After two decades of playing Maxie Jones on General Hospital, Kirsten Storms is officially stepping away from the long-running soap—and while fans were initially told it was just a short-term break, the truth behind her decision is turning heads.
Storms, 41, who has portrayed Maxie since 2005, stunned her fanbase this week when she confirmed that she has wrapped up filming for the year and is relocating permanently to Tennessee. But the real surprise wasn’t the move—it was her candid admission about how it all unfolded behind the scenes.
In a personal Instagram video shared Tuesday, Storms revealed she had a heartfelt conversation with General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini earlier this year. Her goal was simple but bold: She wanted to leave California and still keep her role on the show. It was a request that could’ve easily ended her contract—but what happened next wasn’t what she expected.
“When you approach a job like this, they can always be like, ‘Forget it. We will let you out of your contract if you’re going to leave the state,’” Storms explained. “GH did not do that. Which was kind of amazing because I also asked for some time off.”
Rather than being written out entirely, Storms was given what many actors would consider a rare gift in daytime TV—understanding and flexibility from her bosses. She has since completed her final taping day for the year and teased that a possible return could happen as soon as late fall.
But it’s the storyline surrounding her character’s temporary departure that’s keeping viewers on edge. “It’s kind of incredible. You guys are going to freak out,” she promised, hinting that the writers have cooked up something big.
Storms also used her video to express gratitude for the show’s leadership and fans. “I’m very excited to be making Tennessee my home. I can’t wait to return to GH, once Harper and I are settled in our new town,” she said, referencing her daughter Harper, whom she shares with ex-husband and former co-star Brandon Barash.
This move marks a major life change for the actress, who noted that relocating to Tennessee had long been a dream. “It’s hard to believe it’s really happening,” she shared, adding that she plans to document the new chapter of her life on social media.
Interestingly, Storms is not the only General Hospital cast member to exit due to logistical struggles related to filming in California. Just weeks before Storms’ announcement, actor Jonathan Jackson—who played Lucky Spencer—confirmed he, too, was stepping away from the show after facing the challenges of commuting from his home in Tennessee.
Jackson said he had initially hoped to find a balance between filming and family life but ultimately realized the toll it was taking wasn’t sustainable. “We gave it our best shot, but we weren’t able to keep it going,” he admitted.
Storms, however, appears more optimistic about eventually returning—possibly with a renewed sense of balance and inspiration drawn from her fresh start in a quieter, more grounded setting.
Kirsten Storms first joined General Hospital in 2005, replacing Robyn Richards in the role of Maxie Jones. In 2011, she took a medical leave of absence, during which she was temporarily replaced by actress Jen Lilley. Since then, she’s become a fan favorite, known for bringing both emotional depth and fierce energy to the character.
As for how Maxie will be handled during her absence, the actress made it clear that the storyline will be anything but filler. Her parting words to fans hinted at drama, twists, and plenty to talk about: “Can’t wait to see the comments online about that.”
So is this the end of Maxie Jones as we know her—or just a break before a triumphant comeback? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Kirsten Storms may be leaving General Hospital—for now—but she’s doing it entirely on her own terms.
