NEW YORK: In a temporary change to the cast of the long-running medical drama “General Hospital,” actress Kirsten Storms, known for her role as Maxie Jones, is being replaced during her time off from the show. The absence of the 39-year-old star was noted on December 27, prompting speculation about her departure.
Soap Opera Digest has now confirmed that Nicole Paggi, a former Disney Channel star renowned for her roles in “Hope & Faith,” will step into Kirsten Storms’ shoes as Maxie Jones until her return. The recasting is described as a short-term measure, with Storms expected to be away from the show for only a “couple of days.”
Kirsten Storms a Familiar Face on ‘General Hospital’
Kirsten Storms has been a familiar face on ‘General Hospital’ since joining the cast in 2005, bringing her soap opera experience from her earlier role as Isabella “Belle” Black on “Days of Our Lives” from 1999 to 2004. This brief hiatus is not the first time Storms has taken time away from the show; in 2011 to 2012, Jen Lilley filled in for her during an overseas absence.
Storms also faced a temporary departure in 2016 due to skin conditions, during which Molly Burnett stepped in to cover her role. The current replacement by Nicole Paggi marks another chapter in the soap opera’s history of managing cast changes.
