“How about that, ”smiles Kristina Wagner of her return to GH, which started earlier this month.

The actress, who began her career at Port Charles in 1984, has come and gone on the show several times during her career. “When you are an actor on GENERAL HOSPITAL, you are an actor on GENERAL HOSPITAL until death do your part,” she says. But when the pandemic struck in early 2020, “I wasn’t too eager to come at different times; I wasn’t too eager to see if this was going to be a risk for me. They wanted to include me in Peter and Maxie’s wedding, but I was a little hesitant, which is why it didn’t happen.

She returned for Felicia to attend Sean’s memorial service in 2021 (“I was happy they honored this relationship”), and towards the end of the year, when executive producer Frank Valentini contacted his manager for him. ask for his interest. on the way back, the timing was perfect. “My personal life has been very busy, but I have this new space where I need to occupy my mind with other things,” she explains. “And that [comeback] is a perfect avenue for that. I am really delighted with it. In fact, I’m really excited to have a little creativity in my life again, and being back in this environment has been fascinating. This show is a well-oiled machine and we are moving at the speed of light. It’s a very different work environment than I’m used to – and it’s tough! It’s very difficult, but I’m up to the challenge and I’m happy to be there.

Since returning to work, Wagner has been impressed with the Covid security measures taken by the show. “They have adapted very well to the problem,” she says with satisfaction. “I think there is a lot of money spent on protocols; we test [multiple] times a week, and in the make-up room, everything is displayed. I kinda like the privacy of this because when we do our hair and make up now, it gives you a chance to stay calm, sit back, and study.

She had a warm reunion with her co-stars when she returned to the studio. “That first initial meeting, when you see them in the parking lot or walking down the hallway near the locker rooms, everyone’s voices go up a few octaves,” she laughs. “You’re excited, but then it’s like, ‘Dang it, back to business! You better stay focused because we’re about to jump on that treadmill! ‘ There really is no time for joking. But I’m so happy to be with all these actors that I know and love for many years. They are my family, although I don’t spend time with them outside of the show.

After being a little outside the Port Charles loop, Wagner had some catching up to do. “Being away from the show for so long, I don’t know who some of the characters are, or what’s going on with the characters I know. What I found out is that if you have a question about anything, you know, “What the hell is this with Maxie and Peter?” Or, ‘Who is this guy from ONE LIFE TO LIVE [playing]? ‘ – you can just type it on google and it’s amazing! While studying my scripts, I have my computer right next to me asking questions and I got all of my questions answered. I told my mom that too, because she kind of took a break for a while; of course she wants to watch it now. I said, “Mom, Google your questions! “”

While Wagner has had recurring status since taking over Felicia in 2012, this time around, she’s back on contract. “There are a lot of opportunities,” she notes. “And I like what we’re doing now; I love the way they kind of put me on the canvas and it created a lot of color for the story that’s going on right now. I think the fans are going to like it. I think it’s gonna be fun!

Wagner is touched by the warmth with which viewers greeted her once again. “It’s deep,” she said. “You know, I’ve always thought, ‘Why do they love me so much? The fans have always been supportive of Felicia, they always wanted her to be on the web and to have a story and a drama and they always seemed charmed by her. It’s like some kind of unthinkable magic! I’m just beside myself on this. I think it’s absolutely wonderful and I hope we can deliver and please the fans, especially the longtime fans. It’s different now, but we’re going to find the magic in a different way and let it unfold in a different way.

Going forward as Felicia, the actress is ready for anything – well, almost anything. “No twin sisters! she winks. “I am really not ready for this challenge. I don’t want to be an Alex or an Anna!