General Hospital
Kirsten Storms Taking Time Off From General Hospital!

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Daytime fan favorite Kirsten Storms (Maxie) is taking another leave of absence from General Hospital. Storms is reportedly exiting for a bit for personal reasons.
Daytime Confidential first revealed the news, while ABC Soaps In Depth got confirmation from GH that Storms is taking some time off.
This is the fourth time that Kirsten has departed GH for a while. First in 2011, while she was battling endometriosis, and was replaced by Jen Lilley (Ex-Theresa, DAYS).
Then in 2014 when she took a maternity leave giving birth to her daughter, Harper, and then in May 0f 2016 when she was temporarily replaced by Molly Burnett for a spell to deal with some skin issues.
So, now that Kirsten is taking some time off, would you like to see Molly Burnett or Jen Lilley temporarily return to keep Maxie’s presence moving along? Comment below.
Jen Lilley if needed
Jen Lilley, yes yes yes amen to that.
Yes, agreed, Claudio. I like Molly, but, I really think Jen fits the role like a glove. We shall see. Let’s hope Kirsten won’t be absent long enough to warrant a substitute.
Kirsten is not doing well, I am praying for her and her family. Please pray for her,. I love Kirsten, she is a terrific lady. She is resting and trying to get better.
And here’s another vote for Jen!!! She stepped up the last time under difficult circumstances and did a really credible job as Maxie, which is saying so much given that KS truly owns that role.
No to Jen Lilley, Molly Burnett is a better choice. Molly was wonderful as Maxie On General Hospital. Bring her back until Kirsten gets better. Jenn Lilley belongs on DOOL, And Jen will be back to DOOL This summer, that’s what I am hearing.
I liked Molly Burnett, too. The real question is who will take Maxie’s place at Crimson. IMO it should be Nelle. There will be no love lost between Nina & the Falconeris because of the custody dispute. So, bringing someone on board who also has a grudge against the Corinthos clan & extending the feud would make sense. Spencers/Corinthos clan vs. the Cassadines, with slightly unhinged Nina becoming Helena 2.0.
No to Jen as well. Molly did a better job.
Oh please not Molly Burnett again. Jen Lilley was amazing. While Kirsten embodies Maxie, in my humble opinion, Jen Lilley was an excellent choice.
Molly Burnett please!
yes!!
Molly Burnett as Maxie was pleasantly watchable!
I hope she will return as Maxie (permanently hopefully ..
I agree with you Phil, I love Molly Burnett she was terrific as Maxie. Bring Molly back to Gh full time. I love Kirsten but the show must go on.
If they need to replace her for a bit, either Molly or Jen will do a good job. I liked them both during their stints and on Days. Hope Kirsten is well.
She hasn’t looked well for a while so this doesn’t come as a complete shock. For her daughter’s sake I hope whatever the issue she is dealing with, it will be resolve with a positive outcome. As for GH I guess it depends how long she needs– right now the character isn’t in any major stories, so they could easily just write the character out for a short time– if the character can’t be written out, then I rather see Jen Lilley back in the role over Molly Burnett.
I agree Mary. I hope her daughter is a big reason she’s facing her eating disorder again. I truly hope some cast members are helping her along even if she may say no thanks. Painfully obvious in screen. I felt so bad watching her. I wanted to reach through the screen hug her give her a good shake and tell her pull it together count your blessings.
I agree with everything you said. Lilley suits the role much better. But at least the timing for Kirsten to take a break is better now than it was last year, when Maxie was front and centre in story and the first few weeks of the Claudette story were being played by Molly Burnett. That was all types of wrong in my opinion, and very disappointing.
The show didn’t have a choice ; Kirsten was ill!
I pointed that out some time ago Kristen didnt look well…hope she is ok…and your right-not much going on with her character so she should be written off for a brief time…and i too prefer Jen if available and willing!!!
Jen Lilly–so lovely to look at–and warm and viewer-relatable–but I’m wondering also if she is available. Don’t know if she left DAYS willingly or was fired, but I’ve seen that she is in some movies. Does she have ambitions to be in films?
Jen Lilley is a wonderful actress, the streets are talking that Jen might come back to Days as Theresa Donovan. I liked Jen on Gh as Maxie Jones. She rocked it as Maxie.
Ditto, well said. Really thought Jen did a fine job
I agree with all of this ^ . I do feel for Kirsten. Praying whatever is troubling and/or ailing her is resolved <3
I’m so sorry to hear this, I really hope Kirsten starts to feel better soon! I guess we need a fill in or Ryan will also be off the canvas? Not Molly or Jen though; didn’t care for either one as Maxie.
Hire Brittney Underwood ex Langston OLTL, to play Maxie. The lady is a very talented actress, and she can sing too
I think we can take a break with Kirsten and wait for her return. Not in favor of a recast and the writers were not putting Maxie front and center anyway. Wish Kirsten all the best and hope she can return for a full speed ahead Maxie storyline.
I can agree with this. Maybe Nathan can spend more time with Nina and Dante so he’s not off the canvas too. That would suck for Ryan Paevey.
Agree about Ryan, there is a lot of story to get him involved in while we wait.
Either as long as it’s temp.
I agree with this. I do like the other actresses when they had to fill in but at the same time, I feel only Kirsten can play Maxie.
If she can’t return, that’s a different story. But yes, she IS Maxie.
Agreed, James. But, life does happen. It hurts!!
Nonetheless, even as callous as it may sound, we do try to go on.
If Joe is right, and Kirsten will not return, a recast will be necessary, unless the character is completely erased, which I doubt.
I think, what’s important right now, as fellow human beings with a heart, is for Kirsten to be well and healthy, whether she returns to GH, or not. I think of not only her, but her beautiful little daughter, who does need her mommy.
Rumor is Kirsten will not be back, they need to bring Jenn Lilley back to General Hospital. Kirsten has a lot of health problems right now. I hope she gets well, but sign Jenn Lilley to a contract.
I agree that the character should remain off canvas entirely while Kirsten takes the time she needs. She’s been fired from Crimson and is newly married so she can be written as someone who is enjoying married life and looking for her next career opportunity.
Hoping not medical problems again
I agree, Carole. I thought both replacement actresses did well, but they’ve kind of backed Maxie into the “boring corner” right now anyway. I say, use this time to craft a fun, smart new venture for Maxie. Like….taking over Crimson. To me, Nina’s recent actions in helping deliberately keeping a child’s natural mother from her are unforgivable. Maxie can handle Crimson, with a new assistant. Kiki, maybe, or someone not being used much.
She was such a spunky character … until what, the last year? Your scenario, especially involving Crimson, is great.
Did anyone think about Charlotte and her feelings for her father? Why all of this concern for Lulu?
Boop? Why all this concern for Lulu? Because she is the child’s mother…who has been kept away from her since birth! Can you imagine being a parent and finding out your child is alive, being raised by another woman? Lulu didn’t abandon her daughter; she was always searching/wondering if her egg had been used or destroyed. She deserves her child. Don’t know why you would question that.
As for Charlotte, it’s a dilemma. Her feeling matter very much. Very much. But, she was deprived of her mother and hasn’t had a chance to bond with her. Although she doesn’t understand now, she will when she’s older. I think Lulu and her need time together, although Valentin needs to be a constant in Charlotte’s life, as well. (Until and if the supposed “dangerous” “evil” side erupts which poses a threat.)
Since Nina fired her, can’t they just say she’s out of town visiting Georgie?
Yes keep it simple.
Not Jen what’s her name please
Lilly. I agree.
I love Molly Burnett. She did a great job as a replacement Maxi. Jen Lilly is my next choice if Molly is not available. I wish Kristen well and hope she can resolve whatever issues she has and come back when she is well. No one does Maxi like Kristen!
I agree, Vicki!
Absolutely…Molly Burnett
Jen Lilly!
I’m with you Chrissy
Thanks! Jen is bubbily like Kirsten..and cute too haha..
Does anyone know when a new episode will air with Kirsten’s temp replacement?
Definitely Jen Lilley. She did an amazing job. I will miss Kirsten though, she is my favorite on gh
She is amazing !
Either one is fine. Maybe Kristen needs to leave the show until she can come back full time
Isn’t Ryan taking time off, too? Wait until they both return.
I’ve heard that he IS.
Ryan’s time off is nearing its end, hence why Maxie hasn’t been active in the current storylines, and if she appears, it is sans Nathan.
ryan is already back taping – he has finished filming his new movie…………..
oh god, neither please. do we know how long she will be out? first and foremost i hope nothing serious is wrong w/ Kirsten, and hope she get well for her sake and her family, as for maxie, have her go away for a little bit,and then if its going to be for a while then maybe get someone to replace her for a little bit.but lets keep nathan on full time please i must have my nathan time ..
I hope this issue is resolved quickly so she can return! But if a permanent recast is needed at one point (considering Kirsten’s frequent departures) I think Jen Lilley would be a great choice. She was phenomenal on DAYS as spitfire Theresa, and her time on GH was impressive as well.
While we’re on the topic of recasts, for the love of God, can GH please decide what’s going to be done about Nikolas? They should do everything they can to get Tyler Christopher back, but if that isn’t possible, rehire Nick Stabile permanently. He was a great temp recast and would shine in the role full-time.
Jen Lilley please. Although Molly didn’t resemble Kirsten physically, she did have the same Maxis spirit. But I would sill prefer Jen. I have a feeling that Kirsten is going to be gone for several months so I think a replacement is needed……. I hope Kirsten is able to get the help she needs!
At this rate, who cares? She’s rarely on the show anymore. Maxie can join Georgie for all I care, and Nathan can find someone else! But if a replacement must happen, hands down Jen Lillie!
She has her problems as we all do celebrity or not. .I FOR ONE CARE! ! KNOCK IT OFF! !!
For someone you don’t know personally, you sure are emotionally involved. Lol. I’m sure she does have her problems, as we all do. Apparently it’s interfering with her job. If we all repeatedly took leaves of absences every time life got rough, none of us would be working. So you knock it off, mommy! It’s a tough business. There are others who can gladly take over that role!
All I can say is wow and God bless you and yours. .peace.
Jen Lilly is wonderful as Maxie!
Either of the stand-ins mentioned above are fine by me; I just hope Kirsten is ok. Best wishes and prayers for Kirsten.
I don’t think either Molly or Jen are strong enough actors to Carrie Ryan for any significant amount of time Kirsten herself could barely do it
Hi, Heidi,
I, actually, do think Jenn Lilley represents a very strong, determined character….look at her role as Theresa! She stood up to Victor Kiriakis. Who can do THAT and come out unscathed?
The cast is bloated anyway so keeping Maxie off the canvas is fine with me. She could go to Portland to be with Georgie for a while. Nathan can stay though. Give him a good crime to solve with Dante so the PCPD doesn’t always look so lame. Jason and Curtis solve more crimes than the entire police force.
Jen Lilley did great as Maxie. Molly not so much. If necessary, I’d be happy with Jen.
NOPE, Kirsten IS the one and only Maxie!!!
Just let her take her personal break, and come back as great as always!!!
I do not want another temp recast in her absence, both the others were just horrible in comparison to OUR Maxie!!!
Wish you well, Kristen, with all my heart…love you!! God is on your side…..
EXACTLY!!! LIFE ain’t easy for NOBODY! !
Yes, dav….I know that personally. Losing my baby son was the worst experience of my life. I will take that pain to the grave.
so sorry for your loss celia………………….
Yhank you, elm. It has been five years, now; but, the loss and pain are constants in my life.
I was remarking to someone the last time Kirsten was on screen that she didn’t look well, so I hope whatever is going on with her, that she’s able to do what she needs to do to get herself feeling and looking well again. Her health and well being as a person is obviously the most important thing, being a character on a TV show is secondary.
The show will do what it needs to do. With Ryan Paevey away, it’s not like Nathan and Maxie are front burner right now, so they could just have her off screen for a while. If the storyline requires it, I would be fine with either Jen Lilley or Molly Burnett stepping in again.
First and foremost, I send my best wishes to Kirsten in whatever she is dealing with, and I look forward to seeing her back when she’s ready.
Yes, Dan. Many of us noticed the drastic change in her physical appearance. I had remarked that it started, coincidentally, soon after rumors of her divorce surfaced.
yes – she said she had a skin rash that was due to stress & she was out for a while in may 2016 – so now i think it has may have flared up again because the makeup dept was really putting her in very heavy makeup…………………
Jen LIlley
Sorry she’s not well. She hasn’t looked well since she returned. I know her weight’s fluctuated over the years but this time she’s looked gaunt. I must commend her, though, her acting was spot on as always.
The character of Maxie, though, has changed. She’s no longer bubbly or flighty…no longer fun. Not sure if that’s just a coincidence regarding Kirsten’s personal life or just that the writers matured her. If it’s the latter, I feel even with emotional maturity they’ve cut out a huge part of Maxie’s personality.
As for Kirsten, I hope whatever’s going on with her is treatable and if she intends to return I look forward to it.
My understudy vote goes to Molly.
I agree, Rebecca!
I pray she gets well soon
as for Maxie
I enjoyed Jen Miley in the part
at the time of recast I enjoyed her
much more than Kristen.
All the best
Jenn
Kirsten is one of my favorites,I want the best for her so whatever she needs to do, she should do it, hope whatever it is resolves soon we will miss her.
Please not Molly Burnett-Jen Lilley only will do.
I don’t like when one is recast, to me Kirsten is excellent as Maxie and like other’s said that she and Nathan/Ryan is not in a major story line…The writers can write Maxie out till Kirsten can come back…Wishing Kirsten the best and I hope all is well..
I doubt Jen would return. I wish Kirsten well.
Let’s pray that KS gets the strength and support she needs to get through this at her own pace.
Maxie isn’t driving story this time, so save the money and her live in off-screen Port Charles for a while. I’d rather see Jen Lilly as a permanent Serena Baldwin rather than a temporary Maxie.
No one for now. If she needs more time then yes to a temporary recast. Keeping Kirsten Storms in my thoughts and prayers. All her fans and GH fans want is for her to be okay again and return to GH when she’s okay.
Write her off temporarily.
Please have Jen Lilley please. She is much more like the character of Maxie than Molly is.
Exactly. I love both actresses. But, Jenn is never boring, just as Kirsten never was, in Maxie-mode.
I loved Molly, as Melanie. But, I never saw any energy from her in that role.
Of course, a good actress can take over any role….so, I do not want to underestimate any actor/actress.
Molly did do a fantastic job as Maxie….I just did not feel the vibe with her and Ryan….the passion, but simultaneously, the playfulness that Jenn could bring, was missing for me.
Ryan is out for awhile, so there is probably no need to replace her. I’m sure the writers could come up with something.
Hope she is ok and will be back real soon. There is no replacement for Maxie. She is one of a kind.
Clearly Kirsten have some serious issues, hence her appearance when she returned the last time..The girl is skins and bones..Best of luck to her.
GH needs to recast or just write the character off..And Ryan too…He is so pointless and boring..Just saying!!!
If rewrite, Jen!!! She actually was equal or better than the Kirsten!
Molly Burnett!! ASAP! 🙂
I don’t like these recasts. Just take Maxie off canvas until Kirsten is ready to return.
Please give her the time she needs to heal whatever her problems are and pray for her each day. Bring her back to GH as soon as she is able, I know we all will miss her. No one can play Maxie like she does. A wonderful actress.
Neither, let the character of Maxie chill off camera till K is ready to come back.
Neither, I think the actress that play Claudette, Bree is a good actress and has spunk.
What if Bree Williamson came back to play Maxie?? I love Bree, so I would wish but Jen for me is the best choice between her and Mandy.
No way…you offer to job to Lilly or Burnett…one of them will surely take it. Both actresses proved the role is recastible…many out there preferred them as Maxie.
If not one of them…begin a fresh search…no Williamson going from Claudette to Maxie.
That’s crazy…like Easton level crazy.
She looked like a zombie! Seriously, too many times has she reverted back to being sick. ABC has to step in and demand her taking a year off! She may or may not have a job to come back to but she will be ALIVE for her kids! Jen Lilley, please come back! Oh yeah, why not recast the Tin Man while your at it! Lets have a new Maxie and Nathan for the time being!
Neither. Maxie needs a break too.
Since her last departure, and I hate to speculate, but Kirsten has not looked the same. She has been looking gaunt and tired, and it’s very clear something a bit more serious than a skin condition is going on. I think she needs to take an extended leave from the role of Maxie and General Hospital, and focus on herself and her daughter, etc.
As for a recast, if her exit is indeed temporary, then don’t recast. If this requires extended leave, I’d warmly welcome back Jen Lilley into the role of Maxie; I much preferred her in the role when she assumed it in 2011, though, I’d much rather her return to Days of Our Lives. However, if she is unavailable or does not desire to step back into the role, I’d welcome back Molly Burnett. Molly did tremendously in the role of Maxie last time around; in fact, I found her mature portrayal a welcomed departure from that of Storms’ take on the character.
At the end of the day, however, this is about Kristen taking the time she needs to better herself, health-wise!
Scott…And it’s not just Kristen’s health. She and Brandon Barash recently got a divorce. So she’s dealing with a lot.
But I’m a little mixed on the Maxie character. You should have stability in the character and actor. Unfortunately this isn’t happening. But since Maxie’s made it her role, I can wait until she’s feeling better. They have enough other stories right now.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
General Hospital
Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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