5 Major Reasons Why Rena Sofer Made The Shocking Move To New York City After 35 Years In Hollywood

The landscape of Hollywood's elite has seen a significant shift this season, with one of daytime television's most beloved and dynamic stars, Rena Sofer, trading the bright lights of Los Angeles for the historic charm of New York. This major life decision, announced in late 2024 and finalized in the months leading up to December 2025, marks the end of a three-decade chapter in California for the actress and her husband, director Sanford Bookstaver. The unexpected relocation has sparked intense curiosity among fans, not only about her personal life but also about the future of her iconic character, Lois Cerullo, on the ABC soap opera *General Hospital*.

The move is far more than a simple change of address; it represents a profound desire for a "quieter, calmer way of life" after nearly 35 years immersed in the perpetual motion of the entertainment industry. Sofer's journey from the West Coast to the East Coast is a testament to prioritizing personal peace and a different pace of life. This in-depth look explores the complete profile of the Daytime Emmy winner, the compelling reasons for her move, and the ingenious plan that allows her to maintain her celebrated role on *General Hospital*.

Rena Sofer: A Complete Career and Personal Profile

Rena Sherel Sofer is an American actress whose career spans over three decades, marked by critically acclaimed roles in both daytime and primetime television. Her professional journey began on the East Coast, and her recent move to New York is, in many ways, a return to her roots, though she spent the vast majority of her adult career in Los Angeles. Her work is characterized by strong, complex characters who often become fan favorites.

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• Full Name: Rena Sherel Sofer
• Date of Birth: December 2, 1968
• Place of Birth: Arcadia, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Sanford Bookstaver (m. 2003–2017; m. 2019–present)
• Children: Two daughters, Rosabel Rosalind Kurth (from her first marriage to Wally Kurth) and Avalon Leone Sofer-Bookstaver.
• Key Television Roles:
  • Lois Cerullo on *General Hospital* (1993–1997, reprised 2023–present)
  • Quinn Fuller on *The Bold and the Beautiful* (2013–2022)
  • Eve Cleary on *Melrose Place* (1998–1999)
  • Christy Blalock on *Seinfeld* (Guest Role)
  • Heidi Costas on *Heroes* (Recurring Role)
• Notable Awards:
  • Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (1995, for *General Hospital*)
  • Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Younger Lead Actress (1995, for *General Hospital*)
• Career Milestone: Sofer's return to *General Hospital* in 2023 as the fan-favorite, tough-talking Italian Brooklynite Lois Cerullo, after a 26-year hiatus, was one of the most celebrated soap opera comebacks in recent memory.

Trading Tinseltown for Tranquility: The Real Reason Behind the Move

The decision by Rena Sofer and her husband, Sanford Bookstaver, to pack up their life and leave Los Angeles after more than three decades was not made lightly. Hollywood had been their home, the birthplace of their careers, and the city where they raised their family. However, the emotional Instagram video shared by the actress, which showed the couple saying goodbye to their LA home, provided deep insight into the compelling motivations for their eastward journey.

1. A Desire for a Calmer, Quieter Pace of Life

The primary and most frequently cited reason for the move is the couple's desire for a less frenetic existence. After a lifetime spent in the high-pressure, non-stop environment of Los Angeles, Sofer expressed a yearning for tranquility. The move, which some sources pinpoint as being to New York State rather than the hustle of New York City itself, suggests a deliberate choice to seek out a more peaceful, suburban or rural setting where they can enjoy a greater sense of calm.

2. The Appeal of a New Chapter and New Energy

For many actors, especially those who have achieved a level of success that allows for flexibility, a change of scenery can be creatively invigorating. New York, with its vibrant arts scene and distinct seasons, offers a completely different energy than Southern California. Sofer and Bookstaver, a director and producer, are embracing the opportunity to start a fresh chapter, exploring new personal and professional possibilities outside the Hollywood bubble.

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3. Escaping the Hollywood Spotlight After Decades

Living in Los Angeles, particularly after starring in major soaps like *General Hospital* and *The Bold and the Beautiful* for nearly two decades combined, means constant exposure to the industry's social and professional demands. The relocation to the East Coast serves as a physical and psychological break from the Tinseltown machine, allowing the couple to enjoy a more private and grounded life away from the perpetual spotlight.

4. A Return to East Coast Roots

While born in California, Sofer spent time in New Jersey and New York during her childhood, and her career technically began in New York when she was discovered in Greenwich Village at age 15, leading to her first roles on shows like *Another World* and *Loving*. The move is a full-circle moment, bringing her back closer to the geographical and cultural atmosphere of her formative years and early career beginnings, which often provides a deep sense of comfort and familiarity.

5. Husband Sanford Bookstaver’s Career Flexibility

Rena Sofer's husband, Sanford Bookstaver, is a successful television director and producer. While the entertainment industry is centered in Los Angeles, the nature of a director's work often involves traveling to various locations for different projects. The ability to manage his career remotely or commute for specific assignments likely played a key factor in making the New York move feasible for the couple. This flexibility allows them to prioritize their quality of life without fully sacrificing their professional pursuits.

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The Bicoastal Commute: How Lois Cerullo Stays on General Hospital

Perhaps the most pressing question for fans of *General Hospital* was whether Rena Sofer's move meant the end of the beloved Lois Cerullo. The answer, to the relief of the entire fanbase, is a resounding no. Sofer has confirmed that she is absolutely committed to her role and has worked out a practical solution with the ABC soap opera's production team.

Committing to the Commute

Sofer will be adopting a bicoastal lifestyle, commuting from her new home in New York back to Los Angeles to film her scenes on the *General Hospital* set in Port Charles. This arrangement is not uncommon in the world of daytime and primetime television, particularly for veteran actors with established roles who are no longer under long-term, exclusive contracts requiring daily presence. Her willingness to travel across the country demonstrates her deep connection to the character and her respect for the fans who campaigned for her return.

Lois Cerullo’s Future in Port Charles

The commuting arrangement ensures that Lois Cerullo's storyline can continue without interruption. The character, known for her sharp wit and enduring romance with Ned Quartermaine, remains a vital part of the show's fabric. This logistical solution allows Sofer to enjoy the "tranquil life" she sought in New York while still contributing her powerful acting talents to one of the most iconic roles of her career, providing a perfect balance between personal well-being and professional fulfillment. The ability to return to the character on a recurring or semi-regular basis gives both the actress and the show flexibility for years to come.