On General Hospital, when Jacinda first hit Port Charles earlier this year, she made quite the splash. Hired by Nina and Portia to drug Drew at The Savoy, she not only did the job, but also left him humiliated in a scene that fans won’t soon forget. After cashing her check and heading to Australia, it seemed like Jacinda’s time was up. But months later, she came back with her sights set on easy money and wound up linked to Michael, who had been using her as his alibi in the aftermath of Drew’s shooting. Now, actress Paige Herschell is opening up about her memorable debut, her surprising comeback, and why she’s loving every minute of her soapy ride.
Jacinda’s At Your Service
Speaking to Soap Opera Digest, Herschell admitted she didn’t expect to still be around. “I got this audition request back in February, and it was just a couple of episodes, maybe,” she recalled. “And it’s turned into more than that! I’m happy to be around.” She also explained that the character is nothing like others that she’s played and noted that Jacinda’s confidence and edge are very different from her own personality.
“It was such a shock to me when [the powers-that-be] offered it to me,” she marveled. “She’s so confident, Jacinda, and I’m a little bit more reserved than she is. But it is so cool to play somebody so opposite of yourself, you know?” Herschell further explained that playing the character was very fun.
Getting to Know You
Herschell also laughed about her early audition process, revealing that she never expected her taped tryout to land. “They even brought me in for a producer callback for something else, and it didn’t go my way, and that’s fine,” she stated, noting that it’s par for the course in the entertainment business.
Since returning, Herschell has especially enjoyed working with Rory Gibson (Michael), praising his easygoing energy on set. She teased that while Jacinda is motivated by money, there’s also genuine chemistry brewing, and fans may be seeing new shades of the character. She looks forward to being able to flesh out her character’s vulnerability and humanity, finding the experience a rewarding challenge. (Will Michael fall for Jacinda?)
