Eva LaRue has opened up about her recent exit from the long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” revealing how intense fan backlash against her character contributed to her decision to leave the show. The actress, known for her role as Natalia Ramirez, confirmed her departure on June 30, 2025, after joining the cast in February 2024.
In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, LaRue shared that her initial stint on the show was meant to last only a couple of months. However, her time on “General Hospital” extended due to her chemistry with the cast and the engaging storylines. “It was great — and really fun because there are so many ‘All My Children’ actors there, and it felt like home,” she said.
LaRue’s character, Natalia, was introduced as the mother of Blaze, portrayed by Jacqueline Grace Lopez. Initially, the writers aimed to develop a romantic storyline between Natalia and the show’s iconic character, Sonny Corinthos, played by Maurice Benard. However, the audience’s reaction was overwhelmingly negative, leading to a shift in the show’s direction.
“People just weren’t buying it because they just hated my character so much,” LaRue explained. “I was so vilified that no matter what [the writers] did, it just wasn’t a solid enough rehabilitation that they were gonna buy me with Sonny.” This backlash made LaRue realize that her time on the show was limited, especially after the writers abandoned the idea of a romantic pairing between Natalia and Sonny.
Reflecting on the contrast between her previous role as Maria Santos on “All My Children” — a character who was well-received by fans — and her experience on “General Hospital,” LaRue admitted it was challenging to be perceived so negatively. “It was hard for me, actually — for me as a person. Because in daytime, when you play a character like Maria Santos, love her or hate her, she was not ever meant to be a vilified character,” she noted. “And so it was hard from being that character, being a fan favorite, to being, like, literally hated.”
Despite the difficulties, LaRue expressed gratitude for her time on “General Hospital.” “I had a blast at General Hospital,” she said. “I loved being there, and I had a lot of really great scenes, and I loved everybody that I got to work with. It was just an awesome experience, and I was really glad that I got to stay longer than I was supposed to.”
LaRue’s departure is part of a broader trend in the soap opera world, where fan reactions can significantly influence character arcs and storylines. The emotional investment that viewers have in their favorite characters often leads to passionate responses, both positive and negative. This year has seen several shocking exits from beloved shows, highlighting the unpredictable nature of television storytelling.
Following LaRue’s announcement, “General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini praised her contributions to the show. “Eva’s been a dear friend for years, and I am so pleased we found an opportunity to work together!” he stated. “What originally was meant as a guest star arc turned into a longer and more satisfying arc, in thanks to Eva’s terrific work and chemistry with our cast.”
As LaRue prepares to bid farewell to her character, fans can catch her final episodes airing this week. “General Hospital” continues to air weekdays on ABC and is available for streaming on Hulu, ensuring that audiences can still enjoy the intricate stories and compelling characters that have made the show a staple of daytime television.
In the world of soap operas, where twists and turns are the norm, LaRue’s experience serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between storytelling and audience reception. While not every character can be a favorite, the passion of the fans remains a driving force in shaping the narratives that unfold on screen. As LaRue moves on to new projects, her time on “General Hospital” will undoubtedly be remembered by both her colleagues and the loyal viewers who followed her journey.