General Hospital
Jen Lilley reveals on Twitter she is staying on as GH's Maxie & to stop the hate towards her from fans!
Photo Credit: Janna Giacoppo
It is never easy and many times awkward for the best of actresses to come on to a daytime soap opera and replace a beloved performer whether it be permanent or temporary. Today, General Hospital’s current Maxie Jones, Jen Lilley took to her Twitter page to inform her followers and many fans of Kirsten Storms, that she is for the forseable future now staying put in the role of Maxie. She also asked fans, for the greater good of the show, to stop any hate towards her for things that are out of her control.
Here is what Jen tweeted, ‘I had to get twitlonger to answer properly. First, I, Jen Lilley, LOVE Kirsten Storms. I think she’s talented, funny, beautiful, and kind. While I have loved my time on GH, I think it’s under the saddest of conditions that I’m there. Because of unforeseen circumstances, I am staying as Maxie. Please know that as a KS fan, I am really sorry. Kirsten is irreplaceable. To keep GH alive, someone had to step into the role. I cannot change what’s happened. Yes, I love being on the show, but if KS could have stayed all along, I would have wished a thousand wishes that I could have come on as a different character, for her sake and your sake as a GH fan. Change is never easy.
I hope you will find it in your hearts to stop being so hateful toward me personally, because honestly, after 6 months of it, I feel broken, and it’s not helping the show. We have to stand united for the sake of General Hospital’s livelihood and for soap fans everywhere. I think all of Kirsten’s wonderful fans know that she’d want her fans to support GH and fight like hell for it’s renewal. With utmost sincerity: Jen Lilley”
While we adore and love and send our best wishes to Kirsten Storms, I think fans should go easy on Lilley, who is doing an admirable job in the role. Kirsten’s shoes can never be filled, but unfortunately in show business, the show must go on. So, let’s all support both Jen, Kirsten, and GH at this most delicate of times.
General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
As previously reported, Cameron Mathison (Drew, General Hospital) will be seen doing double duty this summer when he premieres in June as the host of Game Show Network’s Beat The Bridge.
Now, while Cameron will be the host with the most, that doesn’t mean he will stop playing GH’s Drew. In fact, Mathison taped the game show in 2023, so it will now air for the first time in 2024.
Taking to his Instagram this week, Cameron shared his enthusiasm and some new hosting snaps, sharing, “Our newest game show host reporting for duty😎 Head over to the Game Show Network YouTube channel for your first look at the show and don’t miss Beat The Bridge premiering this June! I can’t wait for you guys to see this!”
Photo: GSN
In Beat The Bridge, an enormous interactive bridge dares players to cross by stepping on the right answers to challenging trivia questions. As they play, each steps forward and puts money in their team’s bank, with bonus money for each successful crossing. Here’s the catch: the team gets to keep the money only if it can “beat the bridge” by returning one of its players back across before time expires.
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, on GH, Drew and Nina (Cynthia Watros) recently had hate-sex. Do you think its a one-time deal? Where will Drew’s story take him next under new head writers, Patrick Mulcahey and Elizabeth Korte? Stay tuned.
Now below, check out the first promo for Beat The Bridge from the Game Show Network with you host, Cameron Mathison. Then, let us know, will you be checking out the game this summer? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
Looks like Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Ava (Maura West) are back to be each other’s sworn enemy number one. By the end of the Monday, April 22nd episode of General Hospital, the women know where they stand with each other after Nina goes in on Ava accusing her of wanting Sonny (Maurice Benard) all to herself, while her marriage has been on the rocks.
In story, at Nina’s office, Ava shows up to see Nina and says she is sorry about what happened with Sonny and that he reacted the way he did, acknowledging that is was over the top, even for Sonny. Ava says she’ll smooth things over, but Nina says she now understands how manipulative and transparent Ava really is.
Given their horrible history, Nina goes in on Ava and how she should never have trusted her. Nina wants to know how long has Ava had this agenda dating all the way back to telling Nina to turn Carly (Laura Wright) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) into the SEC. Ava says she never told her do to that, but Nina wants to know how long Ava has been playing her for a fool.
Courtesy/ABC
Ava says she moved in with Sonny to keep Avery safe and she wants to be on good terms with Avery’s father, Sonny. Nina thinks she likes being in Sonny’s inner circle. Ava tells Nina if she goes to him about her advising Nina to call the SEC on Carly and Drew, it won’t work. Sonny still considers Nina a traitor and he will think she’s lying because she’s so desperate to win him back. Ava says if Nina would stop blaming everyone else that maybe Sonny would respect her. Nina says “like he does you?” Ava says Sonny not only respects her, but he also counts on her.
From there, Ava launches into why she and Sonny understand each other, after all, Sonny is a powerful, turbulent, and sometimes violent man. She goes so far to say if Nina wanted someone to just sit by the fire with and play with their grandchildren, she’s got the wrong guy. Ava then talks about Mike from Nixon Falls (Sonny with amnesia) and how Sonny hid the darkest parts of himself from Nina back then, whereas with Ava they are the same similar creatures, so he doesn’t have to hide anything.
Courtesy/ABC
Nina wants to know just what Ava wants with Sonny? What is her end game? Ava responds that they understand each other, in ways she can’t with Sonny. Nina tells Ava she can go ahead and have it all and signs Sonny’s divorce papers. Ava walks out with the documents, while Nina in tears at her desk, takes off her wedding rings and has her assistant come in so she can messenger the rings back to Sonny’s address.
The episode and these scenes featured great performances by Cynthia Watros and Maura West. You can check some of the scenes below.
Now, let us know, what is Ava’s next move? Is she going to become Mrs. Sonny Corinthos? Do you like Ava and Nina as enemies? Comment below.
General Hospital
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
If General Hospital’s Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) nuptials are on, you didn’t think Grandma Gloria Cerullo would miss out on the festivities, now did you?
Casting news from Soap Opera Digest reveals that Ellen Travolta is back taping scenes that will air the week of May 13th on the ABC daytime drama series. When viewers learned that Carmine Cerullo, was also on his way back to Port Charles, now in the face and body of actor George Russo, it only made sense that Grandma Gloria would join Grandpa Cerullo. Look for them both mid-May.
As most people know, Ellen is the older sister to John Travolta. She first make appearances as Gloria back on GH in the mid-90s. Most recently, she returned to the Quartermaine mansion to meet up with daughter, Lois (Rena Sofer) and granddaughter Brook Lynn for Thanksgiving in Port Charles in 2023. Michael Fairman TV interviewed Rena Sofer and Amanda Setton late last year where they shared what it had been liking working with Ellen, who remains very close to Sofer in real-life.
Photo: JPI
Amanda shared: “We fell in love immediately. What’s crazy is my maternal grandmother was Grandma Gloria. I had her till I was 30 and we were so close. She was really like a second mom to me. So, when I got this script and I’m reading “Grandma Gloria”, it was so bizarre. And then in meeting Ellen, she looks like my grandma – same haircut, same high cheekbones. It really did feel like I had a few days with my grandma. It was very, very special for me. Ellen is sweet, prepared, professional, talented and funny to boot. So, it was one of the best weeks I’ve had at work. I hope she comes back. My fingers are crossed.”
Photo: ABC
Now, we can’t imagine Brook Lynn and Chase’s wedding day to be smooth sailing, in fact, expect just the opposite, but could it be Grandma Gloria who is ultimately the hero or the calming voice of reason for any pre-wedding jitters? Stay tuned.
So, glad to know that Ellen Travolta will be back for Brook Lynn and Chase’s big day? Comment below.
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Give the girl a break already!!
people are mean to hate her for having to replace a charactor. She is doing a great job even though she isnt KS. We all have to deal with change. Someone had to replace her would you turn the job down? Doubt it. I agree with give her a break…
What a small minded world we live in. It’s a soap! People get replaced all the time! Jen is doing a fantastic job taking over this role!
I have to say, I was so ready for Kirstens return. But I found myself last night watching GH and looking @ Jen and thinking “wow, she is maxie now and almost seemed to make me think it would be strange to see Kirsten back”. I wasn’t a fan of Jen up until recently, she has filled the shoes perfectly and is a natural at it now where as in the beggining it seemed she was a little out of place. Here’s to Kirsten’s health. And Thanks Jen for doing a Great Job!!!!
Completely agree! Over the last few days, Jen has really started to look comfortable in the role. She’s doing a great job.
It never ceases to amaze me that people can’t seem to separate characters from their actors, and understand that acting is a business. As much as we are sad when our favorites are replaced with other actors (what stands out in my mind was Laura Wright being replaced by Nicole Forester as Cassie on Guiding Light), it’s irresponsible and silly to take it out on the actors who are doing their jobs.
Well said, Traci.
I agree that everyone should stop being mean to Lilley.. It is not her fault that KS is sick and needs to have a replacement for the show. I wish KS the best in getting better and getting back to the show but until she can come back Lilley is doing a find job in her place. I am sure it is hard to try to come on to a show and fill someone elses shoes so go easy on her
Well said Michael and Jen.
thanks! I hope if Kristin does return, Jen will stay and maybe be a lost sister or near relative. She is doing a great job. I miss KS, but in light of the situation of soaps in general, I support this young actress and GH as a whole.
I don’t understand why people hate her. It’s not like Kirsten was fired. I don’t know what’s wrong with her, but it must be serious. I wish her well and think Ms. Lilley is doing a great job. Why hate her? Did she make Kirsten sick? No. Leave her alone. No other substitute would be better than Jen Lilley is. Al things considered, I think she’s doing a bang up job.
BRAVO Jen! Well said. I think some of the issue is that as fans, we don’t know what happened, or why? When is KS coming back or not? But the truth is, it is NONE of our business why KS is not returning; be it a personal matter, health matter etc. We must STAND TOGETHER to unite to KEEP ALL SOAPS ALIVE!! Grace
I think Jen needs the respect from fans that we give all the other phenomenal actors on GH. She makes an excellent point when she says we need to fight like hell for GH to be renewed. I’m losing it come September in the Orlando, FL area. Bravo Jen.
I honestly don’t know how anyone could possibly blame Jen Lilley for what has happened. I love KS and still miss her but that doesn’t mean Jen hasn’t done a bang-up job with the role. Her Maxie is different from KS’ and it’s taken me a bit to get used to that but she’s a strong actress. I can only imagine what a difficult position she found herself in.
Jen, I support you so much, and you are doing a great job. KS, is not replaceable..you said that, I just said it. Now we need to move on. Change of any kind is never easy. There are a lot of GH fan who do support you. So, stay strong, don’t take to heart what the KS fans may say..they are hurting..and they are hurting you. That does need to stop..I need to find your twitter page and follow and support you..hugs..
Some soap fans take the word FANATIC to a whole new level.
Poor girl. She is doing a bang-up job and receives all this hatred. It’s a sad world we live in.
No one is ever happy. If they had dropped the Maxie character, there would be complaints. If Kirsten Storms does come back, there will be complaints from the people who like Jen Lilley.
Daytime drama fans are a unique breed. Some recasts do not work. This one does. I think we as fans are spoiled because recasts and replacements are not as common or accepted. Why should, when an actor decides to go or is ill and cannot continue, a character be dismissed or a plotline compromised? Best wishes to these two actresses now and onward.
Ya know what peeps…give Jen a break – she’s doing a bang up job as Maxie Jones …no disrespect to Kirsten.
It is very sad the Jen had to write what she did, but it was well said and necessary. I miss Kirsten very much too and hope she is well and back as Maxie ASAP. People need to stop being mean about anything with the soaps we have left and should be happy we have them. I love GH and all of the actors and will hope that they will be on for many more years and we should be grateful when one is out sick that someone comes in and does a great job filling in for them. We are happy to have you Jen and thank you for keeping our Maxie going! Now if you can get her back with Spinelli all will be well!
shes doing a fine job playing maxie ,I liked her the first day she hit port charles,and was hoping that when k s comes back they can find a place to keep her,its not easy to replace someone and jenn lilley came in a gave it her all.the only reason I yelled at her today on her facebook page ,was to tell her not to pick on elizabeth , maxie is being naughty ,and to tell her she is doing a fine job being maxie and if shes at general hospital to stay,good.I really like her .and everyone should back off ,shes doing her job,and in my eyes ,doing one hell of a job.you go jenn lilley.
and jenn lilley just liked my post.shes so sweet.
This is the bad side of twitter. “Fans” can tweet hateful crap directly to the actors. I just don’t understand it. If you don’t like the actor don’t even bother to tweet anything.
If she feels broken, maybe she should delete her twitter and not bother. Wonder if it’s contractually required by GH that she has it?
I think Jen is doing an AMAZING job as Maxie. I enjoy KS but almost would be odd to see her back in the role. Keep up the Great work Jen. For all the haters out there, grow up, she has a job to do and is doing it quite well. KS is gone for now so it is what it is.
I’m confused it was my understanding that Kirsten Storm’s tweeted that she was returning to the role of Maxie at the end of the month. Is that no longer happening.
She did, then a week or so later it was confirmed she wasn’t returning as planned. I think she either left the series or the series let her go.
Good grief, how mean spirited people are! Not Jen’s fault Kirsten is ill. My only problem has been that Jen & the new Kate look too much alike, sometimes I glance up & can’t tell who is on the screen. Leave Jen alone & bring back the original Kate! (I guess I am being mean myself, not intended that way though!)
You’re a great Maxie. You can’t help someone got sick. You go.
I think Jen is a great actress, and has captured the “Maxie” personality perfectly. I had no idea people were treating her badly because of KS’ problems which she has no control over.
I love KS too, but I’m hoping Jen will enjoy her days as long as GH remains on the air.
Not upset by this at all!!! I much prefer Jen over Kirsten.
I am so proud and happy for Jen, I’ve had several conversations with her on Twitter and she’s nothing but a pure angel. I wish her nothing but the best and lots of years here on “GH” as Maxie!!
Jen is wonderful and brought comedy back to GH. She should not be so emersed in Twitter to feel “broken” by dopey fans.
to all the haters out there: if you don’t have anything nice to say then keep your mouth shut…………………….
Agreed!!!
I’m not a full-time viewer but when I do tune in, I think Jen Lilley is great when she’s on.
I do not think that fans should take it out personally on the actress, but to be in this business, Jen will have to understand not EVERYONE is going to like you. I don’t mind her, but she is not Maxie. She portrays Maxie in a way that is very unrecognizable to me and that is not her fault, it is just fact, in my opinion. I think for her to be “broken” that some are critical is a little over the top. There were people that certainly sent hate towards Kirsten, and probably still do, as well as many other actors and actresses on GH. If people are sending ugly things like “You’re ugly”, or antyhing to do with her PERSONALLY that is beyond uncalled for, but if people are sending their opinions of her portrayl, she needs to let that go. I think GH should have written Maxie out, it would relieve drama from the audience, less confusion and pressure on KS’s return, and Maxie is barely in a storyline (except for Matt’s and her lack of chemistry with Jason Cook has significantly pissed off many M&M fans anyway, so that is pointless).
I completely agree. I have nothing against Jen. But since she took over the writers have made Maxie a bratty, teenage girl. It’s annoying as hell. Just write her off the show.
I’m fine with Jen. She didn’t walk into an easy situation. If anything, I wish the writers of GH would start to give Maxie more character. She comes from great “stock” to be so insecure and shallow. Since they are both connected to Felicia, if Frisco comes back, this could be an interesting dynamic for both of them on figuring out how their relationships with Felicia played into where they are now.
People need to grow up and leave Jen Lilley alone. Yes, she’s no Kristen Storms. Nevertheless, I think that Lilley is doing a great job portraying Maxie and we should give Lilely a chance instead of bashing her for the simple reason that she replaced Storms.
Keep the good work Lilley and don’t listen to these juvenile haters.
If you wouldn’t play the part so whiney I would be ok with the change even though I really miss Kristen Storms.
I love all of these “critics” – who have never acted a day in their life – weighing in on something of which they know nothing. Jen has done a great job making the very best of a bad situation, and I think it’s time for everybody to just grow up and accept the fact that things sometimes change because of conditions beyond everybody’s control. I’m sure neither KS or JL are happy about these circumstances, but give the girl some credit for God’s sake. That’s the problem w/the internet – it’s easy to be an obnoxious bully when you remain anonymous.
First of all, how do you know that no one here has ever acted or otherwise been involved in the industry? That’s an awfully presumptuous thing to say.
Second, by your logic, no one should have an opinion about a book if they’re not a writer or about a painting if they’re not an artist or about a dish of food if they’re not a chef. Come on now! A person can learn how to appreciate and judge the quality of an art form without being a practitioner of it. While personal attacks on JL are uncalled for, any viewer of GH certainly has the right to evaluate her acting. The audience is the reason the show is produced.
And let me remind you that you are also an anonymous commenter.
I am enjoying her version of Maxie very much and am happy she is there. I especially love her funny chemistry with the character of Anthony.
I think she’s fabulous as Maxie! I don’t miss Kristen Storms one bit.
maybe if they softened her look… too much eye liner and bright red lipstick… she’s not KS…. i have to support my soaps first… the soap as a whole… who can’t say…. over the years…. 30+ years soap fan…. that we’ve seen favorite actors come and go… give her more love scenes with matt.
I read her twitter she gets lots of love, really she needs to ignore the haters and concentrate on the positive. All daytime actors get this, anyone in the public eye really. Also having read her other tweets before she unleashed this response I have to say she comments on the show, who she thinks the character should be with, who she likes/dislikes and read any almost any other GH actors twitter Bradford, Rebecca herbst, Steve Burton, Kelly Monaco, Jonathan Jackson, they for the most part stay out of this (with the exception of Becky’s firing) and she needs to take the same approach.
I wonder if people would feel the same if their favorite actor was replaced?
I love Kirsten’s style of playing Maxi-but I also feel Lilly has done and outstanding job to step into such a unique character role. I wish the best for both of them but i feel Lilly has been a fresh spin on Maxi and have enjoyed her very much. Maybe she can find out she is a twin and never knew it until now . That wa they both could be on the show-that would be a hoot.
or when kirsten comes back jenn lilley should stay on and be a new character ,I like her to ,she plays maxi very well .
Your not hated your just not her.
Still really missing KS over here! I’m sorry JL feels that fans don’t like her, but it’s not personal. It’s her acting that’s been a disappointment, and she needs to understand that part of working in the arts is accepting the audience’s right to analyze and critique your performance.
Maxie has always been written as a self-centered, manipulative, sometimes bitchy character, but KS found a way to soften those sides of Maxie by adding layers to her dialogue. Underneath the arrogance and the pushiness and the snark, you knew she had a conscience and a heart. KS even found a way to make a lot of her antics come off as cute–just Maxie being Maxie.
Unfortunately, JL’s delivery is one-dimensional and doesn’t convey that kind of depth. I often catch myself repeating her lines as KS might have said them and thinking how much more sympathetic they sound when read that way. Lately, the writers have been trying to redeem Maxie with this silly plot about how she tries to punish herself with a false murder confession. But what they’re really trying to do is compensate for JL’s inability to make Maxie likable without such plot devices. I actually find the character so annoying now that I usually change the channel when she’s on.
I’ll never stop hoping that KS will return as Maxie. I know nothing about JL as a person, so I don’t have any issue with her, and maybe she would be a good actress in another role. But she’s not a good fit for this one, and like any consumer of entertainment, I have the right to my opinion about it.