Last seen on “General Hospital” in September 2020, actress Emma Samms is returning to the daytime drama series beginning in October as her beloved character Holly Sutton. She originated the role in 1982.
“I can’t believe that it’s been 40 years since I first appeared on ‘General Hospital’ and that, once again, I get to play the wonderful character of Holly Sutton,” Samms told Deadline, which first reported the news of her return. “No one is more interested in what’s happened to her since we saw her two years ago, being held captive by a mysterious villain, than me!”
Although believed dead by Port Charles, viewers saw Holly very much alive but locked away in a cell in Monte Carlo where she’s being held captive by a mystery person. The storyline was to be picked up shortly after the reveal but Samms had contracted COVID. It was later revealed she had been suffering from what is called long COVID which the CDC defines as people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 who “experience long-term effects from their infection, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC)” or long COVID. The website also notes that post-COVID conditions can include “a wide range of ongoing health problems; these conditions can last weeks, months, or years.”
“I am thrilled the wonderful Emma Samms will be returning to the canvas in October, so we can continue telling Holly’s story and the fans can finally see what happened after we learned she was alive and being held hostage,” said the show’s executive producer Frank Valentini in a statement released to Deadline.
“I have been in the grip of Long COVID, having contracted Coronavirus in March 2020. I’m immensely grateful to Producer Frank Valentini and the writers for their understanding and willingness to accommodate my ongoing health issues. I can’t wait to get back to Port Charles!” further noted Samms.
In a 2021 interview with Soap Opera Digest, Samms told the publication, “They set up this marvelous story right before the pandemic hit and I was really excited about coming back. And then not only was there a pandemic, but I got sick, and Frank has been just wonderfully patient and supportive and understanding, way more than I could possibly have ever hoped.”
In addition to her iconic role on “GH,” Samms also starred as Fallon Carrington Colby in “Dynasty” and its spinoff series “The Colbys.” She later reprised the role in “Dynasty: The Reunion.” Her post-‘Dynasty’ work has been extensive, concentrating on feature films for
television and theatrical distribution, including starring roles in “Delirious,” opposite John Candy, and in “The Marksman,” opposite Wesley Snipes. Most recently, Emma returned to her recurring role in the popular BBC television drama, “Doctors.”
In October 2021, Samms married former BBC News presenter Simon McCoy.