For a decade, Donnell Turner has been a familiar and commanding presence in Port Charles, bringing depth, charm, and intensity to the character of Curtis Ashford on General Hospital.

As the actor celebrates his remarkable 10-year milestone on the long-running ABC drama, Turner recently opened up about his journey in an unusually candid conversation on the Soapy podcast.

Hosted by fellow daytime stars Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart, the episode offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into Turner’s career, his philosophy about life,

and the surprising ways his personal convictions have shaped his time on the show.

What emerged from the conversation was more than just a look back at Turner’s decade in daytime television. It was a portrait of an actor who views his platform not only as a career opportunity, but also as a way to influence and inspire others.

Curtis Ashford: The Character Who Reflects the Man

 

Turner’s portrayal of Curtis Ashford has become one of the defining elements of General Hospital’s modern era. The character has navigated everything from high-stakes investigations to complicated family drama, evolving from a charming private investigator into a central pillar of Port Charles society.

During the interview, Turner admitted that audiences often ask how much of Curtis exists within him personally. His answer revealed an amusing truth.

“Curtis is probably the coolest part of me,” Turner joked during the podcast. “I’m actually a little goofier than Curtis.”

Still, he acknowledged that playing the role for so many years inevitably blurs the lines between actor and character. Over time, elements of Curtis’ confidence and composure have subtly influenced Turner’s own demeanor.

“I’m not saying I’m out there pretending to be him,” he explained with a laugh. “But subconsciously, he’s definitely poking through sometimes.”

It’s that authenticity that has allowed Curtis to resonate with viewers. The character’s moral compass, loyalty to family, and willingness to stand up for what he believes have made him one of the show’s most dependable figures.

And as Turner revealed, those qualities are not entirely fictional.

The Bold Moment That Changed a Tradition

One of the most revealing moments of the conversation involved a behind-the-scenes decision that quietly changed the show’s production schedule.

When Turner first joined General Hospital, he was still relatively new to the daytime television world. Yet despite his newcomer status, he made a request that many actors might have hesitated to raise.

The issue involved Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Turner explained that for years prior to joining the soap, he had always observed the holiday as a day of reflection and service. When he realized the production schedule might require him to work that day, he decided to speak up.

At the time, he approached executive producer Frank Valentini with a simple but firm request.

Turner recalled telling Valentini that he hadn’t worked on MLK Day in over a decade and hoped the production could honor the national holiday. While he admitted the request felt risky—especially for someone new to the cast—he felt strongly enough about the issue to raise it anyway.

To his surprise, Valentini responded immediately and respectfully.

According to Turner, the schedule was quickly adjusted, and since then, the show has traditionally paused production on that day. For Turner, the moment represented more than a scheduling change. It demonstrated how meaningful conversations can create lasting change.

Budig, who was also present during that time, praised Turner’s courage.

She recalled being impressed that someone relatively new to the cast had the confidence to advocate for something so important.

A Mission Beyond Television

While Curtis Ashford may be a fictional hero in Port Charles, Turner’s real-life passions reveal an equally powerful commitment to making a difference.

Beyond his acting career, Turner has dedicated significant time to motivational speaking—particularly with at-risk youth.

During the podcast discussion, he described visiting high schools and youth programs to share guidance with teenagers navigating uncertain futures. Rather than focusing on fame or Hollywood success, Turner emphasizes personal direction and self-belief.

One piece of advice he often shares has become something of a personal mantra.

“Your direction is more important than your location,” he told the hosts.

In other words, where someone starts in life matters far less than the choices they make about where they’re going.

For Turner, the goal is to help young people recognize their potential regardless of the circumstances they were born into.

He believes that everyone has the ability to grow, evolve, and strive for something better.

It’s a message that aligns closely with the character he portrays on television—a man constantly seeking redemption, purpose, and growth.

When Daytime Drama Meets the World of Wrestling

The conversation eventually shifted into a lighter, more playful territory when the hosts began discussing an unexpected connection between soap operas and professional wrestling.

Budig reminisced about a surprising side job she once held during her early career—hosting a wrestling television program tied to the WWE.

At the time, she was starring on All My Children, juggling intense filming schedules while taking on additional opportunities in entertainment.

Budig admitted that while she enjoyed the experience, she didn’t initially know much about the wrestling world. Names like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Stone Cold Steve Austin were still unfamiliar to her.

Despite that, she quickly discovered something fascinating: the storytelling structure of professional wrestling isn’t all that different from soap operas.

Rikaart pointed out that several writers have actually moved between the two industries, crafting storylines for both daytime dramas and wrestling entertainment.

Turner agreed with the comparison, noting that both formats rely heavily on emotional storytelling, dramatic rivalries, and larger-than-life personalities.

Whether it’s a shocking betrayal in Port Charles or an explosive showdown in a wrestling ring, the underlying formula remains similar—audiences tune in for characters they love and conflicts they can’t stop watching.

A Decade in Port Charles — And Still Going Strong

Ten years is a remarkable achievement in the world of daytime television, where cast turnover can often be swift and unpredictable.

Yet Turner’s presence on General Hospital has only grown stronger with time.

Curtis Ashford has become deeply embedded in the show’s emotional fabric—his relationships, struggles, and triumphs intertwined with many of Port Charles’ most powerful storylines.

For Turner, reaching this milestone is both humbling and inspiring.

The journey hasn’t simply been about building a successful acting career. It has been about using storytelling as a platform for connection, growth, and impact.

And if the actor’s passion during the podcast conversation is any indication, his commitment to both his craft and his community remains stronger than ever.

After a decade in Port Charles, Turner is still discovering new layers within Curtis—and within himself.

For fans of General Hospital, that means one thing: the story of Donnell Turner’s remarkable run is far from over.