According to the new issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, the hottest buzz in soapland is that several sources have reported to the publication that a deal is being worked out to bring Kirsten Storms back to General Hospital as Maxie Jones! The item indicates that details are being hammered out which would return the popular actress to her role, after she was taken ill and had to vacate it. In her place, Jen Lilley has stepped in and has been doing a fantastic job in the role of Maxie ever since.
If you recall, Storms was set to return to GH in January 2012 and then at the last moment it was announced that Storms would not be coming back and Jen Lilley would be staying on. If you listen to the new On-Air On-Soaps Podcast you can hear our interview with Jen Lilley discussing the events of January and how she never knew from day to day if she was coming or going!
So, what do you think of the news if indeed this time Kirsten is coming back to GH? Have you gotten use to Jen Lilley as Maxie at this point? Let us know your thoughts!
I don’t care either way, JL has been fantastic in the role and I like her portrayal of Maxie. Didn’t watch the show much before she assumed the role. Wish her the best no matter the outcome.
Couldn’t be happier! I think Jen has done a great job, but I never felt like she was Maxie Jones. I look forward to the real Maxie coming back and Spixie reuniting. Perhaps Jen can stay on as a new character…like Maxie’s half sister? 😉
I would like to have Jen stay on…give Kirsten another role. Maybe Liz sister Sarah. Or perhaps a love interest for Spinelli that would be sort fo fun. the two Maxies
Loved Kirsten in the role but have gotten use to Jen. Was kind of hoping at this point that Kirsten would show back up at Days as Belle! Either actress can do a great job as Maxie. Jen did such a great job I hope that she lands an awesome role somewhere if Kirsten is in fact coming back. But with Jason Cook gone… kind of makes you wish they would turn up again together at Days.
MEARY ROSE
11 years ago
let’s hope she comes back before her hubby on the show is gone they used to be on dool together
I would love for Kirsten to return. I think Jen has done a great job but Kirsten will always be Maxie to me.
david
11 years ago
Exciting to think of Kirsten returning. I have missed her version of Maxie, but Jen Lilley has been very good too. Jen hasn’t played Maxie long enough that I won’t have any difficulty adjusting to the return of Kirsten. I still miss Georgie and wish Lindze Letherman would return.
If this is true and kirsten storms is coming back, I would like for General hospital to find another character for Jen Lilley, if she want’s to stay, I thought she did a brilliant job in taking over for k.s. as Maxi, And I will miss her she is so sweet. I felt so bad the way she was treated for taking over the Maxi role, but she stuck with it, Several times I went to her face book page and told her I loved her version of Maxi, and a few times she said a lot of nice words back to me. It would be nice if Georgie could come back another missed character that never should have been killed off. I still think Dr. David Hayward should come to port charles and bring a few people back from the dead, So many good characters were killed off to have room for the gangsters, The Sonny show.
If they can kill off Stefano on Days for a while, why not let Sonny take a vacation too? However, after seeing the young people on GH today (Starr, Michael, Kristina, male producer), they couldn’t have been more boring that they made Sonny look fascinating.
Brenda
11 years ago
OMGoodness….I hope it is true. Missed Kirsten terribly!!! Just doesn’t seem right or normal for someone else to be playing Maxie even though Jen has done a great job…it still isn’t the same. Love Kirsten…..please bring her back!!! :-))
Kait Brannen
11 years ago
I’ve missed Kirsten desperately as Maxie…but Jen has grown on me. I agree with the above comment that maybe they could find another role for her. But in my mind there’s only one Maxie!
carol wilson
11 years ago
We want kirsten back Jen is ok but she is not maxie. Some times you can get away with a recast but then other times no. I mean the new Kristina is ok because the charcter needed to look older and now she looks more grownup. But there is only one maxie. That is Kirsten.
Traci
11 years ago
I love Jen Lilley! She has made Maxie likeable. I never liked the character before Jen started playing her, and if Kirsten Storms comes back, I hate to say it but that will probably be it for me. Jen Lilley is the one actress who keeps me tuning in. Please, GH, KEEP JEN LILLEY!
Bari Gamble
11 years ago
I really hope it’s true. I really miss Kirsten as Maxie, she knew her character so well it is so hard watching someone else play her. In my eyes it was Kirsten who made Maxie. Yes Jen has been doing an okay job but its just not the same. Every time I watch a scene I can’t help wonder how Kirsten would have persieved it and if she would have done the scene differently. I am also hoping for a Spixie reunion and the only Maxie I want for that is Kirsten’s version. They belong together on the show. Please Please Please let this be true!! 🙂
Ray
11 years ago
@jen_lilley has taken the role of Maxie Jones to another level I’ll miss Jen if indeed this rumor is true. She has been exceptional.
Jim Barnes
11 years ago
I do miss Kirsten, but I have adored Jen from when she first took over in a very difficult situation as a temporary recast back in September. In January when she thought she was done as Maxie, there was a rumor that she would stay on GH in another role, possibly as a long lost daughter of Kate Howard’s, because of her resemblance to Kelly Sullivan (though they are only about 6 years apart in age) or possibly the role of Sarah Webber. Since January she has really set her mark and has made Maxie her very own, plus she reminds me more of when Robyn Richards was Maxie for 11 years. Jen is so fan friendly and she is such a sweetheart. Jen Lilley has becaome one of my favorite actresses and I hope she stays on as Maxie!
oh my gosh…I never noticed it before, but you’re right – Jen does remind me of Robyn Richards (who I adored!).
Ghfan4evr
11 years ago
while I have become a fan of Jen Lilley, I have to admit I would love to have Kristen Storms back. I know Jen is going to be fine and get snagged up real quick.
Phillip
11 years ago
Really hope this happens! No one can play Maxie like Kirsten Storms can. I haven’t been able to connect to the character under Jen Lilley like I was under Kirsten.
tricia
11 years ago
Jen Lilly has done an amazing job and is a great actress. No disrespect to her, but Kirsten will always be Maxie to me. Kirsten shows a vulnerability and somehow makes you like her even when Maxie is being self-centered and shallow (which is pretty much always!) Kirsten turned the character from just annoying to a multi-layered young woman. I will be happy to see her back
David Connor
11 years ago
Dye Jen Liley’s hair dark and cast her as Kristina!
That is so funny! And Jen Lilley would likely be a better Kristina than the existing Kristina. Or, have Jen come back as Georgie, but she might need to gain a little weight and lower her voice.
I agree that Jen Lilley would make a perfect Kristina. The Kristina now is too old.
LisaZee
11 years ago
Love Jen Lilley. She is a fabulous actress and at this point I would prefer to see her stay in the role.
Teresa
11 years ago
Jen has done a fabulous job and I like her as Maxie but can’t help missing Kirsten. She will always be the true Maxie to me and I can’t wait to have her back. Hope she’s fully recovered and able to take her shoes back. All the best to Jen in whatever she choses to do. She has been fantastic and has grown so much with this opportunity.
heidi
11 years ago
WooHoo!!! I am so happy if it is true! Bring on Spixie! They are two of my faves on that show! I think Jen Lilley has been doing a fabulous job but… Kirsten will always be the definitive Maxie! Can’t wait… hope this isn’t more hype! Please let us know for sure Michael! Loved the podcast!
mike
11 years ago
good news, Jen makes Maxie too much of a whiner
Seema
11 years ago
If this is true I’m super happy. I disliked Jen from the start, but I warmed up to her, but never the idea that she’d be Maxie full time. Kirsten to me has been Maxie 100% and I can’t wait to see her on screen again.
Shelly
11 years ago
Jen Lilly has made the role her own. Maybe KS could return to Salem as Belle.
Marni
11 years ago
Jen Lilley has done a fantastic job but she is not Maxie!!Kirsten is. I especially missed her during the Robin scenes. I wish Jen well but bring Kirsten’s Maxie back,please!!!
It’s hard to get used to a new person playing a huge character – but Jen has done a awesome job! I love both Maxie’s – maybe they could keep her on as a twin or something! lol
Christy
11 years ago
I absolutely hope this is true! NOBODY can play the roleof Mackenzie like Kirsten!
Lynn
11 years ago
I think JL is fantastic as Maxie and made me love the character for the first time since Robyn Richards was in the role.
I wish KS all the best, but JL is Maxie now
Christy
11 years ago
That would be MAXIE! AUTO-CORRECT on my stupid smartphone!
Joan Faist
11 years ago
Kirsten Storms will always be Maxie. She played this role perfectly. But I did really like her as Belle on DOOL”S Good luck to both actresses.
Jamie
11 years ago
I’m so torn! I had kinda resigned myself to believing that Kirsten wasn’t coming back and I have thought that Jen has been doing a superb job since the first day, so I’m attached to her now too! Damn you casting directors for finding such a great replacement!!! Haha…
SZima
11 years ago
I thought Jen was OK as a temporary replacement for Kristen, but as a permanent Maxie, she just isn’t cutting it. Nothing against Jen…she’s a fair enough actress, but she just ain’t Maxie. She has no chemistry with either Matt or Spinelli, or anyone else on the show actually…that I can think of right now.
I am hoping and praying that Kristen can come back to reclaim her role.
Michael S
11 years ago
Would welcome Kirsten back but agree I’ve warmed to Jen so would love for GH to find a way to keep her onboard too.
aria
11 years ago
i hope she comes back love jen but lilley, but kirsten is Maxie.
mo
11 years ago
I think they should just keep Jen.
Cat
11 years ago
As much as I loved Kirsten as Maxie, I’ve come to adore Jen in the role. I say keep Jen!! She has worked very hard and done a fantastic job of making Maxie her own and not a reflection of KS’s interpretation. I love them both and know they will both have great futures no matter what. My vote is with Jen!
m bridges
11 years ago
So glad kirsten is returning!
Cherie
11 years ago
Jen has been fantastic. Jen is a great actress and i would love for GH to find a way for her to come back. But i could never get used to her being Maxie, IMO there was always a disconnect. I need Kirsten back!
MK
11 years ago
JL has taken over the role, and the role is hers. She has done so much with it. How do we know that KS will be able to stay with the role in the future?
Rodd
11 years ago
I really have grown to like like Jen in the role and hope she stays. Kristen can go back to DAYS with Jason. With everything that has happened with the character of Maxie recently, it would be very jarring to see Kristen back. Besides, they wouldn’t be able to use all those great flashbacks they’re trending toward on the show of last week’s episodes. (Sorry, that was a bad joke.)
Justine
11 years ago
I am so happy to hear Kristen back!!!!! She’s always been one of my favorites! But Jen is doing such a great job & I really hate to see her go!!!!!
sara
11 years ago
Finally! I stopped watching after Ks left. Maxie is HER role not Jens. Jen was just a temp. KS was able to make anything Maxie did fun and u still sided with her even when she was doing something evil. Something Jen simply can’t.
Welcome back Kirsten you have been missed
Justin
11 years ago
My vote is for Jen Lilley. She made the role of Maxie her own. I never liked Kristen Storms in that role (love Storms though). Actually, I’d love to see the ORIGINAL MAXIE – Robyn Richards back in that role.
I SO agree! No disrespect to either Kirsten or Jen…but when Kirsten got sick, I wished they had contacted Robyn. I’m sure she is old enough now…
KK
11 years ago
I miss Kristen and the quirkiness she brought to the role of maxie. Jen has done a fantastic job but she is not “maxie”.
JG
11 years ago
Have been waiting for her to come back – Kirsten IS Maxie Jones – I feel bad for the current girl playing it but I just never got used to her in that role…would always watch wanting Kirsten back.
Nikki
11 years ago
THANK GOD! No offense to JL, but I NEVER saw her as Maxie. Maxie will always be Kirsten’s role, in my eyes, and I really cannot wait for her to be back on my screen. If people really like JL that much, maybe she can come on as a different character.
Susan
11 years ago
My preference is absolutely for Jen Lilley who has the ability to make me connect with Maxie on an emotional level I never felt with Kirsten Storms. I am never actually all that crazy about the character of Maxie no matter WHO plays her but if they bring back KS and remove JL, I’ll probably start fast forwarding all her scenes again.
Rob
11 years ago
Thank goodness. The chem was just never there between the imposter Maxie and BA. Obviously the relationships with Kelly Monaco and Kimberly McCollough on and off screen was missing too.
Theresa
11 years ago
I have watched KS since she came on GH day one…and would like her back. JL is still too whiny and over the top….writers fault..I’m sure. But still want KS back. I would just wish JL the best….
Looks like there is another new actor in the younger set on General Hospital. Tristan Riggs is taking over the role of Elizabeth Webber’s (Rebecca Herbst) son, Aiden.
Previously, Enzo De Angelis played the part of Liz and Lucky’s (formerly Jonathan Jackson) son since 2021. Soap Opera Digest confirmed that Riggs is now firmly in the part.
The switch happened on today’s Thursday May 2nd episode in scenes. Recently, Aiden came out as gay to him mom after admitting his interest in one of his classmates.
Photo: ABC
As Riggs begins in the part, it looks like Aiden is being bullied at school. Elizabeth is trying to get to the bottom of things and made an appointment with school counselors to find out what’s going on, after seeing his book bag had pink paint on it.
Riggs has been acting since he was 7-year-0ld and has appeared on the TV series Walker, True Lies and Best Foot Forward to name a few.
So, what do you think of Tristan Riggs as the new Aiden? Do you hope Aiden’s story becomes more front and center? Comment below.
Juliet Donenfeld is the Temporary Recast as General Hospital’s Georgie
May 2, 2024
Those who saw the GH preview for today’s May 2nd episode were a bit confused when they saw a young actress sitting with Lois (Rena Sofer) and Violet (Jophielle Love). As it turns out, that young girl is a recast Georgie.
Juliet Donenfeld is stepping into the role temporarily replacing Lily Fisher. As viewers know, Georgie is the young daughter of Maxie (Kirsten Storms) and Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) named after Maxie’s sister, Georgie who passed away.
According to Soap Opera News, Fisher will be back soon in the part.
As for Donenfeld’s credits, she has appeared as JJ in the Netflix’s WWE series The Big Show Show, Better Call Saul, Good Girls, Station 19, and Sydney to the Max to name but a few.
In addition, Juliet became the youngest nominee for an Annie Award, gaining recognition for voicing the character of Sally Squirrel in the Animated TV/Broadcast Production of Pete the Cat.
Watch today’s GH teaser below, and let us know your thoughts about Juliet as a recast Georgie via the comment section below.
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and 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).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
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 OurLives 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); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and 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, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.
