General Hospital's Cassandra James addresses recent casting changes

We haven’t seen very much of General Hospital’s Dr. Terry Randolph (Cassandra James) lately. However, she was instrumental in re-hiring Brad (Parry Shen) in August 2024, creating all kinds of dramatic, uncomfortable, and sometimes really funny moments on the show. While viewers look forward to seeing more of Dr. Randolph on screen, James took time to open up about some of the casting changes, as well as honor the late Leslie Charleson.

They’re one big family

General Hospital’s Cassandra James attended a performance of Tarantino Pulp Rock, a live concert playing music from the soundtracks of fan-favorite director Quentin Tarantino’s films. It was there that The New York Post connected with her, and she opened up about Charleson’s death, explaining, “We’re all really saddened by the loss. And, to be honest, my favorite thing about Leslie is she had a really wonderful sense of humor.”

That sense of humor was part of what made Charleson so memorable to her co-workers. James related a story that took place when her character Terry was trying to get promoted at General Hospital, and she had to deal with Monica, who at the time was chief of staff. James remarked, “I remember, like, in between takes or when we got up to set, she had a very dry, funny sense of humor. She had me laughing on set. It was a great day.”

More recently, General Hospital fans were shocked when it was announced that beloved Kelly Monaco would be exiting her role as Sam, followed shortly after by the news that Chad Duell would be departing his role as Michael. If that one-two punch wasn’t enough, fans were also unnerved when Brooklyn Rae Silzer was replaced as the beloved Emma Drake-Scorpio, with Braedyn Bruner taking over the part.

James remained optimistic that even though those actors left, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t return at any point. She stated, “Well, here’s the thing about a legacy like General Hospital. Our anniversary is coming up this year. We’re turning 62 this year. So, while there are definitely legacy actors who have left the show for many, you know, any number of reasons, the world of Port Charles is so big, and there are so many amazing places that the production can take the story.”

She felt that fan worry was needless because characters often return to town (or even to life), adding, “There’s always legacy actors being shuffled around, coming back to the show. So, you’re never going to, you know, miss out on much.” She further offered her gratitude for being on the show and described the General Hospital cast and crew as “One big family.”

You can watch new episodes of General Hospital on ABC and Hulu.