John Oliver lands multi-episode role on General Hospital

John Oliver will appear in a significant role on ABC's General Hospital after joking on his HBO show, Last Week Tonight, that he wanted to join a soap opera.

Oliver revealed on the June 28 episode of Last Week Tonight that he has already filmed three episodes of the daytime drama. They will air on July 2, July 3, and July 6.

The HBO host first made his request during a March 8 episode, saying he wanted a dramatic part rather than a brief cameo. He joked that he hoped to play a character with a ridiculous name and be involved in storylines such as murder, family secrets, or dramatic confrontations.

According to General Hospital, Oliver's role is more than a walk-on appearance. Executive producer Frank Valentini said Oliver plays "an integral character in the story" and praised him as prepared, professional, funny, and kind on set.

Oliver said the experience met his expectations.

"General Hospital was everything I hoped it would be," he said. "It's a true honor to be a small stain on the history of this illustrious show."

Oliver will also appear in an upcoming episode of Days of Our Lives, another soap opera that cast him after his on-air request.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.