It's finally happening, "General Hospital" fans: Genie Francis is back!
EW reports that the Emmy-winning actress, who left the ABC soap to spend some time on CBS' "The Young and the Restless," will return for the daytime drama's 50th anniversary.
Francis will step back into her legendary role as Laura Spencer -- one-half of the iconic Luke and Laura -- on Feb. 11, which is months before "General Hospital's" exact anniversary on April 1, according to EW.
"General Hospital" fans have been speculating that Francis would return since she left "The Young and the Restless" in November 2012. The actress, who played Laura from 1976 to 2008 (with a short break), told EW, "I don't know what the story is ... But Frank [Valentini, 'General Hospital' executive producer] is very persuasive, energetic, infectious and has a sense of fun, a positive-ness that makes you want to work for the guy. He assured me there was going to be nice stuff to play. I am choosing to believe him!"
In 2007, Francis apologized for taking a leave from "General Hospital" in 1982, a year after Luke and Laura's grandiose walk down the aisle. "I'm sorry for leaving you so abruptly, for not taking into account the feelings of the people who helped Laura truly take on a life of her own," the actress said in a statement at the time. "It was the decision of a young, impetuous girl, and the woman she has become asks for your forgiveness."
Francis may not be the only "General Hospital" alum returning to Port Charles for the 50th anniversary. Jack Wagner, whose career also launched on the ABC soap with his portrayal of Frisco Jones, recently told HuffPost TV, They have called, but there's nothing in ink or anything like that. I know it would be pretty special to work with Kristina, my ex-wife, again so we'll see what happens. I know it's around the corner here and if I go back, it would only be for a very short story arc. But I might do it just to honor that show and what it's meant to my career and the fans and to Kristina's career."
"General Hospital" airs weekdays at 2 p.m. EST/1 p.m. PST and CT on ABC.
