Soap Opera Digest
February 5, 2002

"Difficult but necessary" is how Stephen Nichols describes his
decision to leave General Hospital in January after nearly six years
there. "I've been preparing to make a change for the
last year and a half."

What prompted the actor's exit?  "As I'm sure the
fans are aware, the potential of the character of Stefan
was not being utilized...he is such a unique character with
so many facets and for whatver reason it wasn't being
tapped. Stefan is complicated and unusual for television.
He is not only wealthy, but extremely well-educated,
artistic, devious when necessary as well as fiercely loyal
and a romantic - a Renaissance man with a killer
vocabulary."

But not a killer storyline. After months of serving other
characters' tales, Stefan simply left town on January 16,
taking off to pursue his childhood dreams.
"I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again,"
sings Nichols jokingly. When asked how he feels about Stefan's
exit, the actor replies "Apropos to the last two years for Stefan
- handled with a lack of attention...lame, really."

What has gotten fans' attention recently are rumors that Nichols'
GH exit might signal a return to Days of our Lives, where the
actor rose to fame as Steve "Patch" Johnson from 1985-1990.
"My agent received a general inquiry from DAYS regarding my
interest in returning, " he reveals. "I have to say, I love the character
of Patch. It would be interesting to revisit the character under
new circumstances - and perhaps to work with my good friend Mary
Beth and all my old friends over there. I know the audience
still loves him. To this day, when I go on personal appearances,
usually about 50 per cent of the people are there to see Patch."

As for a possible return to GH someday, Nichols notes, "It really has
to do with story, story, story and commitment to the integrity of the character."

For now he is busy working on a script "Which I plan to shoot on
digital video, surrounding the experience of meeting my father for
the first time when I was 23," he shares. "And of course, I'll be
actively seeking work in television, stage and film."

To the fans, the actor offers '"gratitude for always
hanging in there no matter what; for supporting me in all
my endeavours. I know people will miss Stefan, but many of
them have expressed that they are looking forward to seeing
me in other roles. Their support has always enriched my
work and life, no matter where I go, and for that, I am
extremely grateful."

Back To:

Liz's Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans Scrapbook Index

The Written Word