Although Nicole Paggi was initially only replacingGeneral Hospital’s Kristen Storms as Maxie Jones for a few weeks, this change will now be a much longer, more substantial switch up for the soap opera. As anyone familiar withsoap opera tropescan attest, it is hardly uncommon for characters to be recast temporarily.
Even the hardiest stars need a day off now and again, and the punishing schedule of daily soap operas usually only allows for sustained absences by temporarily recasting characters. Almost all ofGeneral Hospital’s cast of charactershave been recast over the years, meaning Kristen Storms’ upcoming hiatus initially seemed like nothing out of the ordinary.
Kirsten Storm’s Hiatus From Playing Maxie Is Much Longer Than Initially Perceived
Nicole Paggi Will Fill in As Frisco and Felicia’s Daughter
PerTV Insider, Nicole Paggi was scheduled to take over the role of Maxie Jones until August 18, at which point the iconic series star Storm would return. The daughter of Frisco Jones and Felicia Cummings,Maxie has been played by Storms since 2005. Storms made a name for herself onDays of Our Livesbefore joiningGeneral Hospital’s cast.
Storms said that her family’s move to Tennessee and a desire to get settled before returning to the role was what prompted the hiatus.
Paggi has already stepped in for Storms for numerous 2023 and 2024 episodes, meaning this change seemed like nothing unusual. However,TVLinenow reports thatKristen Storms won’t return as Maxie until the end of 2025, according to anInstagramvideo the actor posted. Storms said that her family’s move to Tennessee and a desire to get settled before returning to the role was what prompted the hiatus.
Since Storms’ break was supposed to be just for a couple of months, and now she’s not coming back for the rest of 2025, it could sound like Maxie is being phased out ofGeneral Hospital’s story. However, viewers need not worry too much.ABC’s beloved soap operahas no such plans, judging by Storms’ comments.
What Storms' Extended Hiatus Means For Her Version Of Maxie In General Hospital
Storms’ Version of Maxie May Not Return Until 2026
In theInstagramvideo, Storms noted that she could have been let go due to her move and then said that the storyline which will precede her return to Port Charles is “Kind of incredible.” Since Jen Lilley and Molly Burnett both filled in for Storms before Nicole Paggi, in 2011-2012 and 2016-2018 respectively,General Hospitalfans need not fear this break.
There is no reason to believe that this hiatus will spell the end of Storms' role on the show, particularly after her comments about her return. Since Storms already announced that her return to Port Charles would be worth the wait,General Hospitaldoes not seem to be at risk of losing this iconic star anytime soon.
