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Molly Burnett Debuts As GH's Temporary Maxie, Shares: "It Was An Honor To Step In for A Few"

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

Tuesday’s episode of General Hospital saw the debut of Molly Burnett as the temporary replacement for Kirsten Storms in the pivotal role of Maxie Jones.

Burnett, who is best known to daytime audiences for her role as Melanie Jonas on Days of our Lives, shared her first General Hospital scenes with Robert Palmer Watkins (Dillon), and the incoming Bree Williamson as (CJ aka Claudette), whose first episode was also on Tuesday’s airshow.

In light of her GH debut, Molly took to Twitter to share some heartfelt sentiments for taking on the role made famous by Storms.  As fans of the ABC soap know, Kirsten is already back and has resumed the role after her short break.  Burnett posted: “Thank u Port Charles for letting me visit.  Kirsten is so talented, & created such a fun character, it was an honor to step in for a few.”

So, what did you think of Molly’s debut stepping in temporarily for Kirsten Storms? Did she capture the essence of Maxie in her first scenes?  What did you think of her very thoughtful tweet about spending some time in the hood of Port Chuck? Share your thoughts in the comment secton below!

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Molly was great! The role is in good hands!

I’d like to comment on Bree’s debut: Should have been dramatic–wasn’t.
Bree can bring drama–sad to see her come in and to “watch the paint dry”–yet again.

It was only the first day. Character conflict must be set up with a narrative foundation. Today, only the second day, it appears she will already have a confrontation with Nathan. Please give them at least a day of storytelling breathing room. Bree will bring it–guaranteed. She always does.

I agree. I was underwhelmed by Bree. However, I think it’s because, as usual, I expect too much from actors/actresses that I am am really into.
Molly, on the other hand, killed it, today. She was outstanding. She’s not Kirsten; but, Molly has opened a brand new can of worms. The possibilities are endless. This Maxie ‘temporary replacement’ has something up her sleeve where Claudette is concerned.
Claudette may think she has one over Maxie. But, Maxie has MINX written all over her face. Kudos.

I thought she was great!

Molly was great, and I thank her, for stepping in, while Kirsten could not be there. Wish GH, would give her a role, all her own. She was spunky, quirky, adorable, and I would love to see her on GH, working at crimson

Loved her tweet by the way. So sweet! I wish her the best of luck.

I thought she was great! I had no problem accepting her as Maxie right out of the shoot. Also, she looked stunningly gorgeous! That’s a very gracious message she sent out. She’s a fun and talented actress and a class act. Long live GH!

I love Molly… I know so many people don’t, but I miss her….wish she had come on as a different character so she could stay.

I agree. I thoroughly enjoyed Burnett today, I kept wondering who is that?? I did not care for her character on Days. I would love to see that character (not Maxi) on GH or another soap!

I loved Melanie Jonas! Cute, fun and lovable to me.

Me too Kevin, Molly Burnett did a terrific job as Maxie. I love Molly, she is a wonderful actress. The haters will always hate, they are never satisfied. I hope Molly comes back to days, I miss her so much.

Molly Burnett — I just don’t see it. It was jarring to see a brunette in Maxie’s shoes. I will give her credit for at least trying to be convincing in the role but she just doesn’t present well. I heard so much praise about her previously and I saw her on DAYS and was sorely disappointed but I thought that maybe on GH she would shine. Well not so much. I guess for her fans it was refreshing to see her again but I can’t wait for the REAL Maxie to come back.

Yeah, they have hair and makeup, they could have lightened her hair. I guess its just for a couple weeks so why bother.

To be fair it was her first day, so I’ll allow for “first day jitters” and what not. One more thing…..I think that she played it a bit too reserved because of a lot of insults about her over acting or being a bit to hyper or flaky when portraying Melanie on DOOL. She was probably over compensating, but the characters of Maxie and Melanie are actually a lot alike, so she could bring the bubbliness to the role. But no matter what she does the poor girl is d***** if she does or d***** if she doesn’t. But I am a big fan of hers and I wish her the best. If Kim Matula doesn’t return to B&B, I think she would make a great replacement for Hope, if they were to bring the character back…

I really liked her interpretation of Maxie. It was a refreshing change and good one.

Well done, Molly. You are a genuine pro.

I actually thought Molly did a great job on GH… never liked her character on Days, and while I love KS, I enjoyed seeing Maxie as a completely different personality. (Funny how subjective these things are, my reaction to the temporary Maxie was the opposite of my reaction to the temporary Nikolas. Nothing against the actor, but he was so different than TC’s Nik that I had trouble seeing him as the character at all. That one was a major fail for me.)

I dunno. I fell like TC has been on “auto-drive” for a really long time. He’s lost whatever it was that he once had. I’m tired of ALWAYS catching him read the cue cards or teleprompter or taking direction or whatever it is he’s always looking at off screen. He just dials it in now. At the very least an actor can do it “act”. I mean it’s in the name of the job afterall.

I don’t know, hard to say. Yes, the actors should act….. but I understand how they may not see it that way given that the writers should also write, and they aren’t necessarily holding up their end of the framework.

This lady is one class act!

Liked her new look….also dressed in sylish clothes…stunning!!

*stylish

Surprisingly she was fine…

Was very surprised they didn’t have her go blonde, but no biggie. Glad KS will be back soon. Tweet shows MB is a class act.

Molly did very well. Maxie is one of a kind so it wouldnt be easy to do. Her like Nick Stabile filling in for Tyler are very good actors. Its a shame they are “Filling in” when they could have been casted as someone permanently. GH has enough bad actors. Why not switch them out? Molly as Sabrina and Nick as A.J. YES, we need A.J. ALIVE!

Nick as A.J. has a stroke of genius to it. I’d vote for that.

Hi Soaphound. Many of us noted Nick’s resemblance to Sean Kanan the first day he took over his current role as Nicolas. If Sean had to be replaced, Stabile would fit the bill physically, though I’d love to see SK back now that Ron’s gone

I liked what screen time Molly has had. Seems to have chemistry with the other actors.

Totally!

She did great. Hopefully the powers that be will find a role for her. She resembles elizabeth. Maybe a long lost webber.

Great idea! Doesn’t Elizabeth have a sister? She’d be perfect!

Maybe Sarah?!

It’s such a short stint I wonder why they elected to have a temp replacement to begin with? Couldn’t Maxie have visited Georgie for a few weeks?

She does have a sister named Sarah…

I was thinking… Molly should be Sara Webber!!!

Well I give her props for trying– it is not an easy task to come in and take over a role so established even on a temporary basis. And personally I am glad they didn’t attempt to make her look like KS– she is a soap version of the Broadway understudy so we viewers can afford to generous and not give her too much flack because she is not KS.

Molly captured Kirsten’s delivery and tone quite well without mimicking. While not a fan of her role on Days, this brief stint is a testament to her skills as an actress.

I so disgree, lol. I never saw Molly Burnett and I really liked her. She’s adorable and whomever she was playing was great! By that I mean (and here’s where I disagree) her version (in my view) of Maxie didn’t “capture” Kirsten’s delivery at all. Kirsten is almost hyper, bubbly, all-over-the place. Molly’s version seemed sophisticated, mature, mellow. I enjoyed watching her; she just wasn’t Maxie as we know her (and I’m not talking hair color). Anyway, she was great; just a different version.

Enjoyed Molly’s version and she looked great..

GH should have emergency back up storyline in case actors have to be absent, both replacement for nikolas and maxie were distracting more then anything and not distracting in a good way, i feel gh should of just waited for the actors to come back, then continue the storylines, surely claudette could of been introduce without having to first interact with maxie. The show could of build up to them meeting . The nikolas storyline the only thing saving it is ironically Ava being added to the mix, because jason and sam are a bore to watch. but seriously no more temp replacement they just don’t work in my opinion. Have back up story to air or just keep the story going without the actors, theres way the writers and show runner just have to be creative.

I was floored at how good Ms. Burnett was in her debut episode. She was bright, charming, poised, and lovely. I’m happy to be wrong by my skepticism. On the other hand, I was NOT, however, similarly won over by Ms. Williamson. I guess time will tell, often actors need a few weeks to feel comfortable. Us, too.

I thought the same thing about Ms. Williamson.

i jus wish the writers would have stalled this storyline whist KS is away…just seemed so odd introducing Bree Williamson with a stand in for Maxie.

Exactly. The writers drop or forget about all of the storylines. This could have waited a couple of weeks. Maxie could have been written as visiting Georgie.

Love Kristen but love molly too!

I’ve never understood the appeal of the Maxie (I preferred Georgie) so I was surprised that I enjoyed Molly Burnett’s take on the character. Wish she was staying longer.

Agreed! Really like MB’s interpretation of Maxie.

Nothing against the actress, but I had trouble biying her as Maxie. I’m sure she did as well as most could. Kristen is just irreplacable in my eyes.

I did too, I posted a comment below.

Agree to disagree. Loved MB. She needs to be on daytime somewhere. She turned a character who has become annoying and cloying of late into someone watchable.

I am not a fan of MB’s DOOL character. I was pleasantly surprised when she appeared as Maxie as reserved and not so bubbly. Today’s episode will be more telling with her interaction with Nathan and Claudette.

I agree the storyline should have been put on hold or Claudette’s interaction with Maxie delayed until KS’s return. Like Nathan has said Claudette is manipulative. That is all I see thus far with her. Bree is a fine actress. This is her first daytime role she has created and it will be interesting to see where this goes.

I decided to tune-in since I read a lot of the positive feedback here on the site. While I am sure it is hard to temporarily fill in for another actress on leave, I only saw Molly acting as Melanie (from DOOL), not really acting as Maxie. Maybe if TPTB asked Molly to color her hair, I would have thought she acted/seemed more like Maxie. I just don’t see the appeal or acting capabilities.

Upon further thought….Molly brings a certain maturity to the role that Kirsten lacks. KS’ version of Maxie seems to be stuck in perpetual childishness. Molly’s Maxie, I get to see the character as an adult. The character of Maxie has to be in her 30s by now, but Kirsten interprets her as still being in her early 20s. Even when the writers put her with her child. I find Kirsten’s Maxie to immature for my liking.

But on the flip side what about Nina and Curtis eh????? In a word- CHEMISTRY!

I was thinking the same thing. And as much as I think the actress playing Valerie is gorgeous they never have her on! We STIlL don’t know who her father is and it’s ridiculous that the Spencer’s didn’t display an iota of surprise that she’s bi-racial or ask about, meet her father. I don’t even remember, did they say if he’s alive? Anyway, if they don’t start featuring her more the role is pointless. Nina and Curtis were attracted to each other from the start; could be an interesting couple.

I cannot think of a more offensive tv introduction of a character than a core character remakring, “We’re related? But…you’re black.” OMG – what century do you live in? If someone were to say that in public today, it would be incredibly rude. I don’t know where you live. But GH is written in Southern California, where multiracial people abound and it’s really not as big a deal as in other parts of the country that are less diverse. I’m not referring to Hispanics or blacks. I’m referring to the multitudes of people who can trace their lineage to 3-4 cultures, like Olivia Munn or Bruno Mars, where it is truly NOT an issue. The only thing that matters is their talent, character & work ethic. GH also takes place in NY state, which attracts as diverse a population as CA. Not to mention, there’s also the issue of adoption, and history to consider, when many Korean & Vietnam vets fathered biracial children when staioned overseas. In the 80’s, Tom Hardy & his wife, Simone, were the first biracial couple on soaps, and the Hardys were completely accepting of Simone. To have the Spencers feel awkward about a new relative 25-30 years later would be a serious step backwards for GH, IMO. Please get with the times.

KansasGuest…And I cannot not imagine a more pompous, self-righteous judgmental, haughty and a few other choice words that I’ll refrain from using in reference to your response. Where did I say anything you implied I did? Where am I from? Born and raised in Manhattan. Work in the media. Have friends of every background/persuasion. NONE of which has to anything to do with noticing and asking the obvious when a bi-racial family member shows up in a totally white family. You think it unnatural to show some surprise or curiosity as to who her father is, what background a relation is? Surprise and curiosity does not equal prejudice, bias, racism or anything negative. If a blond, blue-eyed relative showed up in a black home, you don’t think they’d be a tad curious, surprised?

Can’t wait for writers to write for the characters and not the color of the character’s skin. It would be refreshing and almost like they were in the 21st century.

Do you think they currently write for the color of a character’s race? I don’t. But that still has nothing to do with the fact that a biracisl woman was introduced as a Spencer and not obe person

one person mentioned who her father is or acknowleged surprise as I think most would. Again, not racism, surprise, a reaction, a question. Many posters here questioned who her father was when she was introduced, but twe still don’t know. As for color, lol, some viewers are freaking out because Molly Burnett has brown hair and doesn’t resemble Maxie…and Jason Thompson has dark hair and doesn’t resemble the Abbotts! So I think it’s fair to say Valerie doesn’t resemble a Spencer. If the viewer noticed, I kinda figure the Spencers noticed too.

Like Jen Lilley before her, I find myself very much enjoying Molly Burnett’s take on Maxie. Very poised and quite refreshing even with the darker hair. I wouldn’t mind if, after finishing her stint, there might be a possibility of finding a place for her as a legacy character on GH, maybe Christina Baldwin.

I love her acting style as maxie. I wish she was permanent.

Nobody can replace Maxie Jones and give her what KS does period. The new girl is a great actress but I like her but just not as Maxie. She does bring the Maxie vibe. KS’s Maxie brings a fierce loyal person trying to do the right thing but never 100% confident and definitely not reserved and calm and not a controlled calculating Maxie. KS also has sounds she makes with her pitch that and a sassy beat that only KS can pull off in the role. Also the new Nic is too hansome and older that he could be dating Laura his mother. He would be an excellent AJ thought.

Molly did marvelous work . I wish her the best!

This was my first time seeing this actress in action. She is marvelous! Mr. Valentini, put this beautiful and very talented actress on contract STAT!

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’

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Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark

Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”

In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.

It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.

Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.

You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.

So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?

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On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.

As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.

Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC

Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.

BROTHERLY LOVE?

Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”

With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”

BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE

Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”

So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair

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After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!

In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.

Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.

MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP

Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!

At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.

Courtesy/ABC

BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY

Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”

LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER

In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?

So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.

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