During a recent interview, Carolyn Hennesy was asked how the character of Diane went from short-term role to series regular.

Here's her reply:

I got a call from [General Hospital Casting Director] Mark Teschner and he said, ‘I’ve got two days of work for you. Do you want it?’ I said, ‘Absolutely.’ He said, ‘You’re playing Sonny’s lawyer.’ I said, ‘Great. Who’s that?’ I hadn’t watched General Hospital in years.

In a way it was a good thing because if I had known who Sonny Corinthos was and who Maurice Benard was I would have been very, very nervous because these are huge people in daytime. From day one I had the best time. I ended up practically chaining myself to the studio door and said, ‘You will find me something to do.’ I had no idea it would last so long.

The fans have just been so miraculously supportive. They have really taken Diane to heart. I think it’s because I say a lot of what they would say if they were sitting in a room with Sonny.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.