Bryan Craig
Bryan Allen Craig (born October 27, 1991) is an American actor best known for portraying Morgan Corinthos on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital, a role that earned him two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series in 2016 and 2017.[1][2][3] Born in Boca Raton, Florida, Craig began his acting career in 2005 with small roles before gaining prominence in 2013 when he joined General Hospital as the son of Sonny and Carly Corinthos, appearing in the contract role until 2016, with subsequent returns in 2018 and 2024.[4][5] His performance on the series, which explored themes of bipolar disorder and family dynamics, received four Emmy nominations overall and contributed to his status as a fan favorite in daytime television.[2] Beyond General Hospital, Craig has appeared in various television projects, including recurring roles as Blake Dunkirk on Disney XD's Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures (2011–2012), Jimmy Lowe on the web series Youthful Daze (2014–2015), and Adam Coogan on The CW's Valor (2017–2018).[6] In recent years, he portrayed Joaquin Pérez on Freeform's Good Trouble (2022), Javi Mendoza on ABC's Grand Hotel (2019), and featured in films such as Women Is Losers (2021).[7] Craig has expressed interest in returning to daytime soaps, including potential roles on Days of Our Lives, while also pursuing writing and other creative endeavors as of 2025.[8]Early life
Family background
Bryan Allen Craig was born on October 27, 1991, in Boca Raton, Florida, to parents Lissett Craig and Donnie Craig.[6][9] His mother, Lissett, is originally from Cuba, making Craig of half Cuban descent, and he has extended family there.[10][11] Craig grew up in the suburban community of Boca Raton alongside his younger brother, Bradley.[12][9] His early childhood was spent in this Florida setting.[13]Initial acting pursuits
Bryan Craig made his acting debut at the age of 14 in the 2005 independent film Off the Chain, directed by Diane Jacques, where he played the role of Jason Evridge in a story centered on a housewife's quest for a cure for her uncontrollable laughter.[14][15] This marked his first on-screen appearance and introduced him to the entertainment industry while he was still living in Boca Raton, Florida.[9] Following his debut, Craig later relocated to Los Angeles as an adult to seek additional acting opportunities, leaving behind his Florida roots to immerse himself in the competitive Hollywood scene.[16] With the support of his family from his Boca Raton upbringing, he focused on building his career through auditions and minor pursuits in the years leading up to his more prominent roles.[9]Career
Soap opera breakthrough
Bryan Craig was cast as the recast and aged-up version of Morgan Corinthos, the son of mob boss Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Jacks (then Laura Wright), on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital in April 2013.[5] His portrayal marked a significant expansion of the character's role, shifting from a background figure to a central player in intense family dynamics and personal struggles.[17] During his initial three-year tenure from 2013 to 2016, Craig's Morgan navigated complex family conflicts, including tensions with his volatile father Sonny over involvement in criminal activities and clashes with his mother Carly regarding his independence. The character grappled with a gambling addiction, mirroring his grandfather Mike Corbin's issues, which led to financial ruin and strained relationships within the Corinthos family. Morgan's storyline further deepened with a bipolar disorder diagnosis—shared with Sonny—resulting in manic episodes, medication non-compliance, and institutionalization at Rosemont after he stole a gun and fired at drug dealers. Romantic entanglements added layers, such as his relationship with Kiki Jerome (Hayley Erin) and a controversial affair with her mother, Ava Jerome (Maura West), which fueled betrayals and emotional turmoil. These arcs culminated in Morgan's presumed death in April 2016, when he was killed by a car bomb intended for Julian Jerome (William de Vry), a dramatic exit that left a lasting impact on the Port Charles canvas and elevated Craig's profile, earning him two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series.[18][17][19][20][21] Craig made brief returns to the role in subsequent years, integrating Morgan into Corinthos family narratives posthumously. In January 2018, he appeared in a single episode as a hallucination experienced by Ava during her facial reconstruction surgery, confronting her guilt over his death. He reprised the character more substantially in August 2024 for one episode, manifesting as a ghost to offer guidance and closure to his father Sonny amid the latter's mental health struggles, reinforcing themes of legacy and redemption within the family. He returned again for a single episode in early August 2025, appearing as a vision to interact with family members.[22][17][8] As of November 2025, rumors persist about a potential on-contract return for Craig as a "back-from-the-dead" Morgan, fueled by his public expressions of interest in rejoining daytime television and gauging fan enthusiasm through social media polls in July 2025. Speculation intensified following his 2024 and 2025 appearances and ongoing mentions of the character in storylines, with industry reports suggesting contract negotiations for a full-time revival that could explore Morgan's survival and reintegration into the Corinthos fold; fans have reacted enthusiastically, citing the role's emotional resonance and Craig's chemistry with the cast as key factors for his comeback.[23][20][24]Prime-time and streaming roles
Following his departure from the soap opera General Hospital in 2016, Bryan Craig expanded his television career into prime-time and streaming formats, leveraging his dramatic experience in ensemble casts.[25] Craig first ventured into prime-time with a recurring role as Sgt. Adam Coogan on The CW's military drama Valor, which aired from 2017 to 2018. In the series, Coogan is depicted as a key member of an elite aviation unit navigating high-stakes missions and personal conflicts within a covert CIA program. Craig appeared in multiple episodes, contributing to the show's exploration of soldier loyalty and ethical dilemmas amid international threats.[26][25] In 2019, Craig starred as Javi Mendoza in ABC's Grand Hotel, a one-season mystery drama inspired by the Spanish series Gran Hotel. Mendoza is portrayed as the rebellious, no-filter son of a wealthy Cuban-American family that owns a luxurious Miami Beach hotel, grappling with family secrets, addiction, and romantic entanglements while uncovering a disappearance at the property. Craig's performance highlighted Javi's internal struggles and complex relationships, including tensions with his strict father and romantic interests amid the show's opulent, soapy intrigue.[27][28] Craig returned to streaming television as a series regular in the role of Joaquin Perez on Freeform's Good Trouble from 2022 to 2024, spanning seasons 4 and 5 of the The Fosters spin-off. Perez is an independent investigative journalist with a mysterious Oklahoma background, driven by the search for his estranged sister Jenna, who vanished after joining a cult led by the enigmatic Silas. Throughout the series, Joaquin's arc involves deep dives into cult dynamics and personal redemption, while his romantic storyline develops as a confidant and love interest to engineer Mariana Adams Foster, leading to intimate moments like shared kisses and a potential love triangle with her ex, Evan Speck. This role marked Craig's most sustained prime-time commitment post-soaps, blending thriller elements with character-driven relationships in the communal living setting of the Coterie.[29][30][31] In 2025, amid speculation about recasting the role of Javi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives following Al Calderon's exit for a new NBC series, Craig expressed strong interest in daytime returns beyond General Hospital. In interviews, he auditioned for the part and stated, "I hear you're in need of a Javi," signaling his openness to joining the Peacock soap as the recast firefighter and family man navigating Salem's dramas. This pursuit reflects Craig's desire to revisit soap storytelling while building on his established versatility in serialized television.[24][32][33]Film work
Bryan Craig's entry into feature films came early in his career, with his screen debut at age 14 in the 2005 independent thriller Off the Chain, where he took on the supporting role of Jason Evridge.[34] The low-budget production, directed by Robert Edwards, marked Craig's first credited acting appearance and showcased his initial foray into cinema while he was still a teenager in Florida. Craig's film work expanded into leading roles with the 2011 holiday drama Christmas Spirit, in which he portrayed Justin, a troubled young man grappling with family hardships during the festive season.[35] Directed by David DeCoteau, the film follows Justin as he is guided by a supernatural entity toward personal growth, allowing Craig to demonstrate his range in a more prominent character amid a ensemble cast including Alexandra Paul and Robert Carradine.[36] In 2020, Craig appeared in two action-dramas: The Ride, where he played Jack, a foster brother in the true story of BMX rider John Buultjens overcoming adversity, directed by Lindsay McGiffon; and American Fighter, portraying Ryan Caulder, a friend involved in underground fighting to support a family member, directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino.[37][38] Craig continued with supporting roles in the 2022 romantic comedy That's Amor on Netflix, as Richard, part of an ensemble exploring love and reinvention in Los Angeles, directed by Jennifer Mullins; and the 2024 Tubi comedy Spread, playing Leslie, the features editor at a porn magazine, in a story about an aspiring journalist's journey, directed by Ellie Kanner.[39][40] In a return to independent cinema, Craig appeared in the 2021 period drama Women Is Losers, directed by Lissette Feliciano, playing the role of Mateo, the devoted but flawed partner of the central character in a narrative set against the backdrop of 1960s San Francisco.[41] The film delves into social issues such as racial discrimination, gender inequality, and the fight for self-determination among Latina women, with Craig's performance contributing to the story's exploration of community and resilience during a turbulent era.[42]Personal life
Relationships
Bryan Craig began dating his General Hospital co-star Kelly Thiebaud in 2013 after meeting on the set of the ABC soap opera, where he portrayed Morgan Corinthos and she played Britt Westbourne.[43] Their relationship quickly became public, with the couple sharing photos and updates on social media during their time working together.[44] In June 2015, Craig proposed to Thiebaud, and she accepted, announcing the engagement through Instagram posts that highlighted their shared experiences on the show.[45] The pair planned a wedding for March 2017, but reports emerged in early 2017 indicating they had ended their engagement, with Thiebaud moving to New York while Craig remained in Los Angeles.[46] Following the breakup, Craig has maintained a relatively low profile regarding his romantic life. In August 2024, on Maurice Benard's State of Mind podcast, he publicly discussed a subsequent toxic relationship with a narcissist involving a cartel escort that led him to Mexico and nearly cost him his life.[47] As of 2025, there are no reported updates on his current relationship status.[48]Health struggles
In 2024, Bryan Craig suffered a near-fatal opioid overdose after a botched surgery that nicked his occipital nerve, causing excruciating pain lasting three to four months.[49] Prescribed painkillers such as Vicodin for post-surgical management, Craig developed an addiction through misuse, culminating in the overdose that required emergency intervention.[50][51] Craig publicly disclosed the incident in August 2024 during an episode of Maurice Benard's State of Mind podcast, recorded live, where he detailed his hospitalization in the emergency room after taking an excessive dose.[52] He described the period as "the worst three [or] four months of my life" and emphasized his realization of the severe risks associated with prescription opioids, noting how the drugs quickly became all-consuming despite initial legitimate use.[53][54] Following the overdose, Craig's recovery marked a profound personal reset, involving physical rehabilitation such as starting to run 1.5 miles regularly to rebuild his health and mental resilience.[49] By mid-2025, he had achieved ongoing sobriety, viewing the experience as a watershed moment that reshaped his perspective on life.[50] In interviews and public statements that year, Craig began advocating for greater awareness of prescription drug risks and improved patient safety protocols to prevent similar opioid-related crises.[50]Awards and nominations
Daytime Emmy Awards
Bryan Craig received his first Daytime Emmy nomination in 2014 for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Morgan Corinthos on General Hospital.[3] He earned a second nomination in the same category the following year, in 2015.[55] Craig secured his first win in 2016 at the 43rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, again for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series, with his submission reel featuring scenes from Morgan's struggles with bipolar disorder.[55] During his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to his on-screen father, Maurice Benard, crediting him for guidance in tackling the character's emotional depth.[56] This victory came amid General Hospital's celebrations of its 50th anniversary and beyond, where Craig had become a fan favorite for embodying the complex Corinthos family dynamics.[57] In 2017, at the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Craig won the Outstanding Younger Actor award for the second consecutive year, submitting material that continued to explore Morgan's bipolar disorder storyline, including intense moments of relapse and recovery.[58] His acceptance speech included a lighthearted remark about wanting to win alongside the nominated animal actors—"I really love dogs"—followed by thanks to executive producer Frank Valentini and the writing team for the opportunity to portray such nuanced arcs.[59] These back-to-back wins underscored Craig's impact in daytime television, particularly in raising awareness through his character's mental health journey.[60]Other recognitions
In addition to his Emmy achievements, Craig received fan recognition for his portrayal of Morgan Corinthos on General Hospital through various soap opera community polls, though specific Soap Opera Digest honors like the Hottest Male Star category in 2015 could not be verified in available records.[5] His performance as Joaquin Perez on Good Trouble contributed to the series' nomination for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2024, highlighting the show's inclusive storytelling during its final season.[61] In 2025, Craig garnered notable industry buzz for his potential return to General Hospital, with Soap Hub reporting strong fan support via polls where a majority voted for Morgan Corinthos' comeback, underscoring his enduring popularity among daytime audiences.[62][63]Filmography
Film roles
- 2005: Off the Chain – Bryan Craig made his film debut in a supporting role as Jason Evridge, a young athlete, in this dark comedy directed by Diane Jacques.[34]
- 2011: Christmas Spirit – Craig took the lead role as Justin, a deceased husband who returns as a ghost to help his family rediscover the holiday spirit, in this family-oriented TV film.[35]
- 2020: The Ride – Craig portrayed Jack, a member of a motorcycle club, in this action drama about family and redemption.[64]
- 2020: American Fighter – He played Ryan, a young fighter training under a former MMA champion, in this sports drama.[65]
- 2021: Women Is Losers – In this historical drama about women's struggles in 1960s San Francisco, Craig portrayed Mateo, a supportive community member aiding the protagonist's journey.[41]
- 2022: That's Amor – Craig appeared as Richard, a friend of the protagonist, in this romantic comedy about starting over in Los Angeles.[39]
- 2024: Spread – He played Leslie, a colleague at an adult magazine, in this comedy about an aspiring journalist's career challenges.[40]
Television roles
Bryan Craig gained prominence in daytime television before transitioning to prime-time and streaming roles.[6]- 2011: The Nine Lives of Chloe King – Guest role as Jonah in one episode.[66]
- 2011–2012: Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures – Recurring role as Blake Dunkirk, a friend of the protagonists, on Disney XD.[67]
- 2014–2015: Youthful Daze – Recurring role as Jimmy Lowe in the web series.[68]
- 2019: Grand Hotel – Starred as Javi Mendoza, the rebellious son of a hotel-owning family, in the ABC prime-time soap as a series regular.[27]
- 2021: Walker – Guest role as Spider in one episode on The CW.[70]