Longtime 'General Hospital' Star Rena Sofer Departs Hollywood After 35 Years

In a move that mirrors her on-screen character's departure, Rena Sofer, the longtime star of the ABC soap opera 'General Hospital', is leaving Los Angeles after almost 35 years. Sofer, who has portrayed the role of Lois Cerullo since 1993, took to social media this week to announce that she and her husband, Sanford Bookstaver, are moving away from the city where the show is filmed.

"Yes I'm getting emotional," Sofer wrote on Instagram. "I met and had my children in LA, met the man of my dreams and created an incredible life there. I had amazing success in the Biz and made all my lifelong friends who I will miss desperately." The actress expressed her gratitude to Los Angeles, stating "Thank you LA for being you. And now on to quieter and calmer times."

According to reports, Lois Cerullo's character is being written out of 'General Hospital', but the door is being kept open for Sofer's potential return in the future. This means the character is not being killed off, leaving the possibility for Sofer to reprise the role if she decides to visit Hollywood again.

Sofer's departure from the show comes after a successful run, having won a Daytime Emmy Award for her performance as Lois in 1995. She has also had notable roles on other daytime dramas, including 'The Bold and the Beautiful', as well as various primetime shows such as '24', 'Melrose Place', and 'NCIS'.