The man who left Port Charles in a body bag may just be walking back in—with secrets of his own.

After Nathan was killed by his father, Cesar Faison, on General Hospital in 2018, Ryan Paevey not only became a major Hallmark movie star but also lived a quiet life outside of the spotlight. Despite successful runs in the soap opera and romance film genres, he still pulled away from society, making headlines in 2023 when he said he was taking a break from acting. Now, fans are thrilled that he’s returning and hope that it’s not just in Maxie’s comatose dreams, but actually in Port Charles.

Paevey’s Return Almost Didn’t Happen

Paevey explained to TV Guide that for a time, he had pulled away from society to live a quiet life and care for his mother, noting that he unplugged from TV and social media. “I had no intentions, really, of returning,” he admitted. While his life was full of creative pursuits, a call from executive producer Frank Valentini gave him food for thought. Known for his grounded approach to the entertainment industry, Paevey said his decision came down to practical needs. “I’ve never been somebody who’s chased fame,” he explained, adding, “I keep the lights on for myself and a few other people.”

His down-to-earth approach to life, coupled with being away from the pressure cooker that is TV production, gave him a fresh perspective on things. He noted that his break helped him recover from “some unpleasant experiences,” which helped him keep his sanity. “I feel better. Mom’s better to a degree,” he stated, further noting that, “We’re cautiously exploring what this jump back in could be.”

Not Your Vanilla Comeback

Paevey’s last appearance on GH ended with Nathan’s tragic on-screen death, so how the show plans to reintroduce him remains a mystery. He isn’t offering spoilers, but confirmed that this new chapter will feel distinct. “This go-round is definitely going to be wildly different than the last one was,” he teased.

While fans continue to ponder how exactly he’ll be reintroduced in Port Charles, he exclaimed that his return is “Going to be a blast!” He noted that very interesting and fun things will happen when he returns, and admitted that it had to be something really good to bring him back. “I wouldn’t come back for something vanilla,” he quipped.