General Hospital
Kirsten Storms Clarifies How Her Extended Break From ‘General Hospital’ Differs from Chad Duell’s Exit
This week, General Hospital fans learned directly from Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones), when she posted a video message on her Instagram, that she had made the move from Los Angeles to Tennessee to be closer to her daughter, Harper with whom she shares with Brandon Barash (ex-GH, DAYS). In doing so, Kirsten is taking an extended hiatus from the ABC daytime drama series most likely till the end of the year.
Storms also shared, she already taped her last episode before her break, and that she has full intent to return to her beloved role as Maxie Jones, and has the full support of the series executive producer, Frank Valentini. In addition, Kirsten hinted at a big storyline to play out for Maxie in the interim.
After her post went live, and she received numerous comments in its threads, Storms made sure to clarify several points that fans were inquiring about. One in particular, about how when Chad Duell decided to step away from the soap in the role of Michael Corinthos, that he related that he was grateful for Frank Valentini, leaving the open for him to return down the line, However, the role of Michael was eventually recast with Rory Gibson.
Photo: ChadDuellIG
The fan had commented that Frank Valentini, “also told Chad he could return when he was ready and we see what happened just a few weeks later. I hope you return because no one else can come close to your performance as Maxie.”
Storms responded, “For the record, Chad *chose* to completely leave the show. No one at ABC gave away ‘his’ job – he told them he didn’t want it anymore when he said he wasn’t going to resign his contract. I’m still under contract and have every intention of returning when the break (I was fortunate enough to be granted) is over.”
Photo: ABC
In addition, Kirsten also shut down commentary on Valentini, expressing, “People assume they know things that have happened on set/with ‘GH’ actors because they read some anonymous blog post. Then, somehow Frank gets blamed for a fictional situation that a random person (not associated with ‘GH’) most likely made up as they were typing it. Frank does not come on social media and start throwing people under the bus to clear up these undeserved – and often incredibly mean – lies. He could absolutely throw shade at actors that made major mistakes or caused problems. Instead he works to make sure ‘General Hospital’ continues to air.”
On Monday, Storms in a very happy space explained in her message, “I’m very excited to be making Tennessee my home! I can’t wait to return to ‘GH,’ once Harper and I are settled in our new town. I plan on documenting as much of this new journey on my social media as I can. It’s always been a dream of mine to move to a place like this; it’s hard to believe it’s really happening.”
So, do you truly think there is concern that GH would not allow Kirsten to return when she has things settled in Tennessee with her personal life? When she clearly had full support from Frank Valentini and the soap? Do you think GH is about to serve up a storyline where there will be an interim Maxie, or do you suspect something else will go down that takes or keeps Maxie from interacting on the canvas? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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This is why I hate social media: people feel the need to keyboard warrior for someone they don’t even know and spew more hatred/negativity into this world.
What Scott (ATWT fan) said.
I am happy to hear these accommodations are possible at GH. I love Ms..Storms as Maxie, yes, but I can accept another actor in the role for an interim period. That is part of daytime drama. A cross-country move is a big deal. Wishing her best of luck.
If only they’d make the same accommodation for Evan Hofer( Dex). He is irreplaceable and shouldn’t be recast but he needs to come back.
Evan Hofer was fine with them killing off Dex so it’s time to sing a different tune.
That was a completely missed opportunity. Dex should have been AJ’s son and that was his reason for agreeing to take Sonny down. That would have tied him to the major family on the show and give him a purpose other than boffing Josslyn three times a week.
In retrospect, I am glad it did not play out that way. All we would have had was yet another dead Quartermaine and there have been more than enough of those in the last 20 years.
DeX came as an unknown young grifter and left the same way.
I do not have social media or want it. I can’t wait for Kristen’s return, but do not need updates, just hope she just enjoys her time away and gets everything done that she is hoping to do.
There are too many people who have this belief that they NEED to be contrary despite the fact that they know nothing and want to blame people they’ve never met. Until I saw this article, I did not equate the 2 situations (KS & CD) at all. KS made it obvious why and kudos for her for being kind enough to respond. I wish people would figure things out instead of just going to the worst case scenario
Let’s face it. A lot of soap fans can be annoying. I can only think that it’s due to the fact that they’ve watched their soaps and the characters who inhabit that soapy and dramatic terrain with its peaks and valleys, for over a decade 5 days a week. After awhile they think of them as family and not only do they become overly protective of the actors who play these characters, they feel some kind of ownership.
A decade? There are 6 decade GH fans, who have watched 5 days a week for more than 58 yrs. That would be just about 13500 episodes.
Case in point. Thank you.
Oh Harry ! It’s all pretty funny.
Whatever makes her happy and healthy I think I’ve heard enough sadness concerning daytime actors.
I hope thats accurate. Lets hear from other actors let go to hear their stories and get confirmation from Chad that this is accurate. Hope she got that in writing. I read every 12 wks they can let actors go. Is this true?
Chad made it crystal clear that he was leaving. Not taking a break. LEAVING. A simple online search will confirm that for you. Not everything is a conspiracy theory.
Newer performers are on 13-week cycles when their option may not be picked up. Someone of Storms seniority may be on a 26-week cycle (although I have no insights into contract lengths).
We don’t need Duell’s confirmation. His contract was up and he chose not to renew. Michael is the most important legacy character on the show (Q, Spencer & Corinthos). The show had to recast.
Storms is still under contract (although it’s obvious her episode guarantee has gone down). She’s taken breaks before, and always comes back with front burner storylines. This time should be nothing different.
Maxie was around before Michael! (Just sayin!) I’ve been watching since 1978.
Not sure what you’re implying. BTW, My 9-year old self began watching (with my mom) in 1977.
That overly emotive Kristin Storms fan was wrong when she whined that it was only a few weeks after Frank promised Chad he’d keep his job waiting before the Michael recast. It was more like 4 months, at least.
She’s acting as if she’s the Meryl Streep of daytime. She barely has a story, so why not let her take time off? It’ll be 3 months before anybody notices that she’s gone.
I notice, and No she doesn’t! Please be kind!
You really are a hag.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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