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2021 – Erik and Theo Olson

Erik and Theo Olson played the role of Wiley Corinthos. The boys saw multiple storylines unfold during their run, and recently wrapped up playing the part for a move to Paris!

1. What was a typical day on General Hospital like for Erik and Theo?
A typical day we would arrive in our dressing room and the boys would without fail comment on their outfit for the day. We’d check in with our sweet Jamie, studio teacher, and usually Billy from wardrobe would come make sure everything fit right. We would then use the restroom, eat some snacks, and then get dressed so that we didn’t ruin our outfits before going up to set. They’d call out item number (or « baby Wiley ») and we’d say goodbye to the brother who was staying in the green room, go up the stairs & start « working! » On set, everyone was always so kind & generous and the boys always loved it!!!

2. What was the experience like filming with Chad Duell?
Chad is such a hilarious, playful guy. The boys have a good sense of humor and they got along really well, often playing little games with each other in between scenes. The boys felt extremely comfortable with him and he was always so kind.

3. How did they enjoy getting to work with Chloe Lanier?
Chloe is an extremely talented actress and would be very much in character while on set. The nature of her role as Nelle was dark, therefore they didn’t play much together to keep the boys sensing those negative, uncertain vibes. Such excellent acting!

4. What went into filming the scenes where Wiley was kidnapped by Shiloh?
The set during those kidnapping scenes were so cool and dark. The boys were mesmerized by the water reflection. Coby Ryan McLaughlin is a father and was SO good with the boys and kept them happy between takes by putting them down behind the bar and lifting them back up and laughing with them. I remember the prop guy bringing me the rubber gun and having me touch it to verify it wasn’t real. That meant a lot to me knowing the crew truly cared about keeping my baby boy safe. They switched to a real prop gun as soon my kiddo was off the set.

Another memorable moment was that it was Ashton Arbab’s first time ever holding a little kiddo! He made a point to bond with the boys before their scenes and the boys really love him.

5. How did the boys prepare for Wiley’s first solo walk in to a scene?
That first solo entrance on set was so exciting and unexpected! Frank just asked me that day if I thought they could do it, and sure enough Theo did such a good job! Theo was shown a little tape marking on the floor and told to walk to it when told to go. The stage manager was behind the set waiting with him and directed him when to go.The first time he nailed it! So they taped the second try, and it was hilarious because he was very hesitant to walk in and then very obviously looked down at the tape on the floor and then moved himself over to the spot he was supposed to be at. So we had to do a retake and that was what fans saw on their TV screens: sweet adorable little Wiley smiling at his parents. We were all so proud of Theo’s first solo entrance!

6. What was the best part of working with Cynthia Watros?
Cynthia is a twin mom and was extremely intentional with and loving to the boys! She read stories with them, got down on the floor to play with cars or trucks, and was just overall such a joy to be with. Loved that they got to call her Grandma Nina!

7. How did Erik and Theo like working with Laura Wright and Maurice Benard?
It still feels unreal that the boys worked with such GH legends! Both are incredibly talented and kind. I’ll never forget the first scene we had with Maurice back in 2018, he adlibbed « that’s the cutest baby I’ve ever seen! » and boy that was special!

8. What was Erik and Theo’s last day on set like?
Unfortunately we didn’t know it was our last day until we were there and Frank confirmed it. We made the decision to move very quickly so there wasn’t much time to say goodbye. Thankfully it was Wiley’s 3rd Birthday party so it felt festive and there were cupcakes and balloons! It was so sad saying goodbye to all our precious people and such a special place and experience. The boys were too young to really understand it was the end; that was the hardest part. Erik asked me the next day if he could be the actor dude next and it broke my heart. They still to this day say they miss General Hospital.

9. What’s your favorite recent scene/episode the boys got to be a part of? Their favorites?
I loved the scene with Katey and Cynthia that aired on 7/19/21 because Erik was so cute making car sounds and he even pointed out that the car was broken which made me laugh! I also loved how Nina said « say bye to Mommy» and within missing a beat he waved to Willow! It always impressed me how well they did on set and how happy they were to be there amongst the GH family.

10. What is you and your family’s favorite General Hospital memory?
There are too many to list. From that first day on set when I didn’t know what I was doing and it was a whirlwind, to all the bonding moments they had with Parry Shen in the green room, to the first time the boys got to sit in the makeup chair, to running in the hallways with our sweet child actor friends, to filming at home during Covid, to the boys’ first line « Hi Uncle Lucas! », to all the moments in between big and small, it was such a wonderful time. Everything we experienced was priceless and we can’t ever thank Mark and Lisa in casting, and Frank and all the writers and producers enough for giving our boys those amazing storylines and this once in a lifetime opportunity. We miss all the actors and crew members so much!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
When we started in this journey 3 years ago, we never could’ve imagined the blessing it would be. Thank you everyone for your love and support! You never know, maybe one day the boys will choose to be on your screens again! Until then, we send you our love from Paris!

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