Kirsten Storms Fiercely Defends GH’s Chad Duell and Frank Valentini
For a moment, General Hospital fans were concerned when they tuned in and saw Nicole Paggi in the role of Maxie. Fortunately, not only did the announcer say that it was a temporary replacement, but Storms herself told fans she was moving to Tennessee but returning to work soon.
But when Chad Duell, who played Michael from 2010 to 2024, announced he was leaving, he really did, and Michael was recast with Rory Gibson. But fan rumors about his exit continued to fill the interwebs, and Storms stepped up to clear the air.
Unfounded Comments Bug Her
On the Stone Cold and the Jackal Instagram page, the home of GH stars Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), they reposted a thread from a fan that Storms responded to.
The fan wrote, “Frank also told Chad he could return when he was ready, and we [saw] what happened just a few weeks later. I hope you return because no one else can come close to your performance as Maxie.”
The Frank that was referred to is GH executive producer Frank Valentini. Storms jumped in and responded, “I apologize in advance, but these types of comments really bother me.
People assume they know things that have happened on set/with GH actors because they read some anonymous blog post. Then, somehow, Frank gets blamed for a fictional situation that a random person (not associated with GH) most likely made up as they were typing it.”
Fans Were Reassured
Storms continued, “Frank does not come on social media and start throwing people under the bus to clear up these undeserved – and often incredibly mean – lies.
He could absolutely throw shade at actors that made major mistakes or caused problems.” She explained that he ensures the show doesn’t get canceled, and added that it was Duell’s decision to exit.
You could feel the anger in her words as she continued, “No one at ABC gave away ‘his’ job – he told them he didn’t want it anymore when he said he wasn’t going to resign his contract.”
She continued by clarifying once again her own status with, “I’m still under contract and have every intention of returning when the break (I was fortunate enough to be granted) is over.”
Storms’ words reassured fans, and one even wrote, “Good for Kirsten for telling that person off!! 💪🏻.”
