‘General Hospital' says goodbye to major character after seven years
After starring as Sasha Gilmore on 'General Hospital' for seven years, the actress, 34, departed the series on Friday.
In the episode, Sasha reunited with her dad, Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers), and decided to move away to spend time with her parents and newborn daughter, Daisy.
12 Sofia Mattsson on 'General Hospital.'
Disney via Getty Images
Steve Burton's Jason wished Sasha a farewell in a way that would make it easy for the star to return.
As he put it, 'You'll always have a home to come back to.'
'There was a good time in the storyline for Sofia to leave to pursue other opportunities in film and TV,' the show's rep told TV Insider on Friday. 'But she is open for a return in the future.'
12 Sofia Mattsson and Steve Burton on the soap opera.
Disney via Getty Images
'It was emotional for sure,' Mattsson added to the outlet about her last day on set. 'Cleaning out my room and knowing that I wouldn't see all my friends there like usual every other day felt sad. But everyone was so supportive and excited for me.'
While her exit feels 'bittersweet,' the soap opera vet is looking forward to what lies ahead.
'I've had such a great time, but I'm also excited for a new chapter and to continue my acting journey in new projects.'
12 Sofia Mattsson as Sasha Gilmore.
Disney via Getty Images
But Mattsson isn't saying goodbye to soap operas for good.
'I'd have to see what the role was,' she confessed about the prospect of returning one day, 'but I'm definitely not opposed to coming back to the soap world. I think being on a soap is one of the best jobs you can have as an actress.'
Mattsson first joined the ABC drama in 2018 and appeared in over 500 episodes. In 2022, her sister, actress Helena Mattsson, took over the role of Sasha for two episodes when Mattsson was away.
12 Sofia Mattsson as pregnant Sasha Gilmore.
Disney via Getty Images
Meanwhile, the 'Becoming Bond' alum's final scene with Rogers, 79, comes on the heels of his cancer announcement.
On Thursday, the 'General Hospital' star shared his health battle with fans through his publicist, Anthony Turk.
'Beloved Emmy-winning actor Tristan Rogers, best known for his role as Robert Scorpio on the daytime drama, 'General Hospital,' revealed to his fans that he has been diagnosed with cancer,' Turk's statement, obtained by Soap Opera Digest, read.
12 Tristan Rogers and Maurice Benard.
ABC via Getty Images
'While he remains hopeful and is working closely with his medical team on a treatment plan, this is a challenging time for Tristan and his family. As they face both the emotional and physical burdens that come with this diagnosis, the family kindly asks for privacy and understanding,' the publicist continued.
Turk did not reveal what kind of cancer Rogers was battling. He did, however, thank those who have stuck by the actor and his family.
'They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and love from their friends and family. Tristan sends his love to his fans and wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years,' the statement concluded. 'This support means more to him now than ever. Future updates will be shared if deemed appropriate by Tristan and his family.'
12 Kin Shriner as Scott Baldwin on 'General Hospital.'
ABC via Getty Images
Rogers has played District Attorney Robert Scorpio on and off since 1980.
He first portrayed the character from his start in the '80s until 1992, when he first left the show. He's made several returns to Port Charles over the decades.
In 2018, the Emmy winner told Soap Opera Digest why he loves playing the beloved district attorney.
12 Kelly Monaco and Cameron Mathison on the ABC drama.
ABC via Getty Images
'Robert has always had kind of a glib approach to everything; he's a bit of a smart-mouth,' Rogers explained.
'I'm working with a lot of different people,' he added of his comeback. 'And I think the fans are going to like it.'
'General Hospital' is currently in its 62nd season after debuting in 1963. In recent years, the series has undergone numerous cast shake-ups.
Last summer, Kelly Monaco, who starred as Sam McCall from 2003 to 2024, blasted the soap after she was fired following a 21-year run. The star, 49, claimed it was 'retaliation.'
12 Eva LaRue during her one year run on 'GH.'
Disney
Monaco replied to a comment on Soap Hub's Instagram post that read, 'What do you got concrete in your head she wasn't fired she didn't take the pay cut so she had to leave.'
In response, the actress wrote: ''No primary role'.. do your homework. When Billy Miller was fired, Sam's storyline stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had. Something I worked for decades to build… Slowly dismantling her, into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience. Call it what you will… retaliation at it [sic] finest. I will give a proper statement. The truth will set you free.'
Shortly after, Brooklyn Rae Silzer, who portrayed Emma Drake for 13 years, was replaced by Braedyn Bruner. The 19-year-old shared on X that she was 'forever grateful' for her role.
12 Kirsten Storms as Maxie Jones.
Disney via Getty Images
Kin Shriner, who played the iconic Scott Baldwin from 1977 to 2024, confirmed he was let go from the show last year, as well.
The actor, 71, starred in over 1,700 episodes of 'General Hospital.' Shriner also reprised his role on the short-lived spinoff, 'Port Charles,' from 1997 to 2002. But after more than 40 years as the Port Charles villain, he was written off.
One viewer took to X to ask why Scott had just disappeared with no mention, penning: 'Wow, nothing like disrespecting your longest serving character…#GH.'
12 'General Hospital' cast photo.
ABC via Getty Images
Shriner echoed the fan's sentiments, retweeting the post and responding, 'I don't understand any of it, I went to get glazed donuts and coffee for the doctor!!'
Earlier this month, Eva LaRue also bid adieu to the community of Port Charles. After playing Natalia Rogers-Ramirez for only one year, she exited the soap.
But there were no hard feelings for the star.
12 'General Hospital' airs Monday-Friday on ABC.
Disney via Getty Images
'I was originally only supposed to be on the show for a couple of months,' LaRue, 58, shared with Soap Digest. 'And it ended up being a much longer run, which was great.'
Last week, Kirsten Storms revealed she is taking an extended break from the series after playing Maxie Jones for nearly 20 years.
The actress, 41, is relocating to Nashville with her daughter, Harper, 11, whom she shares with her ex-husband and fellow soap star, Brandon Borash.
12 The cast and crew of 'General Hospital' celebrates the 15,000th episode milestone.
ABC via Getty Images
'It's possible I will be back in December, maybe November,' Storms said in an Instagram video. 'I promise you the story line they have going on until my return to Port Charles is kind of incredible. You guys are gonna freak out actually.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
25 minutes ago
- New York Post
Victor Wembanyama takes bizarre social media shot at Karl Malone
Victor Wembanyama doesn't seem pleased with the NBA's Karl Malone praise. The Spurs' superstar indirectly threw shade at Malone on social media after a league account wished the Hall of Famer a happy 62nd birthday Thursday. 'Join us in wishing a Happy 62nd Birthday to 14x #NBAAllStar, 2x NBA MVP, and 75th Anniversary Team member… 'The Mailman,' Karl Malone! #NBABDAY,' @NBAHistory wrote on X. Karl Malone looks on during the NBA All-Star Game as part of the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend. NBAE via Getty Images Wembanyama seemingly weighed in by re-sharing a post from DJ J. Strand — X user @DJ_Ajaxx — who posted a video of a man saying, 'What? Oh, see that's what we not about to do. Police, lock his ass up because he need to be under the jail' in response to the league's birthday message. The post from Strand seems to refer to when Malone impregnated a 13-year-old girl when he was 20 years old and attending Louisiana Tech. For years, the former Jazz star denied his paternity status despite blood tests that confirmed 99.3 percent probability that he was the father, according to a 1998 Associated Press story. Malone eventually formed a relationship with his now-41-year-old son, Demetress Bell, who played four seasons in the NFL. Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and Chuck's Global Stars looks on during 2025 NBA All-Star Practice & Media Availability at Oakland Arena on February 15, 2025 in Oakland, California. Getty Images It's not clear if Wembanyama's re-share meant he was wading into that conversation, however. The NBA faced backlash during the 2023 All-Star weekend in Salt Lake City — where Malone played 18 seasons, winning two MVP awards — for welcoming him as part of the festivities. At that time, Malone didn't want any part of discussing his personal history. 'I'm not discussing any of that backlash,' Malone said, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. 'I don't care. That's my life, that's my personal life, and I'll deal with that like I've had to deal with everything. 'So, whatever.'
Newsweek
26 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Rory McIlroy Shows Faith in Luke Donald Amid Ian Poulter's Ryder Cup Warning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Rory McIlroy was recently spotted soaking up the sun at a beach club in Saint-Tropez, where the Masters champion gave the perfect reply to a fan asking about his green jacket. "It's on the yacht," McIlroy replied as captured in a viral video posted by NUCLR Golf on X. But while his vacation video went viral on social media, McIlroy's recent interview with David Novak reflected that he certainly hasn't drifted from the next big battle at Bethpage Black. TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 16: Luke Donald of England and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walk on the eighth hole during a practice round prior to The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July... TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 16: Luke Donald of England and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walk on the eighth hole during a practice round prior to The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 16, 2024 in Troon, Scotland. (Photo by) More Getty Images The Northern Irishman became the first automatic qualifier for Team Europe, marking his eighth consecutive Ryder Cup. "I've played in seven of them. I really hope I play in seven more. I don't know if seven is achievable, but it's the best experience you can have as a professional golfer. It's amazing," McIlroy shared on the 'How Leaders Lead with David Novak' podcast. He spoke about the intensity of representing Europe and how being "sort of talisman for the European Team and trying to lead by example and trying to set the tone and ... bring the rookies along" makes him absolutely "love that stuff." But that was not all. The five-time major winner also showcased his faith in the European team captain, Luke Donald, giving a strong reply to doubters. Rory McIlroy shows confidence in Luke Donald Just a few days ago, Ian Poulter publicly warned Team Europe to brace for the sheer volume and intensity awaiting them at Bethpage. "Luke (Donald) has got a venue in Bethpage Black that is going to be very loud, very raucous. We've had numerous events at that location in the past, so they certainly know what they are going to be in for," Poulter told Sky Sports. But McIlroy's string of praise for Donald and his team showcased the solid status of Europe. ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 01: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe celebrates winning his match 3&1 with Luke Donald, Captain of Team Europe on the 17th green during the Sunday singles matches of the 2023 Ryder... ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 01: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe celebrates winning his match 3&1 with Luke Donald, Captain of Team Europe on the 17th green during the Sunday singles matches of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club on October 01, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by) More Getty Images "The one thing about Luke was his demeanor, his tone, his whole attitude throughout the week (Ryder Cup 2024) never changed," McIlroy told Novak during the interview posted on YouTube. "That's the sort of, you know, steady ... rock-like leadership that ... if you're a team and you're looking at your captain and he looks like that all the time, that just gives you so much confidence," he continued to tell Novak as quoted. "Whether he (Donald) thinks he knows what he's doing, but he looked like he knew what he was doing, right?" McIlroy added how the European captain "just had this air of complete confidence and comfort and every time a player looked (at Donald), they just got the sense that, you know, no matter what happens, this guy's got everything under control. And that is, you know, to have a leader like that is amazing." Donald's calm presence in Rome left a lasting impression last year, and that kind of leadership might be exactly what Europe needs in New York as team Keegan Bradley gears up to bring back the trophy home. More Golf: Jon Rahm, Lee Westwood Slam OWGR System Ahead of Ryder Cup Selection
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Billy Joel opens up about fallout with Elton John over ‘hurtful' rehab remark: ‘There was bad blood'
Billy Joel and Elton John haven't always seen eye to eye. During the newly released second part of HBO's 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' documentary, Joel revealed how John's public push for him to enter rehab caused a major rift between the two music superstars. 'Elton had made a comment that he thought I needed real rehab,' the 'Movin' Out' singer said in the new doc. 'He chalked it up to, 'Oh, he's a drunk.' And that really hurt me.' Advertisement 9 Elton John and Billy Joel onstage at the Honda Center on March 30, 2009, in Anaheim, California. Getty Images 9 Elton John performs with Billy Joel during the finale of 'An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson' concert on March 29, 2001, at New York's Radio City Music Hall. AP 'I said, wait a minute? Don't you know me better than that?' Joel, 76, added. 'And there was bad blood for a little while. There was a dovetailing of things that happened during that time.' Advertisement The 'Piano Man' singer was referring to an interview John, 78, gave Rolling Stone in 2011 shortly after the pair toured together. After John claimed that he and Joel had 'so many cancelled tours' because of 'illnesses' and 'alcoholism,' he suggested that the 'Captain Jack' singer seek real help. 9 Elton John backstage with Billy Joel at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards on February 23, 2000, in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images 'He's going to hate me for this, but every time he goes to rehab, they've been light,' the 'Tiny Dancer' musician said at the time. 'I love you, Billy, and this is tough love.' Advertisement Recalling how he felt after John's interview was published, Joel said that he was 'clobbered' and had hit 'rock bottom.' 'I was disillusioned with what I thought it was all supposed to mean,' he said in the second part of the new HBO doc. 'It was like all the signs were pointing to me: Enough.' 9 Billy Joel and Elton John attend an event for the Elton John AIDS Foundation on November 7, 2017, in New York City. Getty Images 'And I wrote this letter to the band,' he added. ''I don't want to do this anymore. I'm gonna stop.'' Advertisement Joel previously started rehab in 2005 following what he called an 'ultimatum' from his then-wife, Katie Lee. He entered the Betty Ford Center for a stint, then temporarily stopped touring once his time at the center was over. 9 Elton John and Billy Joel perform in Washington, DC, during their Face2Face Tour on July 11, 2009. The Washington Post via Getty Images The 'Vienna' singer has since quit drinking altogether. 'I stopped a couple of years ago,' Joel told the Los Angeles Times in 2023. 'It wasn't a big AA kick. I just got to a point where I'd had enough.' 'I didn't enjoy being completely inebriated, and it probably created more problems in my life than I needed,' he added. 9 Elton John and Billy Joel at the Carrier Dome on the Syracuse University campus on May 5, 2001. AP Elsewhere in the new 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' documentary, the Grammy-winner revealed that he didn't like being compared to Elton John – even if they were close friends and frequent tourmates. Advertisement 'Why would I wanna work with another well-known piano player's band?' Joel said while discussing an incident when some suggested he use John's band. 'The lack of imagination was staggering,' he added. 'And I was already having a critical issue with them comparing me to Elton.' 9 Elton John and Billy Joel at the Oracle Arena on February 13, 2010, in Oakland, California. WireImage More recently, Joel has made headlines for a shocking brain disorder diagnosis that has forced the 'Stranger' artist to cancel all his concerts through next year. Advertisement Called normal pressure hydrocephalus, the condition affects one's hearing, vision and balance. Joel announced that he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus in May, and he also revealed that he had to cancel his 2025 tour because his condition was 'exacerbated by recent concert performances.' 9 Billy Joel performs during his 150th show at Madison Square Garden on July 25, 2024, in New York City. Getty Images Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,' a statement from his team read. 'Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving.' Advertisement The message added that Joel is 'grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.' Joel then opened up about his 'scary' brain disorder diagnosis earlier this month. 9 Billy Joel attends the MSG Entertainment and Billy Joel special franchise announcement at Chase Square at Madison Square Garden on June 01, 2023, in New York City. Getty Images 'I know a lot of people are worried about me and my health, but I'm okay,' he told People in an interview published July 21. 'What I have is something very few people know about, including me, no matter how much you try to research it.' Advertisement 'I'm doing my best to work with it and to recover from it,' he shared. Sadly, the legendary songwriter's diagnosis forced him to miss the world premiere of 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' when it played at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in June. Both parts of HBO's new Billy Joel documentary are now streaming.
