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Elizabeth Webber
Elizabeth Webber
Elizabeth Webber
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Elizabeth Webber
General Hospital character
Rebecca Herbst as Elizabeth Webber
Portrayed byRebecca Herbst (1997–present)
Martha Madison (2011)
Ariebella Makana (2022)
Duration1997–present
First appearanceAugust 1, 1997 (1997-08-01)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Created byJanet Iacobuzio and Christopher Whitesell
Introduced byWendy Riche
Book appearancesThe Secret Life of Damian Spinelli
Spin-off
appearances		General Hospital: Night Shift
In-universe information
Other names
  • Elizabeth Imogene Webber
  • Elizabeth Lansing
  • Elizabeth Spencer
  • Elizabeth Baldwin
Occupation
  • Head nurse
  • Surgical nurse
  • Waitress
  • Artist
  • Deception model
FamilyHardy
Webber
Parents
SistersSarah Webber
Half-brothersSteve Webber
Half-sistersHayden Barnes
Husband
Sons
Grandparents
Uncles
AuntsTerri Webber
Nieces and nephewsViolet Finn
First cousins

Elizabeth Webber is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network, played by Rebecca Herbst. Elizabeth is the granddaughter of the show's original lead character, Steve Hardy (John Beradino) and daughter of Jeff Webber (Richard Dean Anderson). Introduced on August 1, 1997, as a rebellious teenager, Elizabeth comes to live with her grandmother Audrey Hardy (Rachel Ames) and sister Sarah Webber (Jennifer Sky). Feeling abandoned by her parents, Elizabeth is a wild child with no regard for her life. In 1998, after she is kidnapped, beaten, and raped, Elizabeth goes from a rebellious teenager to a terrified timid girl. She finds comfort with Lucky Spencer (Jonathan Jackson) and they fall in love. The duo's endearing young love story propels them into supercouple status in the same vein as Lucky's famous parents, Luke and Laura (Anthony Geary and Genie Francis). Elizabeth and Lucky's (then Greg Vaughan) rocky marriages ultimately end in divorce. Their failed reunion in 2009 results in Elizabeth's affair with Lucky's half-brother Nikolas Cassadine (Tyler Christopher), and her giving birth to Lucky's son, Aiden. In 2006, in the midst of her chaotic marriage to Lucky, Elizabeth has an affair with her long time friend, mob hitman Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) which leads to the birth of her middle son, Jake whom Lucky initially raises as his own. Jason and Elizabeth would also achieve supercouple status. Elizabeth later marries reformed serial killer Franco Baldwin (Roger Howarth) in 2019, but the marriage ends when he is killed.

Having played one of the show's most beloved characters, Herbst has earned three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for her portrayal of Elizabeth, in 1999, 2007 and 2012. The actress and character's popularity were put on full display when she was suddenly fired from the series in 2011, after massive backlash from viewers forced the network to rehire the actress.[4]

Casting

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Rebecca Herbst originally auditioned for the role of Sarah Webber. Although she did not get the part, General Hospital created the role of Sarah's sister Elizabeth for Herbst to play,[5] and she debuted on August 1, 1997.[6] Rumors circulated about Herbst's departure, starting when her on-screen love interest Jonathan Jackson (Lucky Spencer) left the series in April 1999, continuing through Herbst's contract expiration in the summer of 2000.[7] Herbst re-signed in July for three years.[8] In November, Herbst guest starred along with Jacob Young (then-Lucky Spencer) and Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie Spencer) on the FOX network sketch comedy series MADtv, making a small cameo as Elizabeth.[9] On January 18, 2011, ABC Daytime announced that Herbst had been let go from General Hospital and her exit would be storyline dictated.[10] After much fan protest, a month after the original announcement, ABC released another statement saying that Herbst would retain her role on the show.[11] Richard M. Simms, executive editor of Soaps In Depth discussed the fans' impact on reversal, stating:

A lot of times, fans react and for a few days, it's all anyone can talk about. But Becky Herbst fans really refused to let this drop.[12]

In May 2011, it was confirmed that Herbst would take medical leave, due to viral meningitis. The role was temporarily portrayed by actress Martha Madison, known for her role as Belle Black on Days of Our Lives, from June 8–20, 2011.[13] In March 2012, it was confirmed by Soap Opera Digest that Herbst had renewed her contract to continue performing in her role as Elizabeth.[14]

In February 2016, Daytime Confidential reported that contract negotiations between Herbst and the show had reached a stalemate, also that Days of Our Lives has expressed interest in hiring Herbst possibly as the potential replacement for Kate Mansi, who had vacated the role of Abigail Deveraux.[15][16] One month later in March 2016, it was revealed that Herbst will remain with the show.[17] However, the character took a brief hiatus from the show, facilitating the absence in which Herbst had her contract talks, she briefly departed on April 5, 2016, and returned on May 4, 2016.[16][18]

Storylines

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Elizabeth arrives in August 1997 to stay with her grandmother, Audrey Hardy (Rachel Ames), and her sister, Sarah Webber (then Jennifer Sky). She quickly develops a crush on Lucky Spencer (then Jonathan Jackson), but Lucky is interested in Sarah. On Valentine's Day, Elizabeth is kidnapped and raped and Lucky rescues her and helps her recover.[19] They become close and eventually fall in love, exchanging vows by themselves. When Lucky is presumed dead, Jason Morgan (then Steve Burton) helps Elizabeth deal with her loss. Lucky (then Jacob Young) is found alive, but pushes away his parents and Elizabeth. It is soon evident he has been brainwashed. In 2001, Lucky proposes to Elizabeth in an effort to fight the mind control, but Helena removes Lucky's memories of love for Elizabeth.[20] Elizabeth fakes her death to help Nikolas Cassadine (then Coltin Scott) prove his loyalty to Helena, and Lucky's visions of Elizabeth help him stop Helena's control. In December, Elizabeth stops their wedding when she realizes Lucky has been unable to regain his love for her. They try to start over but struggle, and Elizabeth breaks up with him after she finds him kissing Sarah. Elizabeth is kidnapped and locked in a crypt, and Zander Smith (Chad Brannon) gets trapped with her. They set off a gas leak, and become intimate when they think they are going to die. Elizabeth tries dating Jason, but ends things when Jason lies to her. Elizabeth falls in love with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst), and they marry after she gets pregnant. Elizabeth miscarries, which Ric blames on his brother, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). He kidnaps Sonny's wife, Carly (then Tamara Braun), and locks her in a panic room in an attempt to steal their unborn child. To maintain his secret, Ric begins drugging Elizabeth which results in a pulmonary embolism. Upon discovering Ric's crimes, Elizabeth divorces Ric. Elizabeth renews her friendship with Jason Morgan when Elizabeth's best friend and Jason's sister, Emily Quartermaine (Natalia Livingston) is on her death bed. Soon after she is struck by a car and loses her sight. After regaining her sight, she and Ric begin to make amends but she is uncertain of a future with him. Elizabeth has sex with her friend, Zander, who is mourning the end of his relationship with Emily. Soon after, Elizabeth learns she is pregnant, she and Ric reconcile; he agrees to raise the child and they remarry. Elizabeth divorces Ric again when she realizes he will not give up his obsession with Sonny. Zander dies in a police shootout. Elizabeth gives birth to a son named Cameron and becomes a nurse.

Elizabeth and Lucky help Nikolas and Emily evade Helena, and get back together. Their financial struggles prompt Elizabeth to become a surrogate mother for Courtney Matthews (Alicia Leigh Willis) and Jasper Jacks (Ingo Rademacher),[21] which upsets Lucky, but Elizabeth miscarries. They marry, but get in a train accident on their way to their honeymoon, and Lucky almost dies. When Lucky has a serious back injury while trying to save Elizabeth from Manny Ruiz (Robert LaSardo), he becomes addicted to painkillers and has an affair with Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms).[22] Elizabeth walks in on them, and sleeps with Jason, becoming pregnant. When Lucky finds out, he assumes he's the father, and promises to get clean for their baby's sake. Elizabeth still divorces him, but Lucky tries to win her back after completing rehab. The two eventually remarry before Elizabeth gives birth to Jake Webber. When her relationship with Jason makes Lucky jealous, their marriage falls apart. Lucky finds out Jason is Jake's father, and he and Elizabeth file for divorce,[23] but Lucky agrees to keep the secret about Jake's paternity to protect him.[24] After Emily's death, Jason and Elizabeth begin a secret relationship, but Jason decides his life is too dangerous and ends things. Lucky and Elizabeth reconcile, but Elizabeth is also attracted to Nikolas. After she and Lucky get engaged, she starts having an affair with Nikolas. Lucky finds out, and ends his engagement with Elizabeth.[25] On Valentine's Day, Lucky finds Elizabeth passed out from hypothermia, and they learn she is pregnant. Elizabeth has to be talked down off the roof by Lucky, and is sent to Shadybrook sanatorium. Helena switches the DNA test results to say Nikolas is the father, and he and Elizabeth start to mend their friendship in time to welcome Aiden Cassadine. Aiden is kidnapped by Franco (James Franco) before Lucky finds him.

Elizabeth later suspects that Lucky could be Aiden's father, and she runs a DNA test that confirms it. Just as she finds out, though, Jake runs out of the house and gets hit by a car. Jake dies in the hospital, and Elizabeth is heartbroken. She does not share the truth for months, coping with her grief and wanting to let Lucky be happy with his new wife, Siobhan McKenna (Erin Chambers). When Lucky burns down the Spencer house and accidentally injures Siobhan, Elizabeth tells him the truth to stop him from drinking.[26] Though Nikolas does not believe Elizabeth, he returns Aiden to her and Lucky, then leaves town. When Siobhan dies, Elizabeth attempts to reconcile with Lucky, but he refuses and leaves town. Elizabeth accompanies Matt Hunter (Jason Cook) to a boat party, where Lisa Niles (Brianna Brown) throws her overboard, but she is saved by Dr. Ewen Keenan (Nathin Butler). Elizabeth briefly dates Ewen, but he kidnaps Elizabeth and reveals he's working for Jerry Jacks (Sebastian Roche). Ewen dies after being shot by Jason, who was rescuing Elizabeth.

Elizabeth attempts to reconcile with Jason, who is separated from his wife, Sam (Kelly Monaco), but Jason says they do not have a future together. Elizabeth interferes with Jason's efforts to find Sam's baby in an attempt to get him back, but later backs off and helps Jason and Sam reunite with their son, Danny. Jason is presumed dead soon after. Meanwhile, Elizabeth helps student nurse Sabrina Santiago (Teresa Castillo) plan the resurrection of the Nurses' Ball. When A.J. Quartermaine (Sean Kanan) turns up in town, Elizabeth is initially hesitant of his return from the dead for Emily's sake, but the two eventually form a relationship and start dating until A.J. starts drinking again, and Elizabeth broke up with him. When Ric came back to town, he tried to reconcile with Elizabeth. The two dated until Ric was presumed dead. Elizabeth started taking care of an amnesiac patient who had facial reconstruction surgery after a car accident. He eventually starts calling himself Jake after Elizabeth tells him about her son, and the two bonded. With no memories and no family looking for "Jake", he has nowhere to go when he is released from the hospital. Elizabeth invites him to stay at her house. They begin to grow closer until Ric returns, alive.

Elizabeth and Jake are still drawn to each other until Hayden Barnes (Rebecca Budig) comes to town, and claims "Jake" is her husband. Elizabeth walks away from "Jake" and resumes dating Ric. Hayden was actually hired by Ric to pretend to be "Jake's" wife. At the Nurses Ball, Carly outs Ric's lies, and Elizabeth breaks up with him. When Elizabeth realizes that she should be with "Jake", Nikolas reveals that "Jake" is actually Jason. At first, Elizabeth wants to tell the truth, but then decides to keep the secret and not tell "Jake" his real identity. She and "Jake" begin a relationship. Elizabeth and Jason's son, Jake, is found to be alive, they are reunited with their son with Lucky's help. Elizabeth feels torn about keeping the truth from Jason after they become engaged. On their wedding day, Jason learns his real identity. They don't get married, but decide to stay together and figure things out. Sam suspects that Elizabeth has known the truth about Jason's identity all along, and confronts her, then later shares her theory with Jason. When Jason confronts Elizabeth, she can no longer keep telling the lie and admits all to him. Unable to handle her deceit, Jason leaves Elizabeth, but they decide to parent Jake together. They become worried when Jake start exhibiting disturbing signs.

When Elizabeth's house starts getting vandalized, Jason investigates with Sam's help, who points out to Jason that the vandalism could've been done by someone inside the house. Jason becomes suspicious of Elizabeth, but she insists she's not responsible. However, Jason later realizes that Jake was responsible, hoping his parents would get back together. When they try to get Jake help, he gets hit by a car again and is hospitalized. The doctors, though, are able to save him, and he recovers from his injuries. While dealing with losing Jason and Jake's behavior, Elizabeth is surprisingly helped by a reformed Franco (Roger Howarth). He listens when Elizabeth is upset, and helps with Jake by providing art therapy. Elizabeth grows closer to Franco over time, and the two start dating. When Nikolas is presumed dead, Elizabeth blames his wife, Hayden, for driving Nikolas to desperate measures. She finds evidence to get Hayden arrested, but is pushed down the stairs during a hospital blackout soon after. Hayden is accused, but is later cleared when it's determined that Elizabeth was actually attacked by Paul Hornsby (Richard Burgi). Franco finds out that Hayden and Elizabeth are actually half-sisters, and reveals this to both girls. Though shocked, it does not thaw the animosity they both have for each other.

When Tom Baker (Don Harvey), the man who raped her 18 years before, is released from prison. Franco is desperate to keep Tom away from Elizabeth. Despite her fear of Tom, Elizabeth asks Franco to stay away from Tom for her sake. However, Tom is found dead, and Franco is accused of murdering him. Franco and Elizabeth succeed in getting him exonerated, and focus on their relationship. Meanwhile, Elizabeth grows closer to Hayden when she is diagnosed with a deadly disease, and Elizabeth helps take care of her. Hayden recovers, and when Elizabeth figures out Hayden's boyfriend, Dr. Hamilton Finn (Michael Easton), is an addict, she shares her own experiences with Lucky to help Hayden out.

Character development

[edit]

Elizabeth is introduced as the granddaughter of Steve Hardy, one of the original General Hospital core characters. She is the daughter of Jeff Webber and Carolyn (maiden name unknown), and the sister of Sarah Webber and half-sister of Steven Webber.[27] At age fifteen, she arrives in Port Charles in August 1997 to stay with her grandmother, Audrey Hardy (Ames), the stepmother of Jeff. She follows her sister Sarah (then Sky), who had come to live with Audrey a few months prior. Elizabeth and Sarah had grown up in Boulder, Colorado and their parents left the country to work as doctors. Elizabeth is initially characterized as a rebellious teenager, who complains about having to be compared to her perfect sister. Herbst reflected in 1999 on her character's introduction: "In the past year she (was) a smart-ass child with no respect for anybody, who was out to get everyone. But that is because she was hurt since her parents pretty much abandoned her. So her frustration, anger and snottiness came from being misguided."[28]

"I'm glad because it's a change, not because I now get to play a good girl. I enjoyed playing Elizabeth before. And I enjoy playing her now. She has evolved. She's changing. That in itself is exciting to play."

—Herbst in 1998, on the change in Elizabeth after her rape.[29]

Elizabeth's character drastically changes after she is raped in February 1998. Following the assault, she becomes timid and scared, not wanting to leave the house.[28] The teenager's innocence is lost.[30][31] Lucky (then Jackson) is one of the only people she opens up to, and he helps her to slowly recover. Elizabeth goes through the stages of denial, anger, and eventual acceptance.[30] Although she heals, her character is never the same. Herbst explained in 1999: "Ever since her trauma, Liz has matured more and my character has evolved as a result. She's not evil anymore and her growth since I've been on the show makes playing her today give me many challenges as an actor. (...) I think the writers have done a great job in making Liz not a victim but a fighter and showing that, while this was a terrible experience nobody should go through, she will get through this in time and go on with her life."[32] Elizabeth grows in a positive way, and is a stronger person as a result. Soap Opera Weekly stated in November 1998: "After the initial shock of the attack wore off, and with support – mostly from Lucky – the best parts of the 'old' Liz resurfaced: her spirit, her determination, her innate smarts. But for the first time, Liz also showed herself as a person of untapped virtue and considerable substance."[33]

Reception and impact

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General

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In 2023, Charlie Mason from Soaps She Knows placed Elizabeth 18th on his ranked list of General Hospital's 40+ Greatest Characters of All Time, explaining, "Cut from the same cloth as grandmother Audrey Hardy, Liz is the inspirational heart and soul of Port Charles, a working wife and mom who strives to put her mistakes in rearview in order to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow."[34] The following year, Mason included Elizabeth in his list of the best mothers in American soap operas, explaining, "Cameron, Jake and Aiden's mom would be the last person to say that she's perfect. And she is as flawed as any of us. Yet she instills in her boys a can-do spirit that we only wish rubbed off more on us".[35]

Rape

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The storyline of Elizabeth's kidnapping and rape was initially controversial, but the story of her recovery had a positive reception[32] and received critical acclaim.[36] Victims of abuse stated that the story helped them to heal, and wrote letters of praise to the show.[37][38] Viewers related to Elizabeth;[29] Herbst stated to Soap Opera Weekly in 1998:

I got so much mail, especially the first two weeks after Liz's rape aired. I got letters from people talking about how they were raped as a child, or that their mother was. A couple of them said that they hadn't talked about it with anybody, but that this storyline has helped them a lot. They thanked us for portraying it in a way that was very real to them. They've thought about it and realized that they're okay – the way Liz is okay. She may be hurt and damaged, but she's alive.[39]

Herbst commented to Soap Opera News that she was glad to be helping others, and that the story helped her to be more aware herself as well as better understand the process of recovery.[29] She was seen as a role model to female viewers.[32] The storyline won General Hospital a SHINE Award (Sexual Health IN Entertainment) in 1998.[40] Both Herbst and Jackson received praise for their portrayals[41] throughout Elizabeth's recovery. Herbst received praise for scenes where Elizabeth confronted her suspected rapist and later on when she confronted her actual rapist.[33] Soap Opera Magazine named Herbst Star of the Week in October 1998 when Elizabeth confronted her teacher, mistakenly believing him to be her rapist.[30] Of the latter, Soap Opera News described: "We felt each transition in Liz's thoughts and feelings. We felt her fear. Then we felt her anger. Then we felt her take control over the situation. We experienced each experience with her. A television set no longer existed. The audience was in that photo studio, standing beside her, repulsed by this man."[31]

Romance

[edit]
Further information: Lucky Spencer and Elizabeth Webber § Reception and impact, and Jason Morgan and Elizabeth Webber § Reception and impact

Within Herbst's first year on the series, her character entered into a relationship with Lucky Spencer that was soon called a supercouple, compared to Lucky's legendary parents Luke and Laura.[19] Lucky and Elizabeth's romantic relationship took place gradually during Elizabeth's recovery from being raped. Viewers responded positively to the slow pacing, and the couple was perceived as honest and innocent, something unique among soap opera couples at the time.[42][43] The couple's first kiss happened months into the relationship, and was anticipated and celebrated by fans.[29] The series used the popular teen characters in an attempt to reach young viewers with a social message through Lucky and Elizabeth's decision to abstain from sex. Executive producer at the time Wendy Riche explained her desire to show the decisions and pressures teenagers face, stating to Soap Opera Weekly: "We have the opportunity with these beloved characters who have struggled together and who have loved together and who are exploring sexuality together to reach an audience that doesn't really want to be preached to, but wants to feel it."[44] In 2008, Lucky and Elizabeth were named No. 9 by Soaps In Depth of the Top 100 Greatest Couples of ABC Daytime.[45]

Elizabeth's relationship with Jason Morgan intertwined with her relationship with Lucky, and although Elizabeth and Jason were never paired on-screen for a long period of time, the couple's fan base was very vocal. They were named by Zap2it to their Top 10 list of couples in 2007,[46] 2008[47] and 2012.[48] In 2008, they were named No. 12 by Soaps In Depth of the Top 100 Greatest Couples of ABC Daytime.[45] The couple rivaled the supercouple pairing of Jason Morgan and Sam McCall, and in 2007 Zap2it stated, "without question Liz vs. Sam is the biggest rivalry in daytime."[49] In 2010, Herbst commented on the fans' impact on the couple:

[The fans] are incredible, aren't they? No other word for them, and they are dedicated and they do not get discouraged, which is amazing. And it's been 7 or 8 years of them writing before Steve Burton (Jason) and I had a storyline together. (...) Without them, for sure, my storyline with Steve would have fallen flat long ago, but they really kept it going.[50]

Awards

[edit]

In 1999, Herbst won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Younger Lead Actress,[51] as well as an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress.[52] In 2000, Soap Opera Update named Herbst No. 6 on their list of Woman of 2000.[53] Herbst was nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2007[54] and 2012.[55]

Elizabeth was named one of the "Hottest Nurses on TV" by Wet Paint, saying "Over the years, Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) suffered the usual ups and downs that come with living in the General Hospital universe. Through it all she managed to hold onto her job (most of the time), and she never lost the sultry beauty that defines all the greatest soap stars."[56]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Elizabeth Webber

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Elizabeth Imogene Baldwin (née Webber) is a fictional character on the American soap opera , portrayed by actress since the character's debut on August 1, 1997. Introduced as a troubled 15-year-old runaway arriving in , Elizabeth quickly became a central figure in the series, evolving from a rebellious teenager into a dedicated surgical nurse at and a devoted mother to three sons: Cameron, Jake, and Aiden. Elizabeth's family ties root her deeply in the show's legacy; she is the daughter of Dr. Jeff Webber and Carolyn Webber, sister to Sarah Webber, Steven Lars Webber, and Hayden Barnes, and granddaughter of longtime characters Steve Hardy, the original at , and his wife Audrey March Hardy. Her early years in Port Charles were marked by personal struggles, including a traumatic in 1998 that shaped her resilience and relationships, leading to multiple marriages—twice to Ric Lansing in 2003 (both ending shortly after), to in 2005 and 2007 (both ending in divorce), and to Franco Baldwin in 2019 (widowed after his death). Throughout her tenure, Elizabeth's storylines have highlighted her professional dedication as a nurse, her artistic pursuits as a painter, and her enduring romantic entanglements, most notably with Jason Morgan—father of her son Jake—and , often intertwining with themes of family, betrayal, and redemption that define General Hospital's narrative style. Herbst's portrayal has earned critical acclaim, including multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations, cementing Elizabeth as one of the soap's most iconic and enduring characters over nearly three decades.

Casting and portrayal

Casting history

Rebecca Herbst originated the role of Elizabeth Webber on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital, debuting on August 1, 1997, as a teenage runaway and aspiring artist who arrives in Port Charles searching for her sister Sarah. At the time of her casting, Herbst was 20 years old and portrayed the 15-year-old character, leveraging her youthful appearance to fit the teen role. She had initially auditioned for the part of Sarah Webber, which went to Jennifer Sky, but producers were impressed enough with Herbst to create the new character of Elizabeth, Sarah's younger sister, specifically for her. Herbst took a maternity leave from the series in 2010 following the birth of her third child, Emerson Truett Saucedo, on August 9, returning to the set in late September and airing in mid-October. In early 2011, on January 18, ABC announced that Herbst had been let go from General Hospital after contract negotiations failed, with plans to write Elizabeth out of the show; this decision sparked significant fan backlash and public support from her co-stars. The outcry led to a reversal, and on February 22, 2011, ABC confirmed Herbst would remain in the role under a new contract, allowing her to continue portraying Elizabeth without interruption. Later that year, in May 2011, she underwent a brief medical leave due to , during which the role was temporarily recast with for six episodes in June to accommodate ongoing storylines. As of November 2025, Herbst continues to portray Elizabeth Webber, marking her 28th anniversary with the series in August 2025.

Performance and development

Rebecca Herbst's portrayal of Elizabeth Webber emphasizes the character's vulnerability through a foundation of trust with her co-stars, allowing for authentic emotional exposure on screen. In a 2022 interview, Herbst explained that this trust enables performers to "be vulnerable with one another on camera," which has been crucial in depicting Elizabeth's more intimate and fragile moments. Herbst approaches Elizabeth's resilience by highlighting moments where the character asserts herself after years of personal setbacks, particularly in relationships that foster self-respect. She noted that Elizabeth's arc with Franco represented a pivotal shift, marking "the first time she was able to truly be honest with herself" and stand up for her needs, supported by a partner who encourages growth. This interpretation draws from early influences, such as co-star Jonathan Jackson, who taught Herbst the importance of and presence in scenes, shaping her evolution from portraying a rebellious teenager to a resilient adult. In addressing maternal instincts, Herbst infuses Elizabeth's interactions with her sons—Cameron, Jake, and Aiden—with distinct, nuanced dynamics reflective of real bonds. She has described enjoying the variety in these relationships, stating, "My relationship with all of my kids is completely different, and I really that it’s true for Elizabeth’s kids," which allows her to convey protective yet individualized affection. Herbst's real-life experiences as a of four have directly informed this aspect, as she consults her on-screen children for in physical scenes to ensure authenticity, making Elizabeth's dynamics feel grounded and relatable. Herbst has discussed the challenges of tackling emotional scenes involving trauma and romance, emphasizing the need for organic delivery amid complex narratives. For instance, in portraying Elizabeth's storyline, she and co-star Tyler Christopher aimed to "play it as organically as possible," navigating the character's internal conflicts without exaggeration. Regarding trauma rooted in abandonment, Herbst interprets Elizabeth's self-loathing as stemming from her parents' early departure, which forced the character to "figure it out on her own," adding depth to romantic vulnerabilities. These elements evolved her performance over nearly three decades.

Character profile

Creation and background

Elizabeth Webber was created for the ABC daytime by the writing team led by co-head writers Janet Iacobuzio and Christopher , debuting on August 1, 1997, as a 15-year-old troubled teenager. The character was conceived as the younger sister of Sarah Webber to expand on the Webber family lineage tied to longtime Port Charles residents, providing a fresh youthful dynamic amid the show's established medical and family narratives. Rebecca was cast in the role, her performance capturing the character's street-smart and rebellious energy from the outset. Upon her introduction, Elizabeth arrived in Port Charles after running away from her guardians in Boulder, Colorado, using a bus ticket. She sought refuge with her grandmother, head nurse , following the recent death of her grandfather, Dr. Steve Hardy, one of General Hospital's original characters. This initial setup portrayed Elizabeth as feeling somewhat adrift, having rebelled against restrictions at home, which underscored her impulsive and independent nature while highlighting her familial connections to the town's medical community. Elizabeth's foundational family ties positioned her as the daughter of Dr. Jeff Webber, a physician, and Dr. Carolyn Webber, establishing her as the full sister to Sarah Webber and half-sister to Dr. Steven Lars Webber. These relationships anchored her in the Hardy-Webber lineage, emphasizing themes of legacy and resilience amid personal challenges. From inception, core traits defined her as artistic and loyal, with a resilient spirit that balanced her youthful impulsiveness and street-savvy demeanor; her early interest in and eventual pursuit of reflected an innate draw to and caregiving, influenced by her family's professional background.

Family and relationships overview

Elizabeth Webber was born to Dr. Jeff Webber and Dr. Carolyn Webber, growing up in a medical family alongside her siblings, including her sister Sarah Webber, half-brother Steven Lars Webber, and half-sister Hayden Barnes. Her family ties extend to Port Charles through her grandfather, the late Dr. Steve Hardy, a foundational figure at . These connections have anchored her presence in the community, providing a network of support rooted in shared professional and personal histories. As a mother, Webber has raised three sons: Cameron, born in 2004; Jake, born in 2007; and Aiden, born in 2010. She has navigated co-parenting arrangements with their respective fathers, emphasizing stability and emotional well-being for her children amid the demands of single parenthood. Her dedication to her sons is evident in her efforts to foster their growth, often balancing family responsibilities with her career. Webber's closest platonic bonds include her enduring friendship with , who provided steadfast emotional support until Quartermaine's death in 2007, and a longstanding companionship with , marked by mutual reliance during family-oriented challenges. These relationships highlight her role within intimate social circles in . Additionally, as a surgical nurse at since her early days in the town, Webber maintains non-romantic ties to the broader community through her professional contributions to patient care and hospital operations.

Storylines

Early years (1997–2005)

Elizabeth Webber arrived in on August 1, 1997, as a 15-year-old runaway from her guardians in , seeking to live with her grandmother, , and sister . Quickly integrating into the community, she formed a close friendship with , with whom she shared personal struggles and adventures, including a brief period of living on the streets after clashing with over household rules. This bond provided emotional support during her turbulent teenage years. Almost immediately upon arrival, Elizabeth developed a romantic connection with , the son of Spencer; their relationship blossomed into young love, marked by mutual protectiveness and shared secrets, culminating in a heartfelt vow of eternal commitment on 1999. In a pivotal and traumatic event, Elizabeth was raped by artist Tom Baker on February 13, 1998, while walking home from a Valentine's Day party. The assault left her deeply shaken, but Lucky stood by her side throughout the investigation and trial, where Baker was eventually convicted. To process the trauma, Elizabeth sought therapy, which helped her begin rebuilding her sense of security and trust, though the experience strained her relationships and highlighted her vulnerability in Port Charles. The couple faced further devastation when Lucky was presumed dead in a fire set by Helena Cassadine on April 23, 1999, leaving Elizabeth in profound grief as she mourned the loss of her first true love. Her world turned upside down again in February 2000 when Lucky returned alive but brainwashed and under Helena's control; Elizabeth played a key role in his and recovery, which reignited their romance and solidified their partnership. As Elizabeth transitioned into early adulthood, she pursued a nursing career, beginning her training as a student nurse at in 2004 with aspirations to specialize in . That same year, on December 26, she became entangled in the Metro Court hostage crisis orchestrated by Faith Rosco, enduring hours of terror while , though she escaped with minor injuries. Off-screen in May 2004, Elizabeth gave birth to her son, Cameron Webber, fathered by Zander Smith, following a complicated amid her ongoing relationship with Lucky, and returned to with him in June. The couple navigated infertility challenges, including a in May 2003 after being pushed down stairs and another in September 2005 due to a car accident, yet these trials strengthened their bond. Culminating their early years together, Elizabeth and Lucky married on October 21, 2005, in a lavish ceremony at Wyndemere Castle.

Mid-series arcs (2006–2015)

In 2006, Elizabeth Webber began an affair with Jason Morgan amid tensions in her marriage to , following Lucky's and painkiller after an injury. The relationship intensified during the Metro Court hostage crisis in February 2007, where Elizabeth revealed her pregnancy to Jason, confirming him as the father through a paternity test. To shield the child from Jason's dangerous ties to , Elizabeth concealed the truth and passed off the baby as Lucky's son upon his birth on May 4, 2007, naming him Jacob "Jake" Martin Spencer. Elizabeth married Lucky on March 22, 2007, but the union dissolved amid ongoing strains, culminating in their divorce on November 27, 2009, after Lucky's relapse into drug addiction during an undercover operation. Custody battles ensued, with Elizabeth gaining primary custody of their sons Cameron and Jake, while Lucky retained visitation rights as he pursued rehabilitation . The couple's conflicts were exacerbated by Elizabeth's lingering trust issues stemming from her early-life trauma, though she focused on providing stability for her children. Tragedy struck on March 18, 2011, when Jake was struck by a car driven by Lucky, who was under the influence, and presumed dead after his organs were donated to save Josslyn Jacks; Elizabeth grappled with profound grief, experiencing hallucinations of Jake that led to her voluntary admission to Shadybrook Sanitarium on December 13, 2011, for treatment. During her recovery in 2012–2013, Heather Webber—a manipulative figure in and mother to Elizabeth's half-brother Steven Lars Webber—returned and orchestrated schemes, including tampering with medical records and framing others for crimes, which heightened Elizabeth's emotional turmoil and indirectly influenced her institutionalization through the ensuing family chaos. Elizabeth underwent therapy and was released, marking a turning point in addressing her psychological strain. Professionally, Elizabeth advanced as a surgical nurse at , though she faced a three-month suspension on June 20, 2011, for a medication error amid the investigation into Jake's accident; in 2023, following the death of longtime head nurse Epiphany Johnson, she was promoted to head nurse, overseeing the nursing staff and contributing to key hospital operations. Romantically, she briefly dated in 2012, a relationship that provided temporary support but ended when A.J.'s battles with alcoholism and loss of control at ELQ Quartermaine Enterprises resurfaced his instability. These developments underscored Elizabeth's resilience as she balanced motherhood, career demands, and personal betrayals during her mid-30s.

Later developments (2016–2025)

In 2016, Elizabeth Webber experienced a profound family reunion when her son Jake, previously presumed dead after a 2011 car accident and subsequent kidnapping by Helena Cassadine, was revealed to have survived and was returned to her care by Jason Morgan, who had located him during his own recovery from . This event, building on the earlier confirmation of Jake's survival in late 2015, allowed Elizabeth to rebuild her life with her son while navigating the emotional fallout of Jason's true identity revelation as himself rather than the amnesiac "Jake Doe" she had cared for. The reunion strained her marriage to but ultimately led to a co-parenting dynamic with Jason, emphasizing themes of resilience and hidden truths from her mid-series secrets. By 2017, Elizabeth began reconciliation efforts with Franco Baldwin, a reformed with a troubled past, after they bonded over supporting her sons, particularly through for Jake's trauma from the Cassadine ordeal. Their relationship deepened amid Franco's struggle to atone for his earlier crimes, culminating in an engagement by December, as Elizabeth found stability in his commitment to her family despite external skepticism from residents. This arc highlighted her capacity for forgiveness, contrasting with the betrayals of prior years. During the 2020–2022 period, Elizabeth served on the front lines at amid the storyline, portraying her as a dedicated nurse managing overwhelming patient loads and personal fears for her family's safety. She married Franco on February 14, 2019, in a low-key ceremony at the PCPD, but their union ended tragically on March 9, 2021, when shot and killed him during a confrontation over Peter's criminal schemes. Elizabeth's grief intensified in 2023, manifesting as profound guilt; she experienced haunting visions and psychological distress, later revealed to stem partly from suppressed remorse over not preventing Franco's involvement in dangerous plots, leading her to seek and confront her role in his fate. In 2024, the return of her ex-husband to after years abroad rekindled their longstanding romance, offering Elizabeth a chance at rediscovering their youthful connection amid his rescue missions and . By early 2025, their relationship blossomed with intimate moments, including a kiss, but it concluded bittersweetly with Lucky's departure from town in June 2025, as he prioritized international aid work, leaving Elizabeth to reflect on their enduring yet intermittent bond. As of November 2025, Elizabeth remains entangled in hospital power struggles at , where administrative shifts and ethical dilemmas force her into secretive decisions, such as withholding patient information to protect colleagues amid investigations into medical errors and corporate takeovers. These choices have drawn internal scrutiny, amplifying fan-noted frustrations with her opacity in high-stakes scenarios, including recent confrontations with the returned . Rumors of her potential exit from persist, fueled by escalating threats from , who, after faking her 2022 death, harbors grudges related to past medical deceptions and family rivalries, placing Elizabeth in a precarious position.

Reception and legacy

Critical and fan responses

Elizabeth Webber's portrayal in the 1998 rape storyline garnered early praise for its realistic depiction of trauma and recovery, with actress receiving substantial from survivors who connected with the narrative's emotional depth. Herbst reflected on the intensity of filming those scenes in a 1998 interview, noting she slept for 14 hours afterward and questioned her ability to convey the material authentically, underscoring the storyline's demanding realism. The character's development drew criticism for extending the victim narrative over multiple arcs, which some viewers felt overshadowed her growth into a more empowered figure. However, this early reception established Elizabeth as a resilient survivor in discourse. In , when Rebecca Herbst was abruptly let go from after 14 years, fans launched widespread campaigns protesting the decision, flooding ABC with phone calls, letters, and postcards that ultimately led to her contract being renewed. The backlash highlighted Elizabeth's enduring popularity, with co-stars like Jonathan Jackson publicly supporting Herbst on , amplifying viewer outrage. Reviews in the 2020s have been mixed, with acclaim for Elizabeth's maternal arcs emphasizing her strength and selflessness, such as her 2011 decision to donate her son Jake's kidney, portrayed as a profound act of that deepened her role as a devoted . Soap Central praised this moment in a 2025 retrospective as reflective of her "incredible strength," resonating with audiences amid ongoing family-centric plots. By 2025, however, the character's involvement in hospital secrecy plots sparked significant backlash, with fans criticizing her for self-righteous meddling and hypocritical behavior that alienated allies like Willow Tait. Soap Hub reported in September 2025 that viewers expressed frustration over Elizabeth's "villainous" turn in these arcs, marking a shift from earlier sympathy to widespread annoyance. Soap media outlets, including , have rated key Elizabeth arcs positively over the years, with interviews highlighting fan-favorite reunions like her 2024 encounter with as nostalgic and tension-filled, though specific numerical scores vary by storyline.

Impact on General Hospital

Rebecca Herbst's portrayal of Elizabeth Webber has garnered significant recognition, including a Emmy nomination in 1999 for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series, tied to the character's pivotal rape storyline the previous year. She received additional Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2007 and 2012, the latter highlighting arcs such as the revelation of her son Jake's true parentage. Herbst also won the Award for Outstanding Younger Lead Actress in 1999 and earned a nomination in the same category in 2003. Major storylines featuring Elizabeth have contributed to fluctuations in General Hospital's viewership, with producers citing her arcs as key to revitalizing audience interest. The 1998 rape storyline marked a dramatic for the character and the series, drawing attention to sensitive social issues amid the show's established format. In , the return of ex-husband was positioned as a strategic move to combat declining ratings, which had dipped to around 1.9 million viewers earlier that year, with Elizabeth central to the reunion narrative. Elizabeth's arcs have prominently addressed themes of and single motherhood, providing depth to the soap's exploration of personal resilience. Her 2022 storyline involving and repressed brought attention to psychological issues, while her role as a mother to three sons from different relationships—Cameron, Jake, and —has underscored challenges faced by single parents in . These portrayals have shaped ongoing character development, influencing how subsequent stories handle family dynamics and emotional recovery. As a cornerstone character since her debut in 1997, Elizabeth has appeared in over 2,000 episodes, anchoring major narratives and contributing to the show's endurance into its 63rd season as of 2025. Her involvement in recent arcs, including a 2025 investigation into Cyrus Renault alongside Lucky—which culminated in Cyrus's and an attempt to harm Lucky—highlights her continued narrative centrality, with incomplete coverage in emphasizing her evolving role. Fan campaigns, notably the 2011 backlash against Herbst's brief firing—which included support from co-stars and led to her contract renewal—further illustrate Elizabeth's enduring draw on the audience.

References

  1. https://abc.com/shows/general-hospital/cast/rebecca-herbst
  2. https://www.soapcentral.com/character/elizabeth-imogene-webber-baldwin
  3. https://abc.com/cast/bf3fc4e5-375d-4e32-b953-0a3cbdddfa11
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0378697/
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  6. https://daytimeconfidential.com/2010/09/24/rebecca-herbst-back-from-maternity-leave-at-gh
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  10. https://www.instagram.com/p/DM06UUPtfuv/?hl=en
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  17. https://soaps.sheknows.com/gallery/general-hospital-elizabeth-webber-family-how-related-photos/
  18. https://www.soapcentral.com/general-hospital/recaps/1998/980209.php#fri
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  21. https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/news/594157/general-hospital-franco-shot-killed-peter-must-die/
  22. https://soaps.sheknows.com/gallery/lucky-elizabeth-relationship-timeline-general-hospital/
  23. https://ew.com/general-hospital-jonathan-jackson-leaving-lucky-spencer-role-again-11749682
  24. https://www.tvinsider.com/1197274/general-hospital-jonathan-jackson-final-episode-lucky-spencer/
  25. https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/tbt-rebecca-herbst2023/
  26. https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2011/02/abc-releases-statement-on-rebecca-herbst-staying
  27. https://www.soapcentral.com/daily-soaps/10-best-elizabeth-webber-moments-general-hospital
  28. https://soaphub.com/general-hospital/commentary-gh/fans-are-not-loving-elizabeth-lately/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0378697/awards/
  30. https://www.showbiz411.com/2024/06/25/abcs-general-hospital-will-fight-ratings-spiral-by-bringing-back-jonathan-jackson
  31. https://www.soapcentral.com/general-hospital/0222-herbst
  32. https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-elizabeth-liz-webber-rebecca-herbst-166169/
  33. https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/recaps/770626/cyrus-injects-lucky-with-digitalis/
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