Kimberly McCullough reveals emotional challenges behind her best performances on General Hospital, including working with a difficult co-star even Maurice Benard found intimidating.
Kimberly McCullough Opens Up About Painful Behind-the-Scenes Drama on General Hospital
Longtime General Hospital star Kimberly McCullough is speaking out about the difficult emotional toll her time on the iconic soap took — both personally and professionally. While her performances as Robin Scorpio captivated audiences and earned critical acclaim, McCullough recently revealed that many of those standout moments were born during some of the darkest periods in her life.
A Co-Star Who “Could Hurt Feelings”
In a candid interview, McCullough did not name names, but she discussed the emotional strain of working with a fellow cast member whose presence on set was anything but easy. Even Maurice Benard, who plays Sonny Corinthos and is known for his honesty and compassion, reportedly admitted that this individual “could hurt feelings.” The admission underscores just how difficult the working environment could become at times — even for seasoned professionals.
McCullough hinted that while there were moments of artistic brilliance, they came at a significant emotional price.
Award-Worthy Acting Amid Trauma
Reflecting on her most acclaimed performances, McCullough admitted that they often coincided with incredibly painful periods in her personal life. She described that time as “traumatic” and “awful,” despite delivering emotionally rich, unforgettable scenes that earned her widespread praise from both fans and critics.
Rather than feel pride, she revealed that she often views those performances as painful reminders of what she was enduring off-screen.
Balancing Success with Struggle
McCullough’s honest revelations shed light on the emotional burden that many soap opera stars quietly carry. While audiences see powerful scenes and moving storylines, they rarely see the personal sacrifices and emotional labor behind them. For McCullough, the acclaim came hand-in-hand with exhaustion and emotional strain.
She credited her ability to continue performing at such a high level to her resilience — but also emphasized the need for greater emotional safety and support in the entertainment industry.
An Ongoing Legacy at General Hospital
Despite the pain she endured, McCullough remains a beloved figure in the General Hospital universe. Her portrayal of Robin Scorpio has become one of the most iconic in the show’s history, inspiring generations of viewers and earning her a lasting place in the soap’s legacy.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most celebrated performances often come with unseen struggles — and that true professionalism sometimes means pushing through more than just the script.
