General Hospital Stunner: Nicole Paggi Steps In as Maxie, Replacing Kristen Storms Once More

The latest General Hospital comings and goings reveal a temporary change in a beloved face. On the July 3, 2025, episode, fans noticed something different about Maxie Jones. Kristen Storms, who has played Maxie since 2005, stepped away from the role briefly once again. Nicole Paggi, familiar to fans from her prior fill-ins, has taken over for now.

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Nicole Paggi Returns as Maxie—for Now
Nicole Paggi isn’t new to this role. She previously stepped in for Kristen Storms in December 2023. This time, the reason is another short scheduling conflict for Storms. The actress couldn’t film certain episodes, so Paggi returned as Maxie—Deception’s go-getter and single mom juggling it all.

This marks yet another chapter in the show’s long history of Maxie recasts. Despite being temporary, these switches always raise fan curiosity. Viewers will be watching closely to see how Paggi handles the character in upcoming scenes.

General Hospital Comings and Goings: Kristen Storms and Her History With Recasts
Kristen Storms has had several medical leaves over the years. Each time, General Hospital has stepped in with short-term replacements to keep Maxie’s story going strong. In 2011, Storms took leave due to endometriosis. Jen Lilley took over until Storms returned in 2012.

Again in 2016, Storms stepped back due to skin issues. Molly Burnett filled in as Maxie and would later return in 2018 when Storms battled the flu. These interruptions never dimmed the character’s spark—just passed the torch briefly.

In 2021, the actress underwent brain surgery to remove a noncancerous cyst. She took extended time off to heal. Back then, Maxie was written out of Port Charles, heading to Texas off-screen. Through it all, Kristen Storms remained proud of how the character was handled. In past interviews, she expressed her gratitude that Maxie remained active. Her biggest fear was the character being forgotten or dropped. So having talented actresses keep Maxie alive on-screen meant everything.

Who Is Nicole Paggi?
Nicole Paggi may be new to some GH fans, but she has solid TV experience. She played Jennie Bradbury on Pasadenaand Sydney Shanowski on Hope & Faith. On Hope & Faith, she worked with soap favorites like Kelly Ripa and Faith Ford. More recently, she appeared on 9-1-1 and The Rookie: FEDS.

Her comfort in front of the camera and past experience make her a great fit for the fast-paced GH set. While this stay is brief, fans are already buzzing about her return. The General Hospital comings and goings may bring change, but Maxie’s legacy stays strong. Whether it’s Storms or Paggi, fans can count on Maxie to keep stirring up drama in Port Charles. Stay tuned for more soap updates right here on Soap Opera Daily.