What Makes Alexa Havins’ Lulu Spencer on General Hospital Different? Find Out Here

The wait is finally over. General Hospital’s Lulu has finally woken up from her four-year coma. Thankfully, she doesn’t appear to have amnesia. Although she’s still unaware of how long she was out. Originated by Julie Marie Berman and later played by Emme Rylan, Alexa Havins has stepped into the shoes of the daughter of legendary Luke and Laura. The actress recently discussed what went into taking on the role of a character born on-screen 30 years ago.

Luke and Laura Inspired Her

After emerging from her comatose state, Lulu overheard Cyrus (Jeff Kober) saying creepy things to her. And she also heard him talking to the doctors about moving her to a long-term care facility in another state. Although she’s heard him mention that he’s her mother’s brother, she doesn’t know anything that’s happened since the explosion at The Floating Rib. As far as she’s concerned, Cyrus is a villain, and his actions seem nefarious. (Revisit the time a job-seeking Cyrus was kicked to the curb.)

Havins discussed taking on the role of Lulu Spencer with Soap Opera Digest. She explained the challenges in assuming the role of a legacy character, remarking, “It’s difficult when the character has already been established.” She knew about Berman and Rylan’s runs as Lulu and purposely didn’t watch videos of them playing her so she wouldn’t copy them. Instead, she researched Luke and Laura (Anthony Geary and Genie Francis) and became a fan of their famous 1981 wedding. “I just wanted to see that material because these are her parents, and she has some of their qualities,” she stated.

READ THIS: Take a look at upcoming GH spoilers.

Leaping Without Looking

Executive producer Frank Valentini, Casting Director Mark Teschner, and new head writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten brought her up to speed on the character’s history. For Havins, learning the status of Lulu’s relationships with ex-husband Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), her mother Laura, and Tracy (Jane Elliot) were vital to competently doing the character justice.

Understanding that there’s a great deal more story to explore with Lulu, Havins thought about what the character needs to do and asked herself, “How does she move forward? Where is her heart? What is her love going to be other than her children and her family?” She’s also interested in the fans’ expectations now that Lulu’s returned. And without imitating her predecessors, she wants to bring back the essence of the character. “I still want to have that spark in her,” she stated, “but then still a love and a softness, but then, you know, be ready for anything, that jump-into-action side of Lulu that’s like, ‘Let’s go!’ That ‘jumping in before you think’ quality.”