The Five Shocking Facts About Alexa Havins' Major Soap Opera Return As General Hospital's Lulu Spencer

The soap opera world is currently buzzing with the long-awaited return of Lulu Spencer to the canvas of General Hospital (GH), and the actress stepping into the iconic role is none other than daytime veteran Alexa Havins. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Havins' debut has been one of the most talked-about casting decisions, marking a spectacular comeback to the genre that first made her a star.

This major recast has not only revived a beloved character—the daughter of supercouple Luke and Laura Spencer—but has also brought a fresh wave of energy to Port Charles. For fans of classic daytime television, Havins is instantly recognizable, and her transition to the ABC soap opera has been a seamless and captivating event.

Alexa Havins: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Alexa Havins, sometimes credited as Alexa Havins Bruening, has had a dynamic career spanning two decades in television and film. Her recent move to General Hospital is arguably the biggest news in her career since her breakout role.

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• Full Name: Alexa Carole Havins
• Date of Birth: November 16, 1980
• Age: 45 (as of December 2025)
• Place of Birth: Chandler, Arizona, U.S.
• Spouse: Justin Bruening (m. 2005)
• Known For (Daytime): Babe Carey Chandler on All My Children (2003–2007, 2010), Lulu Spencer on General Hospital (2024–present)
• Notable Film/TV Roles: Torchwood (2011), *Professor Marston & the Wonder Women* (2017), Proxy (2013), Brooklyn Rules (2007), and a guest role on Sweet Magnolias.
• Career Highlight: Originating the role of Babe Carey Chandler, a character that became a central figure in Pine Valley storylines.

The Explosive General Hospital Recast: Lulu Spencer's Awakening

The decision to bring Lulu Spencer back to General Hospital was tied to one of the show's most dramatic long-running storylines: her four-year-long coma. Lulu, who was last seen in 2020, was severely injured in an explosion at The Floating Rib. Her sudden return from a vegetative state in late 2024 was the perfect dramatic entry point for a new actress.

1. The Coma Storyline Catalyst

For years, Lulu's fate remained uncertain, a constant source of grief for her mother, Laura Spencer, and her former husband, Dante Falconeri. The character's awakening, now played by Alexa Havins, instantly injected high-stakes drama into several key families in Port Charles.

This storyline allows Havins to play a character who is essentially starting over, having missed years of her children’s lives and the major shifts in her relationships. It’s a clean slate for the actress, but a complex emotional journey for the character, which is a goldmine for an experienced soap opera performer.

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2. Following a Beloved Predecessor

Alexa Havins is stepping into a role previously played by Julie Marie Berman and Emme Rylan, both of whom were immensely popular with the audience. Berman won three Daytime Emmy Awards for her portrayal. Stepping into a role with such a rich history and fan attachment is a significant challenge, but Havins’ previous success as Babe Carey Chandler on All My Children gave fans confidence.

The initial fan reaction to Havins as Lulu Spencer has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising her emotional depth and seamless integration into the Port Charles landscape.

From Pine Valley to Port Charles: Havins’ Soap Opera Pedigree

Havins’ history in daytime television is a major reason why her casting on General Hospital created such a frenzy. Her six-year run as Babe Carey Chandler on All My Children (AMC) established her as a soap opera powerhouse.

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3. The Legacy of Babe Carey Chandler

Babe Carey was one of the most memorable characters of her era in Pine Valley. The character was known for her tumultuous romance with JR Chandler and her dramatic storylines involving motherhood, kidnapping, and tragic loss. The emotional intensity Havins brought to Babe is precisely the kind of gravitas needed to play a legacy character like Lulu Spencer, who is the daughter of the legendary Luke and Laura Spencer.

Her return to the genre after a long hiatus demonstrates a strong affinity for the unique demands of daytime drama, including rapid-fire dialogue and high-stakes emotional scenes. This experience is proving invaluable as Lulu navigates her return to a life that has dramatically changed in her absence.

4. The Real-Life Soap Opera Romance

One of the most charming facts about Alexa Havins is her real-life soap opera love story. She is married to actor Justin Bruening, whom she met on the set of All My Children. Bruening played Jamie Martin, and the pair married in 2005.

Bruening is currently a major star on the primetime and streaming circuit, known for his main role as Cal Maddox on the popular Netflix drama Sweet Magnolias. This connection makes Havins' return even more high-profile, linking the worlds of daytime drama and major streaming success.

The couple’s shared history in the soap world adds a layer of topical authority to Havins' presence on General Hospital. There has even been speculation among fans and in the press about whether Justin Bruening might make a guest appearance on GH, a move that would undoubtedly break the internet for soap fans.

The Future of Lulu Spencer and Port Charles

Alexa Havins' arrival as Lulu Spencer Falconeri is more than just a recast; it is a pivotal narrative shift for General Hospital. Her character's return has immediate and far-reaching consequences for several key players.

5. Immediate Storyline Impact and Key Relationships

Lulu's presence immediately complicates the lives of her loved ones. Her ex-husband, Dante Falconeri, has moved on and is now in a committed relationship with Sam McCall. Lulu’s return forces Dante to confront his past feelings and his current commitment.

Furthermore, her relationship with her children, including her daughter Charlotte, is a central focus. Lulu's four-year absence means she is unfamiliar with the current dynamics and challenges her children face. The emotional weight of catching up on lost time and rebuilding these crucial bonds will drive much of the upcoming drama in Port Charles in 2025.

Havins' ability to portray a blend of vulnerability, strength, and the classic Spencer family fire makes her the perfect choice to navigate the complexities of this storyline. Her return is a testament to the enduring power of legacy characters and the excitement that a veteran performer can bring to a beloved show.