First Look at Kelly Thiebaud’s ‘General Hospital’ Return — Find Out When She’s Back!
Exclusive
Kelly Thiebaud will return to General Hospital on Friday, July 18, two years after her character, Britt Westbourne, was killed off.
The actress, who joined the soap in 2012 and has taken two previous breaks, says she appreciates the rare opportunity to step away and come back. “I admire the people who’ve been on for 10-plus years and have stayed there, and they’ve really built something with their lives on and off the show,” she begins. “I think that’s really amazing to be able to do that. I know myself too well to know that’s not the type of person that I am. I am very much a free spirit. I need to go and roam and do things and feel like I can go on adventures and have the freedom to embark on whatever comes my way. And thankfully, I have a boss [executive producer Frank Valentini] who understands, so that’s very lucky.”
After wrapping her run as Britt in 2023, Thiebaud appeared as Eva Vasquez on the now-canceled Station 19, then moved to London and didn’t see a future on the soap. “I did walk away from my last day on set thinking that I would never return,” she shares. “And that’s why I think coming back now has so many feelings attached to it.”
Of her time abroad, Thiebaud remarks, “I loved living there. I miss it every day. There was a massive adjustment, though, coming from sunny Los Angeles to gray, foggy London. There was some depression just dealing with that change, and then the work stuff happened, where we had a strike, and that was a whole other stressful situation. But overall, my experience outside of that, living in London, was just so incredible. It’s a wonderful city.”
Exclusive first look at Kelly Thiebaud back on GH this week below!
Disney/Christine Bartolucci
When she came home to the U.S., Thiebaud found herself thinking about Port Charles again. “There were multiple signs, let’s just say, that I was receiving from people, and General Hospital just kind of kept coming back up in my life,” she explains. “After much talk with my executive producer, Frank, and going over things with myself and where my life is currently, it felt like there was a lot of unfinished business there. It just felt like this was a really good time, and that this door was being opened to me for a specific reason, and I felt extremely grateful for even the opportunity of them considering bringing me back on the show. So, a lot of different things that aligned perfectly with the opportunity to be back.”
Thiebaud credits her time away with helping her grow both personally and professionally. “It gives you a sense of adventure and freedom and you grow,” she says. “Hopefully, you’re working on other projects, which is just going to make you better as an actor. For me, this last time around, I went through so much; that’s the golden ticket, in a way. The more life experience you can add to your tool belt just infuses your work and makes you a better actor. And I hope that is what happens this next time around, that I’m going to take everything that I’ve gone through and just be better and more honest and more authentic with my work.”
Returning to the demanding schedule of soap work was a big adjustment. “I felt so rusty, I felt so off my game,” Thiebaud admits of her first couple of weeks back. “It’s like learning to ride a bike and taking off the training wheels. I feel like I’m starting over, and that’s the frustrating thing.
“When I left the show, I felt like I was at the height of the work that I had done, and my acting was growing and expanding so much,” she continues. “And I left just at that peak moment, and now I feel like I have to rebuild all that all over again and get comfortable performing the way that you do for daytime in the dialogue and the blocking and the props and everything. I’m a little nervous to see my first couple of episodes, but I’m sure it will be fine.”
But she knew she made the right decision to return the moment she stepped into the studio. “It was so much like a family that I was coming back to, and that was just so meaningful for me,” she explains. “I missed the people. I was so excited when I first walked on stage to see the crew, camera operators, the lighting guys, the audio people, the hair and makeup people who I absolutely love. I had a full breakdown in the makeup room with my old makeup artist and Cynthia Watros, who plays Nina [Reeves]. So, it was a really overwhelming first day back, and I was just so excited to see everyone and see that some things had changed, but it also had still stayed the same.”
Plus, she was ready to get to work. “I missed the consistency of acting,” she notes. “I missed getting to be creative and play and do weird and fun and exciting things in storytelling. It’s a special job, daytime television.”
Ricky Middlesworth/ABC via Getty Images
As is the connection between the actors and the audience. Thiebaud is appreciative of the fan support she’s received since announcing she’ll be back on the soap. “It just makes me so happy, reading everyone’s messages and seeing how excited everyone is,” she says. “It just feels really good, and it’s just more of a confirmation that I’m supposed to be here right now. I’m supposed to be back on the show. There’s a lot of story to be told, and I’m just excited to get to entertain everyone again.”
While it’s still a mystery who she’ll be playing, Thiebaud is just happy to be back. “I’m extremely grateful and really excited to take things up a notch with this third time around and have a good time on the show,” she enthuses. “Because to have a job like this, where you can keep stepping in and out of, doesn’t happen all the time. And I feel extremely lucky.”
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G
Can we just get over the drew bull crap willow is such a wimp and we need to end this stuff I just can’t watch it anymore
106 1
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B
Yes please. Drew needs to go and Willow needs to take responsibility for her actions.
57 1
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I agree I am so sick of Willow and her dorky looking haircut she looks like a little five-year-old and Drew and his arrogance and blackmailing I mean come on let's get better storyline and Dr Westbourne coming back that would be wonderful and to be with Jason and explain things and then maybe that might put Lulu in her place too she's getting on my nerves also
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G
Sadly, I think this is going to drag on. They’re just not willing to give it up. I’m hoping but I’m not betting on it.
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D
Morgan will be the next return they keep mentioning his name and when they do that the character returns. With Britt that’s great so it’s time for some others to exit Drew willow sry Curtis but your wife has gotten on my last nerves LuLu should’ve left with her brother That’s 4 and with Selena also leaving that’s room for better storylines new and returning people Come on GH it’s time for a new direction this has ran it’s last course.
117 13
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Don't forget that Natalia is gone too!
27 3
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Thank you soap God!
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C
Totally agree 100% when everything you said
4 1
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G
I have to agree and it’s time for Kelly Monaco to come back as well
7 8
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I have been wishing they'd bring Morgan back, hope so...
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G
Drew, Willow, Portia all need to go. Not real fond of the character of Sidwell. But, if he were a better kinder person then alright. But. I personally do not think that Drew is Drew at all. I think that he quite possibly is Shilow because the way that he hoaned in on Willow. Drew (the real Drew) would not have done that to his nephew.
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Maybe she will come back as Britt & isn,t dead, because her mom Obreat since being a doctor found a way to bring her back in a laboratory. Which would explain her leaving gh also.
99 5
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G
This sounds like what Helena Cassadine would do..
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C
That's what I'm hoping for too Ann
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See this is what makes me mad. We’ve been begging them for months to bring Kelly Monaco back! And now they’re probably gonna give Britt the same story we’ve been wanting Kelly to have to come back from the dead
2 4
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C
People are over it now. No one misses Kelly Monaco anymore.
21 9
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G
I like that.
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C
I think she will come back as Britt. I don't believe she really died her test was faked and she did not have that disease beside Jason really loved her and they are talking about a woman for him and even Rocco want to meet look out lulu
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G
That's exactly what I was thinking, and now Lisel is back too at least for awhile.
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I so glad she's back . I just wish it was as Brit would love to see what would happen with Jason. She'll be great at anything she plays!
96 4
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C
I think they are bringing her back for Jason no matter the character she plays.
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What role is she playing?
2 1
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No one knows yet. They haven't revealed if she will return as Britt or someone new.
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I hope so!!! I really loved them together.
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They’ve said she wouldn’t be Britt. Perhaps she’s a twin or look alike cousin. I’m just grateful to have her back. Hopeful she will be good & not evil. She & Jason were magical with each other!! Would love to see them take down Drew together maybe with Liesel that would be terrific!! So tired of this Drew storyline it’s totally disgusting!
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She's going to be Brit
9 3
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I'm thinking she'll come back as Britt, unless they pull another identical twin scenario. Either way I always liked her & glad she's back!
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I hope General Hospital don’t screw her character up the way they doing the others. It’s about time we move on from certain stories.
72 1
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G
So true I can’t stand when they drag on and drag on! Drew and Willow should’ve been gone a long time ago. Actually Drew. Willow can redeem herself hopefully in someway I really like her..
43 7
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I'm tired of lulu.
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I hope she does come as Bruit westborne Dr. Cuz that who she is. She has a lot to tell Rocco. . so if there all this about him wanting to know then I hope it Dr Westborne. Maybe her an Jason can pick up again.
70 3
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G
No, please! Do not put her with Jason please please please!
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She needs to be Britt still. She can have a storyline with Rocko & continue her relationship with Jason!
59 2
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So Happy to see her Back on GH!!
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See I’m happy too because I love KellyTheabaud but I’ve been asking for months for Kelly Monaco. I don’t know what I need to do to make that happen?
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I agree. I'm a loyal Kelly Monaco fan. I don't care how long she's been gone my sister and I want her back on GH.
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I'm ready for the Brit to return yes Jason will have a mate soon! Yea baby!
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No, please God no! It’s ridiculous that they continue to try to throw this person and that person in front of him and he’s not biting. Yeah he’ll have sex with him. Yeah he’ll pretend like he’s got a good thing but oh sorry it doesn’t work. The only person for Jason is Sam and that’s the only person that will be for Jason. Just go back and look at all the clips. He’s never said anything like that to any other woman in his entire life.
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I think you should get rid of Drew! I can’t even watch Hallmark shows that he is in - he is such a disgusting person!!
39 3
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Cameron Matheson is an amazing actor. You know he’s doing a great job when you can’t stand the ground he walks on. Now he’s character, needs to be taught lesson.
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Agree totally! Only the best actors can have you loving them one day and hating the their flipping guts the very next. A perfect example for me would be Ava Jerome. I have been on again off again with her so many times over the years it would make your head spin, lol!
My two most hated of all time - Nel and Esme🤬.
All three ladies are excellent actresses in my book.
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They all come back if possible bc the work options are few and far between. They all give the line they want to have more family time but after not having a steady income for sometime they are going to come back if given that option...
21 3
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Kelly Monaco wants to come back tomorrow! She’s waiting for that phone call and I don’t know why they don’t call her. And don’t give me that bull crap about politics at work. There’s something going on here that’s worse than that.
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Doesn't matter what Kelly wants, they have moved on and thank God they did!!
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I’m so glad that Britt is back I (hope) she’s going to play Britt again because she and Jason were just getting started on their new relationship. I pray she is here to stay!!
17 1
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I’m so glad she’s back. I missed Kelly playing Brett. I think she’s a really good actress. I can’t to see what role she’s going to play.
17 1
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Why can't the writers get rid of Drew! The mob needs to eliminate him!
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Me and I am sure tons of others agree with you. I don’t watch the show anymore but once in a while I like to read comments and see what is going on in the GH news. I cannot stand Willow, Drew and Nina. Don’t care for Trina. Don’t care for the storylines. Anyways-I’m with ya!
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Yes, get Drew to move to DC permanently and htake Kai with him.
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Yes I am glad Britt is back and hoping that Dr Robinson comes to her senses and resign after setting up Drew to take the fall of black mailing her and Curtis, that episode has lost my interest and I have been watching GH FOR 50 YEARS, PLEASE donot let Michael lose his kids, Portia should tell Curtis and He should let Michael know what's happening so they can begin setting up Drew, Please GH Do the right thing, let's not go down the same boring scripts, it's time for Dr Robison, Drew and Sedwell to leave or get caught and Let Brit come back with a Bang!!!! I would love fir Britt and Jason have a chance of romance!!!, I was 10 years old when my mother got me into watching GH, PLEASE DONT FAIL ME NOW!!!
12 1
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I hope Dr. Obrecht comes back as well. They were both great. Also, if Britt's in Port Charles I hope Brad will be returning from his spending spree too.
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Like Westborn and her mother with Scott Baldwin. They were cute together. NEVER LIKED BRAD AND ALL HIS DISHONEST STUFF. No Brad!!!
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The actor i would really like to see in any role is Roger Howarth but please give him a decent story. GH has done the whole back from the dead thing to...well, to death. Not really a fan of this trope
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C
Get rid of Drew!!!!!
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G
Don't forget Willow, Nina, and Trina's Mom. Time to end that storyline.
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Well, I am sure Jason would like her back, but does it all tie in with her Mom and Lulu and Dante, and her theft, birth etc,,? Will she come back from the dead, more or less? Love it!
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I love that she’s back!! And I hope she is back as Britt and can continue with Jason or have closure, at least.
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B
Drew is over the top jerk like to see that story line gone.
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I am so glad she is back
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Shame on Willow secretly smiling to herself when she heard the news about Sasha leaving with the baby!! Also, I did not know that the actress who plays Sasha is leaving; it makes me sad. I loved her character on gh. I was also sad to see Triston Rogers (Robert Scorpio) on Friday's episode. I know he's not well, but it was a good thing for him to get to have a piece of normalcy and be on gh. I've loved seeing him on gh through the years. Peace and blessings to you, Triston.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
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I believe Liesel will cause Drew’s downfall and I can’t wait!
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C
I am hoping that Erika Slezak is coming to be Monica -
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Why didn’t she mention Steve Burton? They had chemistry and many fans are hoping they reunite. It’s great having her back.
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I’m so happy she’s back. Maybe her and Jason can pick up where they left off 💕💕.
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I'm so excited that Britt/Kelly is returning. My sister and I hated when she decided to move on even though we wanted hee to succeed in whatever endeavors that she pursued. It's just a thrill knowing that she's coming back to GH.
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Just remember GH isn't into giving the viewers what they want. I've been watching GH since the 1st airing. Just a kid. Lately I've been turning more to Y&R's story line since this Drew & Willow thing has gone on completely and depressingly to long. It's so out of hand. I personally would rather go to the dentist than watch this much longer. Doesn't anyone on GH have a backbone any longer?
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I'm really grateful that Frank Valenti and Kelly Thiebaud worked it out so that she would return to General Hospital. However, I hope Kelly plays a different character than Britt. (Britt had Huntington's Disease and she was poisoned). A new character would be a refreshing change from "back from the grave to life" character's return. If they go in that direction, I hope the character well written and doesn't end up a mess like Roger Horwarth's last character on GH.
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I don't think she had the disease i believe the records was changed to say shad it and he death was faked they have been talking about lot about Brittany and Jason finding someone remember yesterday Sasha told Jason he needed someone to love and britt returns today
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Keep her OFF the show! She’s Disgusting
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I love GH and staff
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I am so happy you are back. We can find out what happened to you.
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O
I’m another fan of Kelly’s who is excited to have her back. She had such a complicated character to play - nobody has even referred to Nicholas - redeemed schemer and honest and a hero. Can. Not. Wait.
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B
I'm so glad Kelly is coming back!! Can't wait to see what shenanigans she'll be up to this time!
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Good you too see you back i think she is coming back as Brit supposed to have been in witness protection yes Jason needs a new love 💕
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C
Yes! Bring her back! I love her!!!
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I'm very excited to see Brit back and to see what type of role she'll be playing. YEAH, GOOD FOR YOU 🎇🎊🎉🥳🎈🍾🎈🎊🎉🎇🍾🥳❤️❤️
WELCOME BACK TO
GENERAL HOSPITAL
BRITT ❤️❤️❤️
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Love the Britt!
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When Jason saw her he perked right up. Just like men do when a woman turns them on. ❤️
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Happy to hear Kelly is back on GH. When Sasha told Jason he needs a relationship. Now he can pickup where they left off. This is going to be real good.
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I’m so happy she’s back and would to see her romantically with Jason.
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B
Why do they get rid of good actors and then bring old ones ! They could’ve kept Sam, Dex etc.
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If you’re going to bring her back, you should be bringing Parry Shen back. Those two are classic comedy together I love it. And if you’re going to Porter with Jason, then forget it I don’t think that it will fly. Many people will not like it as they see that is a slap in the face because they truly want Kelly Monaco back. Even though she was with Dante, they want to see a JaSam reunion!
10 11
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C
I completely disagree. I think a lot of fans would like to see her with Jason again. They had incredible chemistry!!! As for Sam.....I don't miss her at all!!!
34 6
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I do not miss Sam at all. I never cared for her. Especially with Jason.
12 4
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Kelly Monaco. JSam.
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Wouldn't that be funny? If she came back as Sam, lol!
1 3
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C
Just as long as Kelly Monaco doesn't come back (not that they would ever take her back anyway). I don't miss her at all!
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