Soap operas have long been a revolving door for characters, both new and old. While General Hospital has created some of the most iconic characters in the genre’s history, it has not been exempt from the practice, even going as far as to kill off iconic characters, such as Luke (Anthony Geary). However, one of the show’s most baffling departures has nothing to do with death or even a plot twist, for that matter. For almost a year now, Port Charles’ beloved and quirky lawyer, Scott Baldwin (Kin Shriner). The character has a long history with the series, joining as a child in the 1960s and being brought to life by a series of different child actors over the years before Shriner took over the role in 1977. Since then, Shriner has been one of the series’ most beloved characters until he suddenly vanishes in the middle of an intense plot nearly a year ago. So, where is Scott, and will we see him again?Over the last few seasons, Scott has taken on a few different roles. He’s been part of a love triangle, married to series icon Laura (Genie Francis), and has always brought about a healthy amount of soap opera drama, which is the real measure of a character in this genre. However, no matter what role Scott is fulfilling, he has remained a beloved part of Port Charles’ community. While villains always seem to run amok in the legendary city, Scott has remained a constant source of intrigue, warmth, and just a tad bit of quirkiness.Indeed, he offers quite the juxtaposition to some of the show’s more unsavory players, making him easy to like. Plus, Scott has been involved in some of the show’s all-time best storylines. His rivalry with Luke (Anthony Geary) gave the character an intriguing amount of agency, and his legal work has always kept him an active player in the show’s ever-shifting drama. That could have continued to work for him, but at the height of one of his most fascinating arcs, Scott disappeared without explanation.
What Happened to ‘General Hospital’s Scott Baldwin?
Many plots have come and gone since then, and there has been no sign of the beloved character. More recently, we’ve had to suffer through the endless nonsense that is Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Willow’s (Katelyn MacMullin) relationship and poor Tracy (Jane Elliot) being framed in a ridiculous plot, and all without the series’ beloved lawyer. What’s more baffling is that there’s been so little mention of the character since his random and inexplicable disappearance. The show doesn’t seem to be intentionally building up the mystery. Whenever his name is brought up (in and of itself an infrequent occurrence), it’s often said that he is off working on some other case. Obviously, however, this doesn’t account for the mysterious and hasty exit. What’s intriguing, though, is the behind-the-scenes whispers surrounding Shriner’s exit.
Is Scott Baldwin Returning to ‘General Hospital’?
“When I came on @GeneralHospital in 1977 the actors that were there and kept the show on the air for 14 years I held in the highest esteem. Now the long-running characters have no respect…. But times have change!”
On a more heartfelt note, Shriner thanked his late onscreen parents, General Hospital stars Peter Hansen and Susan Brown, for his success on the show. “2 of the many actors that made it possible for me to have a 47-year run on @GeneralHospital and 7 other soaps. Time to do the other things I missed out on while trying to keep Scotty relevant to now!!!!!” It should be noted that Shriner has left the show occasionally over the years, but with his statements expressing finality, it doesn’t look good for a possible return. And after so many years of enjoying Shriner’s performance, it just wouldn’t feel right seeing the role recast. Indeed, if Shriner is correct, it seems Scott’s final scene has aired, however rushed it may have been.
One can’t really boil down Scott’s impact on General Hospital effectively in just a few paragraphs. The character has always been one of the most enjoyable and intriguing players in Port Charles, so his prompt exit does seem rather disappointing. However, Shriner’s reasons for leaving the show should not be discounted, and we certainly don’t want to see him recast. As much as we’ll miss Scott, it seems that Port Charles’ beloved lawyer may have closed his last case.
