Justus Ward is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera General Hospital. He is the son of Bradley and Isobel Ward, and the grandson of Edward Quartermaine. The role was originated by former Cosby Show actor Joseph C. Phillips, who appeared as Justus from June 2, 1994 to July 1, 1998. Justus was subsequently de-aged on two occasions, as evidenced by later portrayals of the character by Monti Sharp (1998–99) and M'fundo Morrison (2003–06). Character history Justus comes to Port Charles from Philadelphia for his late father Bradley Ward's memorial service. His cousin Keesha comes as well. Justus falls in love with Simone Ravelle who had just divorced Tom Hardy. Tom's mother Audrey Hardy, doesn't approve of Justus and Simone's relationship, but it is Tom who finally breaks them up. Edward Quartermaine offers Justus the position as Council for ELQ and gives him shares of the company, which enrages his cousins A.J. and Ned. Ned and Justus seem to get along, but Ned later blackmails Justus to get the shares of ELQ back. Laura Spencer becomes the owner and administrator of the Ward House when Mary Mae Ward dies. Damian Smith wants to buy the Ward House to build a shopping mall. Laura refuses to sell to him because she loved Mary Mae and wants to honor her by continuing her work. Damian breaks into the house and douses gasoline on everything. Justus catches him just as he tries to set the house on fire. Justus knocks Damian unconscious with a baseball bat. He tries to get Damian out but the fire spreads quickly, so he leaves to call the fire department. The Ward House is destroyed. Damian Smith is presumed dead. Laura is arrested and charged with Damian's murder. Edward Quartermaine figures out Justus had killed Damian and convinces him not to turn himself in. Justus agrees to keep quiet. Even though Edward hires a lawyer to defend Laura, Justus is riddled with guilt and becomes her lawyer instead. He is successful in getting Laura acquitted but her husband Luke finds out Justus killed Damian and let Laura go through the entire ordeal. Justus confesses his guilt to Laura, who forgives him, but the friendships are never the same. Justus resigns from ELQ, and eventually goes to work for his cousin Jason Morgan who is running Sonny Corinthos' territory in Sonny's absence. Justus gets Jason acquitted for assaulting