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Laura Leaving GENERAL HOSPITAL — Genie Francis Speaks Out!

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Now that the news that Genie Francis (Laura) has been bumped to recurring status at GENERAL HOSPITAL has been confirmed, the actress has finally spoken out. Longtime fans were furious to see the veteran actress taken off contract and the story of Laura running for mayor of Port Charles abruptly rewritten to usher the character off the canvas and have been very vocal with their online protests, creating petitions and urging other frustrated viewers to call the GH comment line to complain. “I would like to thank all my wonderful fans for their support,” Francis tweeted. “It has made me feel so much better.”

And it wasn’t just soap fans who were protesting this move by GH. Fellow daytime vet, Robin Strasser, best known as Doran Lord on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, also offered up her opinion. “Bad decision in high places!” she declared on Twitter. “Genie Francis is a fixture in our hearts. We of a certain age remember exactly where we were for Luke and Laura’s marriage. (OLTL actors stood watching in the makeup room… cheering for the ‘I do’s.’)”

Francis responded: “Also, a very heartfelt thank you to Robin Strasser. I love actresses who support actresses.” But Strasser was quick to point out that she’s not necessarily speaking as a fellow soap star. “Genie, your work has always been very special — having strength and delicacy — dichotomies revealed in simplicity and grounded work,” the OLTL vet shared. “I’m not just jumping into the fray as another actor. I’m a grateful fan. Your work has always mattered. So thank you. Onward!”

On GH, Laura has left Port Charles to take care of Spencer, who injured himself skiing, Fans always looked forward to the summers when Nicolas Bechtel would reprise the role of the littlest Cassadine, and so did the young actor. “Grandmother, you’re all that and a bag of chips,” Bechtel tweeted. “There’s nobody better.” Francis replied, “Thank you, sweet boy! I miss you so much!”

At this time, Francis’ future with GH remains up in the air. There’s still the possibility that Spencer could make another visit to Port Charles this summer, but whether or not Laura will come back with him or on her own at some point remains to be seen. Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to develop. And for more GH casting news, keep reading the ABC edition of Soaps In Depth magazine!

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