General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Favorite Kirsten Storms Breaks Silence with New Update on Her Life While Maxie Remains MIA
Longtime General Hospital star, Kirsten Storms, provided her first update on Sunday in over a month via Instagram. Storms took a moment to talk about the shifting and refocusing of her priorities, looking back on how she started her acting career at a very young age, and sharing the she is having an ongoing situation and disagreement with her ex-husband Brandon Barash, but she is looking forward to eventually resolving it. In addition, Kirsten showed off her brand new hair do and hair color.
It was back in June 2o26, when Storms explained, that given everything that has been happening in her personal life, plus the ongoing issues she says she has experienced with her apartment break-in and having her home computer network hacked, that she was not comfortable returning to Los Angeles and back to work at General Hospital. As previously reported in April, Brandon Barash had filed a restraining order against Storms.
Now on July 19, Storm explained the latest in her life. She began, “Despite everything that’s been going on in my life right now (…and I will be honest, it’s more than upsetting) – I still feel that the move to Tennessee was the best choice for me. I might not be at the *best part* of this choice yet, but LA never felt like my real home.”
Photo: JPI
FROM CHILD STAR TO THE ROLE OF MAXIE JONES
As a child actress, Storms started working and booked commercials and eventually primetime roles which eventually led to her leading role in 1998 on Disney Channel’s Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century and more, Eventually Storms started her soap career onDays of Our Lives as Belle Black before coming to GH as Maxie. She expressed in her new post, how since working as a child performer, acting was all she had known for most of her life.
“I’m grateful and really f*ing proud of the accomplishments I’ve achieved during my acting career, however my career started before I was out of elementary school. I spent years working nonstop and feeling envious of anyone who lived in “the real world”. **I DO NOT MEAN FOR THAT TO BE OFFENSIVE** My life in California (and work there) was chosen for me at a young age. Have I been lucky to maintain employment in this industry, since my parents relocated us from Florida – with the sole intention that I become an actor? Hell yes. I’m proud of myself for handling the majority of that on my own…but that life became the ONLY thing I knew how to do. Or thought I was capable of.”
MOTHERHOOD AND HEALTH
Kirsten then wrote on how becoming a mother to her daughter, Harper, in 2014 has changed her perspective in life. “Then I had Harper, and how I viewed every single thing in life shifted,” continued Storms. “I swear I’m not going to continue to bring up my medical situation (I’ll make jokes and it will be awkward), but until I began to understand how precious time is and how what we prioritize becomes ALL we have, there was never a thought that my life would ever change. Definitely not in the way I’ve always wanted it to.”
Photo: KStormsIG
ASKING TO KEEP COMMENTS SUPPORTIVE
As to her ongoing issues over daughter, Harper with her ex-husband, Brandon Barash, Storms mentioned, “I will briefly acknowledge that there is an ongoing situation with Brandon that will be getting sorted out (soon hopefully). I would appreciate (and encourage) for people on here not to worry about me, or think there is something larger going on, other than 2 ex-spouses dealing with a “disagreement”, that WILL be resolved. I’m not the type of person to come on here and discuss the details of something this personal (or offensive to who I am), however before you guys starting commenting on this, please remember that we are people who are divorced and have a child. I appreciate the supportive comments, but now that my daughter is of the age where she will Google her name while riding the bus to school, I’m asking that the speculation on this issue please stop. ”
She concluded her post noting her hair color and do shown in the selfie accompanying the post, “Also, yes I have black hair and bangs. I’m kinda dig.”
Photo: ABC
MAXIE’S BRIEF RETURN TO PORT CHARLES
Kirsten last returned on-screen on February 12, 2026 episode of General Hospital, after Maxie woke up from a coma at a longterm coma care facility in Boston. The coma story gave Storms her hiatus from the soap opera to move to Tennessee from Los Angeles, and allowed her to come back.
When Maxie woke up, not only was she faced with being away from her children for so long, but that her presumed dead husband, Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) was alive and well (even though he turned out to be his twin Cassius Faison.) As those story beats played out, Maxie chose to stay with Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) and “Nathan” began seeing Maxie’s bestie, Lulu (Alexa Havins). Kirsten only made appearances on the soap for a month before exiting again on the March 13, 2026 episode.
You can view Kirsten’s full post and message below.
So, are you happy to hear from Kirsten and how she is refocusing her life right now, and for her daughter, Harper? It would appear Storms will not be on General Hospital anytime in the near future from this post, but we continue to wish nothing but the best for Kirsten. Let us know you thoughts in the comment section.
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I wish her all the best but they needed to recast her months ago. Her absence has been a detriment to the storytelling. It’s so bad that Cody had to tell James that his uncle was impersonating his father. I’m old enough to remember when Maxie gave her mother the what for at Georgie’s funeral due to her being an absentee mother. Now Maxie is doing the same without rhyme or reason.
With faux Nathan being unmasked, the trauma that caused James and the Deception troubles from being associated with Sidwell, Maxie and Spinelli are desperately needed in Port Charles. TPTB should hire a temporary fill in until Kristen is ready to return to work. I wish Kristen great success in resolving her life issues.
Just recast Maxie with a more competent and confident actor. No shade but if you recast a Drew then a Maxie shouldn’t be an issue.
Recasting Drew probably isn’t the best example. The original Drew was himself a character made up on the spot to salvage a recast which probably shouldn’t have happened. And when Billy Miller left the show in an attempt to find a prime time career, that should have been the end of Drew.
He wasn’t really missed that much. And that’s before the character became a complete asshat.
As far as a Maxie recast goes? Yeah. As long as they can find the right one. As in the third Molly recast, not the two horrible attempts they made before that. They got lucky with the new Mikey right out of the gate. So it’s not impossible.
I enjoy Kirsten as Maxie. I never knew she’s been on TV since childhood. Keeping her and her loved ones in my prayers. Wishing a great outcome for all and wishing them all the best.
Please. So tired of the continuous updates! Everyone wishes her well but they should have recasted Maxie a few years ago. They gave her a coma to buy her some time, and when she finally comes back, she leaves again. It’s nice that TPTB are being extra considerate, however, this special treatment is hurting storylines and eroding character development. In fact, I would say that all the storylines related to Maxie are idiotic at best. This is an example of absurdly bad management. Recast now!
Aren’t you just a ray of sunshine
More like a gloomy cloud.
Some people don’t know the meaning of it. It’s just a soap opera. She doubled down on this rant, which makes it even worse.
As Kirsten appears ready to move on, so should we, the viewers, do as well.
Bring in someone for a few weeks to play Maxie. During that time, have Maxie sell her shares in Deception. Maxie also is shown dealing with the Cassius aftermath. The character can then live on off screen or move out of PC with Spinelli landing an outstanding new job.
Kirsten- live the rest of your life in peace and out of the spotlight. Thank you for your decades of entertaining us. We are now all moving on.
I think Frank Valentini likes to accommodate his actors and that’s a fine thing. But, eventually you have to look at the big picture. How does this affect the show? She paints the picture that there’s a great possibility she isn’t coming back. The character is important to the canvas, so replacing her is valid option.
He does not accommodate he enables he knows who they are and the issues they are having. Bill Bell knew the trouble JC was in he told her sober up or your gone she talked about it in her book and it worked she went on to continue a great character etc.
I love Kirsten ever she played Belle on DAYS but this is dragging on. This isnt like recasting Sonny to where it would just be impossible, we wish her well but there are many talented actresses who could olay Maxie!
My life doesn’t revolve around what happens with fictional characters so I will wish her well.
Baby, bye, bye, bye!!!
God forbid someone shows empathy on here.
with her current situation, either get someone to fill in till she comes back or just have the character move and help james deal with the Cassious fall out, her being away on vaca w/ spinelli and georgi and having poor cody have to break the news to james was not convincing especially since Felicia and Mac were able to come back from France no less while maxie was just somewhere in the U.S. GH is gonna have to do something soon plain and simple.
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, official spoilers, and the latest teaser video, indicate that the truth is about to come out on many fronts which could put several Port Charles residents in harm’s way, but who will double-cross whom?
First, Nina has been carted away by the WSB, after she is the prime suspect in the disappearance and possible murder of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Now it appears that her daughter Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) is willing to do anything to find her mother. (probably for fear she will somehow implicate Willow!)
Ava (Maura West) meets with Willow at the Metro Court Gardens and informs her, “If Nina is being framed. I may know by whom.” Would Ava risk the ire of Drew (Cameron Mathison), if she throw’s him under the bus and admits he planted Jack’s wallet in Nina’s car, or is she about to accuse someone else to protect him?
Meanwhile, Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Justine’s (Nazneen Contractor) romance is about to become public, or at least fall into the wrong hands! The two are being spied on while making out in a dark location thinking they are alone. Next, Ava’s voice is heard saying, He had to go down!” Is she talking about Sonny who she had teamed with Drew to take down? Cut to Sonny telling Ric (Rick Hearst) “Let ’em try.”
Finally, the action turns to Pentonville, where Curtis (Donnell Turner) is in a dangerous situation, when outside his cell, another inmate suggests to him, “Find a reason not to be in your cell after lunch.” Later, that man and two others, enter the cell as Sidwell (Carlo Rota) just reads a book, as he looks concerned as the men encircle him. Does Curtis come to the rescue of Sidwell? Stay tuned.
SPOILERS
Here’s a look at the official General Hospital spoilers for the week of September 21-25 below.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Willow seeks out Valentin. Anna shares her fear with Jason. Carly makes a discovery. Rocco reassures Scout. Britt confides in Isaiah.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Jason and Sonny catch up. Carly does damage control. Britt and Anna come face to face. Jordan sees something she wasn’t supposed to. Lulu opens up to Dante.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Sonny strategizes with Ric. Tracy enlists a new ally. Drew takes note of an encounter between Chase and Willow. Trina makes a big decision. Kai receives an offer.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Ava confronts Sonny. Tracy reveals her agenda. Jordan is in for a shock. Michael and Drew put their cards on the table. Alexis meets with a potential client.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Carly levels with Jason. Lulu is stunned. Josslyn refuses Michael’s request. Jordan wants answers. Hudson assists Brook Lynn.
Now below, check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Out Secret’s Out.”
Then weigh-in: Do you think Ava truly helps Willow save her mother by pointing the finger at Drew? Do you want Drew to go down, or do you want him to exact his revenge on Nina and Willow? Who do you think is behind Sonny and Justine’s romance being exposed? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Hayden Panettiere’s Memorial Service Attended by ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Nashville’ Alum Jonathan Jackson and More
Over the weekend, the loved ones of Hayden Panettiere (ex-Sarah, One Life to Live, ex-Lizzie, Guiding Light and ex-Juliette Barnes, Nashville et al) gathered in Malibu, California on Saturday, September 19 to honor and celebrate the late actress’ life in what has been reported by TMZ as an extremely moving memorial service just one month after her tragic death.
Attending the funeral were several of Panettiere’s Nashville co-stars and closest friends including: six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer, General Hospital, ex-Avery Barclay, Nashville), Connie Britton (ex-Rayna James), Claire Bowen (ex-Scarlett O’Connor), Lennon Stella (ex-Maddie Conrad) and Charles Esten (ex-Deacon Claybourne) who performed one of Hayden’s song from the series with a band set up at the church.
In addition to Panettiere’s Nashville co-stars, her dear friends, Evan Ross, Paris Hilton and Ruby Rose were among the 150 or so guests, and the celebration of life was organized by Hayden’s family, including her father, Skip Panettiere.
Photo: ABC
INSIDE HAYDEN PANETTIERE’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE
The report shared that Connie Britton and Charles Esten made speeches about their late friend and colleague, and it appears guests watched as doves were released outside the church before moving inside for the ceremony in tribute to the 36-year-old star.
Hayden’s mother, Leslie Vogel was reportedly not invited to the memorial. However, she denies this according to TMZ, and shared that she had a family emergency which precluded her from making her daughter’s funeral. In addition, Hayden’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were also not invited to the memorial. It was Zach who first found Hayden unresponsive in an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina.
Page Six reported, that Hayden’s ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, and their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, were not photographed at the event.
CAUSE OF DEATH STILL UNCLEAR
Additionally, recent reports from September 14, have indicated that Hayden’s cause of death is related to her taking a fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill. According to TMZ, multiple law enforcement sources connected to the case believe she took one fatal oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl the morning of her death, Sources with direct knowledge allege that Panettiere had a “long time drug dealer” in Los Angeles who provided her with several black-market prescription drugs, including oxycodone.
However on September 16, a rep for Panettiere told ENews,“As reported by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden’s death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise. Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
So, are you glad to know Hayden was given a memorial service and that so many of the main cast of Nashville showed up for it? Are you saddened to hear the most updated reports on how the extremely talented actress may have died? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ James Patrick Stuart Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Sometimes not overplaying moments within two-person scenes, carry the weight and the gravitas of the situation and tug at our heartstrings. That’s exactly what General Hospital’s James Patrick Stuart (Valentin Cassadine) was able to do on last week’s Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16 episodes of the ABC daytime drama series in scenes with Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) and Laura Wright (Carly Spencer).
We know last week saw many emotional turns from the likes of the aforementioned Hughes, plus her GH co-stars, Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Cynthia Watros (Nina), plus The Bold and the Beautiful’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy). All the actresses delivered noteworthy performances. However, for us, James Patrick Stuart’s Valentin, showed his deep love and care for a woman torn to pieces by the WSB and the sadness he felt seeing this great love of his in so much turmoil, while also trying to hold on to the new woman in his life, which pulled us in.
In story, Valentin hightails it to Anna where she explains how she almost killed Britt Westbourne, and how she faked her recover at the clinic in France, when all along she was seeing visions of Peter August (Wes Ramsey). Anna is in such a state that Valentin offers to run away with her. Carly shows up at Anna’s door and sees Valentin is there and makes a quick exit.
Courtesy/ABC
VALENTIN IS HEARTBROKEN FOR ANNA
Anna tells Valentin that he needs to go after Carly and explain to her that he was just visiting her to check in and to take care of an old friend. Valentin says share so much more than that, which Anna says she knows. After Felicia (Kristina Wagner) comes to watch over Anna, Valentin leaves, but is heartbroken over Anna.
SMOOTHING THINGS OVER WITH CARLY
When Valentin arrives back at Carly’s he wants to explain to her what has happened to Anna, but Carly says she wants to respect Anna’s privacy. In a very adult conversation, Valentin tells Carly he believes Anna will come back from this and land on her feet as she always does. He adds that he hopes that one day she can find some peace, just like he has now with Carly. Valentin realizes how good Carly has been for him, his outlook and happiness. The two share a hug.
Throughout all of these beats, James Patrick Stuart was able to shift from gut-wrenching concern, caring, and panic, to self-awareness, and hope for the future. It certainly touched us and we hope many viewers felt it too.
It does go to show that sometimes on the soaps, the big histrionic performances are not always the most memorable ones. Sometimes it’s the quiet ones that sneak up on us. All you needed to do was watch Valentin’s eyes in the scenes and you knew exactly how he was feeling.
So, for all the reasons stated above, Michael Fairman TV names General Hospital’s James Patrick Stuart, as our pick for the Power Performance of the Week.
So, do you agree with our choice of James Patrick Stuart, or do you think someone else should have been gotten our recognition? If so, share your picks and thoughts via the comment section below.
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