HOLLYWOOD—“General Hospital” is just a mere three weeks before the big kick-off of their 50th anniversary for the soap series.  With the returns of favorites like Genie Francis, Kin Shriner, Lynn Herring, Jon Lindstrom, Jacklyn Zeman, Rick Springfield and Jack Wagner who are currently on the canvas or soon to be there, has fans in a tizzy.

The 50th anniversary will coincide with the soaps revisiting the iconic Nurses Ball to pay tribute to Robin (Kimberly McCullough) who everyone seems to think is dead, except for her father Robert (Tristan Rogers) who is unable to voice the revelation to everyone else.  The only other person on canvas who knows that Robin is still alive is Jerry Jacks, Jax’s (Ingo Rademacher) villainous brother.

Speaking of Jax, he’ll be returning to Port Charles in the coming weeks, but he won’t be alone, his former flame and Sonny’s (Maurice Benard) true love, Brenda (Vanessa Marcil) will also return to celebrate the soap’s anniversary.  What brings both Jax and Brenda back to town and will they be together?  Who knows, but it must be something important.

In some sad news, fan favorite and two-time Daytime Emmy winner Julie Marie Berman who portrays Lulu Spencer on the soap, announced to fans that she would be leaving the series.  Its indeed sad news as many have become smitten with the actress, whose character has been taken on a whirlwind in the past few years. Will her character being killed off?  Of course not, it was announced on Wednesday, March 6 that Emme Rylan (previously known as Marcy) has been cast as the new face of Lulu.  For those not up to date on soap news, Rylan recently returned to the “Young and the Restless” as Abby Newman after being let go a few months back.  It looks like she’ll be leaving the “Y&R” canvas for good this time.

In other shake-ups on the show, Brandon Barash (Johnny Zacchara) has decided to leave the soap after portraying the character since 2007. He announced his departure via twitter with the following tweet, “With a bittersweet, heavy heart I announce my time at GH has come to an end, as I have chosen to move on & pursue my NBA career. I love u all.”   The actor followed up that tweet with the following tweet, “To clarify: A) Yes, I’m actually leaving. B) Don’t be mad at GH, it was my call. Mad respect for @valentinifrank &co 3) Lakers cut me.WTF?!”

With so many surprising returns and departures in the coming weeks, fans should expect the 50th anniversary and the kickoff of the Nurses Ball to be explosive!  What other fan favs will be returning to the canvas and what faces might bid farewell for all.  In due time, all will be revealed “General Hospital” fans.  “GH” airs weekdays at 2 p.m. on ABC.

By LaDale Anderson