Nicholas Alexander Chavez Confirms General Hospital Departure — Read His Message to ‘Sprina’ Fans
It’s officially official: Nicholas Alexander Chavez‘ General Hospital days are behind him.
Confirming TVLine’s exclusive report last month, the actor behind Spencer Cassadine released a statement Friday via X in which he formalized his departure and also thanked the ABC soap’s fans for their support.
“I’m so appreciative of the opportunity that GH gave me, and I wouldn’t be as busy as I am professionally if it weren’t for the talented producers, writers, directors and fellow actors,” Chavez wrote. “[Executive producer] Frank Valentini is a mentor and a friend, and we’ve had some pretty extensive conversations about my future on the show. While there are no current plans for me to return, we are still talking very openly about future possibilities for Spencer in Port Charles.
“Beyond the people I’ve already mentioned, I want to take some time to thank and honor the GH fan base,” he continued, “especially the ‘Sprina’ fans, who must be the most loyal and kind fan base in the universe of entertainment. Words fail to show the depth of my gratitude, thank you, I love you all very, very much.”
Chavez took what was originally billed as a temporary leave of absence from GH earlier this year to shoot Season 2 of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix anthology Monster. However, in late March, eagle-eyed GH fans noticed that his name abruptly disappeared from the show’s closing credits.
In Chavez’ now-final episode, which aired in January, Spencer was presumed to have died alongside his ex Esme after being injected with a drug and falling off a boat into France’s Seine River, leaving girlfriend Trina (Tabyana Ali) devastated.
Chavez joined GH in 2021. He won a Daytime Emmy the following year for Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series.
“It’s changed everything about me,” Chavez previously told People.com of the impact GH has had on his career. “Before the show, I was selling cars in Florida. I live across the country now. I was driving my Dad’s old Jeep and now, I’m sitting in a car that I paid for… If I’m not the luckiest guy in the world, I’ve got to be damned close.”
Good luck to NAC, but man is this is such a huge loss for GH. This actor has charisma in spades.
I am going to miss his version of Spencer so very much. For this to be his first onscreen gig–he did exceptionally well, sans his first week where he was clearly nervous. But it wasn’t long before he was holding his own with seasoned veterans like Maurice B, Genie F, and Maura W. who he actually screen-tested with.
Interesting that he said they are still discussing plans for future appearances by Spencer. I am certain that a recast is imminent. With Spencer being “dead” they can actually take their time and hopefully get it right. But the recast will have big shoes to fill b/c NAC definitely left his mark. That being said, I think he was very gracious.
Due to his immense talent, I predict a long and successful career. Next stop American Horror Story LOL
buh-bye
This reads more like the new writers don’t want to give Spencer story more than anything else. Yet another misstep.
I see it completely differently. I think the writers would love to write for such a talented actor. NAC’s contract wasn’t up yet, which is why they said he would come back after his “out.” What I interpreted the story to mean is that they agreed to release him from his contract in return for him coming back for a short-term story at some time in the future.
It does read that way but I highly doubt we see him as Spencer again. This is how I believe it played out. NAC’s contract isn’t up until July. Ryan Murphy probably told him that he has future projects for him. NAC can make more money off GH, plus have way more exposure. He informed TPTB that he would not resign his contract but would return to wrap up the story and fulfill his obligation. TPTB declined and released him early.
If I were TPTB I would not have him back only to have him turn around and leave again. Spencer has been “dead” and off the canvas since 1/31/24. This gives them time to start the search for the best possible recast. Having him return would only entice the audience vs letting his portrayal fade somewhat to make transition easier for the new actor. Many actors have left daytime TV and returned. I bet they would welcome him back if his career doesn’t take off13-wee happens all the time. Soap contracts include a clause that allows 13 week cycles. That means TPTB can fire a contract actor at the end of one of the 13-week cycles.
JMHO
I don’t think it reads this way at all…so much hope y’all place in this guy. He wants out. He ain’t coming back. He doesn’t want to.
That’s what I was wondering about. He left “temporarily” with the head writers who wrote his entire story on their way out the door! I feel like the new team had different ideas for the character, possibly something NAC wasn’t expecting, so he decided to bow out…
Will miss you Spencer ❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰
I definitely hate to see you leave GH but I understand. I enjoyed watching you cause you’re very talented actor needless to mention easy on the 👀. I was pulling for you and Trina. Maybe one day “U” will return as Spencer. Best of luck in your future endeavors.❤️
I love you so much! I’ve been a fan of GH for 41 years. Your character Spencer along with Trina renewed the “power couples” of the 80’s. I wish you all of the success imaginable and I also wish for your return. You are an incredible talent. Hope to see you back someday.
Well said, the characters of Trina and Spencer are wonderful and equal to Luke and Laura. I loved them so much. So sad to see Nicolas go.
I hope you keep it open. I started watching this last year and I liked your part. You did a great job.
Whatever opens up for you..success!
Thanks for Sprina.
Such a bummer! I really loved his character. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of Spencer & Trina as a couple, I still loved the character of Spencer. He’s an excellent actor!! And that was a difficult role to walk into because young Spencer was such a beloved character. Nicolas Bechtel was hard to replace! But Nicholas sure made the role his own & became one of the best characters & actors on the show. Cannot wait to see where his career takes him!
We miss you so much!! General hospital is not the same without you.
Nicholas Chavez alias Spencer. I wish you well and I hope that maybe you will return. Your romance with Trina was so awesome and kept everyone on the edge of their seat so I know that your friends are going to miss you too so if you can please come back you are missed
I am a loyal fan I will be 65 on May the 18th the Spencer an Trina story was absolutely beautiful it breaks my heart that you will not be returning but I am happy for your blessings wishing you only the best and I hope that all of your dreams come true you an Trina were magical in today’s society just beautiful we need more of it General Hospital please bring him back soon…
SURELY they should have some plan for Soencer to be found alive without waiting so long like they usually do. The year(s) long absence with memory loss Yada Yada Yada is so old. Surely they can come up with something new and current and bring Spencer back to Trina and his family…and sort out the situation with Ace etc.
Not even a mention of Taby, and the excessive Frank gushing, made me side-eye a tiny bit. Oh well. he kept it really classy. No way is that man ever coming back to that raggedy soap.
Had waited patiently for you to return to GH. Then I started hearing chatter about you not returning. I’m very sad. I loved you and Trina together. It was truly a love story. I’ve been watching GH since it started. We all will truly miss you but wish you the best on your journey. When will Monsters be on? Is it on Netflix or Hulu. God Bless!
SherryD
I loved you right from the start at GH. You were the breathe of spring. I loved you and Trina together.
I hope nothing but good for you because you’re very talented. Did I mention very nice to look at too?
Don’t worry. I won’t stalk you… I’m 73 and I live far away. 😄
He really portrayed his part brilliantly. So sorry that he decided to leave, but when the opportunity arises you have to go where it is best for your future. Perhaps he can return for various engagements
I’m so sorry Nicholas Chavez is not returning to gh. He is the best character to play spencer. He’s definitely going to be missed. I wish him all the best with future projects and hope he can come back to gh at some time.
Love Spencer the show should have developed more content for him
I hope Spencer returns. It seems so far the past 2 months By story line has not been good. The Sonny and Ava. Crap is awful. Let’s improve it Please!
Sorry to see you go
Luck with you’re new endeavors
You are a good actor and you are missing from the show not the same.No other one can play you 👍🏿
I knew you would go far young man congratulations 🎊 Keep reaching for the stars ⭐️ feel free to send me a autograph ✍️ anytime as I see many many more special things stay true too you , God Bless
Sad