General Hospital News: Ryan Paevey Opens Up About GH Exit

Viewers grieved the death of Nathan West on “General Hospital.” Although it was his decision to leave the show, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard for him to shoot his last few scenes.

Fans, Nathan’s family, and the portrayer of the character, Ryan Paevey, all cried as they shot his final scenes. The actor recalled,

“I had to lie there while everybody gave these earth-shattering performances over me and then do my very best not to react as any human being would,” Paevy told ABC Soaps In Depth.

General Hospital News – It Was Ryan Paevy’s Decision To Leave The Soap

Paevey also admitted that he tried his very best not to cry, but the scenes were too intense and heartbreaking that he wasn’t able to help himself.

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“Oh, I was crying. For sure! They cut around it, so I don’t think you see it in there, but there wasn’t a dry eye in the house for like a week. Everybody was a train wreck!” The scenes were so memorable and dramatic that they were going to be submitted by the soap as their entry for next year’s Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series.

It was early 2018 when it was confirmed that Paevey was leaving the show. It was the actor’s decision to leave and assured all his fans that it was his choice.

General Hospital News – Executive Producer Said Recast Was Not An Option

“General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini was disappointed as he didn’t want to lose an asset to the show. However, he also understood that Paevey wanted to explore new things in his acting career. So, the show’s headwriter, Shelly Altman and Chris Van Etten, had to come up with a story that would pave the way for the character’s exit.

Since Paevey’s character was introduced in the show, he became an instant fan favorite. So, the idea of recasting the character might be difficult for viewers to accept. Although there was a chance that they would accept a new actor, the show just didn’t want to risk it.

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— SOS/CTS/HH (@SoapOperaSpy) August 15, 2019

Also, the writers had the option to send Nathan off to someplace far for an assignment. This could have left the door open for his character to return. However, Nathan was the kind of guy who wouldn’t leave his family for an assignment. That time, his wife was pregnant and the idea of leaving his family for a job just didn’t sit well with him. Therefore, the soap had no choice but to kill off his character.

Stay tuned to the ABC soap and don’t forget to check Celebrating The Soaps often for the latest General Hospital spoilers, updates, and news.