Since her debut in 2005, Kirsten Storms has managed to entertain General Hospital viewers by playing the character everyone loves and cannot forget-Maxie Jones.
Characterized by a zest for life and not bad style either, Maxie has been a favorite among viewers as she had an exciting storyline because she happens to be the daughter of the legendary soap couple Frisco and Felicia Jones.
But over the last two years, however, there has been a change observable in the body of Maxie. This of course has sparked interest amongst fans and apprehensions about her health.
Storms recently opened up on her journey, which she had endured about physical and mental health issues that defined her on-screen look, including a dreadful health scare that would hence and forever change her life.
In 2021, Storms had to go through a surgical operation that pulled out a cyst from her brain. The kind of surgery she went through was both physical and emotional for her.
On The Daily Drama podcast show in May 2023, she talked about how surgery had ruined her body condition as well as how the surgery had damaged her way of portraying Maxie to her audience.
She shares her journey of healing in body and soul and how this has influenced her personal style and her once-famous fashion sense in Maxie. Storms is finally getting back to being herself again, and that fashionista persona in Maxie slowly makes its way back onto the screen.
What health issues did Kirsten Storms from General Hospital face?
Kirsten Storms finally checked into a medical facility to undergo surgery for the removal of a brain cyst in 2021. Such a shocking medical condition revealed the darker side of Kirsten Storms’ health and shocked all her fans and colleagues. Despite the surgery being a success, it had taken such a terrible toll on her mental and emotional health that made recovery rather tough.
On The Daily Drama podcast which aired on May 2, 2024, she explained,
“I didn’t know if I was going to live. That’s how I felt,”
acknowledging that the ordeal affected her more deeply than she initially anticipated.
While her physical recovery took months, mental or emotional recovery took much longer. This might be a challenge for her to handle at the same time both behind and in front of the camera as her appearance changes since fans of the character do not enjoy her less glamorous looks.
It was shocking for viewers when the change came about for a character known for her fashionable flair, but Storms made sure to highlight that it was an expression of her healing journey personally in many different ways- both mentally and emotionally.
Why did Maxie’s fashion sense change on General Hospital?
Known for her role as a fashionista on General Hospital, Kirsten Storms’ fans noticed changes in Maxie Jones’s dressing, with some being quite radical while others weren’t nearly so.
One of them was from the actress, who noticed that sometimes fans often messaged her asking why Maxie’s usual stylish outfits were changed for more casual and comfy clothes. Wearing comfortable clothes is part of the healing process, according to Storms.
As Storms healed both in and out, comfort became more important than appearance, and so did Maxie’s wardrobe in General Hospital. The glamour icon of yesteryear came in simpler, more laid-back styles, mirroring Storms’ then-personal struggles.
Nearly three years later, however, Storms has returned with renewed confidence, returning the fashionable Maxie that fans know and love and a new hairstyle that gives her a reminiscent earlier look on the show.
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How is Kirsten Storms now?
After a long and challenging recovery, Kirsten Storms feels like she’s finally returning to her old self, both as an actress and as Maxie Jones. On The Daily Drama podcast which aired on May 2, 2024, she revealed that she has rediscovered her love for dressing up and putting effort into her on-screen appearance.
“At work, I’m dressing in more fashionable outfits. I’m more into making sure my makeup goes with it,”
She remarked, showcasing her renewed sense of self. Storms have also taken a hands-on approach to her look, often doing her makeup and styling her new hairdo, which reflects the classic “old-school Maxie” style.
In terms of her character’s storyline, Storms feels that Maxie and Spinelli’s relationship has returned to its roots but with a more mature dynamic. She hopes fans will focus on this new chapter for Maxie, rather than lingering on the visible changes in her appearance over the past few years.
Ultimately, Storms’ journey is one of resilience and strength, and she is ready to embrace both her recovery and Maxie’s bright future on General Hospital.
