Exclusive! Rebecca Budig Speaks Out On Her Exit From General Hospital!

Hayden’s days on General Hospital (GH) may be numbered but her portrayer wants to let her fans know that she appreciates them!

That’s why actress Rebecca Budig made the scene at Michael Easton and Roger Howarth‘s late night fan event at the Embassy Suites hotel in Glendale, Calif. during the Official GH Fan Club Weekend.

Soap Hub was there and spoke to Budig about her upcoming exit from GH in this exclusive interview.

You weren’t at the main cast event this morning, but why did you want to come to Roger and Michael’s fan gathering? 

I felt a little awkard going to the main event because (I’m leaving), but I wanted to come here and thank the fans who have been so amazing, incredibly supportive and kind. It really humbled me. I just wanted to come and say thank you.

How are you doing?
I’m fine. I’m not delusional. I know this stuff happens. I’m practical!

How would you describe Hayden’s upcoming exit?
Maybe, bittersweet. But I hope it’s interesting to watch. It was interesting (for me) to watch (Michael’s performance). I hope everyone else will enjoy it was much as I did.

Was Hayden always going to be Liz’s half-sister? Or was she going to be Susan, Paul’s daughter?

I don’t know. They don’t give me any sort of indication of anything.

We never saw Jeff Webber (Hayden and Liz’s dad) in all this time she was on. Do you think it would have helped establish Hayden more if he had come to town? Fans wanted to see Richard Dean Anderson (ex-Jeff) again! 

Of course. I actually think they tried (to get him) but I don’t know. It’s honestly more of a writer and producer question. I think the writer change was a struggle to sort of figure out who Hayden was and how she fit in.

(New writers) come in and they want to make their mark. But I have to say my scenes exiting the show bonded Hayden with Elizabeth in a new way. I felt it was developing (more). (Hayden and Liz’s relationship) didn’t come to fruition as much as I’d hoped…that’s one thing that’s been left dangling.

Hopefully, the door is open for a return? 

(Smiles) Who knows?

There are three other soaps you could go to and you’ve never been on any of them, right?

Actually, I was on The Bold and the Beautiful. I was directed by Susan Flannery (ex-Stephanie) and I was terrified! Susan and I are friends now. I was so intimidated, but now I know her and…(laughs) she still intimdates me! But I love her. It was a small little part. I was someone’s friend in a college dorm. It was one day of work. So far, nothing has come my way (yet). But I’m open to anything. We’ll see.

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