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Rebecca Budig Exiting General Hospital!

Courtesy/ABC

Rumors had been swirling that Rebecca Budig was on her way out at General Hospital.  This morning,Soap Opera Digest has reported that Budig was let go from her role of Hayden Barnes.

Budig, who has signed a four-year contract with the ABC daytime drama series, and previously became soap-famous for her roles on Guiding Light and All My Children is reportedly wrapping her final scenes on the series this week, before the show’s July 4th hiatus.

According to sources, Rebecca was informed of the show’s decision to write her out a month ago.  As well, that Budig’s departure has all to do with a storyline-dictated decision and nothing else.

Currently in story, Budig is pregnant with Finn’s (Michael Easton) baby.  What does this mean for how the relationship will end, or not, for Finn and Hayden? Stay tuned.

So, what do you think about GH’s decision to let-go of Rebecca Budig? Comment below!

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Seems like such a waste if they end up killing off her character. The writers made the effort to tie Hayden to an established family so why kill her off? At the very least let Hayden, Finn and baby exit together.

It is the writers at fault.
Both Michael and Rebecca are great actors. It is the lackluster stories they have been given,
Toenail clippings are more exciting and intriguing than Finn and Hayden and that is solely on the writers.

There is not one GH couple that has been interesting, exciting, or even enticing and that is on the writers.
GH couples a dull, they are stale. Not one couple has had an adventure.
The couples do nothing but have boring conversations and an occasional rollover in bed and even that is lackluster.

didn’t couples use to save each other on an adventure of high drama life and death risking their lives for each other.. and hard drama betrayals .
bottom line; there is not one super couple, not even close to super anything.

“Toenaill clippings,” eh? Hey, I DID have an exciting time clipping said toenails before attending church Sunday! Bunches of fun! 🙂 🙂

Why? I love Hayden. New writers??

“…couples do nothing but have boring conversations and an occasional rollover ”

made my day

the writers are in fact the culprit and to their own detriment… spiral

Hayden… was clearly forced.. and GH history was even rewritten, for

she had two of the best chances and it was smoldering and fun

which would have brought her that much more in to the fold… had they not mucked up

1. Nicholas… was all smolder. in this time frame… thee best leading man. He ignited once again a new passion… he had it with Britta and then with Hayden… till TPTB FIRED HIM. what a joke of a show Frank and Shelley own

they did this mind numbing … “war of the roses” greed and diamonds .. and the forever and day fighting between Nikolas and Jason… with Jason always coming out on top… what fun is that ? Jason is so dull and lifeless.

Tyler Christopher needs to return with Jason Patrick Stuart. Period.

2. FUN… with Curtis. ( definitely add in smolder ) this was a couple in the making… and TPTB mucked up. Curtis and Hayden could have easily taken over the super sleuthing that Jason and Sam do… and could have made one of the cutest couples FUN playful flirty and SEX’y.

GOD … what is the matter with TPTB .. what allegiances are made behind closed doors

that they continually obsess about : The dullards

Sonny / Carly / Jason / Sam / Michael / Nelle / Finn / Hayden / Franco

i’m sorry to see Hayden go… of all the characters who lackluster… Hayden could have come out on top.

once again… the Corinthos pie @GH. sinks this show.

su0000, I absolutely agree with you, on what you said about there being no super couples to root for. I have said this in other posts. There is no Luke and Laura, Sonny and Brenda (90’s version), Frisco and Felicia, etc. to rush home to watch and root for. I don’t consider Sonny and Carly a super couple. Not sure I ever have (just my opinion). There is no build-up, no formation of a couple, no friendship, no courtship-nothing to be excited about.

Suooo, right again. All the couples are bores. But I can’t help wondering if cutting Rebecca is to make more money available to throw at Steve Burton who, according to Soap Central, is returning to GH. I don’t get it. Whenever Burton gets bored or wants time off, they/he spin these cockamamie tales to cover for him until he decides to grace us with his (limited) talents again. If they oust Billy Miller to make way for this guy’s return, that’s the end for me. Period. Why not get Greg Rikaart instead? Someone who appreciates his job and doesn’t just soap-hop to (presumably) get more cash now that he’s won a second Emmy!. Ugh!

I agree!

Kill em off and give Nina the baby!

This should be a lesson learned in HOW NOT TO BRING ON A SOAP CHARACTER. This goes way back to 2014 from the conception. First of all, Frank Valentini is WAY into “name” actors. So…he probably, gushingly happy, called Ron and said “We got Budig! Write a part for her'” From there, Ron wrote one of the most pointless characters and stories ever witnessed on daytime…that of Hayden pretending to be Jake’s wife from a neighboring suburb. So…what…they had no friends…no neighbors…no house…no one or NOTHING to back uo her claim? Then she got involved with a legacy character who has been trashed and destroyed himself, Nikolas. Always a good guy, he would have never had her shot for such a weak reason, or any reason! Thankfully, she was off the show in a coma with no reason to ever really return.

Then…a writer switch takes place, and the character is brought back as someone that Tracy keeps snidely referring to as Rachel. This had long tike viewers racking their brains trying to think of someone named Rachel…maybe with a Quartermaine or Cassadine connection. Nope…turns out she was a con artist…daughter of an off screen, never before hesrd of con artist. Who cares??? Finally, trying to shoe horn her onto the canvas, they made her Jeff Webber’s daughter from an affair. That plan had potential…had that been the game plan all along. But even that…Jeff Webber is a character from 35 years ago. He is not familiar to today’s audience. He may be known in passing as Elizabeth’s constant absentee father, but thats all

There was chemistry with Finn. I actually enjoyed their light banter and awkwardness at love…but they were strangers! I didnt know or care enough. Why cant they write endearing stuff like that for the vets we know and love? So now she is leacing while pregnant. My guess is she will somehow die…the baby will have to be implanted into someone else….probably Elizabeth…..and then the baby complications with Finn blah blah blah. And there’s another one…Finn. Michael Easton is not a one man show, he is not a soap sacing superstar, and has NO anchor in town. His salary could be better spent.

I have demonstrated why this was HOW NOT TO BRING ON A CHARACTER. In the HOW TO department….if a soap name is available…look at the canvas. See who has family. See who needs a story. See who needs a solid long term love interest. Maybe it could be a recast. For instance, Elizabeth already has a sister out there floating around who had a history with Nikolas and Lucky. Her name is Sarah. Budig could have played her. She could have played a back to life Emily as a reason why Nikolas suddenly turrned badass. She could have been Jimmy Lee Holt’s daughter…and thus a Quartermaine heir.

With that all said…I have a sneaking suspicion this may have something to do with ABC planning to bring on more AMC and OLTL characters and stacking the deck that way. Lets face it…ol’ Greenlee is more of a draw than Hayden/Rachel. It just seems like they went through a lot of effort to integrate her into the show….to just hurriedly write her off claiming “storyline and nothing else:. We will see how it plays out….but I dont think this is the end of Budig and GH.

Great post Jenn! You’re are 100% correct and what a memory! I forgot all those lousy stories they tried to shoehorn her in! Green Leigh Smyth and Leo DuPre were the bomb.

Really disappointed at this turn of events. She’s good with Michael Easton, has had a good storyline with him. But, it’s been about love and relationships, Finn’s substance abuse – things people can relate to. Their storyline’s been a nice break from the focus on violence with Sonny and his tribe. Rebecca transitioned her character from unlikeable to likeable, was developing a relationship with sister Liz…again, very disappointed to see her go.

it sucks! why have her pregnant in the show tban write her out! Im sad for finn! will miss her

Not a smart move letting her go as she is a talented actress. I do feel she was not given an exciting or memorable role to play. That’s on the writers and execs. A shame.

No disrespect to the lovely Rebecca Budig, but this storyline has NOT worked from the get goj; starting with Nicholas and ending with this boring Finn story. This is a case of a character being shoved down our throats and it is wasted airtime. I’m not sure what will become of Michael Easton, but this story really is not working. When they are on, that’s usually when I multitask.
Best to Rebecca.

Hayden was always a forced-on-the-viewer character and it made it difficult to accept her…rumor is Easten’s days are numbered and will return later as John Mcbain…also Roger will be dropped and return as Todd manning…ok, there is no rumor i read…i just wanted to start one-lol

I love and support your rumor and hope it’s actually true and we just aren’t made aware of it yet. They could totally do what you have proposed and I would be ecstatic. I would gladly trade in waste of time non-legacy Finn and a character that no one wanted, needed or even asked to return with a different actor like Franco for Mcbain and Todd. Those are characters that will go down in history as strong characters that many still love and care about to this day, because they belonged on the shows they were on, and didn’t have to be slowly massaged into the canvas over several years and still not fit into the show like Franco and Finn. The only reason I even like Franco is because Roger has put his all into the role and can make anything work, and he and Rebecca Herbst really put it down when they are on the screen, have chemistry, and their storyline as a result has many more layers than most of the cast because of the nuance they add to the material given.

However Rebecca Budig had it bad from the beginning. They forced her on the audience as a hateful character with no saving graces to root for and she was constantly propped by Tracy (I still miss her) and then they had the nerve to make her Liz’s sister overnight so they could pretend she was legacy, but there was no background story when what we needed was Liz’s father to be recast so that we could see why he would cheat when he was never portrayed as a cheater to my knowledge in the past. They skipped several necessary beats to make her viable and likable and the whole show suffered as a result. The final blow was when Nik was killed off and they had to give her another coupling with Finn who had flimsy story throughout his creation and their coupling did neither any favors, and no amount of propping could hide that they didn’t need to be there. The writing was so-so as it was since Carlivati left, plus the current regime couldn’t give the characters the ‘pop’ they needed to light up the screen like say, Ava could, but it’s still disappointing that they couldn’t make it work for a good actress, no fault of hers. They promoted her like she was sliced bread at the beginning and then they discard her like day old bread? That’s the current regime for ya. They need new, experienced writers that RESPECT AND KNOW THE HISTORY and love the show immediately, and we’ll see a stop to these characters that are out in the fringes only tangentially connected to the canvas needing to be constantly propped.

GH is bringing back Steve Burton. This signals that ABC is stepping in and trying to return GH to be GH, with GH actors. This is what could bring back GH fans.

That also suggests they’re finally getting that Frank’s agenda of tons of new actors from other soaps does not work.Their fan bases are myths. They may exist on a show that they originated a character on but it doesn’t translate to them coming to a new soap with them.

If this is the case, ABC isn’t going to flood GH with characters from OLTL. However many OLTL fans may come,more GH fans will be disgusted and leave as many already have. And in particular, more bites at the apple, more special treatment for Easton and Howarth will drive fans away for good. They’ve done nothing for GH.

Finn should be going with Hayden, there’s no point to the character. And when Burton returns as Jason he murders Franco and bye Howarth with no return as Todd or anyone else. Yes I know he just signed a new contract, but we can see as with Budig’s four year term, they are worthless on soaps.

Agree with you and Sandy, Ces. A real shame!!!! “When will they ever learn!!”
I thought with a baby on the way, the Finn-Hayden love story would flourish.
I must admit that I really did not feel that all-out-mad, passion with this couple. Nik and Haydrn had it going.
Needless to say; that soured with the ridiculous twists and turns Hayden’s character took.
Same could be said for Nikolas.

Good luck, Rebecca!! Love you.

Probably because Tyler Christopher can just look at some one and there would be passion. Without him though her character was always just meh…
I like Easton but I don’t have a problem with him leaving if that’s where they want to go with it.

Total agreement.

Agree with Ces completely. Great actress but continual propping!

Seriously, first as Jake Doe’s wife, then with Nikolas then with Finn and both propped by Tracy and then let’s make her a Webber as well. Last scene at the Q’s. More propping! And yes while I enjoy Michael Easton , Fayden’s chemistry was ok. Nothing extraordinary. I won’t get into that subject now….

I completely agree with you, Ces. The character was highly unlikeable, and was forced upon viewers by being tied to many popular characters (Nikolas, Jake/Jason, and now, she is living in the Quartermaine mansion). I’ve never been a fan of hers (used to watch AMC) however; I don’t think the character ever really took off.

Agreed dmr, I wasn’t a fan of Greenlee either.
They tried to make the character likeable but between this nonsense addict story and weak “love story” with Finn there was no hope.
I’ve been hard on Michelle Stafford before due to GH shoving Nina down our throat but Michelle has managed to turn it around and I root for Nina now; never got there with Hayden.

With no disrespect intended to Rebecca Budig, I have to say that this news gladdens my heart! Hayden was a perfectly smug, annoying creature whose meandering presence always felt like it was being forced upon the audience…like so many newbies her mere existence seemed to be primarily predicated for the purpose of bringing yet another soap vet “get” to the GH canvas without much forethought to actual potential storylines or wishes of the show’s loyal, longtime viewers who have time and time again expressed their disapproval of this seemingly never-ending casting practice which does not successfully mix the old and the new….much to the detriment of beloved legacy players. Having said that, now if we can just similarly see the obnoxious, omnipresent Nina receive her walking papers outta Port Charles, then I’ll be over the moon! (Sorry about that last request, Ces….and CeeCee!!!!)

Shay, I completely agree with you. We were force fed big spoonfuls of Hayden constantly.
Her presence was always forced. A financial officer always at the nurses’ desk and wandering the GH halls. Oh and yes let’s have her detox Finn! Seriously? Just some of these scenarios that drove me nuts. While Easton and Budig did have some good scenes with Jane Elliott, it was still propping. Making her pregnant after only one shown sex scene was stupid! A baby was the last thing this couple needed.
If Easton stays on GH they have to develop him as a character and give him backstory and other relationships. Personally, I like him. Good luck to Rebecca Budig.

boffo

“…because Tyler Christopher can just look at some one and there would be passion. ”

I am so hoping… that when – Valentin – returns… so does Nikolas… hence the reign of the Cassadine MEN

I would love it if Tyler returned; doesn’t look like they’re going that direction.
I am loving James Patrick Stuart though! Love me some Valentin.

You are right.

I’m loving Valentin too!! He is sexy, smooth, cunning, and whether right or wrong, he doesn’t back down from a fight!! Team Valenina!!!

YES!

I mean whatevs.. However I’m glad Elizabeth had a sister even if it was just temporarily and I wasn’t watching lol

Not a good choice here! I like Hayden and believe she’s been the best addition in a loooooong time and she def has lasting abilities and GH should keep her. Sad to hear.

Agree

I liked her too! There was finally an INTERESTING woman on GH, BESIDES Laura Wright!!

The character was originally intended to be short-term. Once on contract, she never really seemed to catch on, despite the writers constant changes. The Rebecca Herbst fan base saw her as an Elizabeth replacement. Even after the retcon making her a Webber/Hardy, A toned down Hayden was nicer, but not very interesting.

Budig’s best scenes were with Tyler Christopher and Jane Elliott. Good luck to her.

She had a four year contract

Originally, she was recurring as the imposter wife of “Jake Doe” hired by Ric. When Hayden woke from her coma, Budig was got that 4-year contract.

In soap-land almost all performer contracts have 6-month option periods where the network can void the rest of the deal. Newer performers have 3-month options.

If they must……let her go for a little while…..then bring her back

Dumb move, but then again. . .

Weird. Just as they were gaining momentum…Hayden, Finn, baby…outing out Dr. O for trying to sabotage Finn…they never expanded the relationship between Liz and her newfound sis…I guess all the speculation that Jeff Weber would be back to bond with his “new” daughter, etc…out the window. Much untapped potential.

There are rumors Michael Easton is on his way out, too. Perhaps this is their exit story. Disappointed if that’s the case. I really love Michael Easton and would have liked them to find a great character for him to play, with longevity.

I share your disappointment, Rebecca. I know Michael Easton has a lot of projects going on simultaneously so if he exits it could be his decision.
I just hope they’re not letting Rebbecca go so they can pay Steve Burton a hefty salary who I guess is coming back as Jason.

Hey Rhonda…I HEARD that…about Steve Burton returning??? But not from any official soap pub; just when I peruse various boards. I’d be surprised if he came back. Doesn’t seem like he’d want to. What has changed? He still lives in Nashville, he doesn’t want the commute and he’s opened a restaurant and a nutrition business that keeps him busy. And…he’d catch lottsa flack for leaving Y&R because he didn’t want to be a soap actor at this point in his life.

Personally? I’m used to Billy Miller in the role now. I don’t necessarily see him as Jason, per se, but whoever he is, I’m just used to his presence and rapport with Sam. Detest his friendship with Sonny and have no idea why they don’t show him with Michael more (as opposed to Michael Moore. 😉 ) Lots of interconnected people seem to have gone by the wayside. Alexis barely grieved for Nicolas, she hasn’t yet seen Spencer who is her nephew…Molly, Christina and Sam are cousins are also related to Spencer but we’ve never seen them together. Michael is Charlotte’s cousin…soaps are supposed to be about FAMILY!!!! But I digress… 🙂

I’m hoping Michael Easton stays…or realizes he’s John McBain and only THOUGHT he was Finn when he was high. ahhahaha. ahem.

I am all for Steve Burton returning to GH as Jason if it means Y&R kicks JT to the curb and we can get Billy Miller back as Billy Abbott– that character has never been the same since he left the show.

But I would be ticked if they are firing people to pay for Steve’s return, considering they weren’t willing to fork over some money to keep Christopher Tyler as Nik– which for me would have been worth it to keep him on the show- and if they did perhaps RB as Hayden would of had a better fate.

I really liked his moody John Mcbain…

I’ll always miss John McBain. Well, LOL, you know what I mean. In soap land…

Hell yes! Loved him and his fiery redhead Natalie!

Since Michael Logan is confirming the Burton story, it’s pretty safe to say it’s true.

If Easton leaves that leaves General HOSPITAL without another doc or 2 – since Liesl is either out or will be banished from the hospital.

Unlikely, but it would be amazing if Burton shows up as Dr. Jason Quartermaine. I guy can dream, at least.

If he’s coming back I’d be surprised if he were here to stay. Maybe he’ll be a flashback in Sam’s memory…now that she’s going through hallucinations, etc…she might be remembering him in his former visage.

GH – NEEDS – to seriously think about the menfolk who are always featured

wheres the sizzlean
wheres the captivation
wheres the ACTING ?

Sonny – Jason – Finn – Franco – Michael

is letting go of womenfolk , a double standard ?

give the woman the shaft ?

Finn is just as bad if not worse. I’ve always said Hayden had the better chance of the two.

wouldn’t it have been something to see her paired with Curtis.. as the new suersleuths HOT about town. REPLACING – even worse… Jason and Sam. they have got to go

I do not care what happens to Sam. when did she get a lobotomy?

Billy Miller is stuck in a handsome body. his eyes need to glisten and dance.

Franco… so what? I no longer care… when their is a whole other cast that is better.

Michael and Nelle… gawd how dull. another case where perhaps Nelle could do better

Arent’ sonny and carly acting staid and lackey ?… their “courtship” pre divorce ? so spelled out with no reason to want them ?

I loved Rebecca Buddig with Josh Duhamel.

GH – NEEDS – some serious overhaul

can’t wait till September.. when Shelley Passante is the next to go… I’d throw in Frank Valentini

Dullard all around

this is a lot of cache to turn out the rest of the cast

FIRE

Patrick

Jean Passanante is leaving, but Shelly Altman has signed new contract to remain as head writer.

Hopefully Steve Burton returning will be the jolt this show needs.

And did you read that Jill F Phelps (bite my tongue) is returning also???!!!!

@ Nancy dillingham

Hell hasn’t frozen over yet. I think you’re safe from that happening.

JFP cannot handle the reduced budgets that go with daytime tv these days. Burton’s deal will not be as lucrative as his Y&R. He’s still expensive, so more cast cuts are to come

Yes, Patrick. You struck a chord with me. When Curtis and Hayden were sort of a ‘team’, they sooo connected.
I commented on it….but, at the risk of sounding repetitious, the twists and turns occurred.
The worst for me? Curtis and Jordan. He is so sexy and she is soooo…..

I completely agree about Curtis and Jordan.

since Jordan is never really written for.. outside of the police commish
even scenes with TJ are few . which I think could have really fleshed out her character… that TJ the actor is one busy guy… for good reason. I like his character and acting.

so.. for that reason.. i’d prefer Jordan be with Andre… they both have no life outside their jobs.. so why not put them together.. that way it’s still a couple .. who are married to their jobs.

because… Curtis is a hottie .. and should not be wasted.. if they can’t even write for Jordan. now what to do with him… if Hayden is off the show? now we have no choice but to accept Curtis and Jordan. blah blah blah waste!

Yeah, Patrick. Andre and Jordan can bore each other to sleep. That’s all they do in the boudoir, anyway. All work and no play.
Andre grates as much as Sam. Similar monotone inflection to their voices, except that Andre doesn’t mumble.

Then, there’s Carly. Do as I say and not as I do. Joss has more sense than Carly and Sonny put together.
Sorry, off topic ….but, I almost chocked laughing just a couple of minutes ago, watching GH…..Sonny getting out of a life of crime?……disengaging from the mob? I don’t know much on the subject, but it can’t be that simple. The only way, I suspect, is if he is witness for the prosecution, trying to nab a ‘high-up’ mob lord.
Maybe, that’s a good way of getting rid of him….get a new identity on the moon.

I agree. “Hayden” is a much stronger character than “Finn” is. They could’ve done much better by her. Liked her pairing with Nicholas, but with Finn it was just luke-warm . I too LOVED Rebecca’s pairing with Josh Duhamel as the much loved AMC super-couple “Leo and Greenlee”. It’s difficult to capture that level of chemistry more than once. So now that Rebecca is freed up from her contract, maybe someone will be smart enough to cast both her and Josh in a film/TV show/movie together. God knows their die-hard fans are still waiting for that to happen! Rebecca is far too underrated as an actress. She deserves and has earned so much better than this. I hope some smart casting director is listening!

Yes, Lili….the movie title should be: “Leo and Greenlee”…..no body was found, so, Leo is still alive somewhere. LOL.

TPTB should have just left Hayden Barnes in a coma. Bringing her back and making her Liz’s sister was a waste of time.

She’d make a fine Sarah Horton on DAYS!

Maggie needs her daughter!!!!

I wholly agree with and love that idea:) Maggie needs her real child on the show, not some character shoved in that they made look like a saint (like Daniel, ugggh.) Then they gave her some imposter pretending to be her daughter? It’s time for her real child to return. Maggie deserves her whole family around her and to be happy, especially since she’s always giving of herself to others.

this would add so much credibility as Maggie … “Mother Horton” deserves her own family. let’s get her that pariah of a daughter to wreak havoc on st. Maggie and Salem

Yeees, 4ever. Good one!!

Mixed feelings about this because she was a Webber/Hardy and I was hoping the show was wanting to get back to it’s hospital roots. I wasn’t that fond of the character, but she’s a talented actress, and what now happens to the rumors that her father Jeff might be recast.

Very sorry to see her go. She has a lot of talent that the writers didn’t tap into.

Well, then it was rather stupid to have the whole s/l with Her Mother, Heather, and Liz revealing that Hayden was Jeff Webber’s biological Daughter…
But, since I never knew her before she came to MY “GH” no big deal to Me that she is leaving…
I had stopped watching “AMC” back in 1993, so Her leaving doesn’t really bother Me… I just wonder if Michael Easton will be leaving also??? I mean HIM I DO care about, having seen him play about 1,000 different characters, between “PC” “OLTL” and “GH” lol…

My bet is with the rumors swirling of Michael Easton leaving to go back to Days of Our Lives is that Finn and Hayden will leave town to raise their baby elsewhere. I was never that big on their storyline anyway so oh well.

BAD MOVE, GH!! I love Rebecca and Hayden, and was looking forward to Finn and Hayden progressing, and seeing more growth of Hayden’s relationship with her sister, Elizabeth. I like characters like them, Ned, Olivia, etc… ones that deserve more focus outside of the Sonny and Carly and Michael and Nelle worlds. STUPID, STUPID!

This makes me mad. at First I did not like the character, but she has changed and now I like her. Why get rid of her? Idiots!!

Isn’t Michael Easton leaving to go back to Days? Waste of talent not giving her a stronger story line.

When was he on DOOL?

He played Tanner Scofield on DAYS from 1991-1992. Tanner was paired with Molly Brinker, the mountain girl (Shannon Sturges).

Eons ago, Nancy, like the early ’90’s????…Easton played Tanner Scofield. I think that was his first soap role, at least as far as those that I recall.

Disney-ABC Television Group just made a big mistake by letting Rebecca Budig go. There was so much potential for the character of Hayden that they barely explored half-way through her four-year deal. I am hopeful that Days of Our Lives or The Young and the Restless might rectify this mistake, and bring her on one of those serials, because Rebecca is an immense talent!

I’d love that, Scott. I share your sentiments…..but, look at what happened to Melissa Archer…..or, Michael Knight etc.
Oustanding actors and, so loved…..It was a mockery.
Who’s to say the same would not happen to RB. Such a volatile industry!!

RB could play Chelsea’s older sister she never knew she had. RB and Nick would be awesome!

Truthfully, Celia, that had to do with the characters themselves, not the actors. Melissa Archer was perfectly cast in the role of Serena, but, in truth, the writing fell down the tubes for the character and she changed in a complete 180 turn. As for Michael E. Knight, he was written as a short-term character, and should’ve never been given the chance to spread wings.

You are absolutely right, Scott.
I think, in a round-about-way, I was trying to make that point.
The writing for Melissa was pitiful. By the end of the idiocy of her ‘story’ ! She was suffocating. Pathetic.
Shame on the writers.

I really miss Melissa on daytime. I

It sucks, as usual!

It’s about time! Her character was forced on us and the shows history was completely rewritten for her, that ibeing said oh happy day!

I am not happy about it as she is a fantastic actress… She is finally getting a family with Finn & her sister Liz & the boys & they just let her go.. These writers are ridiculous & they should be fired !!! I heard they are getting rid of people so they could afford to pay Steve Burton when he returns… Just a rumor but it is starting to make sense…

Keep her…she does outstanding scenes, loved some of her comedic stuff like with her nephew’s.

Yes, I agree, Shelly. Not only would Hayden bring comic relief, but a significant storyline could be had, in the form of her as a new mother.
From her scene with Curtis, she had some trepidation …..asking herself if she had the stuff it takes to be a good mother . Considering she has still not connected with her baby, I think I’d be interested in following how both Hayden and Finn would tackle the issue.
This is a true-to-life problem. A great missed opportunity in exploring her mental state. Too bad.

Another asshole move by ABC to get rid of this character

Sad this is happening. She’s very talented, and it’s a shame that couldn’t have given her a better role.

I absolutely love Rebecca Budig as Hayden. I have enjoyed her chemistry with Nikolas, Curtis and Finn. I hope they would reconsider letting Rebecca go and keep her in Port Charles. There is so much more story to explore with her character and her relationship with Elizabeth. Sad to see her go.

Yes.

quote;
”Budig’s departure has all to do with a storyline-dictated decision and nothing else.”

GH’s stories are pathetically lame and boring.
To fire any actor because of a story (that most likely will stink) is a bad thing.

It should be Jean And Shelly and FV to be let go not an actor because of one of their lame stories.

I agree, Suoo. But isn’t either Jean or Shelly retiring?

su, “let’s have lunch”–we’re agreeing a LOT lately, aren’t we?? 🙂

I think this stinks, when she first came nobody liked her role, but now that we all like her you get rid or her stupid, stupid

Why get rid of the good ones

Agree!

It sucks. I’ve been a fan since GL. Big mistake, GH.

I did hear Michael Easton was leaving, I think he is a great actor but not given good enough storyline, I hope he stays…. but that doesn’t mean Rebecca (Hayden) has to leave, she and Liz are just becoming sisters/friends. Liz needs some women/family members in her life, everyone needs a “sister”. Rebecca is such a good actress..GH just needs some good writers to come with a solution .

I think that it is terrible they they are letting Rebecca Budig go. Why? That storyline with Finn and the baby has so much potential. I was hoping that they would get married before the baby came and I think that they can make really good parents; now that he is off the drugs. I don’t think that Hayden has enough confidence, but with a lot of love; this would have been a great storyline.

She’s a great actress. Sorry to see her go. Rather it be Sam ( not a good actress) Shame that they made Hayden a member of a legacy family, moved her into the Q mansion and now she’s out. I had high hopes for a return to GH glory. It’s not Hayden that’s bringing down the ratings…the mob and Jasam storylines are a snooze – boring and over done. Also, Jordan is boring- the friendship between Hayden and Curtis was really interesting. I’m not a Finn fan so maybe they can ride off into the sunset together and we can get Nic back, the real Jason and Morgan ???? Bring back the Weber father with a new family, his daughter Sarah so we can have a hospital based/family drama again. I hear the Franco character is coming back- pair him with Nina and give Liz a normal man- they are so mismatched- Griffin for now and a weird triangle with the Old Jason if he comes back and the Jake character. Of course, Sam will have screen time but that will be a small price to pay for some interesting character interaction for a change.

I am not a fan of Sam’s either. I agree, the mobbed up theatrics are what is dragging down the show. Although, I have to admit, the show is not as dark and depressing as it used to be. A few years ago, it was beyond dreadful to watch. Now, at least, we have some humor..at times (like in Ava, Scotty, and Lucy scenes, Ned scenes, too).

I like Sam…and I think Kelly’s actually a good actress. She’s not the loudest kid on the block…but then again Marlon Brando mumbled his way into stardom!

Kelly’s performance these days as the confused, desperate, nervous “victim” of whatever’s going on with her has been quite convincing. She kinda eases into things…never over-the-top…subtle but effective. She can be gentle (like when she’s comforting one of her sisters), supportive, angry, sexy, snotty…and she just conveys without seeming contrived. That’s my take, anyway. I think she usually comes off quite believable…no melodrama…. The latest episodes with Billy comforting her…the two of them just seem like the real deal together.

I disagree. Actresses who continually tug at their hair as a way to express emotion are pulling from a very limited toolbox. I don’t see the variety of expression that you have noted. Often, an interpretation of range emanates from a person’s feelings about the story or actress rather than their actual performance or ability- similar to how a parent views their child’s performance. Kelly is a one-note performer and she is lucky this is overlooked by her fans- , but the ratings prove we, as a viewing audience, may not be so lucky. This character focus, along with the mob storyline, have dragged down the ratings of a once great show. Hospital based and family driven stories acted by those with range bring up the show. Sorry to see the Hayden character go- she was an example of a terrific actress- not a fan favorite but skilled in her profession.

Hi GHLOVERSINCE 1964.

And…we disagree. Your explanation: “an interpretation of range emanates from a person’s feelings about the story or actress rather than their actual performance or ability- similar to how a parent views their child’s performance.” I don’t have any allegiance to Kelly Monaco one way or the other. LOL…I’m not a Twitter chick who gets into Twitter wars…I simply think she’s a good actress. If I DIDN’T think she was a good actress I wouldn’t be able to get into her part of the story because I’d be watching it with a critical eye and the fourth wall would be broken for me.

Sam’s story hasn’t brought down ratings. From all I read, she has a lot of fans so if anything she’s one of the contributing factors keeping it afloat. I’m not saying she’s central, but she’s certainly not one of the problems. She’s not a mob-centric character..as a matter of fact she’s tried to lead Jason away from that life…and she barely interacts with Sonny. Her stories have been mostly with her family.

I like that character. I think Kelly’s a good actress. She plays it real. I’m not colored by any profound love for the woman. To each his/her own.

doesn’t matter what we think or say, the producers will do what they want anyway. personally I think it’s a big mistake, and i’ll miss getting to watch her character evolve into motherhood.

I hate this. If they keep letting the good ones go there won’t be anything worth watching. Get rid of some of that bunch that is tied to Sonny!

What a Shame! I Mean whats going to Happen with Her Storyline? with the Baby and all!
Sorry shes leaving but Wish her Luck in whatever She dose

I know, Leah. There could have been a cogent story in the making—as you say, “with the baby and all”.
Rebecca B is a true thespian. She wasn’t even given a chance. Many on these boards have, basically, said the same thing….a good actress, put in questionably stupid situations.
I could name a few characters who could be put to bed for good. Sam, for one.
My opinion: Kelly Monaco is not a skilled actress; a big title for a mediocre performer, at best.

I am really disappointed that she is leaving! I love her as an actress and I liked her with Dr. Finn. I hate to see her go but they had better not take a Michael Easton from us! We worked too hard to get him back!!!
I would love to see more OLTL and AMC people on GH.
Bad move again ABC- not happy at all.

should have put her with Curtissaw chemistry there. What a waste of a talented actress. Go to Days of our Lives:)))))

THIS SUCKS !!! IF THE RETIREMENT OF JEAN PASSASSANTE IS GOING TO SCREW UP ALL THE GOOD STORYLINES, THEN YOU MIGHT AS WELL END THE SHOW. THIS IS THE SECOND BAD NEWS I’VE HEARD ABOUT GH IN TWO DAYS. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WRITERS ??? I LOVE FINN AND HAYDEN TOGETHER !! I WAS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THEM AND THE BABY AND BEING TOGETHER AND ALL THE DRAMA THAT COMES WITH IT. INSTEAD YOU GIVE US THIS STUPID AUNT STELLA/CURTIS/JORDAN BULLSHIT AND STUFF I’D JUST AS SOON FAST FORWARD THROUGH. THIS IS NOT A GOOD SIGN WRITERS !!! BETTER STAY ON YOUR GAME CUZ THIS SUCKS !!!!

Yup, I totally agree. I’m also FF through the Stella BS. They’re dragging out a story that was resolved a year ago. The coupling of Jordan and Curtis is HOT. Then again, he’d be hot with a lump of coal. LOL

I also think it’s a huge mistake to let Hayden go. Rebecca Buddig is a tremendous actress. I’m really going to miss her.

I have no idea what’s going on with GH. I’ll never stop watching (I watched since Luke/Laura adventures), but I’m not happy now with this development. I was liking the sister and family relationships growing between Hayden and Elizabeth. Enough with the Sonny and Carly reunited for the bazillionth time. Bring back Jax, he has class and decency. He and Carly are HOT.

I also love Nelle and Michael, and I think they’re good together. There’s plenty of angst there with Carly too, although I think they should eventually get along since they’re (sort of) family.

So, I digress. Sorry about RB leaving, think it’s a waste and a mistake. Good luck Rebecca I’ll miss you!

“…Curtis is HOT. Then again, he’d be hot with a lump of coal. ”

FUN’ny ! Laugh out loud

TRUE

“HOT” is the WORD!

Oh, yeah….Curtis is sooo hot, he can instantly cause a forest fire.
But, with all due respect, I don’t find Jordan as the typically, worshipped, “femme fatale”. I always maintained that the best judge of a woman is another woman.
I suppose I must be blind to Jordan’s “charms”. I, also, do not see the passion emanating from this actress, regardless of how sexy Curtis is. One cannot just smack her and say, “c’mon, act sexy”.
Sensuality cannot be acquired. One either has it, or not. It’s innate.
Right now, in my opinion, the most devastatingly hot male on soaps IS Curtis….the female IS Hilary (Y&R). Imagine those two together! The scene would sizzle and explode!!

That is stupid why even have her pregnant and all that this is getting stupid too many different things going on and just fire her so damn stupid

Really good actress given one crap story line after another……firing her is a mistake…many others should go……They have not given her a good story since the beginning! Good luck Rebecca!!!!

So upset that Rebecca Budig is being let go. She is a really good actress and I was excited about her and Finns baby. Likewise wanted a good storyline with her and Liz as sisters. I have been watching GH forever but now not because it is exciting and good I watch just out of habit. It has been so boring. They keep getting rid of their good actors. So stupid to let Hayden and Finn leave when there story was finally getting somewhere. These writers have no vision or talent Fire the WRITERS!

I have loved her since “AMC.” I have always thought she would be a great addition to “B&B.” Best of luck to a great actress,

Happy this does not make me! I love Hayden! My only hope here is that she will show up on DAYS soon! However, perhaps this is a ploy to have her return in a few months as Greenlee… not sure of the spelling! I never watched AMC! If this is happening to make room for the one more Steve Burton to return this is a shame! Billy Miller is killing it as Jason! I think they should have paired her with Curtis too. I am sorry but Jordan and Curtis pale in comparison to Sean and Jordan! They should have brought him back for Jordan! Especially with that new lady in town… shame shame shame!

Hi, Phil, I have seen a few comments on this blog about Steve Burton returning to General Hospital. Has this been confirmed? Just a rumor? Either way, it is a shame because (most) viewers are tired of the mob theatrics being played out over the past decade(+). How many times has Sonny attempted to leave the mob? It’s just a repeated, tired storyline.

Should be letting Sam go or Liz….why her when she finally has a good storyline ?

I have no problem with this. The character of Hayden never connected with me, despite the many ways they tried to shoe horn her into various stories, including rewriting history and making her Elizabeth’s sister. No disrespect to Rebecca, I’m sure she’s a nice person. But she doesn’t do anything for me as an actress. I never watched AMC, so I had no feeling about her one way or the other before this role.

Everyone is always complaining about how bloated the GH cast is, here is an unnecessary character that didn’t connect with the audience, and they’re cutting their losses. I can think of a lot more if they ever decide to clean house. Another new character they tried to shove down people’s throats, some of them work, some of them don’t. This one didn’t work. Best of luck to you, Rebecca.

Agree with your comments.

Keep cutting!

Yes, Timmmbo! I’d like to undo at least the past three years…maybe even a bit more…of casting and storyline failures that have made GH the currently unrecognizable mess it has become. I dearly enjoyed the 50th anniversary year of this show, but it quickly went downhill after that with all the unbearable newbies and ill-fitting “vet gets” from other soaps. It’s time for a total reset to reverse the mistakes of the past and restore GH to its former glory!

Nina, Franco, Amy, Nathan, Stella, Andre and Valerie can all go too!

Awwwww, Jii-mmy!!!!!….not Ni-ina;, not Naa-than….LOL. You wound me. Double LOL.

I like them all and think each has great potential except for Aunit Stella. Totally unnecessary character.

LOL. I LOVED Andre’s dance scene with Anna.

poor decision – two great actors not giving enough storyline to sustain the characters – was looking forward to the baby addition to their relationship and how they would handle the baby with their baggage…poor move on part of GH – none of the characters have storylines that are very comfortable watching

That is a bad decision on GH’s part. She has been doing a great job.

I’m very sad to see her go. They could have had a good story line.

Bad idea!!! So much more story line left to tell! I love her character!!!!

General Hospital

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

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

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

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

Photo: ABC

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

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

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

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

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General Hospital

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

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

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

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

Photo: SPeaceIG

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

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

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

Courtesy/ABC

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

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

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

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

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General Hospital

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

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

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

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

Photo: ABC

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: ABC

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

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

 

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