General Hospital Writer Jean Passanante Leaves The Show

Jean Passanante has officially left General Hospital as one of the head writers of the show. Her co-writer, Shelly Altman, will stay on the show as a solo writer. The Friday, July 28 episode was Shelly’s first as a head writer of the long-running daytime television drama.

Jean Passanante has been a television screenwriter for several decades now. She got her start as an actress in small parts in daytime soap operas back in the early 1980s.

In addition to General Hospital, she was also a head writer on All My Children, Another World, One Life to Live, The Young and the Restless and As the World Turns.

Back in June, she opened up about her decision to retire from General Hospital. Jean said that for her, the timing is just about right. Plus, she wants to spend more time with her family. Jean explained in an interview with Soap Opera Digest, “It gets to be a time when it’s just time. […] And it seemed like the right time. I do have other things that I’m interested in pursuing and I have a daughter who lives in Europe, who I want to visit whenever I can. I have been pondering it for a long time. It’s a pretty consuming kind of job and you need to get your head clear of it every once in a while. It’s been a great 27 years, or something like that — it’s a long time!”

Of course, fans will just have to wait and see if Jean decides to come out of retirement. It’s without a doubt that General Hospital fans will definitely miss her and her talent.

Tell us, what do you think of Shelly’s first episode as a solo writer? Do you think Jean is going to be missed? Let us know by dropping us a line with your thoughts in our comments section.

Also, don’t forget to check back with Celebrating the Soaps for all the latest news, updates and spoilers on General Hospital right here!

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