See the 11 Stars Who Have Left “General Hospital ”in 2026

Since January 2026, the ABC soap opera “General Hospital” has witnessed a considerable shift in its cast, bidding farewell to 11 actors, including notable long-standing stars such as Jon Lindstrom and Kirsten Storms. These departures have opened the door for potential future returns, although two characters met their demise during the ongoing storyline.

Set in the fictional town of Port Charles, “General Hospital” is no stranger to cast changes, a fact that executive producer Frank Valentini acknowledged in a recent discussion. Valentini remarked, “When you inherit so much history and so many front-loaded characters and stories, you can’t just abandon them. You don’t burn the ship. You turn it around.” This means while the exits are significant, the long-standing history of the show provides fertile ground for possible character comebacks.

Among those who departed was Nathan Dean, who briefly reprised his role as Ethan Lovett for a few months before being written off again in August 2026. His return followed a six-year hiatus from the series, but personal commitments prevented him from staying for an extended period. His character’s exit left questions about his future, as the storyline suggested Ethan could return when new opportunities arise.

Kirsten Storms also made headlines with her exit as Maxie Jones, a character she portrayed for nearly two decades. Storms concluded her time in July 2026, opting to relocate to Australia with her partner Damian Spinelli, as portrayed by Bradford Anderson. This move followed a hiatus in 2025 when Storms temporarily stepped back from the show. Both Storms and Anderson shared their sentiments in interviews, expressing gratitude for their time on the series and optimism for future possibilities.

In a case of misfortune, young actor Gary James Fuller, who portrayed James West, had to be recast in July 2026 following an injury. Easton Winn took over the role, just as James West’s storyline directed him to move to Australia alongside his mother and Spinelli. Fuller expressed his appreciation for Winn’s portrayal, noting how pleased he was with the character’s continuity.

Another notable departure was Marc Forget, who played the sinister Pascal Leveque. After wreaking havoc in Port Charles, his character was written off after being framed for a murder. While the door was left open for a potential return, Forget’s exit marked the conclusion of a character known for his menacing presence in the show.

Kate Mansi’s decision to leave her role as Kristina Corinthos-Davis came in March 2023, after three impactful years. Mansi cited opportunities for new projects and travel flexibility as key factors in her departure. Expressing her gratitude to the show’s producers and writers, she reflected on her time in a beloved family setting on the soap, reaffirming that her departure does not eliminate the possibility of a comeback.

In a character change of a different nature, Cosette Abinante left her role as Scout Cain in June 2026, as the character was recast to age her up. Kayden Brenna Tokarski has since stepped into the role, marking a transition that reflects ongoing adaptations within the series as it evolves storylines and characters.

Jon Lindstrom had a brief return as Dr. Kevin Collins towards the end of 2025, but his time on the show concluded again in January 2026. Lindstrom’s short-lived participation hadn’t been unexpected, as his commitments to another project on CBS made a long-term return impractical.

Tragically, Adrian Anchondo’s character, Marco Rios, met a fatal end in a shocking twist following a violent confrontation, leading to Anchor’s exit in March. Andrew Hawkes, who portrayed the character that unintentionally caused Marco’s death, also exited shortly after, leaving on a high note by expressing how rewarding his time on “General Hospital” has been.

Ryan Paevey’s journey in Port Charles took an unexpected turn when he returned in September 2025 as Cassius Faison, Nathan West’s twin brother. His character’s narrative, however, was intentionally designed to be brief, and he departed again in July 2026, but not without some intrigue. The ambiguous fate of Cassius, who survived a dramatic shootout, suggests that fans may yet see Paevey make another return to the iconic show.

As viewers say goodbye to these familiar faces, “General Hospital” remains a production rich with storytelling potential, where the past often intertwines with the present, keeping audiences engaged with the intriguing lives of Port Charles residents. The dynamic nature of soap operas provides both actors and fans the hope that departures can sometimes lead to new adventures and unexpected returns in the future.