2023 will go down in General Hospital history as one of the most chaotic years ever for casting — and it all centered around one beloved character: Molly Lansing-Davis. What began as a temporary recast quickly spiraled into a whirlwind of controversy, scandal, and second chances that left even longtime fans stunned.

For nearly two decades, Molly Lansing-Davis has been a cornerstone of Port Charles. Intelligent, compassionate, and fiercely loyal, she’s the daughter of Alexis Davis and Ric Lansing — a character fans have watched grow up on-screen. But behind the scenes, the actress playing her was facing a much darker reality.

Haley Pullos’s Sudden Exit

Haley Pullos, who had portrayed Molly since 2009, was forced to vacate the role in 2023 after being involved in a serious car accident that led to DUI charges. The incident sent shockwaves through the GH fandom. Once beloved for her steady portrayal, Pullos suddenly found herself at the center of a legal and personal crisis.

After pleading no contest, she was sentenced to 90 days in jail and five years of probation — a tragic fall from grace for one of daytime’s brightest young talents. Her absence left the show scrambling to fill a key role in an ongoing storyline about Molly’s struggles with infertility and surrogacy, which had become a major emotional arc that year.

Holiday Mia Kriegel Steps In — And Out

The first to step into Molly’s shoes was actress Holiday Mia Kriegel. Fans were cautiously optimistic at first — and to many, she was a pleasant surprise. Kriegel brought a youthful energy and warmth to the role, quickly earning praise for her chemistry with the rest of the Davis family.

But just as audiences were starting to settle in, another bombshell dropped. Kriegel herself became embroiled in legal troubles involving DUI and drug possession. The shocking twist mirrored Pullos’s own situation, leaving fans speechless. Within weeks, GH was once again forced to make an emergency recast.

Brooke Anne Smith Faces Backlash

Next came Brooke Anne Smith — a seasoned actress with a strong résumé but a controversial casting choice. While undeniably talented, fans couldn’t help but notice that Smith appeared significantly older than the other Davis sisters on the show, breaking the visual continuity that long-time viewers cherished.

Social media erupted with criticism. Some fans argued that Smith’s mature appearance made Molly’s youthful storyline about surrogacy and first-time motherhood harder to believe. Despite Smith’s best efforts, the backlash was relentless, and her time on the show was brief.

Kristen Vaganos Saves the Day

Just when it seemed General Hospital couldn’t catch a break, the producers announced a new name: Kristen Vaganos. At first, fans were skeptical — after three recasts in one year, expectations were low. But Vaganos surprised everyone.

With her striking resemblance to Haley Pullos and her ability to balance vulnerability and strength, she brought back the emotional authenticity fans had been missing. Her chemistry with the existing cast felt natural, and audiences finally began to breathe again. Many even admitted they had to do a double take — she looked so much like Pullos that some initially thought the original actress had returned.

Vaganos’s arrival marked a turning point for GH, offering stability after months of turmoil. She managed to honor Pullos’s legacy while making the role her own — a delicate feat few could have pulled off.

The Hollywood Strikes Made It Worse

Adding to the chaos was the 2023 Writers’ and Actors’ Strike, which threw production schedules into disarray. With scripts being reworked, storylines delayed, and filming windows constantly shifting, the timing couldn’t have been worse for such a pivotal character shakeup.

Behind the scenes, GH’s creative team faced an uphill battle: how to keep viewers engaged through a revolving door of Mollys, all while maintaining continuity in a major family storyline. That they managed to pull it off — however imperfectly — is a testament to their resilience.

A Year Fans Won’t Forget

By the end of 2023, GH viewers had lived through one of the most dramatic behind-the-scenes sagas in soap opera history. Four actresses, four different interpretations, and one character who somehow managed to remain standing through it all.

Today, Kristen Vaganos continues to win over fans who once feared the role was cursed. Her nuanced portrayal has breathed new life into Molly, grounding the character in strength and emotional truth after a year defined by chaos.

As fans reflect on 2023, one thing is clear: this wasn’t just a story about casting changes — it was a story about resilience, redemption, and the unbreakable spirit of a show that’s weathered it all.

The “Year of Molly” will forever remind viewers that in Port Charles — as in life — even the most chaotic chapters can lead to new beginnings.