Kathleen Gati is officially back at General Hospital, reprising her role as the unforgettable Dr. Liesl Obrecht after an absence of more than 18 months—and fans couldn’t be more excited. In an exclusive conversation with Soap Opera Digest, Gati shared just how much she’s been missing Obrecht—and her loyal GH audience.

Obrecht was last seen on the show in December 2023, when she turned down a romantic reconciliation with Scotty Baldwin (Kin Shriner) and quietly exited Port Charles. Now, with her character’s return teased during the July 11 episode—via a heartfelt email from young Rocco Falconeri introducing himself to his “grandmother” Liesl—fans know she’s heading back to stir up drama and intrigue again.

Gati reflected on her comeback with deep gratitude: “The love and loyalty expressed to me over this past year‑and‑a‑half … has been overwhelming. The fans have been faithful, loyal, begging me to return, continuously asking when, oh when will I return. I am truly grateful and so happy that I can bring some story and entertainment back to them again through Obrecht!”. She also emphasized that their support reminded her of why she became an actor—to entertain through compelling storytelling and iconic characters.

Over the years, Liesl Obrecht has become one of the show’s sharpest and most complex characters—deadpan, villainous and occasionally surprisingly vulnerable. Gati has described her as a “force to be reckoned with” whose humor and presence elevate every scene she’s in.

Her return coincides with that of Kelly Thiebaud, who played her on-screen daughter Britt Westbourne—a character presumed dead in 2023. Fans are buzzing with theories: could Britt secretly be alive? Is Liesl behind some resurrection or deception twist? Either way, Port Charles is bracing for major ripple effects.

On Reddit and fan forums, viewers voiced their longing for Obrecht’s return. One fan described her as “hilarious” with “subtle ironic and sarcastic observations,” urging the show’s producers: “bring her back soon” . Others called it “a travesty she’s not apart of this storyline,” especially amid current arcs involving Willow and Drew.

While GH has not yet revealed the exact airdate of her return, Gati was actively filming before the show’s summer hiatus, so fans expect her onscreen return to come soon, likely later this summer or early fall.

With Obrecht’s reputation for stirring trouble—and occasional redemption—fans are ready to see the scheming doctor wrap her fingers around Port Charles once more. As Gati herself put it, her absence stirred messages of longing, and now she’s thrilled to step back into Dr. O’s shoes.

Obrecht’s presence often blends calculated cunning with unexpected heart. From her dramatic Nurses Ball performances to her more tender moments with family, she remains a darker, flashier but nuanced fan favorite.

And now she’s back. Gati’s return promises unforgettable one-liners, family secrets, and all the chaos and charm that only Liesl Obrecht can deliver. In a genre built on comebacks—and the power of unforgettable characters—this one may just be the most satisfying yet.