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.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Tristan and Britt Continue to Have Snarky Runs-Ins: Do You Feel an On-Screen Spark?
On the Tuesday, July 21 episode of General Hospital, the new cardiac surgeon in town, Dr. Tristan Rogers, played by recent cast addition Dean Geyer, once again had a confrontation with Britt (Kelly Thiebaud). This time while at the hospital.
In the scenes, Britt arrived to have a meeting to hopefully get her job back. However, she was not happy to learn from her new pal, Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) that Tristan is the new surgeon on staff at GH!
Britt informs Lucas she is on the edge because she has to meet with Stella (Vernee Watson) and Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) to see if they would reinstate her. Lucas warns her to try to be humble. Immediately after that, Tristan sees Britt. He informs her that her room at Bobbie’s is available again as he is moving out and to the Metro Court which is more to his liking and style.
Courtesy.ABC
BRITT GETS REINSTATED WITH CONDITIONS
The two throw barbs at each other when Britt finds out how Carly supposedly helped Tristan to get the room at the hotel. Lucas pulled Tristan away for a patient consult to ease the snark between the two doctors.
In the meeting, Stella and Elizabeth decide to give Britt an opportunity to explain her actions. Britt then has to apology for locking Elizabeth in the closet so she could flee the country with Rocco. Stella and Elizabeth also note how she faked her own death and the list of bad behavior and choices she has exhibited in the past year alone.
When Elizabeth and Stella ask, why they should rehire her? Britt says because she is an excellent doctor, which Elizabeth agrees with and gives Britt props for saving the life and bringing baby Phoebe into the world when Delilah died.
Ultimately, Britt is hired back with a six-month probationary period with a laundry list of additional responsibilities such as weekend shifts, working with the children, and more.
Meanwhile, Lucas invites Tristan to join the GH softball team to get to know people and they have a game tonight. Just then, Elizabeth came up with the idea that one of Britt’s additional duties was to be the new equipment manager for the team. In that moment, Tristan and Britt realize they have to see more of each other, when they already can’t stand each other (or so they say).
So, do you think that Tristan and Britt will soon be a new couple, especially after Jason sees Britt this week after his return from captivity? While Britt may hope things can pick right back up with Jason, will she be in for a devastating letdown, clearing the path down the line for a romance with Tristan? Do you think there are on-screen sparks already between Britt and Tristan, or do you feel like its completely feeling forced? Let us know via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Kayden Brenna Tokarski Makes Her Debut; Is Scout Working with Drew To Bring Down Willow?
On the Monday, July 20th episode of General Hospital, 16-year-old, Kayden Brenna Tokarski made her debut as the new Scout Cain; the daughter of Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco).
In Kayden’s first scenes she appeared with Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Cain), Jane Elliot (Tracy Quartermaine) and Daytime Emmy nominee, Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn Quartermaine).
When Tokarski entered the GH canvas on-screen, here’s what went down: Willow and Scout showed up at the Quartermaine stables. After Willow exits, Scout tells Tracy she was hoping she would allow her to use the lake on the property for a swim practice.
Photo: ABC
SCOUT WANTS TRACY TO ALLOW DREW ON THE QUARTERMAINE BOATHOUSE PROPERTY
Suddenly, Brook Lynn enters and with a wink-wink to the audience as she notes how grownup Scout looks! Now, Scout begins to explain to BLQ and Tracy that she has been training for a charity swim and plans to donate the money she raises for breast cancer research in honor of Monica.
Tracy being Tracy know something is up and asks Scout point blank, “What’s the catch?” Scout pipes up that there is one catch: She wants Tracy to let Drew watch her swim. Tracy agrees to allow Drew onto Quartermaine property for Scout. When Scout exits, Tracy makes a remark to Brook Lynn that Scout is definitely acting like a Quartermaine.
But do you think there is more to this? Is Scout onto or in on the fact that Drew will soon be seen able to speak and move? Could Scout be on to Willow’s machinations and be the one who actually trips her up and Willow’s house of cards finally comes tumbling down around her? Stay tuned.
THE AGED-UP SCOUT
On her GH debut, Kayden Brenna Tokarski spoke to Soap Opera Digest on what concerns the GH faithful might have or the older version of Scout. “I know that this age-up and recast was shocking to many. I think many people are concerned that she’s going to be very bratty, but I think just the opposite. I think she’s a lovely teenager who’s navigating a lot of things in life, but she’s a problem-solver and always trying to keep the peace and help others,” shared Kayden.
The young actress also added, “I truly hope that people enjoy watching Scout’s storyline and seeing some new relationships in her life that are a little more grown-up.”
So this begs the question: Do you think the new version of Scout Cain will be scheming like a Quartermaine with the adventuress traits of her mother Sam, and the often unscrupulousness of her dad, Drew? Do you think she will be helping Drew destroy Willow? Let us know your thoughts and send your welcomes to Kayden via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Star Rory Gibson’s Wedding to Alicia Ruelas: More Details on Their Nuptials
As previously reported, General Hospital’s Rory Gibson (Michael Corinthos) married his longtime love, Alicia Ruelas in Kauii, Hawaii back in July 11.
Now, new details have emerged via a beautiful wedding exclusive on PEOPLE.com of how the happy couple spent their nuptials, two of them as it turns out! And we love at Rory and Alicia’s first dance as newlyweds was to Justin Bieber’s “Lifetime.”
Gibson and Ruelas have been together for 15 years. While they married in Kauai, Hawaii on July 11, they had a larger celebration in Los Angeles with more friends, GH co-stars and family on July 16.
Photo: RGibsonIG
Rory shared, “We envisioned having an amazing vacation with our closest family and friends to celebrate our love in Hawaii, then coming back to L.A. and having a big fun celebration with our loved ones.”
The newlyweds approached their wedding nuptials in Hawaii with handwritten vows and custom rings, and as we also previously reported, Ryan Paevey (ex-Casius Faison) gifted Gibson the ring he created fo him. Kyle Cook, a close friend of the couple, presided over the “I do’s”
Ruelas said of marrying Gibson, “I admire how sweet and genuine of a man Rory is. Our life is so full of love, I wouldn’t change a thing.” After the Hawaiian ceremony the newlyweds 25 guests had brunch at the Lava Lava Beach Club.
Fast-forward to Los Angeles, and they hosted a 150 guests including many of Gibson’s GH and former Y&R co-stars, where he played Noah Newman at El Cid which included: Van Hansis (Lucas, GH), Josh Swickard (Chase, GH), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), Brytni Sarpy (Elena, Y&R) Courtney Hope (Sally, Y&R), Conner Floyd (ex-Chance, Y&R, and now, Chad, DAYS) and more.
The wedding intel also shared that the guests danced underneath a shimmering disco ball and enjoyed “lots of yummy donuts” which is Gibson’s favorite dessert.
So, happy for Rory and Alicia and what seems to be a fantastic way to do have a wedding celebration; an intimate wedding in Hawaii, and bigger gathering in Los Angeles? Let us know and share your congrats via the comment section below.
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