Braedyn Bruner joined the cast of General Hospital on December 23, 2024 and has quickly made the role her own.
Character Study
Emma Scorpio Drake entered the world on November 4, 2008, the only child of Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough) and Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson). In 2011, Brooklyn Rae Silzer, who was 5, took over the role and stayed until 2016, but returned on various occasions after. She was beloved by fans who enjoyed seeing her grow up on screen, and when it was announced that Braedyn Bruner was taking over the role, Silzer posted:
“To my amazing General Hospital family who have supported me and watched me grow up over the years as Emma, I am forever grateful,” she wrote. “Although sad my time as Emma has come to an end I will cherish all of my memories and friendships made. I am so lucky to have been casted as Emma 13 years ago and to have had the opportunity to grow her character over the years. I am so excited to see how Braedyn takes care of Emma and bring new layers to her character. I am forever thankful for General Hospital and Emma will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Recasts can be jarring for fans, especially when the previous actor or actress has been with the show for a long time. I have to say though, that Bruner has truly made the role her own as Emma moves into young adulthood. While viewers were used to the sweet and precocious Emma that had grown up in front of their eyes, Bruner came in like gangbusters, full of attitude and sass. It did not take her long to find her footing and make the part her own.
This past week saw Emma chain herself to the Quartermaine crypt to stop it from being demolished, which led to her being arrested. Bruner not only held her own playing against the incomparable Finola Hughes (Anna), but when Emma defended her actions, Bruner let Emma’s guard down as she tearfully recounted how the Quartermaine family had been there for both her and her mother. You could see how important it was for Emma to stick up for the family and Bruner did a beautiful job with her scenes. The actress has chemistry with Giovanni Mazza (Gio), and I am sure once the secret of his parentage comes out, Emma will be an important part of his life as he deals with the life-altering news. I look forward to seeing what else is coming down the pike for Emma and I know Bruner will rise to the occasion.
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