“General Hospital” fans were shocked on Thursday when they learned that the daytime drama series has decided to recast the role of Kristina Corinthos-Davis, most notably portrayed by Lexi Ainsworth (2009-2011; 2015-2023), with “Days of our Lives” alum Kate Mansi (ex-Abigail Deveraux DiMera). Ainsworth made her final appearance on the daytime drama series on Thursday, April 27. Mansi begins airing as Kristina during the week of May 22, 2023.
Hours after the news broke, Ainsworth took to Instagram, revealing her exit from the show was a “mutually beneficial decision” and that even though she was looking forward to Kristina’s upcoming storyline, which was “inspired by a personal experience,” she ultimately felt from her perspective that it would be best that she writes said story from “my point of view.”
In the video message, Ainsworth starts things off by saying, “Hey guys, I wanted to come on here and speak to my ‘General Hospital’ fans and let you guys know that after 10 transformative years, both personally and for my character, that I will be leaving ‘General Hospital.’”
Photo by Christine Bartolucci/ABC
Discussing why she decided to leave the show, Ainsworth stated, “I was looking forward to this upcoming storyline because it was inspired by a personal experience of mine, but I am currently working on writing my own story from my point of view which has been thus far cathartic and hopefully inspiring to other women. So, I look forward to sharing that with you guys when it is completed.”
Ainsworth continued to share more information on her exit, noting it would ultimately give her opportunities she might not have partaken had she stayed. “While ‘General Hospital’ has remained a top priority, I have been interested in pursuing new career opportunities that align with my evolving interests and goals, and I’m confident that this mutually beneficial decision will lead to new endeavors where I will continue to grow and expand my talents beyond the industry. I do want to take a second to address the fans and express my deepest appreciation to you guys who have supported me over the years. She added, “Your loyalty has been a constant inspiration and I am forever grateful. The show would not be what it is without you guys.”
Photo by Christine Bartolucci/ABC
While this might be the end of her run on the daytime drama series, Ainsworth isn’t finished with her acting career, reminding viewers she’ll be appearing in the 20th season finale of “NCIS,” airing Monday, May 22.
“As I leave ‘General Hospital,’ I will continue carving out a space for myself where I am an active part of the creative process, and as much as it is hard to say goodbye I know that this has ultimately freed me for what I am meant to be pursuing,” further states about her exit. “So, with that being said [smiles], I hope that you guys continue to support me in my journey and I look forward to keeping you guys updated with all of the exciting things that are going on in my life and I will start by sharing that I have an episode of ‘NCIS’ that will be airing this month, May 22nd, so, hopefully, guy guys can tune in and stay tuned for more.
In an Instagram story Ainsworth posted in early April, Ainsworth shared a snapshot of her headshot on a casting board, indicating she’d be playing the role of Holly Lygnos in the episode. Although the episode’s title at the time was “Second Opinion,” CBS recently announced the season finale episode will be titled “Black Sky,” which finds NCIS Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) finding himself in prison as the team tries to stop an impending terror attack on U.S. soil. “NCIS” airs Mondays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
In 2017, Ainsworth won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Kristina Corinthos-Davis on “General Hospital.” She received her first nomination in 2011, the same year she took home the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Daytime TV Series – Younger Actress, also for her portrayal of Kristina.
Outside of “General Hospital,” Ainsworth has appeared in episodes of “Gilmore Girls,” “iCarly,” “Cougar Town,” “Criminal Minds,” “Teen Wolf,” “Rizzoli & Isles” and “Shameless,” among other TV appearances. She co-starred in the 2015 film “A Girl Like Her” alongside “The Young and the Restless” alum Hunter King (ex-Summer Newman).
Check out Ainsowrth’s Instagram video below.