Maxie Jones’ Fate Uncertain as Character Exits General Hospital

PORT CHARLES, August 25, 2025 - In Monday’s episode of ABC’s long-running soap opera General Hospital, fans learned that Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms) will be off-screen for the remainder of the year as her character’s sudden health crisis leads into the actress’s real-life leave of absence.

According to on-screen developments, Maxie collapsed mysteriously in last week’s installment, prompting her husband Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) to deliver “difficult news” about her prognosis to a gathering of friends and family at the Port Charles Grill. Though details remain scant, viewers were left with the impression that Maxie’s condition is grave enough to sideline the beloved character until Storms’s return.

Off-screen, Storms confirmed that her exit is temporary. After 20 years portraying Maxie, the 41-year-old actress announced via Instagram in early July that she and her daughter would relocate to Nashville later this month. “I’m very excited to be making Tennessee my home,” Storms said, adding that she anticipates returning to the series “in November or December, maybe sooner” once she and her child are settled. Storms emphasized the network’s support and clarified that the actress’s departure is not permanent.

Producers have kept the storyline under wraps, but the narrative pivot is designed to dovetail with Storms’s real-life plans: Maxie’s collapse serves as the catalyst for a prolonged absence, ensuring a seamless transition during the actress’s hiatus. Soap insiders suggest the on-screen explanation could involve complications from her character’s prior heart transplant, which is now faltering after years of service.

Reaction among Port Charles denizens has been empathetic. Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins Bruening) and Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) are depicted scrambling to care for Maxie’s young son, James West (Gary James Fuller), as conspiracy theories swirl on-social media about whether Maxie’s collapse stems from poisoning or a failing donor heart. Fans have rallied behind Storms, commending her decision to prioritize family, and eagerly await her eventual return to the canvas.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. Sources indicate that a stand-in portrayals and pre-taped episodes will fill the void until Storms resumes filming. No dates have been set for Maxie’s on-screen return.