the role was originated on october 29, 1993, by eleven-year-old jonathan jackson. rumors circulated that jackson’s contract negotiations were not going well in 1996, and again in 1998, when jackson responded that he was considering college and had given the series six months notice of his consideration in accordance with his contract. in january 1999, it was reported that the series had worked out a deal, and jackson stated he had briefly extended his contract to allow the character's popular romance to continue. his contract allowed him to leave if he received a feature film role, and jackson left in april, shooting pre-taped scenes that appeared through late may. jackson explained to "soap opera weekly": "i kind of feel that the fact of how much work they've given me this year, at this stage as an actor, they just maxed out quite a bit of what i would do for the show. and i'm at a better age now to go out. there are more projects for people my age or a little older than there were a few years ago. hollywood's the kind of town where you kinda have to strike while the iron's hot." jackson's manager tony monziotti released the statement: "[jackson] has told "gh" and made it very clear to me that he wants to periodically go back to "gh". it's a question of if the storyline warrants it and they want him to come back; jonathan would be more than happy to." in early 2000, jackson stated he would enjoy reprising the role but his schedule would not allow it. he suggested a short-term return that could coincide with the departure of co-star rebecca herbst (who plays lucky's love interest elizabeth webber) should she not renew her contract, allowing for periodic returns from the couple later on. although herbst expressed interest, the show opted to keep the characters on canvas.