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General Hospital Shocker: Vernee Watson Confirms Exit as Stella Henry After Nearly a Decade — and Reveals Her Next Big Move
In a stunning development that has sent ripples through the General Hospital fan community, veteran actress Vernee Watson has officially confirmed her departure from the long-running ABC soap.
After nearly a decade of portraying the fierce, loving, and morally unshakable Stella Henry, Watson is moving on—closing a pivotal chapter that began with her Port Charles debut on June 7, 2017.
From her first moment on screen, Watson infused Stella with a rare blend of conviction and compassion. As Curtis Ashford’s proud, fiercely protective aunt, Stella often served as the show’s emotional compass, never hesitating to speak uncomfortable truths while carrying her own heartbreaks with grace.
Watson’s layered portrayal earned widespread critical acclaim, including two Daytime Emmy Awards—one in 2018 for Outstanding Guest Performer and another in 2019 for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Her impact was undeniable.
In recent months, viewers noticed Stella appearing less frequently, her storylines growing quieter after a high-stakes arc involving an insurance-fraud investigation that threatened her job and reputation.
Although Stella ultimately cleared her name, the storyline felt like a turning point—and now fans know why. The speculation has been confirmed: Watson is stepping away from Port Charles.
But this is no retirement. Instead, Watson is embarking on a bold new chapter as she joins CBS’s high-profile Matlock reboot.
She will appear as Celeste, mother of rising attorney Olympia Lawrence (played by Skye P. Marshall).
The role marks a shift from daytime emotional saga to prime-time legal drama, giving Watson a fresh canvas for her signature blend of power and vulnerability.
Watson will make her debut in the December 4 episode titled “Past Bad Acts,” which promises a tense exploration of fractured family ties, buried resentment, and shocking revelations.
In the episode, Olympia must decide whether to defend her mother’s new husband—a dilemma that pushes her ethics, her loyalty, and her long-suppressed feelings about Celeste to the breaking point.
Meanwhile, Olympia and lead character Madeline “Matty” Matlock (played by Kathy Bates) uncover a bombshell piece of information that could turn the case upside down.
Though Watson is billed as a guest star, insiders and fans alike suspect her role may evolve into something far larger.
Celeste is deeply intertwined with Olympia’s past, her emotional wounds, and her future. A character with this kind of narrative weight rarely appears only once.
For GH viewers, Watson’s departure is bittersweet. Stella Henry was more than a supporting character—she was a voice of reason, a guardian of family, and a symbol of resilience.
Her absence leaves a noticeable void in Curtis’s world and in the show’s emotional foundation.
Yet fans are choosing to celebrate just as much as they mourn. Watson’s next chapter is brimming with potential, and her move to Matlock reflects the esteem she holds in the industry.
As she steps into this new role, one thing is certain: whether in Port Charles or a courtroom, Vernee Watson will continue delivering the heartfelt, deeply human performances audiences treasure.
