I think it’s fair to say that when one admits to being a soap opera fan, the reception from others is overwhelmingly mixed. While some roll their eyes at the idea of enjoyingcliché plotsandunbelievable melodrama, others quickly treat the idea with a “guilty pleasure” excitement. I can’t exactly say these assumptions are not without their merits. After all, the genreisa mix of these things. For me, however,General Hospitalhas always been a cut above the rest. Over the course of itsmore than six-decade run, the show has managed to integrate soap formulas in continually dynamic ways while proudly taking on bitingsocial issues. But I thinktherealkey toGeneral Hospital’s continued success is its characters.Year after year,General Hospitalhas done something that evenprimetime television has often struggled within terms of creating lasting characters. From long-running member Laura Spencer (Genie Francis) to the prickly but lovableTracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot), the show has launched many ofdaytime’s best characters. I, of course, cannot exclude Lois Cerullo (brought to life bythe legendaryRena Sofer) from this group. Lois has always been fascinating, having debuted in the mid-90s and exiting her initial run relatively quickly before returning for a stint that snagged Sofer a well-deserved Daytime Emmy. For the better part of two years now, Lois has been a major player on the show and one of my all-time favorite comfort characters. However, with each passing week,I’m growing more and more fearful that Lois may be on her way out of Port Charles.Are there any merits to these fears? Let’s dive in and learn more about Lois and why I hope she stays around for years to come.
Lois Made a Huge Impression When She Joined ‘General Hospital’
General Hospitalhas a long history of dynamic casting, but, taking place in thefictional Upstate New York town of Port Charles, many of the characters have often been portrayed with a sense of refinement, such as the infamous Quartermain family. Butwhen Lois arrived in 1993, she felt like a breath of fresh air for many viewers. Unlike many of the more societal characters, Lois makes an immediate impression when she arrives as a proud businesswoman from Bensonhurst, New York. Delighted with her Italian American roots, she brings a greater sense of fun and warmth to the show while avoiding the more stereotypical “crime elements” of the background.
She has never had a problem boldly taking on the infamous Tracy throughout her run, especially after marrying Tracy’s son, Ned (currentlyWally Kurth, originallyKurt McKinney).During her original three-year run,Lois proved herself a force to be reckoned with, providing both a sense of warmth as well as a strong, endearing persona. Sofer left the series in 1996 but returned for a guest spot in 1997, a return that earned the actress a Daytime Emmy. Lois would be absent for a number of years but returned in 2023 to the rejoicing of fans. While her run was initially designated as a limited-time return, Lois has stayed around and has grown even more as a comfort character, thanks to her relationship with her daughter, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton). However, with Lois’ recent departure for Bensonhurst, I, and many others, fear that she may be on her way out of the soap for a more permanent dismissal.
This ‘General Hospital’ Character Has Become So Much More Than a Plot Twist
We are full fledged Gio stans!
Fans Think Lois May Be Leaving ‘General Hospital’
Comings and goings from soap operas are nothing new. Plenty ofbeloved actors have stepped outof their iconic roles and have even been successfully replaced by other performers. One need look any further thanGeneralHospital’s recent recasting of Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson)to see how effortlessly the genre handles such exits. But in the case of Lois, no one else could play her. Sofer has truly made the character the beloved matriarch she is, so should she depart, Lois would have to go with her. Lois’ decision to head back to Bensonhurst doesn’t bode well, in my opinion, but it’s not only my fear that has fueled the rumor. On the heels ofseemingly losing Scott Baldwin (Kin Shriner), many believe Lois may exit in a similar fashion. According toParade, fans noticed that Sofer is no longer listed in the closing credits as a contracted player. Indeed, that doesn’t ease my anxiety regarding her departure. However, what makes it worse is that Lois is in the middle of her greatestGeneral Hospitaldrama in years.
Is Lois Leaving in the Middle of ‘General Hospital’s Best Drama?
There is no shortage of drama onGeneral Hospitalas of late. TheDrew (Cameron Mathison), Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), and Michael saga is in full swing, but I would argue that theBrook Lynn/Gio (Giovanni Mazza) dramais far more fascinating. For quick background, Lois’ daughter Brook Lynn experienced a teen pregnancy, and Lois helped give the baby away for adoption. Brook Lynn, however, found out that her beloved cousin Gio was the baby Lois claimed to have given away, meaning her mother had been lying to her for more than 20 years. It is actually this debacle that has led to Lois’ return to Bensonhurst. However, I really hope this isn’t permanent.While Lois has had smaller productions arise over the last two years, this is by far her most biting drama in a long time. Not only does the notion of removing Lois from the heart of the drama hurt as a fan of the character, but it also doesn’t serve her arc. After all, as much as I love her, she does have a lot for which she has to answer. Brook Lynn hasn’t let her off the hook yet, and I am so fascinated watching this dynamic play out between the once inseparablemother and daughter.
While it may be inevitable, I have such a hard time with the idea of Lois leavingGeneral Hospital. She has been one of the series’ best characters since she debuted more than 30 years ago, and Sofer has continued to develop the character beautifully. Now, as the Brook Lynn and Gio drama reaches new heights,it appears that the beloved Cerullo matriarch may be on her way out of Port Charles for the time being. However, we can only hope that if and when she departs, Lois will be back on the scene, iconic nails and all, sooner rather than later.
General Hospital
