Who is TJ’s father on General Hospital? Explained

In anticipation of TJ's reunion with his father on General Hospital, fans are excited to see the episodes of the coming week. TJ's father is Shawn Butler, who had an affair with Jordan Ashford, who was married to his best friend. This resulted in much drama after TJ's paternity was revealed.

However, Shawn has been off-screen on the soap since 2015, excluding a brief appearance in 2021. He was wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. However, after a gap of almost a decade, according to the show's spoilers, TJ is set to visit his father now.

However, spoilers have not yet revealed the reason behind this visit. Actor Tajh Bellow currently portrays TJ on screen, and the role of TJ's father was last played by actor Sean Blakemore.

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Who is TJ's father on General Hospital? Character status explored

Sean Blakemore as Shawn Butler in a still from the soap (Image via ABC)

The character of TJ's father, Shawn Butler, on General Hospital, was last played by actor Sean Blakemore. He was introduced to the show in January 2011. Shawn's backstory, revealed during the show, states that he was born in Detroit, Michigan. Shawn came from a traumatic background as he saw his father being gunned down in front of him.

Later, he joined the US Marines and ended up suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because of it. This happened after his posting in Afghanistan, where he injured someone unknowingly.

In his initial appearance on General Hospital, Shawn was seen helping and comforting Molly Lansing, who also suffered from PTSD. An important storyline for his character was his affair with Jordan Ashford, which resulted in the birth of their son, TJ Ashford.

Shawn was incarcerated in 2015 for supposedly shooting Hayden Barnes. Shawn, Sonny, his half-brother Ric Lansing, and Shawn's legal team were unable to challenge the evidence in court. Even though Shawn did not commit the crime, the judge had a personal vendetta against him and declared him guilty.

Shawn appeared on the soap again in April 2021 as Jason Morgan's cellmate in prison. He helped Jason escape prison by stabbing him at Carly's request. This enabled Jason to get out while being treated in the hospital for his injury.

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What is Shawn Butler's storyline with TJ?

Initially, Shawn Butler is unaware that TJ Ashford is his son on General Hospital. He first meets the boy in 2012 as a troubled teenager who has run away from home. Shawn decides to take in TJ, who becomes an active part of his life.

Shawn takes a stand for TJ and Molly when it is discovered that the two teens are dating. TJ even gives Shawn advice about Carly and her new relationship with Johnny Zachara. Alexis and Shawn's relationship also begins while he is mentoring TJ.

In May 2015, Jordan Ashford informs Shawn that he is TJ's father. Unfortunately, the family does not get to spend much time with each other, as Shawn ends up going to prison for a crime he did not commit.

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Audiences can watch new episodes of General Hospital released on weekdays on ABC.