‘General Hospital’: Sydney Mikayla Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Cast Members Amid Her Departure
Sydney Mikayla has been playing Trina Robinson on General Hospital since 2019. However, her final episode for the soap opera recently aired as the actor had decided to leave the series.
Amid Mikayla’s departure, the 19-year-old penned a heartfelt post to some of her fellow cast members.
Sydney Mikayla is leaving ‘General Hospital’ to focus on school
In the fall of 2021, Mikayla started her college education at the University of California, Los Angeles. As such, she had decided to leave General Hospital in order to focus on school.
Executive producer Frank Valentini told Soap Opera Digest in early March, “Sydney asked to leave in order to focus on college. We love her and are sad to see her go, but of course support her decision and wish her the best.”
Mikayla also shared that she really wants to “dive in” to her college experience at UCLA.
“I have loved working on GENERAL HOSPITAL, but I feel like this is the right time to dive in and enjoy my college experience to the fullest,” she said. “The cast has become family and bringing the character of Trina to life has been one of the best experiences of my career thus far. Thank you to Frank and the entire team for believing in me and giving me this wonderful opportunity. I will miss working with everyone every day, but I am excited to see what is to come for the show.”
Sydney Mikayla wrote a heartfelt post about her cast members
On March 17, the day her final episode aired, Mikayla took to Instagram to share some photos and videos of her time on General Hospital. She also wrote a heartfelt message to some cast members with whom she got the chance to work closely.
“I will always miss goofing off on set with you,” Mikayla wrote of William Lipton (Cameron Webber). “You have incredible energy and your amazing songwriting will always put a smile on my face.”
She also said of Eden McCoy (Josslyn Jacks), “You never fail to inspire me. You are such a talent to work beside and I couldn’t have asked for a better on screen bestie.”
Mikayla, then, added about Nicholas Chavez (Spencer Cassadine), “You were an amazing first onscreen love interest. For this to be your first acting job, I think you’ve got a major career ahead (you have to say you knew me when.”
For newbie Avery Pohl (Esme Prince), Mikayla wrote, “The sweetest and kindest person ever! Although I haven’t known you for very long, you’ve told me your goals, and your brilliance is going to change the world. I mean that.”
Mikayla also sent a message to her on-screen mom, Brook Kerr (Portia Robinson): “Your words of wisedom have been heeded, and I’ve learned to take advantage of and be grateful for everything you’ve taught me along away.”
“I will miss you so,” she said of Maura West (Ava Jerome). “You are a gem, and I’m so grateful to have worked with you.”
Finally, Mikayla dedicated a portion of her post to fellow African-American actors on General Hospital. She wrote, “Thank you for showing me how to continue to represent our community well.”
Sydney Mikayla’s role will be taken over by Tabyana Ali
Before Mikayla joined the show, the role of Trina was played by Tiana Le. Now that Mikayla is leaving, the role will be recast again. This time, actor Tabyana Ali is taking over.
Ali has appeared on the Disney Channel’s game show Win, Lose, or Draw. She also had guest appearances on series such as New Girl and The Big Show Show. In 2021, she appeared in the movie Horror Noire.
Earlier this month, Ali wrote on Twitter about joining the cast of General Hospital: “I’m so grateful to have this opportunity! Thank y’all for the warm welcoming. I’m so happy to be in this position.”
