The tears that fell during yesterday's episode of General Hospital will continue falling today. After the emotional episode that saw an ailing Jordan Ashford bid farewell to her friends and family before being wheeled into surgery, the character's portrayer, Briana Nicole Henry, confirmed that this isn't just a storyline to bring a little drama -- she is in fact leaving the ABC soap opera, bringing her three-year run as Jordan to an end.
In a post made to Instagram, Henry shared, "I suppose it is that time isn't it. As I celebrated my third year of being on General Hospital yesterday, I also watched my last episode as Jordan Ashford air. People kept asking me how it felt to have ended my time on the show, and it wasn't until yesterday that it really sank in, as I watched Jordan's goodbye to her family and knew the tears you saw were real tears between not just colleagues but friends."
The actress goes on to explain that she has "decided it was time for me to move on" from GH but says that she received "nothing but love and support from everyone involved -- not to mention was given the most beautiful send off that left me quite literally shaken."
Henry extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has helped make GH feel like a second home over the past three years, including the series' executive producer, Frank Valentini.
"From the crew, to my cast mates to our security guard Emma, there were multiple people on any given day that brought such a smile and warmth to my heart," she writes, adding, "When I started GH it was my first opportunity as a series regular, and to get the opportunity to throw myself into Jordan for the last three years and work with some truly incredible actors has been an honor. Thanks for holding space for me to grow. I am a better actor because of the time I spent within those walls and will forever be grateful for the way the show nurtured and challenged my ability."
In closing, Henry thanks the GH fans who have supported her since she joined the soap opera as a recast for Vinessa Antoine in 2019.
"It took me a while to win you over, but once you saw my heart you made me feel so much love," she writes. "I hope I brought something unique and honest to your beloved character of Jordan Ashford, she's one helluva woman. Until next time loves."
On its official Twitter account, General Hospital posted a photo of a ceremonial goodbye cake and the caption, "There aren't words to express how much the last three years have meant to the entire cast and crew."
Goodbyes are never easy and that is especially true today as we bid adieu to @Bri_Nic_Henry. There aren't words to express how much the last three years have meant to the entire cast and crew of #GH. We'll miss you. ?? #GeneralHospital pic.twitter.com/mJBORGrxOf
— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) September 14, 2021
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