Kirsten Storms Announces Time Off from General Hospital, Teases 'Incredible' Twist

After nearly two decades as a General Hospital regular, Storms has officially confirmed she's taking a months-long break from the soap, citing a cross-country move as the reason.

In a typically self-deprecating Instagram video, Storms explained she was "longwindedly" letting fans know she's relocating from Los Angeles to Tennessee with her 11-year-old daughter Harper. She taped her final scenes for the year in late June, and while she's not currently appearing on-air, she'll return briefly in mid-August before vanishing from Port Charles for a while.

And yes, her departure is temporary. At least, for now.

"I spoke with Frank Valentini back in March about my reasons for wanting to move—and my desire to not leave the show," Storms said, referring to the GH executive producer. "Now, when you approach a job like this, they can always be like, 'Forget it, I will let you out of your contract if you're going to leave the state.' GH did not do that, which was kind of amazing, because I also asked for some time off."

According to Storms, she might be back by November or December, though nothing's locked in. While she's gone, Nicole Paggi has already stepped in again as a temporary Maxie recast.

And in case you're wondering whether this is just a quiet fade-out, Storms insists it's very much not.

"I promise you the storyline they have going on until my return to Port Charles is kind of incredible," she teased. "You guys are going to freak out, actually. I can't wait to see the comments online about that!"

So to recap:

• Storms filmed her final 2025 scenes in late June
• She will appear briefly again in mid-August
• Possible return: November or December
• Reason for break: relocating to Tennessee with her daughter
• GH is keeping her contract active, and the door open

No spoilers on what this "incredible" storyline is, but if it's as wild as she says, expect chaos, screaming, and at least one character presumed dead to be… not.

And in typical soap fashion, nobody's ever gone for long. Especially not Maxie.