Gary James Fuller, one of the talented rising stars on the long-running ABC soap opera General Hospital, recently opened up about his surprising journey to landing the role of James West, a character that has quickly become a fan favorite. In a candid interview, Fuller revealed that before he was cast as James, he actually auditioned for the part of Wiley, the son of Michael Corinthos and Nelle Benson, one of the show’s most emotional storylines in recent years. “It’s funny looking back,” Fuller shared with a laugh, “because I was so excited about even getting the chance to read for General Hospital. Wiley was a role I really connected with on paper, but when I didn’t get it, I figured that was the end of the road for me with the show.” However, as fate would have it, Fuller’s initial audition left such a strong impression on the casting team that they called him back months later to test for another role — James West, the son of Maxie Jones and Nathan West. “When I got that second call, I was over the moon,” he admitted. “I didn’t expect it at all. I thought maybe they had forgotten about me, but apparently, they had kept me in mind for something else. That made it even more special.” Fuller went on to describe his experience joining the cast as “surreal,” recalling how he grew up watching his mother follow General Hospital for years. “To actually walk on set and see people like Kirsten Storms, who plays my on-screen mom, was mind-blowing,” he said. “It’s a family over there — everyone supports each other, and they really welcomed me with open arms.” Reflecting on his character, Fuller said he appreciates that James West is portrayed as both curious and kind-hearted, embodying the spirit of his late father while developing his own unique identity in the General Hospital universe. He admitted that portraying James brings its own challenges because the character has deep emotional ties to legacy storylines, but that’s also what makes it rewarding. “I try to bring a little bit of myself into James,” he explained. “He’s learning about the world, figuring out who he is, and I think that’s something anyone can relate to, especially young people.” Fans have taken to social media to express how much they enjoy seeing Fuller’s natural chemistry with his co-stars, especially Storms and Ryan Paevey’s former presence in flashback sequences. Fuller expressed gratitude for the love he’s received online, noting, “Soap fans are some of the most passionate people you’ll ever meet. They know every detail, every twist, every connection, and they’ll definitely let you know if they love or hate something. But that’s what makes it fun — you feel their energy.” As for what’s next, Fuller hinted that big developments are coming for James West, teasing that viewers might see the character take on more prominent storylines as he grows older. “There’s definitely more to explore,” he said with a grin. “James is starting to understand his family’s complicated history, and that’s going to lead to some powerful moments.” Looking back at his audition for Wiley, Fuller said he’s grateful things turned out the way they did. “If I had booked Wiley, I might never have had the chance to play James, and honestly, I think this is exactly where I’m supposed to be,” he reflected. “It’s crazy how one door closing can lead to another one opening in the best possible way.”