As a boost to General Hospital in August, actress Genie Francis will return as Laura Spencer for a short story arc. The character again emerge from her catatonic state in order to be there for her daughter, Lulu (Julie Berman).
The actress, who joined the show as a teen in 1976, now lives in Maine with her husband, actor Jonathan Frakes and owns a home furnishing store. However, she makes herself available for occasional guest appearances on General Hospital - for which her legion of fans is grateful. Viewers will remember that the character of Laura, who is institutionalized, was given an experimental drug in 2006, returning to Port Charles when General Hospital celebrated Luke and Laura's wedding. The 1981 nuptials were seen by 30 million viewers. Francis' performance in 2006 garnered her a Daytime Emmy, her first.
Producers always leave the door open for Laura to return, but they have yet to bring her back for anything but short guest appearances. Luke (Anthony Geary) is now married to Tracy (Jane Elliot), and that combination is very popular with audiences. Laura's permanent presence would certainly make for some interesting drama. (One can only imagine what Tracy would do to keep her husband!) While the prospects are fascinating, it's not to be for now. We'll have to be thankful for an occasional visit from Laura.
