General Hospital
Kristen Alderson "Why I Decided To Leave General Hospital" Video Message To Fans!
Courtesy/YouTube
As she had promised, Daytime Emmy winner Kristen Alderson tonight posted a very special video message to her fans offering an explanation and her side of the story as to why she decided to not re-sign with General Hospital end continue in the role of Kiki Jerome. The actress is finishing up her time at the ABC soap opera this month.
On this the day that the last episode of One Life to Live aired on ABC three years ago, Alderson next was able to take the character of Starr Manning to General Hospital. However, after the Prospect Park legal entanglements, ultimately Kristen’s could not longer play Starr, and GH created a new role for her that of Kiki, the daughter of mob gal Ava Jerome (Maura West) and daughter to Dr. Silas Clay (Michael Easton). Below are Kristen’s sentiments shared in the video on her departure.
Kristen Alderson: ” I have had the best time over the past three years. And this decision is purely spur of the moment, kind of an epiphany that I had that I have been in this amazing soap bubble since I was six-years-old, and now I am twenty-three, and I have never done anything else, or pushed myself, or challenged myself to do other things, and not necessarily in the industry, but things in life like … taking a class here or there for something other than acting, and getting back into singing, which you guy know I love to do … so that would be really exciting. And who knows where this road is going to take me? But, this had all happened very quickly, but I am prepared for the worst, and I am prepared for any failures.
I am prepared for all the excitement it will bring, and it’s just a new chapter in my life, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the support you guys have given me, and all of the love. I love you guys so much. I’ve always cared about you. I’ve grown up with you, you’ve grown up with me, and I am always going to be a part of your life. I will be tweeting and instragramming … and you know I will! ‘Thank You’ to Ron (Carlivati) and Frank Valentini, and everyone at ABC for all of your support, and ‘Thank You’ to the fans … you are the best in the world. Soap fans are family, and you always will be be.”
Watch Kristen’s goodbye message after the jump! Then share your thoughts on what she had to say in the comment section below!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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GOOD LUCK SHORTY ,YOU’LL DO WELL IN WHATEVER YOU DO,!
I love the ‘shorty’ reference 😀 I ditto that!
I am going to miss you on GH! Happy for you to be trying new stuff!
Good luck!
Yaaah!
you go Kristen!
get out before you grow old in a soap opera with a face-lift a wig and/or a 100 hair extensions and a pound of botox!
Explore and find your dream!!
I wish you the best!
I grew old watching soap operas…i didnt get a pound of botox but ive gained several pounds of weight…lol
Hey, Su….are we possibly talking about Sharon???? I know how much you love her….LOL.
Yup….I concur. Kristen will succeed in whatever she decides to do with/in her life. Why? She’s a beautiful human being; inside and out. Good fortune to her….not necessarily in monetary value; but a rich life.
SonnyCorinthos was holding her at gunpoint..or MonicaQuartermaine was…that video looked pretty suspect…OMG…HEATHER!!!!!!
I can understand why she wants to do it, and I wish her the best! But she will be missed!
I agree.
She should go to college!
Going to college is probably her best bet. Leave Hollywood alone and focus on your academics Kirsten.
Wishing you all the best in everything you do! We will miss you!
Yes we will miss our little shorty tons. I hope they don’t kill her off, so she can come back, if she wants to. We love you kristen, I have been watching you, since you were six
Same here, Susan. I have this sneaking suspicion that she and Chad are no longer in ‘paradise’. Could that be one of the reasons she is leaving? Just a thought.
Good luck to u, u r an amazing actress and imsure u will do great!
Good Luck Kristen. Take on the world and shine brightly. May you take on new adventures and show yourself what life can offer. Love Ya !!!
You will be missed on GH no doubt about that. Taking a challenge/step in a different direction is not a bad thing, you grow and learn and become a better person in the end. As always wishing you and your family all the best in life. Good luck to you and your brother as well. Hope to see both of you happy and successful in your endeavors.
Wishing you the best…..
Wishing you the best of luck the world has to offer you. Hopefully GH makes your exist with that open door, that you can always come back if you wanted to. You will be missed thats for sure.
What a beautiful, articulate young woman you’ve grown up to be! As one of the millions who watched you grow up I wush you God speed!
Great character and actress. Being a fan of ABC soaps, it was great to watch her grow up on tv. She brought new life, to General Hospital. Good luck with you future endeavors.
DITTO!! I will always love you, “Starr”…..I’ve missed you, “Blair”, and “Todd”…..grew up watching them together, and watching you grow UP as a person and an actress!!
Dear Kristin:
Oh My God you will be so missed it won’t feel like a good day without our daily dose of Starr in the sky. lol. Idk have or use Twitter so I hope you still will Facebook too. Wishing you all that life has to offer you.
Much Love, Joe
Im so sad to see you go but I know you will do great things! I have known you since you were little Star on OLTL. Thank you for letting us watch you grow up all these years. I’ll be seeing you on Instagram! Keep posting
I’m going to miss you..good luck
Best wishes, God bless.
Loved the acting chapter aka the early years
Can’t wait for the next chapter, the singing years
Loved you on OLTL and GH. Looking forward to
Hearing you accepting your first Grammy.♡♡♡
kristen alderson good luck everything you do i miss you on gh i watch you on oltl and gh. gl what you do singing all something
Good Luck and God Bless!! I have been watch you since you were little girl on OLTL ,you have grown Into a lovely young lady! I’m sure you will do great in anything you put you heart and mind into!! God Speed Kristen!! Xoxo
Perfectly stated. I so concur. Godbless Kristen.
Such a fan you will do well what ever your path will take you you will be missed from Canada
If she wants to go to college great, but not necessary. I would love to see her make it as a singer. I think she is talented enough. If she gets the urge to join a soap again and GH isn’t available, I hope she goes to DAYS.
College not necessary? First time I’ve ever heard that advice…LOL. Actually, she can do both..a college education is never a loss.
Good Luck to you 🙂
You will be missed
I don’t think it really was her decision, I think it was the network’s. Ultimately I think it was a mistake – Kiki served her place in the storylines and Alderson always put in a solid performance. However it seems as though she has decided to take the dismissal as a challenge and given that attitude I am sure it will tun out to be a blessing in disguise. Onward and upward, Kristen!
I kind of get that impression, too. She’ s known Frank and Ron since she was a little girl and they chose her as one of the few to live on in GH. It might have been a salary dispute and whomever is in charge didn’t feel the character at this point warranted more money or perhaps wanted her to accept a salary cut. Out of respect and friendship to Kristen, they may have allowed this”version” of events to be the official story. I’m rarely on Twitter and haven’t been for a while but she seemed to love working at. GH. Seemed kind of sudden as even she said in her video.
On the other hand, maybe she contemplated the move made by Kelly Thiebaud and realized Kelly gave herself four years on a soap and moved on…maybe Kristen realized she’s been on four times
as long and should take the plunge. Time will tell…if she winds up on another soap in the near future.
Either way great girl/actress. Will miss her on GH; I actually liked her as KiKi… Best to you, Kristen.
ya, maybe…it was a mutual parting between her and the network? and, instead of going recurring status, she opted to depart the role.
how about just taking it at face value and not trying to make it into something other than what Kristen herself says it is………….
Good point, Jeremy. Could be that as well.
@Samantha – Fans of soaps & tv dramas just love their…well…drama, don’t they? It’s not enough for them to watch it on screen. They have to extend it to off-screen, behind-the-scenes, & in actor’s personal lives. I tend to do what you do, Samantha. Believe the statement. She didn’t have to put one out at all. That she did is worth something. To brush it aside & say she was pushed out is insulting to the actress. Look, she’s financially secure – unlike a lot of 23-year-old’s – and she’s worked with these two professionals – FV & RC – for 17 years. The young lady needs to see what else is out there in life other than working on a soap! Good for her for not continuing to play it safe & spreading her wings. I wish her the best.
Samantha and. KansasGuest…I can hear you ! So can Jeremy and NickD. We all like her and wish her the best just as you do. I, as many, have watched her since she was a little girl, I was thrilled when she continued on with. GH, actually like her as KikI, and am sad we’ll be losing her in the role. That doesn’t mean we’re not allowed to speculate if there was some behind-the-scene reason…I’m willing to bet she and her friends speculate on some things too whether it be other actors, friends, business associates, etc. doesn’t imply anything negative. What IS negative and insulting are your comments to those of us who wonder if there’s any more to the reason. but, as you said, soap fans just love their drama. They like to initiate animosity…
Bravo, Rebecca. Thank you for saying it so well. I was too tired to react.
Will you be my ghost writer?
Pass me the bon bons please.
Well thank you, Harry. Vanilla or chocolate?
Yeah, how about just taking her word for it?
I’ve watched you since a little girl on one life to live and you are AMAZING!! although you will be sooooo missed on GH I wish you the best honey with whatever you do. Good luck!!
I am happy for her to wake up and go try her dreams ,shevis way too young and such a great singer she very pretty i think she could be a great pop star or major actresses. If Nathon Fallon can cross over and become a prime time hottie she can too
I just want to say that I have watched you grow up right before my eyes. You are a beautiful and an awesome actress. Wish the best in your music career. Can’t wait to hear some music….I got a little teary eyed when I found out that you were leaving GH. But I’m not mad that you want to pursue other things. So, I wish you the best of the luck…going to miss you but I’ll be seeing you in other things. Best of luck to you and Chad.
I am so sorry you are leaving I watched you since you were a little tike. Best of luck n I wish you all happiness n will miss you
Good luck with all your inspirations. I watched you grow up and you turned into a amazing young beautiful women. Go after your dreams♡♡ good luck you will be missed ♡
This is not the end, this is the beginning. Good Luck Kristen.
What a great, encouraging thought, Linda!
Kristen u r the best I hope gh leaves it so u can come back if u want and I hope I will see u on something eles ur the best loved u since oltl
So beautifully put, she covers it all with such intelligence and balance– she is truly special, bright, and deserves new adventures. God bless this gracious “star!”
good luck in your future it’s a great world out there have fun in what ever you choose and much happiness to you
I truly enjoyed your time on GH and wish you the very best in your future endeavors. Now’s the time of your life to explore everything and anything. Go do it! You will be missed on GH.
I will miss seeing her on GH. Wishing her well in whatever she chooses to do next! Hope one day she will be back.
I will miss you Starr!
Wishing you all the best Starr ( Kristen) you go back to school!
Good for you go too college have some fun enjoy yourself you have been working since you were little take a break your an awesome actress you have a great voice you will be missed but you have to do it now when your young good luck your fan since you came on OLTL Cheryl
Kristen,
I’ve been watching you since you were a little girl. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful performances. I loved Starr!!! Felt like she was a part of my family. You and Roger had a special magic together. I’m sure he will miss you too!
All the best in your future endeavors. It takes a lot of courage to do what you are doing. I applaud you for it.
Regards!
Will miss you Kristen….. Sending so much luck and good wishes to you!
Wish you the very best
Best of all to you…you will be missed greatly.
So sad to see You go, you’re one of my faves. I started watching GH when Starr, John and Todd switched over, then I got stuck on it and watch it every single day. I miss OLTL, but GH is my fave now. Good luck in your new adventure In life. Hope all goes well for you!
If/when she decides to come back,”Days of Our Lives” should recast Paige with Kristen in the role. That way,she’d be reunited on screen with her former TV mom,Kassie DePaiva.
She is a fine young women. I give her credit for not playing it safe and riding the coattails of her soap experience. 23 years old. She has a whole big world filled with dreams and possibilities. Go out, have fun, learn and live life. Someday she could return, stronger, wiser and bring more different experience to her character. Good luck Kristen.
Hi Kristen ,
Wishing you all the best , I have watched you grow to an amazing young lady on One Life To Live .. I wish you nothing but the best on your new journey .. You will be missed ❤️❤️❤️ xoxo
I hope that her spur of the moment epiphany pays off for her. Although it wouldn’t of been easy she could of taken a class while on a soap. Its a hard world to make it when all she has ever done is appeared on a soap. GH has many hiatuses. Perfect time for her to spread her wings. Hope this gives her want she needs.
Good Luck to you in all your endeavors. We have been fans of yours since One Life to Live. We love when you sing . You have a beautiful voice. We will be looking forward to the next amazing chapter in your life. Evelyn and Michael Franzese
Thank you Kristen for your heartfelt message. I will miss you and best of luck of what you find down that road! I know you’ll do well.
Good Luck! Enjoyed the great many years you have acting… We love ya!!!!!
I wish her well. I understand needing a break from soaps. I won’t be missing Kiki though!
God bless!!