Ryan Paevey is returning to General Hospital

Ryan Paevey returns to daytime

Ryan Paevey portrayed Nathan West on General Hospital from 2013-2018. Fans were distraught when the popular character, the son of Liesl Obrecht (Kathlene Gati) and Cesar Faison (Anders Hoves), was shot and killed. His sister, Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) was murdered but has recently turned up alive.

Paevey left General Hospital for new opportunities and began starring in Hallmark films. He later expressed his disdain with the entertainment industry and said he was leaving Hollywood to work in a store with his brother. Fans had not heard anything from him since his decision but now it's being reported that he is returning to the ABC soap.

The actor didn’t leave the entertainment industry because of a scandal or conflict. He needed space for healing, family, and creative growth. He is now ready to return after over a year away. Let's take a look at what led to Paevey's departure and return.

1. Mental Health Struggles & Industry Burnout

Paevey shared that “the industry hasn’t felt like the place for me in quite some time now, and my mental health has suffered from it. It’s taken me to a bit of a dark place, made me into a version of myself I don’t like very much.”

2. Social Media Harassment & Financial Strain

The actor dealt with serious off-screen challenges: “bank accounts hacked, money embezzled, investments stolen.” On top of that, social media scams pushed him to retreat from online platforms for his own safety.

3. His Mother's Health Crisis

Paeve’s mother was diagnosed with lung cancer—a life-altering event that prompted him to leave Los Angeles and move closer to her, prioritizing family care and support. His mother has since passed away.

4. Shifting His Focus Elsewhere

There is no indication that Paevey assisted his brother in his business, but he did start his own, Fortunate Wanderer, is where he designs and sells jewelry. He also shed light on his journey.

“The industry hasn’t felt like the place for me in quite some time now… my mental health has suffered. … I’ve had bank accounts hacked… investments stolen… Then my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. I left Los Angeles to be closer to her… I am simply shifting focus closer; to family. I have found another fulfilling creative endeavor in Fortunate Wanderer

Ryan had implied on Twitter/X that there were promises from Hallmark for continued employment that did not manifest.

"the last 8 months of life in this industry have left a pretty bitter taste in my mouth, and I need some time away from a world so full of fake friends and empty promises."

He has endured a rough ride, but has no problems with General Hospital, considering that he is returning. Dominic Zampragna (Dante Falconeri) also left the ABC soap for greener pastures but later returned. Not everyone who walks away from daytime finds success, and soap fans are pretty welcoming when the prodigals return.

Will Nathan return to Port Charles?

Gh fans are currently dealing with Britt's return from the dead. Having her brother do the same might be a bit much. There is always the chance that Paevey will play a different character. Either way, his fans will be delighted.

If Nathan shows up in Port Charles, Obrecht will be overjoyed that her son is alive, but it will mean that he has been away from his son James West (Gary James Fuller) for seven years. This will destroy Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms), who has been enjoying family life with her children and Damian Spinelli (Bradford Anderson).

Be on the lookout for updates related to Ryan Paevey and what character he will play when he returns to General Hospital. It has been reported that he begins taping in September.