General Hospital viewers were heartbroken when newly returned character Marcus Taggert died earlier this month, bringing Réal Andrews' short but sweet homecoming at the ABC soap opera to an end. Rumors continue to swirl that perhaps Taggert's death was a fake, but as of now, Andrews is mourning the death of Taggert just as much as anyone else -- mostly because being back at GH was such a special experience.
"[My recent return] was amazing. I can't put it into words. It felt like a dream the whole time," the actor tells Digital Journal of experiencing Port Charles all over again. "I worked with an amazing cast and producers. How often do we get second chances? I was on cloud nine the whole time; I was back in my element and it was phenomenal."
Andrews originally joined the soap as troubled-kid-turned-policeman Taggert back in 1997 and made appearances on occasion until 2003. The show brought Taggert back in January of this year with plenty of major connections to the canvas, including heavy involvement in the show's mob war started by Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober) and the big reveal that the character is the father of Trina Robinson (Sydney Mikayla). Every part of it was enjoyable, but Andrews says that getting the opportunity to once again work with Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) was particularly special.
"It was like a hot knife through butter. Maurice and I complete each other," he shares. "We have a connection that you can't create... and it was great to be reunited with him."
As for what the future holds, Andrews shares that he would love to start writing a book about second chances and the journey he has had as a recovering addict in the Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) program. He's also hoping to connect more with GH viewers.
"I am humbled and extremely grateful for the fans. I love each and every one of them," he says. "I don't call them my fans, I call them my GH Champions. I am very thankful that they are in my life."
For more from Andrews, check out his full interview with Digital Journal here.
How much did you enjoy Réal Andrews' return to GH? Are you still upset that Marcus Taggert died? Do you think that the character's death was a fake? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.