SINCE 1963, General Hospital fans have watched characters leave the show to pursue other ventures.

However, some of the soap’s biggest fan-favorites have made their comeback, from Bryan Craig to Jonathan Jackson — let’s take a look.A picture featuring a few General Hospital cast members

In early August, General Hospital revealed via its Instagram that Bryan Craig would reprise his role as Morgan Corinthos in an episode of the hit soap.

However, his character only returned as a ghost as Morgan was killed off the show in 2016 after dying in a car bomb.

After viewers said goodbye to Bryan’s character, they hoped he would return.

To their surprise, Bryan returned on January 17, 2018, as a ghost once more.

Six years later, Bryan came back again after dropping a hint in June of him on the show’s set in an Instagram post.

Fans were ecstatic for the hope that he’d returned, with one saying, “Bryan, I hope you’re not teasing us. I would love to see you back on #GH.”

Another said, “Loved Bryan Craig since day 1 on GH. Was so bummed that he was leaving.”

While Bryan reprised his role this year on August 6, it was only short-lived.

Bryan said about his time on the show, “It was so fun to be asked back and to be able to come back to further the storyline of a little bit years later. I feel very privileged.”

Jonathan Jackson

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 15: Jonathan Jackson attends the "Unsung Hero" Nashville Screening Premiere at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on April 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images for Lionsgate)On June 25, 2024, Jonathan took to X that he was returning.

“I’m returning to General Hospital this summer!” he wrote, adding, “Excited for the journey to continue.”

“I’m super excited and I can’t wait to dig in and see what’s going on in Port Charles,” said in a different video.

After sharing the news, fans rushed to social media to share their excitement.

“This is INCREDIBLE news! I can’t wait to see you back in Port Charles; it’ll be wonderful to see you on TV again,” said one fan.

“You were so great as Lucky! I cannot wait to see you back in the role,” said another.

Jonathan started his role as Lucky in 1993 until 2011.

On August 5, the soap shared on their Instagram that Jonathan was back to film for the hit show.

Steve Burton

GENERAL HOSPITAL - Episode 14836 - General Hospital" airs Monday-Friday, on ABC (check local listings). (Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images)KELLY THIEBAUD, STEVE BURTON

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Steve Burton (R) with Kelly Thiebaud (L) on an episode of General HospitalCredit: Getty Images

Steve Burton joined General Hospital as Jason Morgan on and off between 1991 and 2021 before he was fired from the show.

According to the Soap star, he was fired because of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

“Hey! I wanted you to hear it from me. I love and appreciate all of you!” Steve said in an Instagram video.

“I wanted you to hear it from me personally,” he said, adding, “Unfortunately, General Hospital has let me go because of the vaccine mandate.

“I did apply for my medical and religious exemptions, and both of those were denied.”

However, three years later, on January 4, 2024, General Hospital revealed that Steve would return to the hit soap.

Fans were super excited to hear he was back.

“OMG!!! Best GH surprise ever!! Steve Burton!!” exclaimed one viewer.

“Finally! I screamed so loud and I’m elated! GH has not been the same without Jason Morgan,” said another.

Steve made his return on March 4.

John J. York

GENERAL HOSPITAL - "General Hospital" airs Monday-Friday, on ABC (check local listings). (Todd Wawrychuk/ABC via Getty Images)<br />
JOHN J. YORK

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John J. York on an episode of General HospitalCredit: Getty Images

John J. York first appeared on the soap as Malcolm “Mac” Scorpio in 1991.

His last time on the show was in December 2022, after he was diagnosed with blood and bone marrow cancer the year before.

However, after months away from the show, John returned on June 19, 2024.

Fans rushed to the comments to share that they’ve “missed” the soap star.

“Welcome back, John. You were missed,” one fan wrote.

“I cried happy tears when he appeared on my screen,” said another, while a third added, “So happy to see John looking so healthy.”

Speaking to Soap Opera Digest about his return, John said, “It’s the same drive, going down Los Feliz, making the turn on Commonwealth, turning down a side street — but in my mind, I was saying what I was just saying to you, just how thankful I am: ‘Here I am, 33 years later, making the same turn, coming down the same road’”

Rick Hearst

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 17: Rick Hearst attends "Ambitions" Atlanta premiere at The Gathering Spot on June 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

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Rick Hearst attends the Ambitions premiere at The Gathering Spot on June 17, 2019, in Atlanta, GeorgiaCredit: WireImage

Rick Hearst was one of the latest soap stars to be brought back to the show.

Rick was originally at General Hospital from 2002 until 2009, and he resumed his role in 2014.

However, the last time he was seen on the show was in 2016.

On July 25, 2024, the soap announced that Rick would be returning to play Ric Lansing.

The actor shared the news on Instagram, saying, “Very excited to announce my return to GH in the role of Ric Lansing.

“Stay tuned. You never know what you’re gonna get with this guy.”

Fans rushed to his comment section to welcome him back.

“Welcome back to Ric Lansing! Been waiting for this,” wrote one fan.

“Haven’t seen GH in many years but will now start with your return!” said another, adding, “Glad to have you back as Ric!!”

Rick is scheduled to return to the big screen on August 19.

Emma Samms

WOODSTOCK, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: Emma Samms attends the Blenheim Ball in aid of Starlight at Blenheim Palace on March 8, 2024 in Woodstock, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Starlight Children's Foundation)

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Emma Samms at the Blenheim Ball in aid of Starlight’s Children’s Foundation on March 8, 2024Credit: Getty Images

Lastly, fans were excited to hear Emma Samms was returning to the beloved soap.

Emma, who played Holly Sutton on the show, began on the show in 1982 and was last seen in 2023.

When the news broke, fans congratulated the star on her return.

“YES!!!! Best news of the week,” wrote one fan.

“Looking forward to seeing more Robert and Holly Scorpio!” said another.

“Looking forward to your return!!! Can’t wait to see what’s in store!!!” expressed a third fan.

Holly is scheduled to return to the General Hospital screens in September.

GENERAL HOSPITAL - The cast, crew and creative team of General Hospital celebrated the 15,000th episode milestone of TVs longest-running scripted television drama currently in production with a cake-cutting ceremony on the Prospect Studios lot in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 12, 2022. "General Hospital" airs Monday - Friday, on ABC (check local listings). (Liliane Lathan via Getty Images)<br />
KATHLEEN GATI, KIN SHRINER, MAURA WEST, TRISTAN ROGERS, KRISTINA WAGNER, JOHN YORK, JACKLYN ZEMAN, BROOK KERR, JOHN LINDSTROM, CHARLES SHAUGHNESSY, GENIE FRANCIS, CHAD DUELL, MAURICE BENARD, LAURA WRIGHT, NANCY LEE GRAHN, DONNELL TURNER, FINOLA HUGHES, WALLY KURTH, LISA LOCICERO,  JEFF KOBER, SONYA EDDY, CYNTHIA WATROS<br />
NICHOLAS CHAVEZ, MARCUS COLOMA, KELLY MONACO, JOSH SWICKARD, AMANDA SETTON, REBECCA HERBST, MICHAEL EASTON, JOPHIELLE LOVE, KELLY THIEBAUD, LYNN HERRING, SOFIA MATTSSON, LYDIA LOOK, KATELYN MACMULLEN