Kirsten Storms' tenure as Maxie Jones on the long-running soap opera "General Hospital" has concluded after 21 years, with her character officially written off the show. The character's exit was revealed on Thursday's episode, with Maxie Jones announcing a move to Australia.
This development comes after Storms, 42, disclosed a recent "mental health crisis" and engaged in legal proceedings with her ex-husband, Brandon Barash. She had previously taken a hiatus from the show from July 2025 to February 2026 for brain surgery. Her appearances in the months leading up to this latest exit were limited.
Storms announced in June that she would be stepping away from the series again due to legal issues with Barash. In April, Barash was granted an emergency restraining order against Storms, citing concerns for their 12-year-old daughter Harper's health and safety amid Storms' alleged struggles with mental health, financial instability, and housing issues since their 2016 divorce.
Barash's court filings detailed claims of Storms experiencing delusions and hallucinations, leading to her being hospitalized on a psychiatric hold in May 2025. Following her release, she allegedly turned to substance abuse. Barash had requested a mental health evaluation for Storms.
Storms addressed the situation in a July 19 Instagram statement, acknowledging an