This Daytime Emmy-Winning Soap Star Breaks Silence on 'General Hospital' Exit Rumors
For weeks, speculation has been growing that Daytime Emmy winner Rick Hearst would be leaving his role on the ABC soap opera General Hospital. The actor has finally addressed the rumors directly on social media.
Hearst took to Instagram with a screenshot from a Google search result that claimed "the actor revealed" he would be departing the ABC daytime drama. "I hate the internet," he plastered across the search result.
He then continued in the comment section, describing the rumors as completely false.
After an 8-year absence, Hearst reprised his role as Ric Lansing on the popular soap opera on August 22, 2024, and has continued to air ever since.
Fans took to the comment section to share their reaction to this confirmation. One user shared, "Thank Goodness!! I hope you stay for a long time!! I'm loving you and Liz together, and I hope it continues like that! As well as your brotherly relationship with Sonny! You two as a team are awesome!! ♥️♥️♥️"
A second fan wrote, "I am SO glad to hear that!! LOVE you being back...it brought me back to GH. You're so good with everyone and in every scene. 👏 LOVE the Ric redemption...with Sonny, with everyone....with LIZ. I'm team #LiRic all the way.❤️ You said it best...it's what I felt....time for Ric to be happy AND...to be worthy enough to...FINALLY, "get the girl." ...the one he's never stopped loving.
Go Ric/Rick! Many of us are rooting for you!
A third acknowledged how some fans of the soap opera will just spread pointless rumors, "People have nothing else better to do than make up a false narrative! We love you on GH Ric. I'm glad to have you back. I can't wait for your next event."
Hearst originated the role on November 8, 2002, and was quickly revealed to be the half-brother of mob boss Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). Throughout various twists and turns, he found love with Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst). Viewers are currently watching how Ric navigates these relationships in a modern day, 24 years after his arrival.
Are you happy Ric is sticking around Port Charles? Or is it time to rest the character once again? Share your thoughts in the comments and by taking our poll below.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams weeknights on Hulu.
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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 4:59 PM.