Though the network initially denied any plans were in the works back in March, ABC has announced that Robert Guza, Jr., is out as General Hospital's head writer. Garin Wolf will assume the reins as the show's top scribe effective immediately.
"Garin is a talented writer and storyteller who has been a part of the General Hospital family for nearly 15 years. His in-depth knowledge and adoration for the show's legacy will help make a smooth transition and an immediate impact on story," Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney/ABC Television Group, said in a statement. "I'm sure he will succeed in taking General Hospital to new heights as he develops characters and storylines that will engage and thrill our viewers."
Wolf has received two Daytime Emmys during his time with General Hospital, which dates back to 1997. Over the years, he has held the roles of associate head writer, breakdown writer, and script writer. Wolf has also written for the GH primetime spin-off series, General Hospital: Night Shift, and CBS's As the World Turns. Outside of daytime, Wolf has been a writer for the animated series Batman and Tiny Toon Adventures.
Wolf has also won a Writer's Guild Award for his work on General Hospital.
Upon news of Wolf's promotion, Internet chatter noted that Wolf took to "fi-core" option during the 2007 to 2008 work stoppage by the Writers Guild of America.
GH cast and crew members took to Twitter to comment on the changes.
"Garin Wolf was one of the writers that did outlines for the show before the strike and they were terrific!" Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) explained. "You'll love him."
"Wow, changing times at GH," Laura Wright (Carly Jacks) offered. "Congrats Garin!"
"Bob Guza is a great guy and will be missed by a lot of us for sure," Derk Cheetwood (Max Giambetti) stated. "I respect him very much as a writer and person. I know he'll be fine."
"Happy for Garin, sad for Bob," former head writer Michele Val Jean remarked. "It's never easy to lose your job. Hard to celebrate that."
"I will be forever grateful to Bob Guza for creating Olivia for me. I can't imagine I'll ever be written a better character. Thank you," Lisa LoCicero (Olivia Falconeri) added. "Garin rocks! I know he's gonna kick all kinds of fresh new sexy daytime ass and I'm excited for it!"
The news of the writing changes at General Hospital was quite literally the talk of the town -- and the country. At one point, "Garin Wolf" was on the Twitter's trending topics, an indication of the most-discussed items on the site.
In March, a published report indicated that Bob Guza, Jr., would soon be removed from his role as head writer of General Hospital. An ABC spokesperson stepped up shortly after the rumor surfaced and announced that Guza would remain on as the show's head writer.
Guza has had a long tenure penning the words and actions of the residents of Port Charles. Guza started as head writer in December 1995, exiting a year later in June 1996. He returned in December 1997, before again exiting in December 2000. In April 2002, Guza and Charles Pratt, Jr., were named co-head writers of the ABC soap. At that time, the pair was affectionately referred to as "the Juniors." Pratt exited his role as co-head writer in 2003, and Guza continued on by himself.
During his most recent run with General Hospital, Guza has picked up a series of Daytime Emmy wins and nominations. In 2003 and 2009, Guza and his fellow writers were named Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team. The show as nominated in the category in 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008.
