‘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.'
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