Photo: ABC
As previously posted, Jacqueline Grace Lopez made her exit on ABC’s General Hospital when during the Tuesday, August 13th episode, Blaze and Kristina (Kate Mansi) broke up, and then Blaze, for all intent and purposes, broke up with her mother, Natalia (E, who is also her music manager, Natalia (Eva LaRue). That set the stage for the character to leave Port Charles to embark on a world tour performing as the opening act for Miquel Morez (aka Ricky Martin).
On Wednesday, August 14th, Lopez confirmed her exit from the soap opera, taking to Instagram to share her parting words, which included she was surprised that GH wrote Blaze off the canvas.
Jacqueline began, “Not gonna lie, this goodbye hurts. I think because I didn’t see it coming. That and when you spend almost two years with this group, you start to feel like part of the fabric.”
Photo: ABC
However, she remained so thankful to the GH creatives for the opportunity to be a part of the iconic show. “I’m so grateful to Frank (Valentini, EP, GH) for asking me back. I am grateful to everyone I got to tell stories with, both in front and behind the camera,” she related. “This cast and crew work so hard and have taught me so much. Jobs come and go, but it’s the people you miss. I’m definitely going to miss this bunch.
Speaking to inclusivity on television, Jacqueline added, “I’ve mentioned that as a brown girl, it’s so hard to see ourselves in media, period. To have writers introduce Latiné story elements because of my character? Even adding a Latiné last name to my character’s name? Getting onscreen family and backstory as a non-contract actor? Being a part of the opening titles?! Turning a 10 episode part into almost two years??? Babyyy, she done did that! Sometimes we have to be the change we don’t see.
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Photo: ABC
Finally, Lopez gave major kudos to the audience at home, saying, “GH FANS!!! My heart is so full. Especially fans that embraced Blaze’s journey as a gay woman and formed community around each other as a result: Y’all got me through some moments. I poured myself into this story because I knew it was going to matter. I just didn’t know how much. You have humbled me, reminding me the need for feeling seen onscreen is absolutely universal to all marginalized communities. I learned that through Allie. Through you. Thank you for sharing your stories, your words of encouragement, and for the generous gifts! Know I carry all of that with me always. I hope I did right by you. That’s all I wanted to do.”
“Ultimately, my joy in this work is to help people feel seen. And for that reason alone, this chapter of Blaze was an absolute gift,” Jacqueline concluded. “It feels so sudden, but I have to trust in timing. Heading out of Port Charles with nothing but gratitude. Thank you General Hospital.”
Jacqueline first played Blaze back in 2022. Following that, she came to the soap a few times before her last run which took her through to this summer.
What do you think about Jacqueline’s parting thoughts? Will you miss her as Blaze? Was her departure part of a show reset from the latest co-head writing regime? Comment below.
General Hospital fans don’t hold back when they think the writers have made a mistake. Recently, they dragged GH writers for bringing back old characters that no one cares about and killing off some of the younger people on the show. Now, they’ve axed yet another fan-favorite character and kept a hated villain. Continue reading to see what fans have to say about the latest change.
Viewers Unhappy About General Hospital Axing Blaze
Viewers are reeling this week after General Hospital showrunners axed Alison Rogers, better known as Blaze. The character, portrayed by Jacqueline Grace Lopez, has become a fan favorite.
Blaze was seen saying goodbye to her former lover Kristina (played by Kate Mansi). She’s going on tour and won’t be back for a while. However, fans are upset about the writers’ decision to get rid of Blaze instead of another character.
General Hospital fans have stated that they believe the show should have gotten rid of Blaze’s mom instead. Natalia (Eva LaRue) has been a controversial character in the soap opera. Earlier this season, Natalia gave a rather homophobic speech.
On the GH Instagram page, fans were eager to let the showrunners know they made a mistake.
“So you go rid of Blaze to leave controlling Natalia behind? You got the wrong person GH,” one fan wrote. Another commented, “Blaze should have stayed and Natalia left.” A third chimed in, “Blaze is gone (temporarily I hope) there is no reason for Natalia & her homophobic views to stick around.”
Many viewers are upset about how Blaze was sent away from Port Charles, but there are still some who are holding out hope that she’ll return.
“Really hope Blaze comes back, Jacqueline Grace Lopez has done an amazing job,” one fan commented. “I still hope Jacqueline Grace Lopez isn’t leaving General Hospital,” another optimistically wrote.
Some viewers even went as far as to threaten to stop watching the ABC soap opera if Blaze doesn’t make a comeback. A fan claimed, “No Blaze no General Hospital for me. I only watch the show for Jacqueline Grace Lopez #BringBackBlaze.”
Other Casting Changes On GH
Right now, Blaze’s future on GH is unknown. She has left the show before and returned months later. Jacqueline Grace Lopez first made her appearance on the soap as Blaze in 2022. In April 2023, she left, only to return in September 2023.
So, there is a chance that fans will get to see Blaze come back to Port Charles again in the future.
The decision to axe Blaze comes as a number of other casting changes are being made on General Hospital. Two fan favorites, Bryan Craig and Jonathan Jackson, are making their return in August.
However, the soap revealed that Bryan, who played Morgan Corinthos, only returned for a limited time. He was seen last week on the soap as a ghost. That will be his only appearance.
On top of that, Lulu Spencer is being recast. Emme Rylan, who has been on General Hospital since 2013, opened up about the recasting news on Instagram. She wrote, “Yes it is true. GH has decided to recast Lulu. Although I am very disappointed with their choice, I am glad to finally have closure. (And thank goodness GH brought all of you fabulous people into my life! Love you guys!)”
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
