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GH's Kirsten Storms Opens Up About the Recasting of Maxie During Her Absence & Fan Bashing on Jen Lilley!

Photo Credit: Steven Bergman

Photo Credit: Steven Bergman

Daytime favorite, Kirsten Storms opens up in an exclusive interview to Soap Opera Digest in their latest issue (on newsstands now) about her battle with endometriosis, her stop and starts to return to the her role as Maxie on General Hospital, her on-screen replacement Jen Lilley, and if she is ready to handle the stress and pace of performing on a daytime soap again!  Below are a few excerpts from this excellent interview!

Kirsten about the recasting of Maxie in her absence:  “I would be lying if I didn’t say that I was taken aback a bit by it.  But I would prefer that someone play Maxie and be playing Maxie well to keep the character relevant and in the soap world still, because it doesn’t take much for a character to die off and for somebody else to come in and be in a front-burner storyline.  I was definitely sad that I could not be there when Kimberly McCullough (Robin) was leaving during that storyline.  That was the hardest for me to get through, that I wasn’t going to be able to be there and be a part of those scenes because I love her so much.”

Kristen on the Twitter fervor and bashing that ensued when Jen Lilley took over the role of Maxie:  “I don’t know that I would call the people who bashed Jen Lilley supportive fans of mine, because I think those are the people who probably were the first ones to turn around when I got sick and possibly start spreading rumors or lies and saying bad things about me on the Internet.   I won’t claim any of those people who said negative things toward her,  fans of mine.  I don’t approve of that.   I can’t even imagine the situation that she was in and everything she had to go through and the pressure she was under and then having to deal with people seeking her out to say negative stuff about her.   I am grateful that they brought somebody in who could do such a great job of keeping Maxie on the canvas, and never in a million years would I have wanted her to feel like people were sticking up for me, by saying bad things to her.”

What do you think of Kirsten’s comments?  Are you looking forward to her return?  Let us know!

 

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I respect Ms. Storms and her acting abilities, but to me, Jen Lilley IS Maxie Jones. I don’t know if I can support Kristen coming back nearly a year later. I don’t even know if I can stand to watch someone else play the role again.

Scott,
If you read Kirsten’s comments, you would realize that you are doing exactly what she was talking about. For those of us OLDER and sometimes WISER we have watched this show for over 25 years and we watched some of the characters be born, grow up, get married, etc. If everyone flipped out each time there was a character change, the show would already not exist. Maxie Jones, the character has faced many changes during the course of the show. Jen Lilley did a good job, filling in during the absence of Kirsten. Those of us who know MAXIE as Kirsten can be excited to see her return. And you can be disappointed that Jen Lilley is done.

Lori, Scott is doing no such thing. He is not bashing anyone. He is just saying he prefers Jen’s portrayal. That’s NOTHING against Kirsten. Just he likes Jen doesn’t mean he is saying Kirsten is horrible.

The people who were bashing Jen were actually BASHING, and were VERY mean, cruel, and personally offensive. Scott didn’t get anywhere near that.

Lori you’re completely taking my comment out of context, which I do not appreciate. I feel insulted that you seem to believe you are wiser than I because of my opinion over the selected actress who portrays a role. I knew Maxie as both Kirsten and Jen, and found that Jen was a far superior actress in the role and actually made me enjoy Maxie for the first time. So please don’t take my comments, make yourself look “superior” or “wiser” and insult me. Thank you.

Lori:
1st, your comment to Scott DDN’T even MAKE SENSE. It was a paragraph of incomplete thoughts that lead from one sentence to the other…. to DEFEND the very agruement your were blaming Scott for. Personally, I don’t see what ” older and wiser “, has to do with Scott prefering Jen over Kristen. In my opinion, “that” doesn’t seem like “older and wiser” at all. 2nd, YOU don’t even know “how old” Scott is, which makes you sound a bit ignorant, and less educated. Then you go from older and wiser, to character’s being born, grew up and married on the show. What does Maxie Jones character going through changes have to do with ANY of what Scott said, or with you being older and wiser?
Let me give YOU a bit of advice, if you don’t agree with what someone says, just say, You don’t agree. Don’t make a case of something if you can’t DEFEND it, write it, AND defend your position, FIRMLY..! It’s best you say, you “don’t agree”, than trying to write something that makes you sound important, and you then come off looking ignorant, and not well educated.
Scott WAS NOT bashing, NOR even being critical; he was just stating his opinion.
You, my dear, owe him an APOLOGY.
Be OLER and WISER about that….!

I agree with your comment scott. And it is not bashing at all. I have gotten use to Jen as Maxie and personally I think she plays the role better. I use to love Kristen but once Jen took over, Maxie was just a different person and it was the Maxie I prefered to see. I really hope they find something for Jen to do that includes being on GH.

Kelly, I didn’t want to say it, but I am certainly glad YOU DID!
If you look on the page posted (July 23rd )I spoke about how she CHANNELED Kristen’s ENERGY from the start, and VOICE, convincing me one day while on my latop listening (not watching Gh). I didn’t want to say it on that July 23rd post because, I didn’t want people writing me back (they like to argrue on this site over small stuff) BUT, I’m glad U said it: AND…………………………. I toooooooooo, prefer JEN in the role. I too thinks she plays the role BETTER. There is NOTHING Kristen can say, NOTHING. She can’t even EGO trip off of being missed by the fans BC young girl Jen, BLEW that character out of POCKET, and kept that character on front BURNER STATUS, like Liz said in her reply to me, on the July 23rd post. It’s unusual for someone to come in and take over such a energetic/ unusual(because Maxie is zanny), and be taken so serious right from the start. The character usually has to grow on the audience. The only recast I know of being such a fit like this on the ABC-dumb network, is the 2nd Opal Gardner (Jill Larson) who took it over from the 1st one (Dorothy Lyman)
It was perfect. Hard to miss the 1st Opal after 2 air days of seeing the new 2nd one. Janet (from another planet) was played QUITE convincingly by (Robin Mattson- our BAD GIRL Heather) AFTER…. (Kate Collins) left the role, originally. Outside of THESE 3 example of re-cast, ALL the rest in the History of ABC soaps were JUST that: Temporary re-cast. Hat’s off to all these 3 fine actresses that STEPPED in and STEPPED UP, far…..above EXPECTATIONS. They DESERVE an emmy. Kristian can’t say anything, BUT Thank-you. BC honey, she has to put her EGO aside (role up her sleaves and come in and be ready to WORK) people and plenty of them are going to be missing JEN in the role. I, Kelly, and a whole lot of other people.

i love ABC Soaps
Stop Bashing Kirsten. Jen knew it was temp when she started and Kirsten was ill. There is no EGO there & ABC was in their right to bring KS back. Take your hate & go elsewhere

Hey Scott: Is this the Scott that has gotten into a few ” bashes”” wih Barbara t, the OLTL , oltl, OLTL, (everything) fan., lol. Is this the same Scott?

Anyway, (Scott) I agree with your assessment of Maxie, and I agree with it 100%. I NEVER liked the character of Maxie, I was just use to Kristen. For me, Jen made the character watchable, and I actually enjoyed (like you) for the FIRST time in the history of the show, I ENJOYED watching Maxie. And I made my opinion on the matter very clear, agreeing with Kelly, who agreed with your assessment. Lori has some NERVE calling someone out on their opinion on a matter, especially when the opinion is NICE STATED, and nothing of a BASH, whatsoever. It an idiot.

Kirsten is a class act

I agree she is a class act.I wish GH could put Jen Lilley in as another character or some other show would hire her as she can act.

Jen Lilley did such an awesome job portraying Maxie and is an amazing young lady and I am happy I got to know her.. I only wish that Kirsten would have been more supportive of her during all the pressure by the not so happy fans as I know she did check into twitter!. Yes, Kirsten is lucky to still be able to play Maxie as she had a good point, they could have killed her off. I am happy she has made an amazing recovery in a short period of time. Good luck to both Jen and Kirsten! GH Rocks!

She did when she finally came back on twitter in Jan. She reached out to her & told her to ignore that ish.

I actually like both of them. I think think that Jen did an amazing job filing Kirsten’s shoes when they were needed. GH didn’t want to completly kill Maxie off so they found someone. I think that Kirsten’s fans should be greatful of that.

I am going to miss Jen however I am happy that Kirsten is coming back! Maybe they will find another part for Jen!

Thank you Stephanie I am so happy to hear that!

I agree, Stephanie!

Hi. I agree, it did take me a while to get used to Jen & I do prefer Kirsten’s being Maxie as I have known her as Maxie forever but Jen did her best & I hope to see her if not on a soap on tv somewhere are she is a good actress. I am excited to see Kirsten back she has been missed but a minor replacement helped not miss her as much.

I agree with you too Stephanie!! I like both of them, but I’m glad Kirsten is back… I wish Jen all the luck, and I noticed that some think that Kirsten didn’t do anything when Jen was being bashed, but she was very ill and I’m sure sticking up for Jen was the last thing on her mind, but when she came back for that short period on Tweeter she did say it for her to ignore it… I’m glad she better! I’ll keep my figures crossed that GH will find something for Jen to do!

Jen came in and did a great job as Maxie. Its hard enough to come into a much loved roll. I’m glad that Kristin is back and health is better. As well wish Jen the best of luck.Thanks for the great job you did keep’n Maxie real!

I applaud Kirsten for her comments. Bashing has become a way of life on Twitter these days. I’m looking forward to have Kirsten back as Maxie, but I do thinkJen Lilley did a good job filling in for her. I also agree that it was important to keep Maxie up front and enter on the GH canvas until Kirsten could resume her role.

There have been many recasts on GH over the past year. I think Jen Lilley is the best of the recasts. I hope to see her on screen again. However, I can hardly waitto see Kirsten’s Maxie again and to have my Spixie back. 🙂

The online bashing is everywhere, not just Twitter. I have made non-biased remarks and been called out on them just because I said I liked a certain character. It’s getting to the point where I don’t even want to comment anymore, but I’m not ready to quit yet!

Thank you, Michael. 🙂

I am glad that Kirsten is returning now that she is feeling better and I think Jen Lilley did an amazing job in her absence.

I have never understood how some people can be so hurtful and then of course there are those who cannot separate character from actor, but that is a whole different story. I do give tremendous praise to these actors for rising above all the hatred that comes their way.

Definitely looking forward to Kirsten’s return. She is a powerfull Maxie, love the character. Loved Kirsten on Days too. Hope all is well with her health.

I think Kirsten Storms said it well. Jen Lilley did an admirable job playing Maxie in KS’s absence and it kept the character of Maxie alive on GH. People were very ugly to Jen Lilley. It wasn’t her fault that KS was out sick!
I am Very Glad Kirsten Storms is well and coming back to play Maxie on GH!! Can’t wait for her scenes to air!!

I’m so glad to see Kirsten back on GH as Maxie. JL did a good filling in, but I’m glad Ms. Storms is feeling better and will be back on our screens.

Kirsten’s amazing. Jen Lilley did a good job, but Kirsten just is Maxie to me. I can’t wait for her to be back on my TV screen again.

I liked them both, but as far as I’m concerned, KS has more chemistry with Spinelli than JL does. I do wish JL the absolute best, and thank her for a top-notch performance. And woohoo to KS for calling people out on being mean.

I LOVE Kirsten as Maxie but I truly felt bad for the way SOME people treated her replacement. She was there to do a job and she did it the best way she could. IKirsten is a class act and I commend her for her comments concerning the people that were so unkind to Jen. I wish her nothing but the best.

I have been a supporter of Kirsten Storms but I gotta tell you, Jen Lilley has played the role of Maxie so well, I don’t know that I could get use to Kirsten Storms coming back and taking over that role again. I agree with Scott saying that Jen Lilley IS Maxie Jones because she’s really IS. Either way it goes, I respect and support both Jen Lilley and Kirsten Storms so whatever gets decided on that, I’ll be okay with.

That the GH casting department found a more than capable actress to substitute for KS is a wonderful stroke of luck, especially in light of the amount of story that was on the boards for Maxie. I, for one, was dubious about JL but I can honestly say I found much to like about her interpretation of the role, to say nothing of the outside the set/social media mine fields she had to negotiate. (And not by her choice.) She worked with the hand she was dealt and she did so with class, grace, and dignity. She more than earned my respect for her ability to use her talents to serve the part of Maxie and keep her alive on the canvas.Having met her in person, she is the real deal, sweet and humble, a true joy to meet. I wish her all the best and God bless. As for KS, I am thrilled that she has recovered and am looking forward to her stepping back into Maxie’s Jimmy Choo’s. Welcome back, KS.

That was well said Beth. I totally agree. Glad you were lucky to meet her. What some people said about JL was unfair. i hopw she continues on with her acting career, with much success.

I praise Kirsten for her appreciation to her counterpart and although I wasn’t a true fan of Jen she at least kept the role alive so that kirsten could come back. I think for that alone the girl should be commended . Let’s be real on how hard it is to step into a role and keep it going! Most of all I’m really impressed how Kirsten has handled this and her view on the whole fan thing! Applause for seeing it from all sides!!

I am SO happy to hear Kirsten is well enough to return to GH. Very classy to stand by Jen. I wish them both well and look forward to seeing them both in the future!

I personally did not like Jen’s acting much as Maxie,but I did not bash her. I like her,just not in the role of Maxie! Kirsten IS Maxie!! Im so happy Kirsten is returning. She has been very missed and is a very powerful actress and fun to watch as Maxie. Jen is a strong woman and upheld tremendous courage against the bashers and in filling those stilettos of Maxies 🙂 Thank you Michael!!

Perfrectly stated! Totally agree!
Kirsten IS Maxie!!! I am a huge Spixie fan! Love them both!
Jen did a wonderful job and she is very talented… but I am so glad Kirsten is coming back!
I wish them both continued success and good health!
Let’s get Spixie back ASAP!
Welcome back Kirsten we missed you!

Spixie..haha..love it! =)

I look forward to Kirsten returning. She’s been Maxie for so long. I think that her fill in has done a wonderful job but she’s just not the Maxie we all love. I don’t agree with all the negative remarks about her. She was asked to fill in and she did her job. She should be commended for the work she did. I wish her all the best but I’m looking forward to Kirsten coming back.

Each woman is good as Maxie Jones. I was saddened to see Storms go but Lilley did a fine job.

I remain baffled about why fans are haters sometimes. Actors fall ill, want to leave a job, or try something different. What is important is that the characters remain true and continuing on the canvas. I would prefer that. So many times an actor goes and so, too, the character. Why? In really only a few cases is that necessary. I would prefer a recast to a death and preposterous resurrection,or a silly treat-the disease-abroad thread.

Ms. Storms came off as a class act in this interview. I look forward to Kirsten’s return as Maxie, but wish Jen Lilley well. They are both talented, beautiful young ladies with bright futures.

I suffered from Endometriosis, as did my 2 sisters. It is a horribly painful, life-altering condition for many women. I am glad she is feeling better and wish her continued good health.

I remember when Anna Devane was played by someone else – so glad that didn’t continue and they got Finola back… I’ll be glad Kristin comes back and mostly that she feels well enough to do so.

Jen kept the character alive and in the stories, but thankfully for Kristen Jen couldn’t fill her shoes!

Oye! You’re kidding…. right? I can’t imagine…. anyone, but, Finola, Ms. Hughes… as the much lauded… police commissioner.

it looks like… Anna and Luke are parting ways… I wonder who’s in Anna’s future?
what about? Joe Scully, Jr.? OK, I know… theirs not much older MEN on the canvas… that being said… i think he has a sort of je ne sais quoi (uncountable)
1.An intangible quality that makes something distinctive or attractive. A french term for ooh la la.

I haven’t witnessed such good story (on any soap, for so long)… simply the best….Robin and Patrick… with mom Anna.

As for temporary recasts… some one posted… well… “when an actors takes good care of a character” etc…. and Jen Lilly did that… I’m still rocked, by what a huge story kirsten “missed” out on… that, you couldn’t not help but, think of Jen Lilly as Kirsten.

However, the Robin story plays out… if KM, returns full time… would be Kirsten’s time to fully endear herself back in the role.

all said and done… GH is on fire… canvas’ing on all cylinders… Standing O’vation.

i’m so psyched about Anna – going to Switzerland.

I think i’m in the minority… about the potential of an Ewan and Liz pairing. talk about, crossovers and new characters… I thought these two had a chance.

I grew to really care about JL..I never was a basher..that’s not kewl or respectful for being a fan of KS.
Glad KS is coming back I have missed her and I think it will be intersting to see how KS can meld her Maxie and JL’s Maxie into one.

such a class act that she and Farrah Fath felt the need to mock Jen Lilley fans who were trying to get #WeLoveJenLilley trending a couple of weeks ago.

Sorry but this is just lip service

I missed the mocking tweets. I do follow Kirsten. Farah showed her personality on Dirty Soap and it wasn’t pretty. I was one of the fans trying to get #WeLoveJenLilley trending. The lady is an awesome actress and a wonderful person. She treats her fans like gold. She has been doing other projects while on GH so I’m sure she will do just fine.

I was a big fan of Farah Fath until I saw her on Dirty Soap. I still enjoyed Rex, GiGi & Shane on OLTL, but I hope they don’t bring her to GH.

I’m glad Kirsten is back. Jen did an amazing job as Maxie and I thank her for taking such good care of Maxie. I will miss her but she’ll find something soon because she is a good actress. I hope Kirsten will communicate more with her fans after all of this. I don’t think she really did that in the past.

kristen is back!!!!

Yeah!!!

Kristen and Sam will blossom

i love kristin as maxie jones but i think that jen did a great job replacing her
especially with the spinelli scenes and robin getting killed i thought she did a fantastic job and now kristin is coming back both of them are great actresses are great at the role hope you both have great success

I agree with Kirsten about her Maxie not being there for Robin/Kimberly’s storyline. KS and Kimberly have a great vibe as sisters/cousins and are so believable as family. While JL did a great job, KS and KMc are close in real life and it plays better.I want to see Robin and Maxie when Robin is found alive. I miss the realness that KS and KMc bring to scenes. I will never forget them when Georgie died.

Good luck to JL but I have a feeling she is not going to need it. She took a job and did it better than anyone thought possible. JL is a real talent and I have no doubt there ae better things in her future like primetime and movies. She took a difficult situation and made it work while getting a lot of unnecessary flack for something she had no control off.

Glad your feeling better KS and Good Luck to you JL. You are a class act.

Kirsten is a class act,hope they can keep jen that would be great, if they can make us buy some of the current dumb storylines they have going on then surely they can do something to bring in jen and have us buy her as a new character. I think it would be better if Kate had a daughter instead of a son and then Jen could easily play Kates daughter.

I’m excited to have Kirsten back. Jen did a fine job under the circumstances, and it’s terrible the way people bashed her, but I’m one of those who didn’t care for her…as Maxie. Every scene she did, especially the ones surrounding Robin’s death, I kept wondering how Kirsten would have played it out.

I wish Jen well. She’s a talented girl and I read where she’s in an indy movie, so I hope her career continues to grow.

I’m excited Kristin will be returning. While the Maxie character is selfish and obnoxious on the surface I think Kristin brings vulnerability, humor and playfulness to the role. I prefer her portrayal because she made me care about a character I had just thought of as a “brat” before plus I think her chemistry with everyone from Spinelli, Lulu, Johnny even Jason worked well, I enjoyed her scenes even when I have hated a particular storyline and I’m hoping to see her tangle with Todd and Heather. I did think Jen had her moments in a couple of the quieter and softer scenes at the jail house (without the heavy makeup showing some vulnerability) for instance and I might have enjoyed her portrayal more consistently if the storyline hadn’t been so emotionally heavy for so long (not her fault) but I think it’s easier to believe and “feel” the heavy stuff if you’ve had time to “grow” with an actor’s portrayal. Very few can knock that tough stuff out of the ballpark right off the bat. The breaking point for me was Robin’s funeral it really didn’t connect with me and honestly just wasn’t believable with how I thought Maxie would react, I would have expected her to break down with guilt but turn it inward more so you see the fragility but less “manic” for lack of a better word (some of this is probably due to new writers, Exec Prod, etc. that might not have helped her steer the performance to fit the character better). It got to the point that I was rooting for Spinelli to tell Maxie off and just “end” all the moaning, crying and shrieking that felt like it went on for months which was a real shame because I had loved “Spixie” before. The one terrific post-Spixie perk has been Spinelli’s scenes with Sam, Olivia & Anna! I think GH is turning the ship around, in general I’m much happier with the show than I’ve been in years, plus Robin’s exit was something the new team inherited and had to write their way out of. All in all I have deep respect for the level of difficulty Jen walked into (midst of a character’s personal crisis) and wish her well on her next project. One final thought, I don’t think it’s fair to cast Kristin as “the villain” and Jen as “the victim” for returning from medical/personal leave to a role she helped create. (I wouldn’t treat a co-worker returning from maternity leave as a villain just because I liked working with a the replacement better – I’m not sure how this is any different, yes the time away is longer but it’s not as if Kristin quit and took another job and then returned). In this case Jen accepted this role knowing some uncertainty with the time frame. To her benefit, Jen’s gained some new contacts, honed acting skills in the quick pace of soap opera acting and has broadened her fan base to cheer her on in future projects. I don’t hold either actress responsible for the behavior of people saying something nasty under the guise of being her friend/fan (or “someone said her friend said…”) etc. and to those outraged by the nasty and cowardly bashing Jen faced – they should be equally disgusted with the speculation and rumors being spread on supposed additional causes for the personal leave or the vicious and cruel character assassinations that started in full force once Kristin’s return was announced. I for one am cheering on Kristin’s recovery and return and count me in as enthusiastically looking forward to more Maxi & Spinelli. Best of luck to Jen I look forward to seeing her in a role that is tailor-made for her and embodies her strengths.

KS is so fake when fans were tweeting WeLoveJenLilley she was making fun of them and then telling them they can’t handle jokes.

BOTH actors did very good jobs, but longtime soap fans tend to be loyal to original characters. and kirsten stores is an extraordinary actress who brought an originality to her character. so i’m glad she’s well and glad she’s back.

the most poignant part of this interview, for me, was her comment about the great kimberly mccullough. in deed, robin’s “death” storyline was a major, major GH storyline spanning many years of history. maxie and robin are cousins, but sisters in spirit and the two actors had awesome chemistry. i was very sad kirsten wasn’t present when kimber left :((

Both are good actresses but Kirsten was the original and the new Maxie actress Jen had her hands full trying to keep up. SHE DID IT..brilliantly I might add. I liked her version even better. I say it is sad that she will have to leave her JOB and find work on some other soap which does not deserve her. She was outstanding. Long time watcher from back in the 60’s so I know what I am talking about.

Well Said Kirsten!
I thought she did a wonderful job! It is surly hard to portary you,your a excellent actress. I cant wait to see you back,,,Miss ya 🙂

All I can say is that I’m glad Kirsten took the time she needed to deal with her health issue. I dealt with the same thing for years and finally took drastic measures to be rid of it once and for all. It’s not something that can be rushed through once a woman is diagnosed. As far as Jen Lilley taking over the roll of Maxie, GH did what they needed to do to keep the character alive in the storyline. Whether it was her or another actress, if you are a true fan of Kirsten/GH, you will support whatever decision they make to keep things rolling as smoothly as possible.

I think what would help on all comments on all topics is that when u post and someone comes back immediately with a different opinion from urs, you would not take it personally and get ur feelings hurt and get all indignant that someone doesnt agree with you. Everyone has a right to voice their opinion, its about the show, the character or the actor. The post isnt or shouldnt be about the poster! Grow a little thick skin, folks and argue or agree to disagree!

Sorry, but I didn’t like JL as Maxie at all! I don’t think she had chemistry with any of the cast. Very happy KS is back! Can’t wait to watch the Maxie scenes again!

Jen did her best handled the dialogue well it wasn’t very good dialogue though she has a very high pitched voice and Maxie must have had over a dozen whining monologues. I had people who didn’t watch the show over at my house complain about how whiney she was I had to and still do sometimes put the tv on mute for her scenes. It’s great that Kirsten’s back and seeking Jen out to bug her was so wrong and horrible.

When JL first started, it seemed like the bashing and negativity was causing her to try to film as KS would. Say things like her, move like she might. As JL spent more time and I guess got comfortable, I think she really made the Maxie character her own. In a way she gave Maxie a softer side. All the boat/ LIsa niles murder stuff the acting wasn’t that great but from the start of Robin’s death, she really started shining, esp the scenes when she was in jail. I think thats great they would hold KS’s job for her while she recovered, but I am sad to see JL go, and I didn’t think I would ever say that when she first started.

As the saying goes, opinions are like a-holes everybody has one.Enough said since it’s all been said already.Besides too many fans are just plain mean-spirited and petty and should be ignored.It’s a good thing that Emmys are awarded to the actors by their own peers and not the fans.

Kirsten so good to see you back at GH. I enjoyed the replacement, she did a great job. yet it just wasn’t the Maxie I was use to. You and Spinelli have a chemistry. I would love to see you back together. Yet it’s fun to see the devilish way you have trying to get him back. In the end I hope your characters end up together.

As for your illness that took you away from GH. I know what you went through. I too was diagnosed with the same thing. Every month it was so painful. I dealt with it from the age of 14 until i was 29. They found the spot shortly after my second child. They did a complete Hysterectomy. Recovery wasn’t fun. I return twice to surgery to remove scaring. I never heal well.

I am happy you are once again looking beautiful and healthy. And I am very happy to see you back as Maxie where you belong.

I love seeing Kristen as Maxie, because like others have said she IS Maxie. I didn’t bash Jen, but I would be lying if i said I enjoyed her performance. I found her portrayal of Maxie to be a bit too whiney and over dramic. I think that Kristin could pull off that aspect of Maxie’s characters (because Maxie is Whiney and over the top at times) and make it something funny and energetic. While Jen just made it annoying, I did not care for the character of Maxie while Jen was playing her, and the idea of people saying that she IS Maxie is just ridiculous to me

I never cared for Jen as Maxie!! & was so glad when Kirsten came back (I also know what she went through except it took awhile & many unnecessary tests before finally being diagnosed… It’s not a fun thing to deal with..) I will admit she filled in for her when it was necessary instead of killing her off or sending her away for a extended amount of time but that is as far as I can go with it… I never got used to her playing Maxie she was always so whiney yes Maxie’s character may be like that but Kirsten has away of making it not sound so whiney… Jen just seemed to have Maxie sound whiney all the time.. I’m not bashing her she is a good actress and am glad she kept Maxie’s character alive and going while Kirsten couldn’t… I just didn’t like her as the Character of Maxie..
And don’t get me going on the new LuLu “Emme Rylan” from what I’ve seen so far she is no LuLu maybe they should have asked “Jen Lilley” to play LuLu I think she may have made a pretty good one compared to what I’ve seen so far and Emme looks nothing like LuLu except the hair color!!! IDK if it’s just the surprise that they replaced her & I didn’t know it or what.. LuLu is so upbeat and happy so far Emme doesn’t seem that way (but her storyline right now hasn’t called for it), but Jen was always happy and upbeat… Maybe they should have thought about that.. Time will tell how Emme does as LuLu but I really don’t see it happening but in all fairness I will give her sometime before I pass judgment and give my opinion without bashing her!!!

I am sorry but as person who suffers from endometriosis and has undergone multiples surgeries throughout the last year alone I have managed to maintain a fairly regular schedule. This story being touted about Ms. Storms is a load of garbage! It is extremely offensivive to those of us who have shown great strength and courage in our own lives to see some wimpy pseudo starlet make a mockery of our own struggles. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. This actress either has something else she is suffering from, was fired, or no one can quite figure out what to do with here for the time being but endometriosis is NOT the reason for the extended time off.

Thanks for finally talking about > GH

All I know I don’t want Maxie to die and I want Keirston to stay playing Maxie And put maxie and spinalli back together

Please don’t let maxie die keep storms and pur spinelli and maxie back together

I’ve been a fan since zenon, girl of the 21st century! ! Love you Kirsten. Get better. Stay strong. Can’t wait for u to come back. Muah!!!!!

General Hospital

Nancy Lee Grahn’s Star-Studded ALS Fundraiser Reveals “I’ll Be There” Video Featuring Soap Opera Notables

Talk about your impressive line-up! It’s a soap fans dream and for a great cause. General Hospital’s Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is prepping her one-night only ALS fundraiser which will feature many of her friends and co-stars.

The benefit is set for May 4th in Glendale, California. Slated to participate are Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Peter Bergman, Maurice Benard, Eileen Davidson, Thorsten Kaye, Michelle Stafford, Stephen Nichols, Rena Sofer, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Melissa Claire Egan, Maura West, Kristina Wagner, Gregory Harrison, Trevor St. John, Kate Mansi, Kirsten Storms, Cynthia Watros, and many others.

On Wednesday, Grahn took to her social media and released an “I’ll be there” video shout-out featuring, Monaco, Elliot, Bergman, Bernard, West, Harrison, St. John and more. In a touching and important moment in the new video, Michelle Strogny, who is battling ALS, is featured.

Photo: ABC

Previously, in speaking with Soap Opera Digest on the impetus of the event, Grahn recalled, “I was actually doing Zoom events during Covid and I met this woman that I just fell in love with, Michelle Strojny. At the time, Michelle had been living with ALS for four years. Now, it’s five years. She is a mom of a teenage son, she has the most wonderful husband, and she has been dealing with this [disease] for quite a while. And obviously, there isn’t a cure yet. It’s not survivable yet. But as she says, it’s not incurable. Nothing is; it’s underfunded. But anyway, I just really dug this woman. She is so grounded and filled with grace, and she spends all of her time working to raise money for the cause. We did a fundraiser for her last year and then I thought, ‘You know what? The soaps don’t ever get together to do something for charity.’ Collectively, we have this amazing community and we don’t collectively use it for a good cause, and I think it’s such an easy thing for us to do and we could potentially really make a difference.”

As GH viewers know, Gregory Harrison is playing the character of Gregory Chase, who is also battling ALS in a touching storyline that is currently playing out shedding a light on this disease.

For information on Nancy’s event, including the stars who are s scheduled to participate click here. To purchase tickets to the event click here.

Check out the video featuring Nancy’s friends and co-stars below.  Now let us know, your thought son the line-up for the benefit and helping raise awareness and funds for ALS research via the comment section.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Writer Shannon Peace Let Go, and Shares on Sprina: “One of My Only Regrets is to Not Have the Opportunity to Develop That ‘Ship’ Further”

As General Hospital’s new head writing team of Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahy gets off the ground and running, there are still changes a foot on the writing team.

Now comes word via breakdown writer Shannon Peace that she is no longer on contract with the long-running ABC soap heading into its 61st season. Peace shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, thanking the fans, and the show for the opportunity and the importance of diversity in the writers room.

Peace began, “After almost 3 years on staff and 106 episodes penned, I am no longer on contract with General Hospital. Writing for this country’s longest running television serial drama has been an education of epic proportions; I will forever be grateful that I earned my WGA card on a daytime fixture that holds memories for so many.” (Peace pictured below with GH EP Frank Valentini and script writer, Charlotte Gibson from about ten months ago).

Photo: SPeaceIG

Shannon added “Even more importantly, as the sole Black breakdown writer (and only POC in the writers room) during my tenure, I pushed for vital interactions and discussions that prioritized inclusion, visibility, and representation”

The writer pointed to the example of vital interaction when in story, “Stella and Portia’s frank July 2022 conversation about the role race played in Esme’s framing of Trina is just one example of the impact I’m gratified to have had.”

Acknowledging former GH co-head writers was also part of Peace’s farewell expressing, “Appreciation to my former bosses, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor – not only taking a chance on me, but for valuing my opinion and championing my voice.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many GH fans know that Peace was key to the development of the love story between Trina Robinson and Spencer Cassadine as played by Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez. Shannon gave a special shout-out to ‘Sprina’ fans, “I also want to thank fans who were supportive of my work, especially the recognition of my love for ‘Sprina’. One of my only regrets is not having to develop that ‘ship’ further.”

She concludes her statement with,”In the aftermath of a historic writer’s strike that shed new light on the troubling ways writers are regarded in daytime, my sincere hope is that General Hospital recommits to valuing staff writer efforts and input, with a more intentional focus on diverse viewpoints — and thrives for another 60 years.”

Accompanying her post, Shannon added, “Thank you all for the love and support these last few years. I hope GH fans get all they hope for and more!”

So, what do you think about GH not renewing Shannon’s contract? Will there be more continued changes afoot? What do you think is the future of ‘Sprina’ anyway at this point as viewers wait to see if Nicholas Chavez officially returns to the show?  Comment below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Learns Britt Died and Tells Anna He Has Been Working For Cates Since November 2021

On the Tuesday, March 26th of General Hospital, Anna (Finola Hughes) and the viewers learn about where Jason (Steve Burton) has been for over two and half years. However, Jason gets some news of his own.

Anna is visiting Jason at the PCPD interrogation room. She asks him if he shot Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), which he flatly denies. Anna believes him, but she tells Jason it doesn’t matter, because video footage shows him on the roof at the time of the shooting

When talk turns to Jason not willing to speak without his lawyer present, Anna can’t grasp why Jason would instead spend an hour alone talking with John Cates (Adam J. Harrington).

Photo: ABC

It is then that Anna brings up that John went by “Jagger” and that the two of them knew each other in high school. Jason doesn’t recall much of his time in high school following his brain injury, but then he gets furious realizing John knew about “Jason’s” past. That is when Jason slams the table and tells Anna, “I’ve been working for John Cates since November 2021.”

Next, Jason explains further that he has been working as an informant for the FBI. Anna wants to know how this came about and he tells her that after the tunnel collapsed, and he couldn’t make it to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud)… all of a sudden he sees Anna’s face drop.  Anna is the first person to tell him that Britt died and was murdered. She tells Jason the killer is in custody, but he continues to be shocked, overwhelmed with tears welling up in his eyes. Realizing he has to pivot to save his life, Jason continues telling Anna how he wound up working with John.

Jason explains that after the tunnel collapse in Greece, FBI agents grabbed him and placed him under arrest and took him to Quantico where he met John. At Quantico, John played a recording of RICO violations and offered Jason a deal if he agreed to be an informant against Pikeman, the illegal arms dealer.

Anna hears from Jason that he thinks Pikeman is selling illegal arms to anyone flagged by the NSA but has ties to the WSB which they needed a civilian to infiltrate their organization as a military soldier, a mercenary.

Jason tells Anna he was a part of the team brought into eliminate Sonny (Maurice Benard). Every time an attempt was made on Sonny’s life over the last two years, a different team was sent to do the job. Anna gets furious when she learns that John told Jason his job was to kill Sonny and she was with John at the warehouse that night. Jason ensured the sniper missed Sonny and left the rifle behind. However, they were supposed to meet an extraction team. Before he was shot, Dante saw it was Jason on the roof and when he turned around with his hands over his head, Dante was shot by the other guy. Jason says if Dante dies, he’ll be charged with capital murder and then will be useless to the FBI.

Photo: ABC

Meanwhile, John visits Bobbie’s and runs into Carly (Laura Wright). She learns Jason is in custody and is going to head to the PCPD. Before she does, Carly has some words with Cates when she learns not only does John have a vendetta against Sonny, but Jason too.  Carly tells John he should recuse himself from the case.

So, what did you think about the moment when Jason learned Britt died? What do you think of Jason’s return storyline thus far and what we learned about Jagger/Jason and more? Comment below. But first, check out a moment from today’s GH with Jason and Anna.

 

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