Screenshot
General Hospital Actress Kirsten Storms is on the cusp of a significant milestone: celebrating twenty remarkable years portraying the vibrant Maxie Jones on the enduring daytime drama, General Hospital.
Since her debut in 2005, Storms has become synonymous with the character, navigating a whirlwind of Port Charles drama, particularly in the realm of romance. Recently, Storms graciously looked back on her extensive tenure, sharing her insights on Maxie’s many love interests, revealing a mix of fondness, awkwardness, and even a touch of regret regarding certain storylines.
From Zenon to Port Charles: Storms’ Soap Journey
Before becoming a staple of General Hospital, Kirsten Storms carved out a successful career as a child actress, most notably capturing the hearts of Disney Channel viewers as the spirited title character in the Zenon film franchise.
This early success paved the way for her foray into the world of soap operas. In 1999, Storms landed a role on Days of Our Lives, where she spent five years honing her daytime drama skills before a new chapter began.
In 2005, Storms embraced the role of Maxie Jones, the dynamic daughter of iconic General Hospital couple Frisco and Felicia Jones. Little did she know that this character would become a defining part of her professional life, allowing her to explore a vast spectrum of human emotions and relationships over two decades. Reflecting on this journey, Storms recently engaged in a candid conversation with Swooon, offering her perspective on the numerous men who have crossed Maxie’s path.
A Trail of Lost Loves: Maxie’s “Black Widow-ish” Tendencies
With a touch of dark humor, Storms acknowledged the high mortality rate of Maxie’s romantic partners. “So many of them are dead,” she quipped, playfully adding, “Maxie is black widow-ish.” This lighthearted observation underscores the dramatic nature of soap opera storytelling, where love often intertwines with tragedy.
Storms then delved into specific relationships, starting with Jesse Beaudry, Maxie’s first love interest in Port Charles, played by Matt Marraccini. Recalling their early days on the show, Storms noted, “Jesse was the first man Maxie dated. I remember both of us still trying to figure out what we were doing on the show. And then the character died.” This early experience set the stage for Maxie’s often tumultuous romantic life.
An Awkward Romance: Maxie and Lucky Spencer
Next, Storms addressed a relationship that presented a unique challenge due to her off-screen history with the actor involved: Maxie’s romance with Lucky Spencer, portrayed by Greg Vaughan. “It was weird,” Storms admitted. “I’ve known Greg since I was, like, 14 or 15, and to me, back then, he was a grown up. So, that was a very interesting experience.”
Beyond the pre-existing friendship, Storms also found the storyline itself somewhat problematic. “Of course, I always thought Greg was a gorgeous guy, but that was a little strange for me. And the storyline was rough because of all the things Maxie was doing just to get him. So, that was a crazy time and questionable choices were made.” This honest reflection highlights the complexities of portraying characters who make morally ambiguous decisions in the name of love.
A Missed Opportunity: Cooper Barrett
Moving on, Storms expressed a sense of disappointment regarding Maxie’s relationship with Cooper Barrett, played by Jason Gerhardt. She felt that the couple had untapped potential. “He was such a cutie and so kind. I was devastated when he was let go. There are times when you feel like, ‘Oh, this could actually be something if they had just given him a little more time to get comfortable.’”
Storms elaborated on her belief in Gerhardt’s talent and the storyline’s promise. “So, I was upset about that, because I felt like he had the potential to do really well on the show. But I loved working with him. He’s a good guy.” This sentiment underscores the collaborative nature of acting and the genuine connections formed between cast members.
Life Imitates Art: Johnny Zacchara and Real-Life Love
A significant chapter in Storms’ personal and professional life involved her relationship with Brandon Barash, who played the compelling Johnny Zacchara on General Hospital.
Storms and Barash were married from 2013 to 2016 and share a daughter, Harper Rose. Naturally, their on-screen dynamic held a special significance for Storms.
“I remember being super excited to have a makeout scene with him,” Storms shared with a smile. “We were good buddies. Even still, our banter is unlike anything else in my life, and we always had that. If someone had told me then that I was going to have the most amazing, kind and beautiful girl with him.”
Storms expressed her utter surprise at the unexpected turn her friendship with Barash took. “I would have been like, ‘Shut up. No way that’s happening. Brandon? Really?’ I never would have guessed, and if I’m thankful for anything that came out of GH, obviously, it’s that I got Harper.” This heartfelt statement reveals the profound impact General Hospital has had on Storms’ life beyond the realm of acting.
