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Storms' Health Battles & Custody Drama Defined GH Exit
26 Jul
Summary
- Storms exited General Hospital in July 2026 after two decades.
- Health issues included endometriosis, brain cyst, and aneurysm.
- A custody battle with ex-husband Brandon Barash preceded her exit.
Kirsten Storms, known for her role as Maxie Jones on General Hospital, officially departed the show in July 2026 after more than two decades.
Storms' time on the soap opera was marked by recurring health issues. She previously took breaks for endometriosis in 2011 and maternity leave in 2014. In 2021, she underwent surgery to remove a large brain cyst, followed by another neurological procedure in 2025 for a brain aneurysm.
Amidst these health challenges, Storms also faced a custody battle with her ex-husband, Brandon Barash. In December 2025, Barash filed for custody of their daughter, Harper, and obtained a restraining order. Storms expressed that this situation significantly impacted her willingness to return to work in Los Angeles.
She had relocated to Nashville with Harper in July 2025, intending to return to General Hospital after a granted break. However, the ongoing custody drama and personal distress led to her final exit in July 2026, with Maxie Jones moving to Australia.
