After weeks of swirling speculation online, Rick Hearst has finally addressed the chatter about his character, Ric Lansing, leaving General Hospital. The actor took to social media with a blunt and definitive response, putting an end to the growing buzz among fans of the ABC soap opera.

Rick Hearst breaks silence on rumors of leaving General Hospital

Rick Hearst has finally spoken out after weeks of online whispers about Ric Lansing’s fate, confronting rumors of his General Hospital exit with unmistakable clarity.

Taking to Instagram, Hearst posted a screenshot of a Google search result claiming “the actor revealed” his departure from the ABC soap. Across it, he wrote in bold letters: “I hate the internet”.

Hearst used the post to set the record straight, calling the rumors completely false.

Following his statement, fans used the comment section to convey their responses to the confirmation. “Thank goodness! I’m loving Rick and this storyline!!” wrote a viewer. “The internet is ridiculous,” echoed another. “Whew! So relieved!” read a fan comment. “LOVE you being back on GH!! Please never leave,” pleaded a GH enthusiast.

Following an eight-year hiatus, Hearst stepped back into Ric Lansing’s shoes in August 2024, and has remained on the show since. Hearst took on the role in 2002, when Ric was revealed as the half-brother of Sonny Corinthos, portrayed by Maurice Benard.

Across decades of shifting alliances, Ric also discovered love with Elizabeth Webber, played by Rebecca Herbst. Now, 24 years after he first arrived, viewers are watching Ric confront those enduring relationships through a modern-day lens.

Besides General Hospital, Hearst has been a contract player on several major daytime dramas, including NBC’s Days of Our Lives, CBS’ The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Beyond daytime television, Rick Hearst’s credits include primetime series such as Castle and The Vampire Diaries, along with films like Brain Damage and Warlock III: The End of Innocence.