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Genie Francis has been playing the part of Laura Spencer on General Hospital since 1977. Laura has changed significantly through the years. From a rebellious teenager to a strong adult who always strives for high moral ground, Francis has grown up alongside her long-standing character. Earlier this year, Francis was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Back in 2007, she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Now, she’s decided to take a break.

Genie Francis (Laura) in 'General Hospital.'
Genie Francis (Laura) in ‘General Hospital’ | Michael Yada/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Genie Francis on growing up with Laura Specer on ‘General Hospital’

Laura has gone through quite an evolution, seemingly over and over again. In an interview with Hollywood Life in 2020, Francis spoke about what it’s been like to navigate those ever-changing waters as Laura.

“It was Luke and Laura for so long,” she said. “I didn’t know that they would be interested in keeping that character around just on her own, and I like that [Frank Valentini] was willing to keep her around. Not only that, but I think this time around, these past five years that I’ve been with the show, they really did manage to flip it around and allow Laura to grow up and create a mature Laura. She’s strong and independent and doesn’t need to be saved. When I was a teenager, Laura was the one who was constantly tied to the railroad tracks waiting for somebody to come save her, so this is really such a great full circle. I’m really happy with that.”

Laura Spencer’s rich history revealed on ‘General Hospital’

In the past year, the General Hospital audience has learned even more about Laura and where she came from. It was revealed that her late birth father, Gordon Grey, was also the father of Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober) and Martin Grey (Michael E. Knight).

“I was absolutely thrilled with the story,” Francis told TV Insider in June. “This all goes back to what makes Laura ‘Laura.’ They’ve done such a wonderful job of tying her history into the present in such a brilliant way. I’m thrilled that today’s audience knows even more about Laura and who she is.”

Genie Francis is taking a break from ‘General Hospital,’ but she’ll be back

Francis has decided to take a well-deserved break from Laura for the summer. But she assured TV Insider that the break is not permanent.

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“I’ve had such a fun time on GH, and I’ve absolutely loved what the writers gave me to work with this season,” she said. “And, there are some really great storylines planned for the fall – but for now, I’ve decided to take the summer off. I am very much looking forward to spending the time with my family and relaxing a bit. I promise, though, I will be back to Port Charles before you know it.”

Just like Francis told Hollywood Life back in 2020, she can never stay away for long.

“I like coming home,” she said of her role on GH. “It’s a good feeling. That’s my home. That’s where it started, and it feels good to come back and revisit that character. It feels good to be there.”

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