Maxie’s Sudden Disappearance: What Happened?
Let’s get right to it: Kirsten Storms, who’s embodied Maxie Jones since 2005, announced in July 2025 that she’d be relocating to Tennessee with her daughter, Harper. This move wasn’t some behind-the-scenes fallout or sudden soap opera scandal. Instead, it’s a very human story—a personal reset, a big family decision, and, frankly, kind of relatable.
On her Instagram, Storms posted, “I am not leaving, I am taking a break,” and added how excited she was to be making Tennessee her home. She stressed, “Once Harper and I are settled in our new town, I plan on documenting as much of this new journey on my social media as I can. It’s always been a dream of mine to move to a place like this, it’s hard to believe it’s really happening”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DL09dFDRy2I/
So, for now—at least until late fall or early winter—Kirsten is off-screen, living life at a personal pace and sharing genuine glimpses with her followers. In her own words, “I promise you, the storyline they have going on until my return to Port Charles is kind of incredible—you guys are going to freak out.”
A Recast and a “Temporary Goodbye”
As much as we root for Maxie finding her real-life joy, the show had to fill those fabulous designer shoes. Nicole Paggi, who previously pinch-hit in late 2023, now appears as Maxie in episodes airing July 30 and August 13. There’s no drama or on-set intrigue here—it’s a temporary storyline patch while Kirsten gets her new life sorted.
I think it’s rare, and kind of refreshing, to see a soap star handle the tough choice of stepping away for real-life reasons, without some manufactured behind-the-scenes drama. The producers—and Kirsten—have both made it clear: Maxie isn’t disappearing, just taking a breather.
What’s Happening with Maxie On-Screen?
In the latest storylines, Maxie’s still knee-deep in Port Charles drama. Last we saw, she was supporting the Quartermaines, dealing with the fallout at Deception Cosmetics, and reeling from tragic news about Natalia. There’s been a lot of business intrigue and personal heartbreak—classic “GH” stuff—but none of it is a cover for her disappearance. The writers are keeping Maxie involved, just letting another actress temporarily carry the torch, and signaling she’ll have a dynamic arc to return to later this year.
Recent Social Media Vibes
Storms has been keeping fans updated and squashing rumors directly on Instagram, sharing regularly about the move and openly thanking the “GH” team for their support.
@vicksvapor77 shares that Kirsten Storms is moving to Tennessee and has already filmed her final episode of the year as Maxie.
Where’s Maxie Now, and When Will She Be Back?
Right now, Maxie’s presence on “General Hospital” is more spiritual than literal. On screen, her storyline continues, but behind the scenes, Kirsten Storms is enjoying a new chapter in Tennessee. There’s every expectation she’ll return, likely sometime between November and December 2025, and the buzz suggests she’ll jump straight back into the thick of Port Charles drama.
