Stefan Cassadine on the ABC Television Network's "General Hospital"

Stephen Nichols joined the cast of "General Hospital" as Stefan Cassadine in July, 1996. Stefan Cassadine, Laura Spencer's former brother-in-law, holds the key to her infant daughter's survival. Stefan has been keeping tabs on Laura since she escaped from the Cassadine family in 1983, and Stefan has decided that the search for a compatible bone-marrow donor for Laura's daughter is the perfect time for him to make his move. Conflict arises when Stefan's agenda causes dissension among the Spencers, causing all to wonder if revenge is what Stefan is really after in Port Charles.

Stephen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and at age eight moved to Dayton, where he graduated from Meadowdale High School. Following graduation, Stephen moved to Los Angeles after passing up an art scholarship to Ohio State University, to join the Self-Realization Fellowship Center with the intention of becoming a monk. Three years later, Stephen turned to acting, and studied at the Los Angeles City College Theater Academy.

After City College, he appeared in numerous stage productions in Los Angeles, performing in such plays as "Delirious," "The Cage," "Love Letters," "Death of a Salesman" and "Pieces of Time." One of his favorite productions was "The Lizard King," in which he portrayed Jim Morrison during the last 36 hours of his life. Each of these performances garnered him L.A. Weekly and DramaLogue Awards.

Stephen's first feature film was "Choices," with Demi Moore; and he went on to appear in many films, including "Witchboard," "Soapdish"; "Cover Me," with Paul Sorvino and Rick Rossovich; and "A Hard Rain," with John Mahoney. Most recently, he has appeared in "Good Vibrations," with Michael York and Beverly D'Angelo; "The Glass Cage," with Eric Roberts; and "Phoenix," with Brad Dourif, all due to be released later this year.

Television credits include guest appearances on "L.A. Law," "Sisters," "The Nanny," "Melrose Place," "Diagnosis Murder," and the miniseries, "Around the World in 80 Days" with Pierce Brosnan, in which he played outlaw Jesse James. Stephen received an Emmy nomination for his role on the serial, "Days of Our Lives," and had recurring roles on the series, "Empty Nest" and "Second Chances."

Stephen, his wife Lisa, and their three children, Vanessa, Aaron and Dylan, reside in Los Angeles.