Ron Carlivati Fired From 'General Hospital' as Head Writer, Replaced by Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante

Ron Carlivati

Ron Carlivati has been fired as head writer of General Hospital, after winning the WGA Award earlier this year for writing in a daytime drama.

Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante have been named new co-head writers of GH, taking over on August 10.

“We are pleased to welcome back two esteemed writers to our General Hospital family,” said Vicki Dummer, Executive Vice President Current Series Programming, in a statement. "Shelly and Jean’s combined talents and experiences promise to continue the show’s legacy of compelling storytelling that will resonate with our impassioned viewers. We’re delighted with what they have in store for the show as they continue honoring the rich, diverse environs of Port Charles.”

Altman is a multiple Emmy award-winner who worked on One Life to Live and The Young and the Restless, as well as GH and Another World. Passanante previously served as head writer and co-head writer for several daytime dramas, including Y&R, All My Children and As the World Turns. She has won four Daytime Emmy awards, six Writer’s Guild awards and five GLAAD media awards.

Carlivati moved to GH in early 2012, along with executive producer Frank Valentini, after ABC canceled One Life to Live. Carlivati won a Daytime Emmy award in 2008 for his work at OLTL.