Rebecca Herbst, like her General Hospital (GH) alter ego, is the ultimate survivor.
She debuted on the soap as Elizabeth Webber in 1997 and quickly emerged as a popular young leading lady. In 2011, Herbst was fired, until her fan base loudly made their feelings known to ABC and the soap rehired her.
In 2016, Herbst endured a contract negotiations stalemate that nearly had her exiting again until things worked out at the last minute.
Herbst celebrated her 20-year anniversary in Port Charles this year. Here are four reasons why the actress and Elizabeth are still thriving.
Sympathetic Vixen
Elizabeth has made some questionable choices. She had a scandalous affair with Lucky’s brother, Nikolas, and kept Drew’s (Billy Miller) identity from him, when she believed he was Jason. Yet, it’s impossible to loathe her. Why?
Herbst totally commits to every plot, while making sure to play Elizabeth’s desperate longing for a happily-ever-after love. It makes the character totally sympathetic, even during her worst moments.
Working Girl
Employed women can totally relate to Elizabeth. She’s seen toiling away at the nurses’ station at the hospital, week in and week out. Unlike other GH ladies, she wears medical scrubs more than high fashion couture. And that’s because she spends the bulk of her screen time juggling medical shifts, patients, and doctors’ orders.
Mom’s the Word
When she’s not tending to the sick at work, she’s looking after her three sons at home. Elizabeth’s a real mother, who puts her boys first. We see her in the kitchen, spending quality time with her kids, and parenting on a regular basis. And remember, she does it all as a single mom.
Super Survivor
No matter how many times she’s down and out, there’s one thing you can always count on. Elizabeth will find a way to pull herself up by her bootstraps, to pick herself up and move forward. She overcame being raped as a teenager.
When she was led to believe that Jake (Hudson West) was killed, she cried her tears and mourned his loss, before ultimately forging on. She survived as she has every hardship that’s been tossed at her.
General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.
Video Credit: Sellons
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