John Oliver has secured guest roles in two long-running soap operas, fulfilling a public desire he expressed earlier this year. The host of HBO’s 'Last Week Tonight' will appear in three episodes of 'General Hospital' on July 2, 3, and 6, as confirmed during his June 28 show. Additionally, he will star in 'Days of Our Lives,' though details about his role in that series have not been disclosed.
Oliver first voiced his interest in appearing on a soap opera during a March 8 episode of 'Last Week Tonight', where he jokingly urged producers to cast him. 'Write me a role, and I will be on your set so fast, it will make your head spin,' he said. His persistence paid off when 'General Hospital' executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed his participation, calling Oliver 'prepared, professional, funny, and genuinely kind.' Oliver described the experience as 'a true honor to be a small stain on the history of this illustrious show.'
'General Hospital,' which premiered in 1963, is the longest-running American soap opera currently in production. Oliver’s appearance marks a rare crossover for a non-traditional soap actor, following in the footsteps of celebrities like Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg, and Stephen A. Smith, whom Oliver cited as inspiration.