Eva LaRue has expressed deep gratitude for her time on *General Hospital*, especially following her character’s shocking death. In a recent interview with *Soap Opera Digest*, the actress reflected on her exit, describing it as “an actor’s greatest gift.” LaRue, who portrayed Natalia Ramirez, was surprised by the dramatic conclusion of her character’s storyline, which involved an overdose on pills and alcohol, leading to her character’s death in the June 30 episode.
LaRue, 58, noted that if her character had simply exited the show to reunite with her rock star daughter, it would have felt anticlimactic. “It would have been a boring exit!” she remarked. Instead, the writers crafted a compelling and intense arc for Natalia, providing LaRue with the opportunity to showcase her acting range in a way that few actors experience. “Natalia just goes into a full-on life spiral — a full-on, huge, juicy arc of a life spiral over the course of a couple of days,” she explained. “As an actor, I was just like, ‘Oh, my God, these are delicious!’”
This marks LaRue’s first on-screen death, a milestone that she approached with both excitement and nervousness. “I’ve never been killed before,” she admitted, highlighting the unique nature of her final scenes. The actress expressed her satisfaction with the storyline, stating, “It was heavy, and I was so nervous days before because I thought, ‘I really want to do this justice.’”
LaRue’s journey on *General Hospital* was initially intended to be brief, lasting only a couple of months. However, her time on the show extended over a year, allowing her to reconnect with friends from her previous role as Maria Santos on *All My Children*. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “It’s been really fun, and all my friends are there from *All My Children*. I love every second of it.”
The actress’s departure has not been without its challenges. LaRue faced backlash from some fans following her exit announcement, which she addressed with grace and understanding. Despite the mixed reactions, she remains proud of her work and the impactful scenes she was given to portray.
As she moves on from *General Hospital*, LaRue cherishes the memories and experiences gained during her time on the show. “I was really happy that they gave me those departing scenes. That was awesome,” she reflected.
*General Hospital*, which has been a staple of daytime television for over 60 years, continues to capture the hearts of audiences with its rich storytelling and complex characters. LaRue’s journey serves as a reminder of the powerful narratives that can unfold in the world of soap operas, leaving both actors and fans with lasting impressions.
For those who want to catch up on LaRue’s final moments as Natalia Ramirez, *General Hospital* airs weekdays on ABC and offers streaming options on Hulu. As the show evolves, fans can look forward to more captivating storylines and character developments, ensuring that the legacy of *General Hospital* endures.
