Portia’s life has been anything but easy recently on General Hospital. For months, she’s been on edge because of Drew’s blackmail threat over her alteration of Heather’s test results. Then, in a vulnerable moment, she reconnected with Curtis before finding comfort with her colleague, Dr. Gannon. Now, in a storyline that echoes her past, Portia has learned she’s pregnant — unsure of who the father is and bracing for the fallout. Brook Kerr recently opened up about the surprising twist and what it means for her character.
Key Takeaways
- Brook Kerr revealed she was completely surprised when she was told about the pregnancy storyline.
- She called it a gift that opens up new creative directions for her character.
- The actress expressed excitement over how the pregnancy would affect Trina, teasing that Portia’s daughter will soon become a big sister.
- Kerr shared that every new script feels like a thrill, keeping her eager to explore Portia’s growing chaos and complexity.
A Beautiful Shock
Kerr told Soap Opera Digest that she was blindsided when executive producer Frank Valentini revealed the pregnancy storyline to her. “I was about to shoot some scenes and Frank came down and he did this little finger thing, like, ‘Come here,’” she recalled. “And then he goes, ‘Don’t tell anybody, but Portia’s gonna have a baby.’ I was like, ‘Really? Are you serious? Wow!’”
She described the moment as both thrilling and emotional, adding that it opened up new creative possibilities for Portia. She stated that giving birth on a TV show was “beautiful,” and admitted that the concept opened up all kinds of possibilities for Portia. “It’s all these new things to play. And Trina’s [Tabyana Ali] going to be a big sister!” she enthusiastically gushed, adding that “all sorts of things” excitedly ran through her brain.
For Kerr, who’s enjoyed watching Portia’s life grow more complicated, the twist adds fresh energy to an already dramatic year. She explained that with each new script, she gets thoroughly excited for what’s to come.
A New Chapter for Portia
The pregnancy, of course, arrives at a time when Portia is trying to rediscover who she is outside of her relationships. “I think this is kind of the first time that Portia has been on her own,” Kerr explained. She further noted that while Portia is focused on herself and Trina, she’s resigned herself to the fact that her marriage to Curtis (Donnell Turner) is over.
Still, even independence comes with uncertainty. Kerr said she wanted Portia’s initial reaction to the positive test to feel real and messy. She played Portia as incredulous and feeling she wasn’t prepared for the news. But in true soap fashion, shock soon gives way to strength.
As Kerr summed it up by expressing her gratitude for the powerful material that she may not have envisioned for Portia, and is very happy at what’s to come. (Could Portia be the one who shot Drew?)
