Genie Francis Opens Up About Her Journey: From Overcoming Challenges To Finding Happiness

Ever felt like Genie Francis is practically family? It could be because you’ve watched her grow up on General Hospital since she was just 14 years old. Her real-life story has had its own set of dramatic twists and turns, much like a soap opera. She successfully battled drug and alcohol addiction that began in the early '80s, but her struggle with dieting issues lasted far longer.

“I’m in an industry that expects me to look like a toothpick-thin girl, but that’s just not me,” Genie, now 56, candidly shares with Closer Weekly in their latest issue, available on newsstands now. “Most girls start worrying about their bodies around age 12 or 14, but my experience was intensified when my character, Laura, went on a diet. I even tried predigested liquid protein, which people died from. That’s how I entered the world of extreme dieting!”

After nearly four decades, Genie finally found a healthy relationship with food, thanks to Nutrisystem. She lost 40 pounds and gained peace of mind. Now, she's opening up to Closer about her 30-year marriage to actor Jonathan Frakes, 66, her journey as a working mom with two kids (Jameson, 24, and Elizabeth, 21), her feelings about facing her General Hospital co-star Anthony Geary’s departure, and her recent return to the soap that made her famous. Keep scrolling to dive into our exclusive Q&A with Genie!

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What Was It Like Getting the Call That You'd Be Returning to General Hospital This Fall?

I was completely caught off guard. The producers wanted to reduce my role to only 20 episodes a year, which essentially means showing up for a wedding or funeral. Acting isn’t involved there, and it wasn’t worth waiting by the phone for. I thought that might be the end of my career. But fans rallied, and the producers realized the fans cared deeply. ABC admitted it was a mistake and asked what they could do to fix it. I told them I wanted a real story. We brainstormed ideas, and then they said, “You’re coming back to work!” I was thrilled.

Wow, That’s Incredible. What Turned Things Around?

The response on social media was overwhelming and unexpected. It was a surprise that made me feel incredible, something I’d never experienced before. Two months later, the producers met with me. They realized the fans were upset and that this change wouldn’t work for the show. ABC admitted it was a mistake and asked what they could do to fix it. I told them I wanted a meaningful storyline. We brainstormed ideas, and then they said, “You’re coming back to work!” I was overjoyed.

So Are We! What Was Your First Day Back on Set Like?

I had a lot of doubts. I worried about how I looked and if I’d forgotten how to act after being away for so long. But when I walked onto my stage and saw the sign that said “Laura’s apartment,” I gasped. I thought, oh my gosh, they’ve built me an entire set, and it’s stunning. It was so large that I knew they were keeping me around. It was an incredible feeling of being truly welcomed back home.