“General Hospital’ Rumors: Rick Hearst Leaving, Ric Dies?

Ric Lansing returned to Port Charles in 2024 when his daughter, Molly, needed him the most. She had just lost the surrogate carried by her older sister, Kristina. While in town, Ric Lansing put his legal skills to good use and had a tense reunion with his half-brother, Sonny Corinthos. Now, online rumors claim that Rick Hearst is leaving the soap and that the show plans to kill Ric Lansing off. Keep reading for the latest on the shocking rumors. 

Source Claims Rick Hearst Leaving General Hospital

Rick Hearst originated the role of Ric Lansing in 2002. Ric came to Port Charles to seek vengeance on Sonny Corinthos. He blamed his half-brother for their mother abandoning him when he was a child. The character was involved in many storylines over the years, including a romance with Liz and holding Carly hostage in a panic room. 

‘General Hospital’ Rick Hearst/Credit: YouTube

Ric Lansing left Port Charles in 2009 but has returned multiple times for short storyline arcs. Rick Hearst said after his most recent return to the soap that he would stay as long as the show would have him. But his time on the show is allegedly nearing the end. A source leaked to Soap Opera Spy that Rick Hearst has been let go from General Hospital. And the show is rumored to have quite the exit storyline in mind for Ric Lansing. 

Ric Lansing Deadly Diagnosis 

Since his 2024 return to Port Charles, Ric Lansing has bonded with his daughter, vowed to win back Liz and even made up with his half-brother. He even got a taste of his own medicine when Alexis, Ava, and Kristina held him captive. 

So, how will General Hospital write Rick Hearst off? The insider claims Ric Lansing finds out soon that he has a terminal disease. While many soap characters beat terminal diseases, Ric Lansing won’t. 

#GH

Sonny and Ric ❤️

Look how far they’ve come!

I LOVED this moment for them!

Sonny to Ric …

You’re my brother🥹 pic.twitter.com/u5MxRfrhVS

— Paula ☕️☀️ (@paula_30throad) April 10, 2026

Is There Any Truth To The Rumor?

General Hospital fans are beside themselves with fear for Rick Hearst’s future with the show. The insider has a proven track record when it comes to spoilers. The anonymous source previously leaked Sam McCall’s killer, Nathan being Cassius Faison, and soap vet Erika Slezak joining the show. So, how likely is this rumor?

Soap fans know that a redemption arc rarely lasts. Ric making up with Sonny is probably the biggest hint that the character’s time is running out. Rick Hearst denied the reports during a recent appearance. However, he may be sworn to secrecy by ABC.

For now, the rumor that Ric Lansing is dying is just that – a rumor. Stay tuned for more on this developing story.