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GH's Kirsten Storms and Brandon Barash Decide To End Their Marriage

By Michael Fairman

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Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

The real life marriage of General Hospital’s Kirsten Storms (Maxie) and Brandon Barash (Johnny) has come to an end.  The duo have decided to divorce.   According to Soap Opera Digest, the couple who said their, “I do’s” back in 2013 and share a daughter Harper Rose Barash  (age 2) have revealed they have tried to make their union work, but know that is now best to split.

Barash told SOD: “We are splitting due to the cliché irreconcilable differences, but we’re splitting amicably. We have every intention of remaining a family through this and successfully co-parenting our kid and retaining a friendship in the efforts of raising her in a healthy environment.”

Storms added:  “We went to therapy for a long time, trying to figure out how to communicate better with each other. It’s not anything that we dislike about each other…”  Barash added: “But we’ve decided that raising our daughter in two separate homes would be a healthier choice for all of us.”    The actor also summed it up by saying: “People are going to speculate because they always want to, and they always want to place blame, but it was a joint decision that we thought everyone in our family would benefit from.”

So, are you sad to hear that Kirsten and Brandon are calling it quits?  We wish the very best for Kirsten and Brandon and their daughter, Harper.   Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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oh so sad

Yes, sad to hear.

“Greenhouse” affect might apply here–don’t know, but I do think that it must be hard to sustain a marriage if it is contained narrowly; can’t seem to thrive or survive “outside” is the big, complicated, real, sometimes threatening world.

I always thought they looked like a loving happy couple. Their daughter Harper is a cutie. Is goes to show us that we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.

Their daughter is adorable, I love when she is on the show as “Georgie.”

I think it is very sad how these marriages turn and in only 3 years. I recall how cute it was when I was at a port chuck event and Brandon was face timing Kirsten while he was performing so that she could see it. It makes me wonder if divorces happen when the new spark goes out and everyone is just left with the everyday life of juggling dual careers and family. As someone who married her best friend 25 years ago I recognize the spark changes and by each person embracing how the other changes it creates a different spark but each party has to be willing to wait it out, it is not overnight.

I’m not surprised, have met them both. She is super sweet, I didn’t feel that with him so much.

Lmao Guess it’s not just me. YOU know we usually feel the same about the same people, but didn’t see this coming at all!

I remember Brandon being engaged or either married before he met KS. I think it was Colby from AMC.

You are so right Joanne. The feelings felt in the beginning do not last, and sadly many people (especially celebs it seems) are always in search of those exciting feelings. Real love isn’t like that. Just sad for their child, but they really only married because she was pregnant so that’s hardly a good reason anyway.

I am sad to hear this but happy to hear they intend to continue to put family first and it is all amicable. Sadly sometimes it just doesn’t work to be married and they may all be happier and healthier as friends. It sounds like they really tried to make it work. I wish them all the best.

Very sad. Thought they fit so.well together.

Im sorry things didnt work out for your family. The most inportant thing is that beautiful little girl of yours knows how much the both of you love her, and i think you guys remaining friends will be the best for her. Good luck who knows you might realize while your apart what made you fall in love to begin with best of luck!!

how sad, wish them the best and if being apart means that then god bless.

Oh wow, super surprised. They always seemed so happy.

“So, are you sad to hear that Kirsten and Brandon are calling it quits?” Michael!! I would hope everyone would be sad to see a marriage end or at least certainly not be happy about it. I am surprised to hear this as they seemed pretty happy… but we never know what life is like when the camera’s are off. Hope they are able to maintain a good friendship for their daughter.

Dang…i was going to speculate-lol…sorry it didnt work out but thats life!!!

I am as heartbroken as if it were me! I never met them, but you feel like you know people especially via social media now. This is heartbreaking, but if they both are fine with it, then it is for the best. Good Luck to you both, and God Bless you all.

I’m so sad to hear this news, but it seems that both Kirsten and Brandon are being responsible, loving parents, wanting the best environment for their daughter. I give them lots of credit for doing the hard work, trying to resolve what ailed them before immediately jumping to divorce. Harper has two strong loving parents that still respect each other and only want the best for their daughter because of it.

I’ve very sad to hear this too. But you’re right with everything you said. People in social media are jumping to conclusions without reading the article, but it sounds like they went to counseling & really tried to save their marriage. They really are being mature about this for their daughter & that’s commendable. Still sad for them.

So sad I wish them the best!

This is why I always tell my friends, Never date your co stars. I mean, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are no longer together, Robert Paterson and Kristen Stewart are no longer together. And neither is Chad Duell and Kristen Alderson are no longer together.

Not co-stars but both work for CBS: Robert Adamson and Linsey Godfrey.

I don’t have co-stars so I don’t have to worry about not dating them! 🙂

Well at least David Fumero and Melissa are still going strong. 🙂

Noooooo!!!! This is so sad. They put on such a happy front. Bummer!

While I enjoy commenting on the soaps themselves, I don’t feel comfortable nor justified in commenting on the private lives of the actors. I wish them all peace and happiness.

Well said.

right on bro- sad and private time for them to work out themselves and wish them best and their kid too. God Bless. Free Johnny Z.

I met them right before Kirsten got pregnant they were so down to earth lovely funny both great people. Im so sad wow

Yeah ,her and Ryan Peavy looked too comfortable in those park scenes! I wonder if that means the end of Johnny Z!

Wow Timmm, I’m surprised Michael ok-ed your post. I made a similar post about another couple and he edited my comment, lol. I think Kirsten is a good actress, though, & can pull off that kind of chemistry w/ just about anyone in scenes.

She has IT! I didnt like her years ago because she was always turning things upside down in OTHER peoples lives on GH but she has matured and she clicks with EVERYONE!

Same here, Hayjay,
I commented by saying that it’s a double-edged sword….sort of. Sometimes staying together because of the children can be more detrimental than separating. Arguing and fighting is not a healthy environment for a child.

Oh, Timmmy….I hope this split is not over a third person?! It would be do senseless, futile and hurtful for all concerned.

I dont think either of them cheated. Maybe it was over their careers OR they want to see other people. I dont get it, they have a child, shouldnt that part be over? BUT, sadly, everyday couples divorce with children and who suffers the most? Either way, Maxie and Nathan’s bedroom scenes are about to EXPLODE!

While it is none of my business I can’t help but find it sad when a couple chooses to end a marriage after so short a time. I know there have been times in the past 28 years when either my husband or myself would have cheerfully cut the other loose, but promises were made and promises should be kept. Love changes over time and so do people.

They were a beautiful couple in print. If they can’t make things work between them in their everyday lives I feel they are doing right for their daughter. I wish them all happiness !!!

Marriage is not easy. I wish them both much future happiness and a successful co parenting experience because regardless of marital status the child will always have one mom and one dad. Good luck to all involved.

I agree with Joanne! Just celebrated our 29 th anniversary and if we hadn’t grown together, we would have grown apart. But as a mother who watched one of her sons go through a divorce, I also know some things cannot be overcome. Good luck to both of them and hopefully Harper will be a well adjusted happy young lady!

You have good times you have bad times marriage is work you don’t just one minute decide well I can’t do the homework I love my husband some days want to kick his behind others its called work please for all is holy it’s not better that you raise that child alone get you stuff together

Celebrities and TV stars seem to divorce without giving things a real try. I guess it’s because it’s very easy for them to move on to someone else and the grass is always greener. Once the initial spark is gone, it’s hard for them to stick it out.

Storms added: “We went to therapy for a long time, trying to figure out how to communicate better with each other.

that ^^^ is a ”real try” …

” We have every intention of remaining a family through this and successfully co-parenting our kid and retaining a friendship in the efforts of raising her in a healthy environment.”

that ^^^ is ”sticking it out”

🙂

Did you read the article? It said they went to therapy for a long time. They’ve been trying.

So sad to hear this….

He deserves better than her.

Hi Michael…they were supposed to be doing an east coast event this coming weekend. Are they cancelling or will both be there?

In the SID article, Brandon specifically mentions the event, specifically says that they will both be there and are looking forward to it – and since now this is in the open, there will be no awkwardness. If you are going, please give them hugs for us!

i just read about brandon and kristen how sad they always seemed to be the best couple in soap land i am glad they are going to put harper rose first it is as it should be maybe someday they will find their way back to each other if it is meANT to be

I feel awful for them. My husband and I just celebrated our 35th anniversary two days ago. If we have stopped trying when things got “irreconcilable” we wouldn’t have made it 5 years. It’s a full time job.

True!

I do too. Congratulations on 35 years though, that is wonderful.

Thank you!

im sorry to hear , they are separating. . i hope they can work things out . i have been married to my husband for 25 years. we work at it. notthing is easy.

Brandon is so cute. Hope to see him back on GH!

Me to. I hope they put their differences aside like Jack and Kristina Wagner. Johnny Z is a must! I would like to see Nicholas hire him as his bodyguard.

This is very sad news to hear …. the breakup of a loving family. Barash’s statement sounds like he may be a little immature?

Hi Abruzzfan…I didn’t think Barash sounded immature. He came off to me as not wanting to reveal anything too personal, yet at the same time he emphasized what would be better in the long run for their daughter. Conversely, I felt Kristen gave too much info…neither one owes the viewers any explanation and their communication problems, therapy etc isn’t something we need to know. It’s interesting to know, but I feel like it’s an invasion of their privacy…even though she offered the details. It must be so strange to have to explain your life to so many people.

Either way, their split really took me by surprise!

Rebecca,

I agree with your insightful post. We as fans don’t get to judge their lives & actions. Actually as people, we shouldn’t ever judge others, but it seems like it’s human nature to do so.

I can’t imagine living in the fish bowl that is celebrity, but I think they’re doing the right thing with how much they’re saying, and more importantly, what they’re doing for their daughter.

Sooo sad to hear this!! 🙁 Truly just so sad and heartbroken. Love them both so much. I will be praying for them both…

I feel sad for them–I met Ms Storm a couple of months ago and she is sweet—and their baby is a cutie—but we all don’t know what happened and really its not our business–if they just can be nice to each other for the sake of their child then BRAVO to them–I hope the gossip hounds and the fans will give them their space

This is my opinion but I am open for miracles BUT is it possible for ANY girl to change a guy? NO! Ladies, what you see from day one is what you see when those ashes turn to dust! Same with guys, you meet a girl, something you dont like, MOVE ON!

Here is my advice. When you meet that someone special, we all fall for their looks and maybe what they do for a living or the car they drive or where they live BUT, look for their quirks, focus on what bothers you or seems odd, ask yourself, is this a deal breaker, can I deal with this every morning, noon and night? Is it cute now but will eventually drive me crazy? Look past the abs and the mega smile, is this the right person for me 24-7-365? If you have ANY doubt, RUN! Dont ruin TWO lives and possibly any kids lives to!

Well said, Timmm!!!!!

What you said is so true. Although the initial attraction may be powerful, it does wear off, and cracks show, like you said. You have to be mature enough to look for them & be honest as to whether or not you can live with them.

The other important “life lesson” here is to not jump into marriage so fast. Get to know them well before taking that step. Let the honeymoon phase change into a different kind of enduring love. The immature will think that they’ve fallen out of love. The mature ones know that love will last a lifetime.

Its used to be taboo to live together before marriage but why now? Whether a couple lives together or not they are going to end up doing the same things together “Romantically!” Move in, see how your lover looks in the morning, acts and what he or she does with their dirty laundry! Make sure you KNOW the person you want to spend the rest of your life with!

Wow…I’m sad for their little girl but sometimes things just don’t work out.

Hi Hazel. You’re so right about human nature. Not one of our collective better qualities.

It’s interesting how some in the public eye manage to keep their privacy intact. I think because soap actors are so much in the viewer’s everyday life they’re under more pressure to offer a tidbit…

Thank you for your reply. By the way…Hazel’s a cute not-too-often heard name!

General Hospital

How Much Longer Will ‘General Hospital’ Tease Viewers with a Chase and Willow Hookup?

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Chase and Willow

Enough already, General Hospital! How many times can Chase (Josh Swickard) wearing only swim trunks, run into Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) at the boathouse or somewhere else for that matter, and the two spout platitudes and praise one another while lifting each other’s spirits up, before they hit the sheets?

GH fans know Willow had no problem cheating on her former husband, since she did it to Michael (Rory Gibson) with then congressman Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison). Viewers also know that Chase’s wife, Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) has vowed to keep Willow’s claws from getting deeper into her cop husband.

Previously, we even had Chase realizing he is paying to much attention to Willow’s woes instead of his marriage to BLQ and their newly adopted child, baby Phoebe, but that doesn’t seem to stop him from bending over backwards, and his absolutely doofus behavior believing in the troubled Willow.

As General Hospital finished the week on the Friday, August 28 airshow, a shirtless Chase ran right into Willow who admitted she has had a very bad few days. Chase invited his ex-wife to unload on him. From there, Willow lied about how allegations are being hurled at her about Drew’s shooting, even though she was acquitted of the crime. She goes on to say how difficult Michael is being, which seemingly angers Chase.

Chase asked Willow if Michael had forced her to move back to the Quartermaine property. All she would say is he got what he wanted, and she wanted to do what was best for her children. Then, Chase brings up all the “horrible” things Willow survived in her lifetime and survived.

Suddenly, the two are face to face with Willow having tears welling up in his eyes, and Chase looking like he clearly has feelings for her. Willow thanks Chase for always knowing how to make her feel better. The scene comes to its conclusion.

Now what? Does Willow entrap Chase in an affair? Does Chase literally trash his marriage for Willow? Is there any chance that this entire time Chase is actually setting up Willow to take the fall for all of her crimes and pretending to be the caring ex? Do you want the two to have sex already? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava Spikes Brennan’s Drink as Drew’s Masterplan Begins to Unfolds

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Ava

The Friday, August 28 episode of General Hospital confirmed viewers suspicious from the ABC weekly promo that dropped earlier in the week. Ava Jerome (Maura West) is definitely the woman who is spiking the drink of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).

How did it all go down? Let’s recap. Ava met up with Drew (Cameron Mathison) at the Metro Court poolside, and he filled her in on his plan to use the thumb drive given to him by Martin Grey (Michael E. Knight) to interfere with the Metro Court Hotel’s security system by way of Carly’s (Laura Wright) office computer.

Next, Drew hands over an envelope with a sleeping pill in it with the demand the Ava somehow slyly slip into Brennan’s drink. Ava is not liking the idea of drugging the WSB Port Charles Bureau Chief.

Courtesy/ABC

KEEPING BRENNAN OCCUPIED

Drew wants insurance that he has enough time to get into Brennan’s room unnoticed, and get the evidence that proved he embezzled money from the McConkey Esplanade project to fund his Congressional campaign away from Jack. He feels the sleeping pill will buy him the time he needs.

Ava accuses Drew of setting her up to take the fall, and she is now having second thoughts about them working together especially after her friend, Nina (Cynthia Watros) warned her about Drew, yet again.

Drew has a comeback for Ava. That is that Sonny (Maurice Benard) has a powerful ally in Mayor Laura Collins (Genie Francis), and he thought that he and Ava were each other’s best shot to team-up and take Sonny down for both their mutual gains. After all, Drew is targeting Sonny as the lynchpin for all his revenge, and Ava is sick of how Sonny dictates when she will see and raise their daughter, Avery.

DRINK UP!

Reluctantly, Ava took the pill from Drew to use on Brennan, only if she absolutely finds it a necessity to do so. As she is on her way to meet Brennan, she flashes back to Sonny calling her a “cancer who should be cut out of Avery’s life.” So, what does Ava do? For insurance, she crushes up the sleeping pill!

Next, Ava sits at a table at the Metro Court poolside with Brennan, and he seems to be knocking back a few drinks upset over his run-in earlier with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) and Carly. He suddenly gets a phone call that has to take in private and gets up from the table. That moments enables Ava to slip the crushed up sleeping pill into Brennan’s drink and stir it around. We fade to black.

Take a look at the scene where Drew slips Ava a drug to help tide over Brennan while he tries to retrieve the evidence Brennan is using to blackmail him below.

Now weigh-in: were you disappointed to see Ava back to her old devious ways? Do you think Drew will be successful getting back the evidence? Is this the beginning of the end of Jack Brennan since it as has been reported Chris McKenna is exiting the soap? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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General Hospital

Double Emmy Nominee Jeff Kober Reveals He Would Be Open to Return to ‘General Hospital’ If He Could Work Again with Genie Francis

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Jeff Kober and Genie Francis

Jeff Kober (ex-Cyrus Renault, General Hospital) has been in celebration mode since July after receiving not only a Daytime Emmy nomination for his role on the ABC daytime drama series, but a Primetime Emmy nomination for his dramatic turn on the HBO Max series The Pitt where he played patient Duke Elkins. The dual nominations mark the first-time in Emmy history that a performer has been nominated for both Emmy awards at the same time.

As GH viewers know, Kober made his debut in General Hospital as Cyrus Renault in 2020. He appeared in the show on-and-off for five years until his character was killed off in an episode that aired on February 20, 2025 ending Renault’s reign of terror.

In fact, it was Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) who shot and killed him, and along with Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna), covered it up. It was that moment that eventually turned Josslyn into an avenge-seeking WSB agent. Kober came back one last time to GH back in December of 2025, when he reprised the role in a dream sequence with Cyrus’ on-screen sister, Laura Collins (Genie Francis).

Courtesy/ABC

JEFF KOBER AND GENIE FRANCIS PLAYED TV BROTHER AND SISTER

Speaking with PEOPLE, Kober talked about his time on General Hospital and if he would ever consider returning to the soap opera if they were to resurrect the now deceased troublemaker Cyrus Renault, or if he even where to play someone else in Port Charles?

“I love to work and I would do anything with Genie (Francis),” expressed Kober. “She’s a great actress and a great scene partner. She’s someone who’ll go anywhere you want to go with them So, if they bring me back and let me work with her, I wouldn’t mind making the drive over to Prospect Studios.”

Kober added, “I would say I’m closest to her in that we both get excited when we can work together because both of us want to make it as rich as possible and find the dangerous areas of it, and see what happens there.”

WILL JEFF KOBER FIND HIMSELF WITH EMMY GOLD TWICE OVER COME THIS FALL?

Previously, Kober won the Outstanding Supporting Actor in Daytime Drama Series for his performances as Cyrus Renault back in 2022. He was also nominated in 2021. Now in 2026, Jeff finds himself among the nominees in the Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series category.

For the Primetime Emmy Awards, and also as had been previously reported, Kober submitted himself in the Guest category when the studio/network did not. Speaking to his decision to self submit, Jeff shared, “There are so many great performances on this show (The Pitt), and they have a limited number of people that they can submit. But I knew it was a job that I wanted to have seen. I knew the material and my particular wheelhouse were perfectly aligned, so I really wanted to at least have it be seen.”

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are set to air live on Monday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, while the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be streamed live on watch.theemmys.tv and associated apps on on Friday night, October 30 from Hollywood.

So, would you like to either see Cyrus Renault turn out to be alive … or Jeff Kober return to GH in another role and share scenes and a story with General Hospital icon, Genie Francis? Let us know via the comment section.

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