Rebecca Budig Opens up About Returning to GENERAL HOSPITAL

It’s been just over three years since we’ve seen Hayden but there are still plenty of fans who would love to see Rebecca Budig return to GENERAL HOSPITAL. And the actress herself would be more than happy to reprise the role someday.

“I’m so appreciative that people are like, ‘Come back!’” Budig told Soap Opera Digest. “It’s very sweet and I hear they do still talk about Hayden from time to time on the show.”

Budig has been a daytime star since 1995 when she joined the cast of GUIDING LIGHT as Michelle Bauer. After exiting the CBS soap in 1998, she then originated the role of Greenlee Smythe on ALL MY CHILDREN in 1999 which earned her two Daytime Emmy Award nominations.

In 2015, Budig was cast as Hayden Barnes on GH, a role that earned her yet another Daytime Emmy nod. While her first stint only lasted a few months and Hayden was shot and fell into a coma, the character soon woke up and the actress returned a few months later to reprise the role. Unfortunately, by 2017, Hayden was once again written off the show.

Budig’s last appearance as Hayden was in 2019 when she revealed to Finn that she hadn’t lost their baby and Violet was, in fact, his daughter. But before the year was up, Hayden was forced to go on the run and leave her child behind. 

With Finn and Violet still in Port Charles, there would be plenty of storyline potential for Hayden should she return to town. (Not to mention her sister, Liz!) While many fans would love to see Budig back on the soap, so far there have only been rumors of her return as well as rumors of a Hayden recast, none of which have turned out to be true.

“I haven’t heard anything from the show,” Budig admitted, “But I would always be open to coming back.”

With soaps, you never know what twists and turns might lie ahead, so stay tuned!

Love GH? Be sure to join our We Love General Hospital Facebook group to chat about all the latest storylines and juicy gossip!