When news first broke in early December that Marcus Coloma would be exiting the role of Nikolas Cassadine on “General Hospital,” it was reported the actor had been let go from the series and refused to tape his final scenes. Now, via a spokesperson, Coloma is setting the record straight, stating, “Due to health issues with his recent Covid exposure, the network graciously agreed that he should not film the remaining few days of the year.” The statement was released to Deadline and further notes that the timing of Coloma’s upcoming departure from the soap happened to coincide with the actor concluding the requirements of his three-year contract with the soap opera.
Coloma, who suddenly unfollowed all of his “General Hospital” cast mates on social media just before reports of his departure came to light, joined the cast of the drama series in 2019 and will last air in late January 2023, ABC confirmed to Soap Opera Network.
“I was immediately taken with the family feel of the ensemble cast,” Coloma says in a statement reflecting on his time on the series. “I fell in love with the extremely passionate fanbase. Their outpouring of love and excitement, week after week has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I will always be grateful for their kindness and support.”
Read the full spokesperson statement below, which includes Coloma’s comments:
Dear Friends and Fans of Marcus Coloma,
As mentioned in a statement provided by ABC, we wanted to confirm that Marcus “will no longer be playing the role of Nikolas Cassadine. His last airdate will be at the end of January.” Marcus has wrapped his 3-year contract with ‘General Hospital’ and has thoroughly enjoyed working on the show with such a talented group of actors, writers, producers and directors. Unfortunately, due to health issues with his recent Covid exposure, the network graciously agreed that he should not film the remaining few days of the year.
Marcus has been thrilled to bring nearly 300 episodes of the iconic and complicated character of Nikolas back to life. “I was immediately taken with the family feel of the ensemble cast,” said Coloma. “And I fell in love with the extremely passionate fanbase. Their outpouring of love and excitement, week after week has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I will always be grateful for their kindness and support.”ABC has yet to confirm whether it plans to recast the role of Nikolas Cassadine following Coloma’s exit. The character is currently involved in several front burner storylines.