General Hospital
Rena Sofer on Her General Hospital Comeback as Lois Cerullo: “She’s Still Loud and She’s Still Mouthy”
When Rena Sofer burst on to the soap scene 27 years ago as General Hospital’s Lois Cerullo, viewers knew out of the gate that this actress was something special, especially how she inhabited the one-of-a-kind outspoken and lovable woman from Brooklyn.
Now as previously announced Sofer is back on the ABC daytime drama series beginning on the October 10th episode. Rena last appeared on the show from 1993-1996, and again in 1997. She won a Daytime Emmy for her portrayal as Lois back in 1995 as the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
Since Sofer’s original exit on General Hospital, she later returned to the soaps as Quinn Fuller on The Bold and the Beautiful from 2013-2022. However, the fan favorite actually started her daytime career on Loving as Amelia “Rocky” McKenzie, a role she played from 1988-1991.
Photo: JPI
With the current story about Ned Quartermaine’s (Wally Kurth) amnesia and believing he is former rock star, Eddie Maine, it’s the perfect timing for Lois to enter back into the picture to help her former husband and their daughter, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton).
Rena spoke with Soap Opera Digest in their latest issue about her highly-anticipated comeback, and how she stepped back into Lois’ skin: “It’s interesting to play her at this age. She’s still loud and she’s still mouthy. She was still a lot like me, except with a Brooklyn accent and nails.”
Photo: ABC
As to what fans can expect, Sofer shared: “This story isn’t about me. The story is about Brook Lynn. The story is about Eddie Maine and Ned, so I need to respect that. This is not about me coming back and telling my story; this is about me coming back and supporting the stories that are there with me trying to create the knowledge of who Lois is now, 27 years later. So that is challenging, but also, part of the fun.”
The talented actress is also keenly aware of how GH fans have wanted her to return to GH for decades: “If they hadn’t spent the last 27 years constantly making little buzzing noises about Lois coming back, or me coming back as Lois, I wouldn’t be in this position. It’s inspiring, and I am forever grateful.”
Looking forward to seeing Rena reprising her signature soap role as Lois Cerullo? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Awesome to see her back; for a hot minute I suspected either a major recast or a return of Lesli Kay, so it’s nice seeing Rena Sofer coming back, and I hope she continues to stick around!
This looks like a one off return. She’s already saying it’s not about her so it’s either a 6 week or 6 month arc. Also, her and Wally Kurth were married/divorced. While they have co-parented over the years I doubt they’ve been hanging out either and I’m sure she isn’t dying to see him 24/7 even if it’s just for work. Time will tell of course. I am curious to see how Lois plays in 2023.
That crap is all in your head so why write it. You don’t know her relationship with Justin. Shh. Shush
OMG, exactly!
Wally, I assume you mean.
Interesting. I only heard of Wally and (Blair) being 2gther for Year’s
Blair , kassie, is with James Depavia. Not Wally .
Wally Kurth and Rena fell in love while playing Lois and Edde/Ned in the 90s. They married and have a daughter. They’re divorced; each married to someone else now.
Love her; I wish she was staying. No one’s mentioned how long she’ll be on. I’m assuming Eddie Maine is still in love with her; she’s the “muse” in his song that he has yet to identify. Since Rena and Wally are divorced in real life, I wonder if them not bringing her back full time has anything to do with it And I’m hopeful the “scab” writers will do this story right. So far, they are much better than the writers we’re unfortunately getting back…
Absolutely
Hi Michael (Fairman). I think this is the third time I’ve asked this question; I would appreciate you clarifying the “edit” option. The option is still there, but every time I edit something a popup occurs that says something about typing comments too quickly, and then the edit in my comment doesn’t appear. Can we or can we not edit our comments? Thanks!
Hello Michael
I have had the issue. I mistype a word, then go to correct it with the edit button and revieve the same message, that I am posting to quickly.
Happened to me also–
So excited for her return. Just hope Olivia and Ned/Eddie stay together
Me too!!!!!!
what about her role on loving rocky i believe was her name
How long did she play Rocky?
She’s so pretty. I hope her appearance will be a distraction from the Sasha/Gladys/Cody debacle—so sick of this storyline. Maybe, today’s episode was staged to catch the rat ( the psycho psychiatrist) in the act?
I really hope so because it was absolutely ridiculous Sasha would trust Gladys for literally one second.
Hi Celia–:)
Wow that was almost 30 years ago, half a lifetime!
I have no idea who/what she was..
Well, will be interesting.
On Sasha and Cody, I agree,
Hey, SusieQ— I don’t know who she is either. I know she’s Brook Lynn’s mother and Ned’s ex—I think the were married in real life, as well? I’ve only been watching since 2014. But, past characters are discussed during certain scenes—-I manage to learn a thing or two. Plus, whenever a past character re-appears I google him/ her.
Soaps have always been about continuity, and in the past newer viewers were able to become familiarized with characters from the past because they were kept on the show OR referred to often. Their children, grandchildren carried on the family etc.
Lois and Ned were a big deal decades ago. But different writers came aboard and destroyed much of the show’s history and great legacy families of which the Quartermaines were one. Loved them and their stories!
The writers dropped the ball and basically put them on a back burner to Sonny and Carly and their clan. The Quartermaines were never Olivia, Leo, Michael, Drew, Willow and Carly thrown in. They were: Edward/Lila/Alan/Monica/Ned/Tracy/AJ/Jason/Dillon, then Emily and Skye. Alice the cook. Reggie the butler. They were GREAT stories and one of the major families. But slowly they were destroyed. Unfortunately, the actors who played Edward and Lila passed in real life. The writers killed off Alan, Emily, and AJ for absolutely no reason. They stuck with Jason’s memory loss so he never again was really part of the Qs. Ned was barely on and Brook Lynn only recently came back in the last few years. So, unfortunately, there’s no anticipation or excitement for newer viewers for characters they never heard of, but for those of us who watched this show for decades, we (can’t speak for all obviously) LOVE the vets; want them back. They’re the “real” GH. Not his barrage of mostly new characters with a sprinkling of some lingering vets.
I agree I am so tired of the Sasha/Cody/Gladys nightmare. Please put it to rest!
Yes!! The plot had suspense —it reached its climax , which in a normal storyline, the viewer sighs in relief and that’s that. Anything prolonging the ending is nothing but a big bore and waste of time.
I’m so looking forward to seeing Rena back on screen as Lois, and I hope this isn’t just a short-term return, and that she will be sticking around beyond this storyline arc. There is a lot you can do with the Lois character after 27 years, beyond the stuff with Ned/Eddie and Brook Lynn.
Welcome back. However I do like Ned/Eddie and his wife. So I hopeless is going to respect that.
It’s going to be a blast!
I love Rena Sofer, she’s one of my favorite actresses. I’ve been waiting for her to cube back to GH since she left B&B. Can’t wait to see Lois back on screen!!
Anyone better than Olivia and her “nouveau-riche” persona. It would be great if “Lois” sticks around—I’d love to see the dynamics between her and “Eddie” or Ned.
Gh has enough characters. Enough already
Rena Sofer where have you been, been missing you as Quinn but looking forward to watching you as Lois on General Hospital and I don’t watch General Hospital but I am now because of being a loyal fan , welcome back to the Soaps
Breaking News
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
After various reports surfaced, it has been confirmed that Patrick Mulcahey is out as the co-head writer of General Hospital. This is after a very short tenure of under five months.
Mulcahey was named to the position back in January of 2024 along with longtime GH writer Elizabeth Korte. They replaced the team of Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor, who had been the head scribes of the long-running ABC daytime drama since 2019.
A source informed Soap Opera Digest that stories created by the co-head writing team of Mulcahey/Korte team will air through mid-summer. However they added “There will be more news to share at a later date as to the composition of the new writing team.”
In addition, eagle-eyed soap fans have seen that in recent episodes former co-head writer, Chris Van Etten has been credited, as he is reportedly a breakdown writer with the show.
Soap Opera Network is reporting that Korte has assumed the head writing duties solely on her own at the moment, while Buzz blog initially reported Mulcahey’s exit.
We will have more on the GH writing team evolution in the days ahead.
What do you think about the writing team changes at GH thus far? Comment below.
Days Of Our Lives
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
On Thursday night May 16th, the daytime community comes together for Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer, streaming live at 8 pm ET/5pm PT.
Stand Up To Cancer, in collaboration with leading daytime community voices Michael Fairman and Alan Locher, are coming together for a first-of-its-kind livestream event, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
The three-hour benefit will feature stars from the world of daytime drama television past and present, musical performances, and stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer. Special celebrity guests will also join the effort to encourage viewers to support urgently needed research and new cancer treatments. You can watch live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, The Locher Room or the Stand Up To Cancer website.
In support of the event, SU2C will simultaneously launch a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for soap opera fans to bid on a wide range of items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of CBS’s The Young and the Restless and signed merchandsise from CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, at StandUpToCancer.org/DaytimeStandsUp.
As part of the event, you will hear, cancer survivorship stories from General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; and 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his battle with bladder cancer
Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden.
Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett.
Two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding Light / One Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keifer.
Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez.
Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton (General Hospital) Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, featuring Days of Our Lives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); Lesli Kay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (General Hospital); and Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
You can watch the Daytime Stands Up livestream below. Now let us know if you have a cancer story that has affected your life via the comment section below, or how a daytime TV character who went through a cancer battle, gave you strength and courage in your own journey.
General Hospital
General Hospital Receives Stage Dedication
General Hospital has yet another moment to cherish in their storied 61-year history. ABC Entertainment executives honored the daytime dramas cast and crew on May 10, 2024, by dedicating Stage 4, where the series is filmed as “The General Hospital Stage.”
ABC made the decision to acknowledge the show with the stage dedication last year, when it hit its 60th anniversary.
Network executive, Nathan Varni shared via Facebook, “This event was supposed to take place in April, 2023 but due to a multitude of reasons was postponed. Well, we finally celebrated the legacy and history of General Hospital with a stage dedication placard that will live on forever! Thanks to everyone involved with the show for all your hard work, dedication and passion for continuing to keep this show alive and running! Congrats to all involved! We deeply admire and appreciate everyone who works around the clock to bring this series to life 255 days a year!”
Photo: ABC
The stage dedication plaque reads: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL STAGE. IN HONOR OF THE ICONIC TELEVISION DRAMA’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY. SERIES DEBUT APRIL 1, 1963.
Cast members who were in attendance to be part of the dedication included: Jane Elliot (Tracy), Kelly Monaco (Sam), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Donnell Turner (Curtis), Kristina Wagner (Felicia), Maura West (Ava), Brook Kerr (Portia), Kirsten Storms (Maxie), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), Chad Duell (Michael), Robert Gossett (Marshall), Eden McCoy (Josslyn), Josh Swickard (Chase), Jeff Kober (Cyrus), Hudson West (Jake) and Vernee Watson (Stella).
Photo: ABC
GH is not only the longest-running daytime soap on the air, but it is now longest-running scripted drama in all of television. The series continues to hold the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the Daytime Emmy Award a record 16 times. To date, GH has filmed over 15,468 episodes.
Share your congrats to GH for their stage dedication which will continue to preserve their legacy for years to come.
The Young and the Restless Eileen Davidson to Chat Live on Ashley’s Alters Storyline
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
General Hospital Receives Stage Dedication
Steve Burton Confirms New Relationship
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: What Shocker Awaits at Chase and Brook Lynn’s Wedding?
Days of our Lives Favorite Judi Evans Shares Touching Remembrance of Son Austin on Mother’s Day
GH’s Nancy Lee Grahn Speaks Out for Jailed Former On-Screen Daughter, Haley Pullos
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
Steve Burton Confirms New Relationship
The Young and the Restless Eileen Davidson to Chat Live on Ashley’s Alters Storyline
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
Motion Picture Star Chris Hemsworth, a ‘Home and Away’ Alum, Defends Soap Operas, ‘It Used to Bother Me When Actors Would Later Talk About the Show with Guilt or Shame”
‘The Bold and the Beautiful Music from the Series Volume Two’ Released Featuring Dramatic Story Themes
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: What Shocker Awaits at Chase and Brook Lynn’s Wedding?
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