In the world of daytime television,General Hospitalhas produced true TV royalty. FromJane Elliot’s biting Tracy QuartermainetoRena Sofer’s matronly Lois, the series is filled with beloved players, both iconic andon the rise. But few have achieved the same level of iconography asKirsten Stormsas Maxie Jones. Storms has been one ofGeneral Hospital’s most beloved players for 20 years, ever since she stepped into the role of Maxie. However, the internet has been abuzz with the news thatStorms was being replaced by Nicole Paggi for an extended amount of time,which has led to a slew of questions about Storms’ future with the show.
Why Did They Recast Kirsten Storms as Maxie on ‘General Hospital’?
Recasting rolesis quite a common practice when it comes to daytime soap operas. In fact,General Hospitalrecently produced one of its best recasts in modern memory withRory Gibson taking over the part of Michael CorinthosfromChad Duell. In the case of Maxie, however, the idea is certainly baffling. Storms has played the role since May 2005, and has crafted one of the show’smost beloved charactersin the process. However,Paggi’s appearance on the June 21, 2025, episode as Maxie immediately raised some questions thanks to accompanying reports that suggested it was a long-term stint for Paggi. So, why and for how long will Storms be out? The answer is rather complicated.
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TV Insiderconfirmed that Paggi will continue to play Maxie through July, and a few installments in early August, beforeStorms returns to the part on June 25, 2025. Afterward, there will be a series of installments that feature Storms in the role. However, following the end of her current storyline, she will once again be out of Port Charles for another extended period. Thankfully, Storms has set the record straight forGeneral Hospitalfans.
Kirsten Storms Will Take a Leave of Absence from ‘General Hospital’
Storms has been one ofGeneral Hospital’s hardest workers for the last 20 years. As manycharacters and stars continue to come and go, Storms has been a part of the fabric of themedical dramafor many of us. However, the series’ demanding schedule is time consuming, and Storms has announced a leave of absence for a personal matter. Ina post on her personal Instagram,Storms announced she needed time off for she and her family to conduct a huge move from Los Angeles. “I’m very excited to be making Tennessee my home!” said the actress, before confirming that she is excited to return to the soap opera once she and her daughter are settled into their new home. She also reassured fans that during her absence, there is still plenty ofexciting dramato which viewers can look forward.
“[I]t’s possible I will be back in December, maybe November. I promise you the storyline they have going on until my return to Port Charles is kind of incredible. You guys are going to freak out, actually. Can’t wait to see the comments online about that.”She even addressed fears fans have that her exit may be more permanent, telling viewers to “take it with a grain of salt.” Still, it’s hard to imagine Port Charles without Storms. Whether or not viewers will see Storms again after her pre-shot episodes remains to be seen. However, it’s important to remember that Maxie has always been resilient, and that the character will always have a hint of Storms’ influence, even when she’s out.
Maxie Has Been Replaced Before
While Storms has always been one ofGeneral Hospital’s most reliable players, it’s unreasonable to think she wouldn’t need time off at some point over the course oftwo decades.Storms has taken temporary breaks from the show here and there over the years, with the most recent being a short departure in December of 2023, a period in which Nicole Paggi first stepped into the role. Before Paggi, Maxie was also played by actresses the likes ofDays of Our Lives starsJen Lilleyin 2011 andMolly Burnettin 2016 and 2018, respectively. All have done wonderful jobs holding down the part of Storms in her absence, and, what’s more, it’s important to remember that Storms herself was a recast.
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Much in the same wayCameron Mathisontook overPort Charles’ villainous congressman, Drew, Storms stepped in to take over Maxie forRobyn Richards. Many fans often forget about the switch, which in many ways is a testament to her work in the role over the last two decades. She expressed her fears to TV Line that when she took over the part, fans would be upset about the recast. If fan concern regarding her upcoming leave is any indication, Storms needn’t have ever worried. Even when Paggi stepped into the part recently, Storms influence was strong. It was theGeneral Hospitalveteran’s work that made the character a strong, witty fan-favorite, elements that have continued to be included, even when another actress is in her shoes.
General Hospitalis available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.
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