Nicholas Alexander Chavez recalls feeling immense nerves during his inaugural day on the set of General Hospital, describing the experience as a mix of excitement and anxiety. The 25-year-old actor, who gained recognition for his roles in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and Grotesquerie, joined the soap opera in 2021, a move he now considers “one of the best things” he’s ever done.
“I had done an acting conservatory and some plays, but I had never really been in front of a camera before,” Chavez told PEOPLE. He vividly remembers the overwhelming nerves that hit him as he stepped onto the set. “I was so nervous. I had whole body shakes,” he admitted.
Playing the character Spencer Cassadine for two years, Chavez embraced the unique world of soap operas. “The soap world is such an interesting world to be a part of — such an interesting world to come up in and experience. I got to work with such talented people,” he reflected.
Chavez’s journey to the iconic daytime drama was not without its challenges. Before landing the role, he was selling cars and life insurance in Florida during the pandemic. Despite the obstacles, he kept auditioning and was determined to make his mark. “I caught this audition for General Hospital and thought, ‘Okay, I’m going to really try to get this,’” he recalled. His self-tape led to his first-ever professional callback in Los Angeles.
“On the day of the audition, I was standing in a room with 20 of the most handsome guys I’ve ever seen in my life. I thought, ‘Jeez,’” he said, underscoring the competitive nature of the industry.
Chavez credited the General Hospital cast for their support as he navigated his new environment. “It took me a second to get my footing. But as my confidence grew, I felt more comfortable,” he explained.
After two years, Chavez transitioned to a new opportunity with Monsters, expressing gratitude to the General Hospital producers for allowing him to step away from Port Charles. Following a leave of absence in the summer of 2023, he officially announced his exit from the soap in May.
Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, “It’s kind of an interesting, weird path — a weird way in — but [the show] gave me all the experience and connected me to a really interesting aspect of TV and entertainment culture.”
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