The air on the set of General Hospital is usually charged with the tension of high-stakes drama—fictional confrontations, scripted romances, and the frantic energy of producing daily television. But recently, that energy shifted into something warmer, softer, and deeply celebratory. The cast and crew gathered not to film a scene of espionage or heartbreak, but to honor a reality that is far more impressive than fiction: the 40th anniversary of Finola Hughes. Since 1985, Hughes has inhabited the role of Anna Devane, a character who transcended the typical boundaries of daytime drama to become a cultural icon. As the oversized cake was wheeled out and champagne flutes (filled with sparkling cider for the working day) were raised, there was a collective sense that everyone in the room was witnessing history. This wasn’t just about longevity; it was about legacy.
When Finola Hughes first arrived in Port Charles in 1985, the landscape of soap operas was vastly different. The genre was in the midst of a “supercouple” boom, often defined by damsels in distress and the men who saved them. Hughes, with her sharp wit, British accent, and background in dance, offered something completely new. Anna Devane wasn’t a damsel. She was a spy. She was a double agent. She was a woman who could defuse a bomb just as easily as she could break a heart. Her entrance into the show marked a shift in how female characters could be written—capable, dangerous, and fiercely independent. Four decades later, that initial spark has burned into a steady, unshakeable flame.
The celebration on set was a testament to the deep relationships Hughes has forged over the years. Tristan Rogers, who plays Robert Scorpio, stood by her side, a fitting image given their history. Robert and Anna were the parents of the modern action-adventure soap opera. Their chemistry in the 80s was electric, a mix of banter, shared history, and mutual respect that set the template for every spy couple that followed. In his speech, Rogers reportedly choked up, noting that their partnership has outlasted most real-life marriages. “We built something that didn’t exist before,” he said, looking at Hughes. “And we did it together.” It was a reminder that while characters may drift apart, the bond between actors who navigate the trenches of daily television is often unbreakable.
But the tribute wasn’t just about looking back at the glory days of the 80s. It was a celebration of Anna Devane’s evolution. One of the most remarkable aspects of Hughes’ tenure is that she allowed Anna to grow up. She transitioned from the mysterious jewel thief and spy into a mother, a grandmother, and a pillar of the community, all while keeping her edge. The presence of Kimberly McCullough, who played her daughter Robin Scorpio for decades, was felt deeply, even if their on-screen reunions are rarer these days. The mother-daughter dynamic between Anna and Robin became the emotional anchor of the show for many years. Hughes portrayed a mother who was unconventional—often absent due to “missions” or presumed “losses of life”—but who loved with a ferocity that resonated with viewers.
The event also highlighted the romantic history that has defined Anna’s life. While Robert was her partner in crime, many fans argue that her soulmate was Duke Lavery, played by the dashing Ian Buchanan. The clips played during the celebration featured their most iconic moments, including the legendary tango at the Nurses Ball. That dance wasn’t just a performance; it was a conversation without words, a display of passion and longing that is rarely seen on television today. Buchanan, a close friend of Hughes in real life, has often spoken about the ease of working with her. Their characters’ tragic end—where Duke met a sudden and violent fate in her arms—remains one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in the show’s history. Watching those clips again, the cast was reminded of Hughes’ ability to convey profound grief with a single look.
However, Finola Hughes is not just an actress; she is a creative force. The tribute took time to acknowledge her work behind the camera. Over the years, she has directed episodes of General Hospital as well as other projects, bringing a director’s eye to her acting and an actor’s empathy to her directing. Her colleagues described her as a mentor, someone who is always willing to run lines, offer advice, or simply listen. In an industry that can be cutthroat, Hughes has maintained a reputation for kindness and professionalism. “She sets the tone,” one younger cast member whispered during the toast. “When Finola is on set, you want to bring your A-game because she always brings hers.”
The 40-year milestone is also a celebration of resilience. Soap opera actors often face grueling schedules, memorizing dozens of pages of dialogue a day. To do that for four decades requires a mental stamina that is hard to comprehend. Yet, Hughes makes it look effortless. Whether she is delivering a monologue about justice as the Police Commissioner or sharing a quiet, tender scene with her granddaughter, she is always present. She never “phones it in.” This dedication is why the fans have remained so loyal. In the world of daytime TV, viewers watch characters every single day. They invite them into their living rooms. After 40 years, Anna Devane isn’t just a character; to millions of people, she feels like a friend.
The path hasn’t always been linear. There were years when Hughes left the show, exploring other roles, including a stint on the sister soap All My Children. In a twist that only a soap opera could pull off, she played Anna’s identical twin sister, Alex Devane. This dual role allowed Hughes to flex her acting muscles even further, playing the villain and the hero sometimes in the same scene. The storyline where Alex impersonated Anna was a masterclass in subtlety, with Hughes giving the audience tiny clues—a glance, a tone of voice—that something wasn’t quite right. It is this attention to detail that elevates her work above the standard fare.
As the speeches wound down and the cake was cut—a towering confection decorated with icing replicas of her WSB badges and police accolades—Hughes took the microphone. Known for her humility, she turned the spotlight back on the crew and her co-stars. She spoke about the family they had created, the marriages and births they had celebrated, and the losses they had mourned together. She spoke about the privilege of having a job where she gets to play pretend every day, but also the responsibility of telling stories that matter. She touched on the storylines that meant the most to her, including the HIV/AIDS narrative involving Robin and Stone, which broke ground in daytime television and saved lives by raising awareness. “To be a small part of that,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, “is the greatest honor of my career.”
The celebration extended beyond the studio walls. Social media was flooded with tributes from fans using the hashtag #Finola40. Viewers shared clips of their favorite Anna moments: the time she took down a villain in heels, the time she confronted her own demons, the quiet moments of advice she gave to the younger generation. It was a digital standing ovation, a global wave of gratitude for the woman who made being a female action hero cool long before the Marvel Universe took over the box office.
What makes Anna Devane so enduring? Perhaps it is because she is flawed. She is not a perfect mother. She has made mistakes. She has chosen her job over her family at times. She has kept secrets that caused pain. But she owns her flaws. Hughes plays her with a vulnerability that makes the “super spy” relatable. We forgive Anna because she tries so hard to make things right. We root for her because, despite all the trauma she has endured—the kidnapping, the memory loss, the loss of loved ones—she keeps going. She is a survivor. In a world that can feel chaotic, there is comfort in knowing that Anna Devane is on the case.
The fashion of Anna Devane also deserves a mention in any retrospective. Over 40 years, Hughes has become a style icon. From the oversized blazers and wild hair of the 80s to the sleek, tailored coats and designer boots of the modern era, Anna’s look has always been impeccable. Hughes, who has a background in fashion and even launched her own jewelry line, brings her personal sense of style to the character. She understands that the clothes are part of the armor. When Anna puts on that trench coat, she is ready for battle.
As the party on set continued, stories were swapped about the “old days.” Tales of location shoots in exotic places, of stunts that went slightly awry, and of the laughter that filled the hallways between takes. There is a specific camaraderie among soap actors, a bond forged in the fires of impossible deadlines and outlandish plot twists. Hughes sits at the center of that circle, a matriarch who is still cool enough to be one of the girls.
Looking ahead, there is no sign that Finola Hughes is slowing down. The current storylines have Anna Devane as active as ever, uncovering conspiracies and leading investigations. The writers know what they have in her: a gold standard. As long as Hughes is willing to play the role, there will be stories for Anna. But this 40-year mark serves as a poignant pause, a moment to take a breath and appreciate the sheer magnitude of her contribution.
In an industry that is often obsessed with the next big thing, Finola Hughes proves that there is immense value in history. She carries the memory of the show. When she interacts with a new character, she brings the weight of 40 years of backstory with her. She connects the past to the present, ensuring that the legacy of General Hospital remains intact.
As the lights dimmed in the studio and the crew began to clear away the party supplies, Hughes was seen chatting with a young actress who had just joined the cast. It was a passing of the torch in real-time, the veteran sharing a moment with the rookie. It was a quiet moment, unscripted and unfilmed, but it perfectly encapsulated who Finola Hughes is. She is a star who shines bright, but she is also a lighthouse, guiding others through the choppy waters of the industry.
Here’s to Finola Hughes. Here’s to Anna Devane. Here’s to 40 years of mystery, romance, and adventure. And, if we are lucky, here’s to many, many more. The town of Port Charles—and the millions of fans watching from home—wouldn’t be the same without her. She taught us that a woman can save the world, look fabulous doing it, and still make it home in time for tea. That is a legacy worth celebrating.