Latest Cast Shifts at General Hospital - Updates on Departures and Arrivals of Actors
In the world of daytime soap operas, few names hold as much clout as General Hospital. The iconic American series, which first aired on April 1, 1963, continues to captivate audiences with its dramatic storylines and memorable characters. Recent updates have brought several notable changes to the show, with both departures and returns reshaping the landscape of Port Charles.
One of the most significant departures is that of Jonathan Jackson, who played the role of Lucky Corinthos. Jackson's Lucky returned to General Hospital on August 23, 2024, but his stay was short-lived. The reason for his departure this time was a burdensome commute from his home in Tennessee to the General Hospital set in California. Lucky's romantic storyline with Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) remains unresolved, leaving fans eager for potential future developments.
Eva LaRue, who played the role of Natalia Rogers-Ramirez, also bid farewell to General Hospital. Her character's exit was dramatic, as Natalia attempted to end her life by ingesting a dangerous mix of alcohol and pills. LaRue's final episode aired during the week of June 30, 2025. Frank Valentini, the show's executive producer, hinted at "great twists and turns planned" for her character in the future.
While some characters are leaving, others are returning. Kelly Thiebaud, who was last seen on General Hospital in 2023 portraying Dr. Britt Wesbourne, is set to return in July 2023. The specifics of Thiebaud's return character are not yet revealed, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her comeback.
The cast of General Hospital has always been known for its stability, with characters like Sonny (Maurice Benard), Carly (Laura Wright), Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), and Elizabeth providing a sense of continuity. Unfortunately, the show has recently lost two longtime cast members. Leslie Charleson, who portrayed Monica Quartermaine from 1977 until December 2023, passed away in 2025. Jacklyn Zeman, who has been playing Bobbie Spencer since 1977, died in May 2023.
Other changes include a temporary recast of Sam McCall, with Kelly Monaco being temporarily replaced in January 2024 due to being "under the weather." Avery Kristen Pohl exited the show in January 2024 as Esme Prince, after her character went into the water with Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Alexander Chavez), and neither body was recovered. William Lipton, who reprised his role as Cameron Webber following Spencer's presumed death, has since landed a role in another series, which may affect his future appearances.
John “Jagger” Cates also returned to the show with Adam J. Harrington taking over the role, marking a casting shift. There is speculation that both Lucky and Britt may return to General Hospital in the future, with some fans hoping for a resolution to their unresolved romantic storylines.
New episodes of General Hospital air on weekdays on ABC, and missed episodes can be caught up on Hulu. The show's enduring popularity and its ability to reinvent itself through character returns and departures ensure that audiences will continue to be enthralled by the drama unfolding in Port Charles.
[1] Soaps.com, "General Hospital News: Avery Kristen Pohl Exits General Hospital," 31 January 2024,
- If you're a fan of General Hospital, don't miss out on watching the latest episodes airing weekdays on ABC, or catch up on any missed ones on Hulu.
- Despite some cast changes, the series continues to captivate audiences with its magnetic storylines and iconic characters like Sonny, Carly, Alexis, and Elizabeth.
- Viewers are eagerly anticipating the return of Kelly Thiebaud, who will reprise her role as Dr. Britt Wesbourne in July 2023.
- While Jonathon Jackson's character Lucky Corinthos departed the show in 2025 due to commuting issues, rumors suggest that he may return to General Hospital in the future for potential future developments with Elizabeth.
