Veteran actress kirsten storms, best known for her long-running role as Maxie Jones on the popular soap opera general Hospital, has officially announced she is taking a temporary leave of absence from the show. The beloved star revealed the news along with her plans to relocate out of state, assuring fans this is not a permanent departure from Port Charles.
The announcement, shared via an Instagram video on July 7th, confirmed speculation among viewers. Storms, who first joined General Hospital portraying Maxie Jones in 2005, is stepping away from the demanding production schedule. Her decision coincides with a significant personal move to Tennessee, marking a new chapter for the actress.
Planning the Pause in Port Charles
Kirsten Storms explained that the decision to take an extended break and her plans to move were not sudden. She initiated conversations regarding both with General Hospital‘s executive producer, Frank Valentini, as early as March. This indicates a thoughtful, planned approach to her temporary exit.
Storms expressed deep gratitude towards the show’s production team and the network. “I really want to thank GH, the ABC network executives, the writers for agreeing to let me take this time,” she shared in her video message. She highlighted the understanding and support she received from Valentini and the producers, noting they were aware of her personal reasons for needing the time away, even if she didn’t detail them publicly.
Her appreciation stemmed from the network’s accommodating response. Storms acknowledged the unique nature of her request, especially concerning her relocation. “When you approach a job like this, they can always be like, ‘Forget it. We’ll let you out of your contract if you’re gonna leave the state,’” she commented. She found General Hospital‘s willingness to support her time off, despite her move out of California, to be “kind of amazing.”
A Temporary Farewell, Not Goodbye
Crucially, Storms made it clear that this absence is strictly temporary. She is not retiring from acting or leaving the role of Maxie Jones permanently. This news is a relief for many fans who have followed her character’s journey for nearly two decades. Maxie Jones has been involved in countless major storylines, establishing herself as a cornerstone of the series.
Her tenure on the show, spanning almost 20 years, makes her one of the longest-serving current cast members. A temporary leave for such a pivotal character requires careful planning from the writers and producers to ensure narrative continuity. Storms’ early conversations with the EP underscore the collaborative effort involved in managing a major star’s absence.
Managing Expectations and Battling Rumors
In her announcement, Storms took a moment to address the potential for misinformation. Soap opera fan bases are highly engaged, and rumors often circulate quickly regarding cast changes. The actress urged her followers to be cautious about unofficial reports concerning her status with the show.
“If you don’t read about it or watch a video on it from my page, take it with a grain of salt,” she cautioned. She added, “People like to say a whole bunch of stuff,” highlighting the common nature of speculation in the soap world. By directly sharing her plans, Storms aimed to control the narrative and provide accurate information to her loyal audience.
This transparency is vital in maintaining trust with viewers. It manages their expectations about her character’s on-screen presence and ensures they hear the facts directly from the source. It prevents confusion and dispels potential false rumors about her health or reasons for leaving.
What Lies Ahead for Maxie Jones
Kirsten Storms confirmed that she has already completed filming her scenes scheduled before her break begins. This means viewers will continue to see Maxie Jones on screen for some time before she is written off temporarily. The exact timeline for her last appearance before the break hasn’t been announced, but filming is typically several weeks ahead of airing.
Despite her impending absence, Storms teased exciting developments for her character. She promised fans that the storyline planned for Maxie while she is gone will be compelling. “I promise you the storyline they have going on until my return to Port Charles is kind of [incredible],” she shared enthusiastically.
Her comments suggest that the writers have crafted a significant plot point to explain Maxie’s temporary departure. This could involve a dramatic event, a necessary trip related to her career at Crimson magazine, or something personal related to her children or relationships. The anticipation for this storyline twist is already building among the fanbase. Storms even predicted the fan reaction, stating, “You guys are gonna freak out, actually. Can’t wait to see the comments online about that.”
Her willingness to tease the storyline helps maintain viewer interest during her time away. It assures fans that Maxie won’t simply disappear without explanation and that her return will likely be tied to the resolution or continuation of this upcoming plot.
Navigating Life Changes and Career Demands
Taking a break from a long-running soap opera is a significant decision for an actor. The production schedule is notoriously demanding, often involving daily filming. For nearly 20 years, Kirsten Storms has navigated this intense pace while also managing personal life changes, including raising her daughter, Harper, whom she shares with her ex-husband and fellow soap actor Brandon Barash.
Her move to Tennessee signifies a major life adjustment that necessitates taking time away from the California-based production. The support from General Hospital in allowing this temporary pause, rather than forcing a permanent exit due to the relocation, speaks volumes about their relationship with Storms and her importance to the show.
This situation is a testament to the evolving landscape of television production and the value placed on established actors. While historically, leaving the production state might mean the end of a contract, General Hospital‘s flexibility demonstrates a willingness to accommodate a valued cast member’s needs.
Kirsten Storms’ temporary leave allows her to focus on her move and personal life while providing a clear path for her eventual return. Fans can look forward to seeing how the writers handle Maxie’s upcoming storyline and eagerly anticipate Storms’ comeback to Port Charles. Her longevity on the show and the popularity of the Maxie Jones character ensure that her return will be a highly anticipated event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kirsten Storms taking a break from General Hospital?
Kirsten Storms is taking a temporary leave of absence from General Hospital primarily because she is relocating to Tennessee. She explained in her Instagram video announcement on July 7th that this personal move necessitated stepping away from the show’s filming schedule, which is based in California. She had discussed this decision and her need for time off with the show’s executive producer since March.
When is Kirsten Storms expected to return to General Hospital?
Kirsten Storms has confirmed that her leave from General Hospital is temporary and she fully intends to return. While she didn’t provide an exact date for her comeback in her public announcement, she stated that she has already filmed her final scenes for the year, indicating her absence will last for several months. The show’s producers were supportive of her planned return.
What will happen to Maxie Jones while Kirsten Storms is gone?
Kirsten Storms has promised General Hospital fans that her character, Maxie Jones, will be involved in an “incredible” storyline leading up to and during her temporary absence. This means Maxie will likely be written off the canvas in a significant way, rather than just disappearing. Storms teased that viewers will “freak out” over the plot development used to explain Maxie’s departure from Port Charles.
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