Giovanni Mazza described how finding genuine connection with Jane Elliot elevated his performances.
On General Hospital, Gio has been figuring out what it means to be a Quartermaine ever since learning that Brook Lynn is his biological mom. He’s had his guard up for a while, but Monica’s passing and the family’s show of unity helped thaw that tension. Recently, in touching scenes, Gio told Tracy he was proud to be her great-grandson — and that breakthrough was just as meaningful for the actor behind him, Giovanni Mazza. He revealed that working with Jane Elliot hasn’t always been easy, but has become extremely rewarding.
From Nerves to Respect
Mazza spoke to Soap Opera Digest and humorously revealed his initial perception of Elliot. “When I first started on the show, I was very scared of her.” No one could blame him because Elliot’s Tracy is legendary in Port Charles, and her laser-like focus when shooting scenes could intimidate even someone who’s acted in soaps for decades, let alone a newcomer. But with time, things shifted. Mazza said there wasn’t one single turning point, but rather a gradual build toward trust and comfort.
Then came the moment he never saw coming: a scene where both he and Elliot tapped into something raw and personal. “It was just such an authentic connection,” he said, adding that actors dream about having that. He then praised Elliot with, “Jane is just one of the greatest scene partners ever!” Together, they created the kind of back-and-forth that makes you drop all preconceived notions and just be in the scene. He further noted that from that day forward, working with Elliot has been one of the great joys of his life.
The Scene Took Over
Mazza also explained that shortly after it was revealed that Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) were his parents, he had another poignant encounter in the Quartermaine mansion. Although it was unplanned, Elliot gave such a powerful performance that Mazza became lost in the moment.
“I genuinely broke down from her acting because it was so beautiful,” he admitted, adding, “What I was witnessing was just magic.” The emotions were so real that they even had to reset and go again. For Mazza, that vulnerability wasn’t a mistake — it was proof of just how much magic Elliot brings to every scene. (Find out who Tracy shared her grief over Monica’s (the late Leslie Charleson) death with.)
