Kimberly McCullough, who has been touching fans since the age of seven as Robin Scorpio on ABC’s General Hospital, has ambitions that extend to the other side of the camera. In 2010, the actress was accepted into AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, where she wrote and directed a ten minute short entitled Nice Guys Finish Last. In an industry where the characters are typically more famous than their portrayers, Kimberly McCullough has literally helped co-create her character from the beginning.
Known as one of the key residents on Port Charles’ canvas, Dr. Robin Scorpio’s storyline has aided in highlighting high profile social issues such as HIV/AIDS infection and post-partum depression. As the originating and sole actress playing Robin Scorpio, Kimberly McCullough has developed into one of General Hospital’s most notable performers with several Daytime Emmy wins and nominations under her belt. The actress has also done additional work on numerous prime time television series such as Joan of Arcadia and the feature film Legally Blonde.
Who is Robin Scorpio?
Robin Scorpio was first introduced to the General Hospital canvass as seven year old Robin Soltini. At the time of the character’s introduction, the secret of Robin’s paternity was part of her storyline’s central development. Her father, Robert Scorpio was unaware that he had fathered a child with Robin’s mother, Anna Devane. Eventually Robert became aware of his paternity and the two developed a close relationship, even though Robin also shared a strong bond with her stepfather Duke.
As most soap opera storylines ensue, the character of Robin Scorpio faced purported tragedy in the presumed death of both of her biological parents and was left in the guardianship of her Uncle Mac. Robin, however, faces life’s challenges with a soft, yet dedicated sense of determination. She takes life seriously, with a tendency towards high achievement and caution. Robin believes in doing what she feels is right, while also making sure that the actions of others don’t result in a potential unfair ending for an innocent party.
Robin Scorpio is one of General Hospital’s longest running daytime characters that are still featured in major storylines, in addition to being utilized in spin off shows such as Port Charles and General Hospital Night Shift. Fan devotion aside, Robin is both a relatable and inspirational character, as a young HIV positive female who didn’t let a terminal disease prevent her from accomplishing what she wanted to achieve in life. Kimberly McCullough’s natural, authentic portrayal of her alter ego has enhanced the ability of General Hospital’s audience to embrace Robin as a character they care about.
Kimberly McCullough’s Backstage Ambition
Even though she’s had General Hospital’s cameras pointing at her for twenty-five years, Kimberly McCullough has been making strides towards becoming one of the forces behind the scenes since 1996. The actress took a break from the show to study directing at NYU; an interest that she continued to develop, culminating with her latest endeavor with the American Film Institute. In a recent interview with Michael Fairman of On-Air On-Soaps, McCullough is quoted as saying that directing and making films is “what I want to do with my life.”
The short that McCullough produced under AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women is her fourth production. She describes the film as being about a female who has always gotten romantically involved with the wrong type of guy and is tired of getting her feelings hurt. Eventually she decides to enter into a dating relationship with a good person, but struggles with her choice and the lack of sabotage the relationship entails.
McCullough has maintained her on-screen presence in Port Charles throughout the exploration of her backstage ambitions. Currently the actress does not have any immediate plans to leave General Hospital or Robin behind. Whether she’s contributing to a piece of dramatic fiction from behind the scenes or in front of the cameras, Kimberly McCullough displays an air of touchable professionalism. Her commitment to and passion for her artistic expressions are not only evident in her ability to keep striving towards multiple projects, but in her honest, down to earth, and almost precocious portrayals of her most famous pseudonym-General Hospital’s Robin Scorpio.
Sources: (2010-2011). Soap Central.com. About GH: About the Actors-Kimberly McCullough.
(2010-2011). Soap Central.com. About GH: Who's Who in Port Charles-Robin Scorpio.
(2010, September 22). Fairman, Michael. The Kimberly McCullough Interview-General Hospital. On-Air On-Soaps. MichaelFairmansoaps.com.
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