Jean Passanante is an American writer, who served as Breakdown Writer and Co-Head Writer for the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital.
Career[]
(Born June 26, 1953) Passanante got her start as an actress doing bit parts in the 1980s, including John Sayles's Return of the Secaucus 7. In 1985, she married writer Jack Shannon. They are still married and have one daughter, Ruth Shannon.
She got her start on soaps working as a staff writer on the ABC Daytime drama One Life to Live from 1992 to 1996. In 1996 she was promoted to the top position of Head Writer, only to be replaced in 1997. She remained as a staff writer until 1998, at which time she was made Co-Head Writer of the ailing soap opera Another World. Passanante wrapped up the show's 35-year run in June 1999. The next month, she relieved All My Children creator Agnes Nixon of head writing duties after Nixon was called in to temporarily replace Megan McTavish.
Passanante's contract with All My Children expired in 2001, and she was replaced by Richard Culliton. She was then hired by CBS As the World Turns in 2001, where she served as Co-Head Writer (second in command to Hogan Sheffer) until she was promoted to Head Writer in early 2005; she continued in that role through the show's 2010 cancellation. Following the cancellation of "As the World Turns", Passanante returned to One Life to Live as Associate Head Writer, a role she last served in 1998, until It's television cancellation in January 2012. Passanante was one of the writers who followed Ron Carlivati to General Hospital as breakdown writer from May 3, 2012 until November 25, 2013 when Passanante was named head writer of The Young and the Restless, working alongside Shelly Altman. Passanante's tenure was from December 23, 2013 to March 18, 2015, Passanante was also a breakdown writer for the show under Charles Pratt, Jr. from March 23, 2015 to June 18, 2015. In July 2015, Passanante and Altman returned to General Hospital as its co-head writers, replacing Carlivati.[1]
Passanante attended Dartmouth College. From January 25, 2008 through April 17, 2008, ATWT episodes were written by non-union writers due to Passanante and her team participating in the WGA strike. It is speculated that Christopher Goutman and Vivian Gundaker took over as Head Writers. Passanante's post-strike episodes hit the airwaves on April 18, 2008.
On June 6, 2017, Passanante announced her decision to retire from General Hospital, stating: "It gets to be a time when it's just time. [...] And it seemed like the right time. I do have other things that I'm interested in pursuing and I have a daughter who lives in Europe, who I want to visit whenever I can. I have been pondering it for a long time. It's a pretty consuming kind of job and you need to get your head clear of it every once in a while. It's been a great 27 years, or something like that โ it's a long time! [2]
Head Writing History[]
Predecessor | General Hospital | Successor |
---|---|---|
Ron Carlivati (2012-15) |
Shelly Altman Jean Passanante (2015-2017) |
Shelly Altman Chris Van Etten (2017-present) |
Positions Held[]
- Head Writer: January 2001 - August 2001
- Co-Head Writer: July 1999 - January 2001
- Co-Head Writer: July 1998 - June 25, 1999
The Last AW Writing Team
- Leah Laiman (Head Writer), Jean Passanante (Co-Head Writer), Stephen Demorest, Melissa Salmons, Laura Maria Censabella, Judy Tate, Tom Wiggin, Tom King, Maura Penders, Richard Culliton, Shelly Altman, Carolyn Culliton, Richard J. Allen, Sofia Landon Geier, Lynn Martin, Gillian Spencer, Mary Sue Price, Edwin Klein, Gordon Rayfield, Courtney Simon, Eleanor Labine
- Head Writer: May 25, 2005 - January 24, 2008, April 18, 2008 - October 5, 2009 with Leah Laiman, October 6, 2009 to June 4, 2010 with David Kreizman, June 7, 2010 - September 17, 2010 with Lloyd Gold
- Co-Head Writer: September 2001 - May 24, 2005
- Associate Head Writer: May 3, 2012 - November 25, 2013; August 13 - October 5, 2015
- Co-Head Writer: October 6, 2015 - July 27, 2017[3]
- Associate Head Writer: 1993 - 1996, 1997 - 1998, September 10, 2010 - January 13, 2012
- Co-Head Writer: 1996 - 1997 with Leah Laiman and Peggy Sloane
- Co-Head Writer: December 23, 2013 โ March 18, 2015
- Breakdown Writer: March 23, 2015 โ June 18, 2015
Awards & Nominations[]
Daytime Emmy Awards:
- Win, 2014, Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team for The Young and the Restless
- Wins, 2002, 2004 and 2005, Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team for As the World Turns
- Nomination, 2003, Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team for As the World Turns
- Nomination, 2001 and 2002, Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team for All My Children
- Win, 1994, Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team for One Life to Live
Writers Guild of America Awards (WGA)
- Win, 2007, Best Daytime Serial for As the World Turns
- Nominations, 2005 and 2006, Daytime Serials for As the World Turns
- Win, 2001 and 2002, Daytime Serials for All My Children
- Win, 1992 for "One Life to Live"
See also[]
Outside Links[]
References[]
- โ ABC Replaces General Hospital Head Writer Ron Carlivati With Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman. Daytime Confidential. Retrieved on July 27, 2015.
- โ http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/gh-scribe-jean-passanante-retirement-just-time/
- โ http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2017/07/end-of-an-era-writer-jean-passanante-retires
v - e |
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Creators: |
Frank and Doris Hursley |
Executive Producer(s): |
Frank Valentini (2012-present) |
Head Writer(s): |
Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten (2024-present) |
Behind the Scenes |
Directors: |
Jillian Dedote (2024-present) ยท Erica Eng (2024-present) ยท Tina Keller (2017-present) ยท Nina Kramer (2024-present) ยท Rob Markham (2019-present) ยท Allison Reames Smith (2019-present) ยท Aubrey Smyth (2024-present) ยท Gary Tomlin (2016-present) ยท Frank Valentini (2012-present) ยท Denise Van Cleave (2014-present) ยท Cherie Wall (2023-present) ยท Phideaux Xavier (2007-Present) |
Art, Design, & Sets / Costumes & Makeup / Music: |
Kurt Biederwolf (Music: 2013-present) ยท Paul Glass (Music: 2012-present) ยท Billy Hoffman (Costumes: 2017-present) ยท Steve Hopkins (Music: 2012-present) ยท Shawn Reeves (Costumes: 2012-present) ยท Alice Volonino (Costumes: 1993-present) |
Producers: |
Michelle Henry (2003-present) ยท Jason Marshall (2019-present) ยท Jeffrey Sierks (2018-present) ยท Cherie Wall (2023-present) ยท M.K. Weir (2013-present) ยท Jennifer Whittaker-Brogdon (2013-present) |
Production Management: |
Peter Fillmore (Prod Mgmt: 2004-present) ยท Tom Rotolo (Prod Mgmt: 2014-present) ยท Mark Teschner (Casting: 1989-present) ยท |
Stunts: |
Janelle Beaudry ("Ava": 2020) ยท Heather Leah Bonono ("Carly": 2025) ยท Katelyn Brooke ("Esme": 2022) ยท Melanin Rosalin Heard ("Phyllis": 2021) ยท Colby Lemmo ("Holly": 2022) ยท Tanika Lopez ("Trina": 2024) ยท Cassandra Lynn McCormick ("Ava": 2022) ยท Anthony Molinari ("Ned": 2023) ยท Chris Reid ("Spencer": 2024) ยท Casey Rutherford ("Jax": 2021) ยท Lauren Shaw ("Nina": 2021) ยท Kara Smith ("Nina": 2025) ยท Joe Sobalo, Jr. ("Sonny": 2021) ยท Tiana Webberley ("Kristina": 2024) |
Writers: |
Nigel Campbell (2024-present) ยท Celena Cipriaso (2024-present) ยท Ashley D. Cook (2021-present) ยท Emily Culliton (2023-present) ยท Suzanne Flynn (2012-present) ยท Will Gavett (2021-present) ยท Charlotte Gibson (2016-present) ยท Lucky Gold (2017-present) ยท Kate Hall (2011-present) ยท Peter Killeen (2024-present) ยท Cathy LePard (2023-present) ยท Stacey Pulwer (2023-present) ยท Ryan Quan (2025-present) ยท Louise Rozett (2025-present) ยท Anne Schoettle (2024-present) ยท Scott Sickles (2012-present) ยท Micah Steinberg (2024-present) |
Former |
Directors: |
Joseph Behar (1993โ2004) ยท Larry Carpenter (2011โ2022) ยท Kenn Herman (1965โ1977) ยท Marlene Laird (1978โ1992) ยท William Ludel (1993โ2022) ยท Mary Madeiras (2001โ2006) ยท Scott McKinsey (1993โ2020) ยท Penny Pengra (2009โ2016) ยท Alan Pultz (1978โ1999) ยท Owen Renfroe (2001โ2012) ยท Phil Sogard (1978โ1993) |
Executive Producers: |
Charles Pratt, Jr. (2004-2006) ยท Jill Farren Phelps (2001-2012) ยท Robert Guza, Jr. (1996-2011) ยท Wendy Riche (1992-2001) ยท Gloria Monty (1991-1992) ยท Joseph Hardy (1989-1991) ยท H. Wesley Kenney (1987-1989) ยท Gloria Monty (1978-1987) ยท Tom Donovan (1975-1977) ยท James Young (1963-1975) ยท Selig J. Seligman (1963) |
Head Writers: |
Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahey (2024) ยท Dan O'Connor and Chris Van Etten (2019-2024) ยท Shelly Altman and Chris Van Etten (2017-2019) ยท Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante (2015-2017) ยท Ron Carlivati (2012-2015) ยท Garin Wolf and Shelly Altman (2011-2012) ยท Garin Wolf (2011) ยท Robert Guza, Jr. (2008-2011) ยท Garin Wolf (2008) ยท Robert Guza, Jr. (2007-2008) ยท Robert Guza, Jr. and Meg Bennett (2007) ยท Robert Guza, Jr. (2006-2007) ยท Robert Guza, Jr. and Charles Pratt, Jr. (2002-2006) ยท Megan McTavish (2001-2002) ยท Elizabeth Korte and Michele Val Jean (2001) ยท Robert Guza, Jr. and Meg Bennett (1997-2000) ยท Janet Iacobuzio and Christopher Whitesell (1997) ยท Richard Culliton and Karen Harris (1996-1997) ยท Robert Guza, Jr. and Karen Harris (1996) ยท Claire Labine (1993-1996) ยท Bill Levinson (1993) ยท Maralyn Thoma and Bill Levinson (1992-1993) ยท Maralyn Thoma (1992) ยท Norma Monty (1991-1992) ยท Gene Palumbo, Norma Monty, and John Whelpley (1991) ยท Gene Palumbo (1989-1991) ยท Ann Marcus and Norma Monty (1988) ยท H. Wesley Kenney (1988) ยท Ann Marcus and Norma Monty (1987-1988) ยท Pat Falken Smith and Norma Monty (1985-1987) ยท Anne Howard Bailey (1982-1985) ยท John William and Joyce Hooper Corrington (1982) ยท Thom Racina, Leah Laiman, and Robert J. Shaw (1981-1982) ยท Gloria Monty and Thom Racina (1981) ยท Pat Falken Smith and Margaret DePriest (1979-1981) ยท Douglas Marland and Frank Salisbury (1978-1979) ยท Douglas Marland (1977-1978) ยท Irving and Tex Elman (1977) ยท Richard and Suzanne Holland (1977) ยท Robert Mason and Eileen Pollock (1976-1977) ยท Richard and Suzanne Holland (1975) ยท Jerome and Bridget Dobson (1973-1975) ยท Frank and Doris Hursley (1963-1973) ยท Theodore and Mathilde Ferro (1963) |
Art, Design, & Sets / Costumes & Makeup / Music: |
John Bahler (Music: 1987-1993) ยท Tom Bรคhler (Music: 1987-1993) ยท Mercer Barrows (Art: 1991-1996) ยท Dan Beyer (Music: 2007-2010) ยท R.C. Cates (Music: 1987-2012) ยท Maki Chaudhuri (Costumes: 1983-2023) ยท Pam P.K. Cole (Makeup: 1978-1990) ยท Jack Crosby (Art: 1963-1977) ยท Martin Davich (Music: 1993-2005) ยท Chip Dox (Design: 2005-2015) ยท Emily Draper (Costumes: 1983-1986) ยท James H. Ellingwood (Art: 1978-1990) ยท Jill Farren Phelps (Music: 1977-1984) ยท Kate Grahn (Music: 2013-2014, 2023) ยท Mary B. Iannelli (Costumes: 2008-2012) ยท Matthew C. Jacobs (Design: 1991-2000) ยท Dara Jaramillo (Makeup: 2003-2009) ยท Daena Jay (Music: 2010-2016, 2023) ยท Katherine Kotarakos (Makeup: 1978-1991) ยท Dave Koz (Music: 1993-2004) ยท Dominic Messinger (Music: 1983-1984, 1999-2012) ยท William Mickley (Art: 1978) ยท Bob Miller (Costumes: 1985-1999) ยท Jim O'Daniel (Costumes: 1981-1984) ยท Charles Paul (Music: 1980-1987) ยท Lauren N. Poole (Makeup: 2008-2016) ยท Rie Sinclair (Music: 2001-2022) ยท Jack Urbont (Music: 1976-present) ยท George Whittaker (Costumes: 1978-1980) ยท Phideaux Xavier (Music: 2018-2021) |
Other: |
Ross Brown (Casting: 1967-1972) ยท Marvin Paige (Casting: 1966-2006) ยท Pam Polifroni (Casting: 1977-2004) ยท Bob Piatak (Prod Mgmt: 1978-1995) ยท Doris Sabbagh (Casting: 1977) ยท Selig J. Seligman (Prod Mgmt: 1963-1967) |
Producers: |
Jerry Balme (1978-1995) ยท Bob Bardo (1986-1994) ยท Mercer Barrows (2002-2020) ยท Shelley Curtis (1992-2006) ยท Susan Dansby (1996) ยท Dick Dunn (1978-1980) ยท Denny Frary (1989-1999) ยท Brianna Gardner (2012) ยท N'neka Garland (2015-2023) ยท Deborah A. Genovese (2000-2005) ยท Julie Hanan Carruthers (1994-1999) ยท Hope Harmel Smith (1998) ยท Francesca James (1990-1996) ยท Gerald M. Jaskulski (1983-1985) ยท H. Wesley Kenney (1987-1989) ยท Lisa Levinson (1998-2006) ยท Kylie Masterson (1963-1977) ยท John B. Moranville (1985-1986) ยท Mary O'Leary (2001-20117) ยท Carol Scott (1996-2006) ยท Gerard Straub (1980-1981) ยท Christine M. Ucar (1992-1994) ยท Marty Vagts (1987-2006) ยท Joe Willmore (1985-1986) |
Writers: |
Shelly Altman (2011-2012) ยท Sheri Anderson Thomas (1980โ1992) ยท Andrea Archer Compton (2014โ2016) ยท Lewis Arlt (1993โ1995) ยท Meg Bennett (1987โ1989, 1994โ2000, 2009โ2011) ยท Barbara Bloom (2017-2021) ยท Stephanie Braxton (1994โ1996) ยท Anna Theresa Cascio (2012-2021) ยท Michael Conforti (2001-2012) ยท Jeanne Davis Glynn (1981โ1993) ยท Ralph Ellis (1992โ1996) ยท Nathan Fissell (2009-2012) ยท Jim Fryman (2001โ2003) ยท David Goldschmid (1993-1995, 2006-2011) ยท Janet Iacobuzio (1997-1998, 2012-2016) ยท Elizabeth Korte (1991-2024) ยท Bill Levinson (1993-1998) ยท Eleanor Mancusi (1993โ1995) ยท Patrick Mulcahey (1996-1999) ยท Dan O'Connor (2013-2019) ยท Elizabeth Page (2012โ2015) ยท Jean Passanante (2012-2013) ยท Judith Pinsker (1994โ1996) ยท Charles Pratt, Jr. (1982-1984) ยท Mary Sue Price (1997-2011) ยท Thom Racina (1982-1984) ยท David Rupel (1999-2001, 2016-2024) ยท A.J. Russell (1981โ1991) ยท Katherine Schock (2012โ2017) ยท Lisa Seidman (2020โ2023) ยท Donny Sheldon (2017-2020) ยท Doris Silverton (1983โ1993) ยท Elizabeth Snyder (1989โ1993) ยท Robert Soderberg (1986โ1989) ยท Margaret Stewart (1979โ1981) ยท Maralyn Thoma (1985-1990) ยท Tracey Thomson (2005-2012) ยท Michele Val Jean (1993-2000, 2007-2012) ยท Chris Van Etten (2012-2017) ยท Susan Wald (2001-2012) ยท Christopher Whitesell (1997, 2015-2017) ยท Garin Wolf (1997-2012) |