past, motivations, and how he became this complicated figure. It’s clear Goddard is relishing the ambiguity, diving headfirst into the drama that General Hospital fans crave.
Comparing General Hospital to Y&R: A Different Beast
Goddard also opened up about how General Hospital differs from The Young and the Restless. On Y&R, actors get the entire script. That gives them insight into what other characters say and do. GH works differently. You only get the pages you appear in. That means actors are often in the dark about surrounding scenes.
This unique system has created surprises for Goddard himself. He was unaware of scenes involving Brennan or Jason Morgan discussing his character. That blindspot makes things more exciting for both cast and fans, adding suspense and speculation to every scene.
Daniel Goddard’s Redemption Story
Behind the scenes, Goddard’s journey to General Hospital is deeply personal. He described battling self-doubt and questioning his worth. After more than a decade on Y&R, facing auditions again felt like starting from scratch. But this time, GH handed him a lifeline—a role tailor-made without a test.
That validation gave him a sense of purpose and confidence. Now, Goddard is fully committed to building this new chapter. And he’s ready to give Port Charles a villain worth watching—one who might just steal the spotlight.
Daniel Goddard’s powerful return to General Hospital as Professor Henry Dalton marks a thrilling twist for fans. With mystery and layered emotion driving his story, he’s sure to leave a lasting mark on the canvas. Keep watching as this intriguing character evolves—only on Soap Opera Daily.
