John Oliver has officially manifested his dreams of appearing in a soap opera, and to quote his words, something that’s better than being in a soap opera is, “being in two.”
The British comedian is now set to appear in two of the longest running shows – “Days of Our Lives” and “General Hospital.”
After publicly voicing his desire to be a part of a soap opera (in no less part being inspired by Stephen A. Smith), Oliver, who currently appears as the host of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight,” has finally achieved his dreams.
The former correspondent for “The Daily Show,” shared the news during his June 28 segment of of “Last Week Tonight,” and revealed that he’d guest starring in “General Hospital” for three episodes, with them airing on July 2, 3 and 6.
Oliver initially opened up about his desire to star in “General Hospital” in an episode of “Last Week Tonight” in March, where he said, “I want to be part of that world, so to all the soap operas out there, let me say this: I am officially offering myself to you.”
“Write me a role, and I will be on your set so fast, it will make your head spin.”
“General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini also confirmed his participation in a statement shared with Variety, “When John Oliver publicly threw down the gauntlet and said he wanted to appear on a soap, we didn’t hesitate for a second. He was everything you’d hope he’d be: prepared, professional, funny and genuinely kind to everyone on set.
“He plays an integral character in the story, and I can’t wait for fans to see who he crosses paths within Port Charles.”
Oliver also gushed, “’General Hospital’ was everything I hoped it would be. It’s a true honor to be a small stain on the history of this illustrious show.”
“General Hospital,” which was created by Frank and Doris Hursley, is currently executively produced by Frank Valentini, with Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten as the co-head writers.
Apart from “General Hospital,” Oliver is also joining “Days of Our Lives” as a guest star. Deeming it to be a “huge honor,” Oliver shared that he has “already taped a week of episodes” of “Days of Our Lives.”
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The comedian further joked, “What is funnier than being in one soap opera? Being in two,” referencing his roles in both the two shows.
His “Days of Our Lives” episodes, on the other hand, will air on Aug. 11, 12 and 14.
The 49-year-old TV veteran shared he “cannot wait for everyone to see what these two soaps have done,” and added that he’s “so grateful” that both shows “played along with us.”
Nevertheless, Oliver clarified, per Page Six, that despite his two guest roles that “soap opera acting is not [his] Plan B.”