Claire Dawson
Fans of the long-running soap opera General Hospital were left devastated when the character of Oscar Nero-Quartermaine, son of Navy SEAL veteran, Congressman Drew Cain, and his former lover, Dr. Kim Nero, was killed off in 2019. The character, played by Garren Lake Stitt, had been introduced in 2017 and was popular with viewers, so his death came as a shock. Speculation arose that the reason for Oscar's demise was due to the actor's attitude off-screen and his desire to focus on other projects, including a music career and another hit show. However, others suggested that the storyline had been planned from the beginning, with Oscar's terminal illness and emotional death providing impactful material for the actors and viewers alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for killing off Oscar | Garren Lake Stitt's other commitments, a blossoming music career, and a role on another show |
| To create drama and emotional storylines for other characters | |
| Rumours of Garren Lake Stitt developing an "attitude" offscreen | |
| Oscar's terminal illness and brain tumour |
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What You'll Learn
Oscar's death opened the door for more drama
Oscar Nero-Quartermaine, portrayed by Garren Lake Stitt on General Hospital, passed away in 2019 due to a brain tumour. The character was introduced on the soap opera in 2017 and appeared for merely two years. However, the character was at the centre of several storylines due to his medical issue and his partnership with Josslyn Jacks.
Oscar's death also allowed for more drama with his parents, Kim Nero and Drew Cain, and his friends Josslyn and Cameron. The show explored the impact of Oscar's death on those closest to him, including Josslyn Jacks, who was by his side when he passed away. The actors involved were given "meaty material" to work with, and their performances were praised as superb and heartbreaking.
In addition to the emotional impact on the characters, Oscar's death also created opportunities for new storylines and character development. The show could explore the characters' grief and how they coped with the loss of a loved one. It also allowed for the introduction of new characters and storylines to fill the gap left by Oscar's absence.
While some fans were saddened by Oscar's death and questioned the decision to kill off a vibrant teenager, others recognised the dramatic potential and the opportunity for the actors to showcase their talent.
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Garren Stitt's offscreen behaviour
Rumors circulated that Garren Stitt, the actor who played Oscar Nero on General Hospital, had developed an "attitude" offscreen, which led to speculation about his departure from the show. Stitt had a blossoming music career and a prominent role on the Disney Channel's Andi Mack when he joined the cast of General Hospital. Given these commitments, it seems likely that he couldn't dedicate himself to a long-term role on the show.
Stitt's busy schedule may have contributed to the decision to kill off his character, as it provided a natural conclusion to his storyline. However, some fans speculated that there were additional factors at play. There were rumors that Stitt had a falling out with his teenage co-stars and was allegedly ostracized by them. This speculation was fueled by observations that he appeared alone on the Emmy red carpet, while the other teens walked together.
While the show never confirmed the exact reasons for Stitt's departure, it seems unlikely that his offscreen behavior was the sole factor in their decision to kill off his character. Oscar's terminal illness storyline had been playing out for months, and it would have been challenging to rewrite the narrative abruptly. Additionally, Stitt's young co-star, Eden McCoy, received praise for her handling of the emotionally intense storyline, suggesting that the show wanted to provide her with compelling and challenging material.
Stitt's offscreen behavior, while possibly a contributing factor, was probably not the primary reason for Oscar's demise on General Hospital. The show's writers likely considered various factors, including the actor's availability, the narrative arc, and the desire to create impactful and emotional storylines for the young actors involved.
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Oscar's actor had other commitments
Oscar Nero-Quartermaine, portrayed by Garren Lake Stitt (also referred to as Garren Stitt), was a popular character on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital. The character was introduced in 2017, and the role was initially played by Rio Mangini for two episodes before being recast with Stitt. Oscar's character appeared for about two years and was at the centre of several storylines due to his medical issue and his partnership with Josslyn Jacks.
Stitt's acting career began in 2011 with small roles on TV series and short films, and he later took on feature films with roles in Bukowski and Love Triangle. His first TV series was Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn. However, his role as Oscar Nero in General Hospital in 2017 was his big break. Stitt was also known for his role on Andi Mack on the Disney Channel and his blossoming music career.
Given Stitt's success and multiple commitments, it is speculated that he likely didn't have time to commit to a long-term role on General Hospital beyond the initial dramatic story arc that lasted nearly two years. This speculation is supported by the fact that Stitt had a prominent role on another hit show and was an up-and-coming singer.
While the exact reasons for Oscar's departure from the show are not definitively known, it is believed that Stitt's other commitments and pursuits may have contributed to the character's exit.
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$36 $58
Oscar's brain tumour storyline
Oscar Nero-Quartermaine, the son of Navy SEAL veteran, Congressman Drew Cain, and his former lover, Dr. Kim Nero, was a popular young man with his whole life ahead of him. He was first introduced at Josslyn Jacks's party in June 2017, and fans were immediately intrigued by the teen. Oscar and Josslyn shared a kiss at the party and started dating. They also worked together to uncover Oscar's true past, including the identity of his biological father.
Oscar was diagnosed with a terminal illness—a brain tumour—in 2018. His mother, Kim, chose to keep the diagnosis a secret while she searched for a cure. However, after two years without success, Cameron discovered Oscar's condition and told him he had cancer. Oscar's tumour was initially stable, and he was able to enjoy some experiences on his bucket list, such as visiting the Port Charles catacombs and seeing Niagara Falls. Unfortunately, his health took a turn for the worse during these trips, and he suffered several seizures.
Upon returning to Port Charles, Oscar received the devastating news that his tumour was growing again and that he didn't have long to live. He decided to move into the Quartermaine mansion to live out his final days, surrounded by his loved ones. Oscar passed away peacefully in his sleep, with Josslyn by his side. His death left his family and girlfriend grief-stricken, and his memory was honoured at the Nurse's Ball.
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![The Oscar [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81pRBRofqqL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Oscar [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81NrjFWr02L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The impact on other characters
Oscar's death had a profound impact on several other characters on General Hospital.
Josslyn Jacks, Oscar's older sister, struggled with immense grief and sadness over losing her brother. She had a close relationship with Oscar and found it difficult to cope with his death. Josslyn withdrew from those around her and struggled to process her emotions, often lashing out in her pain.
Their father, Dr. Griffin Munro, also experienced a deep sense of loss. He had a complicated relationship with Oscar due to his absence during the early part of Oscar's life. Dr. Munro carried a burden of guilt and regret for not being there for his son, and Oscar's death only exacerbated these feelings. The grief caused him to reevaluate his life choices and prioritize his remaining family, pushing him to be a better father to Josslyn and a better man overall.
Oscar's mother, Dr. Kim Nero, was absolutely devastated by her son's death. She had already lost her husband, and Oscar's death compounded her grief. Dr. Nero fell into a deep depression, struggling to find meaning in her life without her son. She eventually found some solace in her work, throwing herself into her medical career to try to fill the void. However, the loss of Oscar changed her forever, and she carried the weight of her grief throughout the show.
The impact of Oscar's death extended beyond his immediate family. Cameron Spencer, Josslyn's long-time friend and Oscar's classmate, was deeply affected. Cameron had been close to Oscar and had supported him through his illness. He acted as a pillar of strength for Josslyn, trying to help her navigate her grief while also processing his own. Cameron's empathy and maturity grew as a result of Oscar's death, shaping his character and relationships moving forward.
Additionally, Oscar's passing had a profound effect on Josslyn and Oscar's classmates, who had to grapple with the harsh reality of losing one of their peers. The show portrayed the varying ways in which young people cope with mortality, highlighting the importance of support and understanding during such challenging times.
The character's death served as a pivotal moment in the show, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he left behind.
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Frequently asked questions
Oscar's death opened the door for more drama with his parents, his friends Josslyn and Cameron, and many others.
It seems unlikely that Oscar's death was written solely to remove the actor due to his offscreen behaviour.
The actor Garren Stitt had a prominent role on Disney's Andi Mack and a blossoming music career, so it is likely he didn't have time to commit long-term to General Hospital.
Oscar Nero-Quartermaine passed away in his sleep from a brain tumour.
