Stone Cates
Stone Cates is a fictional character on the American daytime soap opera General Hospital, portrayed by actor Michael Sutton from 1993 to 1995.[1]Introduced as the younger brother of John "Jagger" Cates, Stone first appeared aiding Karen Wexler after she was drugged at a party, establishing him as a protective figure entangled in Port Charles' criminal underworld through his association with mobster Sonny Corinthos, who served as his mentor, boss, and eventual caretaker.[1]
His storyline gained prominence through his romance with Robin Scorpio, which addressed HIV/AIDS transmission and progression, representing one of the earliest portrayals of the disease affecting a heterosexual couple in network television and emphasizing themes of stigma, treatment, and loss.[2]
Diagnosed with HIV, Cates' condition deteriorated, leading to his onscreen death from AIDS-related complications on November 29, 1995, in an episode noted for its emotional impact and narrative handling of terminal illness.[2]
Sutton's performance earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, highlighting the character's role in advancing soap opera storytelling on public health crises.[3]