Ryan Paevey’s departure from “General Hospital” was a conclusive event that could have left fans speculating about potential behind-the-scenes discord. After embodying the virtuous detective Nathan West in Port Charles for five years, Paevey was scripted a heroic demise that would complicate any potential return to the show.
While conflicts between actors and writers sometimes lead to characters being written off due to irreconcilable issues, this wasn’t the case for Paevey. In fact, he cherished the way his character met his end, expressing, “My death was the best thing I’ve ever gotten to play.” He commended the exceptional writing, describing his experience with genuine astonishment and a sense of honor. These sentiments hardly suggest any discontent with the show’s creative team.
Furthermore, Paevey was profoundly moved by Nathan’s funeral scene, even admitting to moments of genuine emotion while inside the casket. Reflecting on the exceptional performances of his co-stars, he noted, “So many people that I had grown close to gave such absolutely mind-blowing performances.” Given this strong connection to both his colleagues and his character, the question arises: why did he choose to leave?
Paevey disclosed that his departure was entirely his own decision, as his four-year contract was nearing its end. Instead of pursuing a renewal, he opted to explore new professional opportunities. He emphasized that this parting was amicable.
Post-“General Hospital,” Paevey set his sights on a different realm of acting, aspiring to establish himself as an action star. He embarked on training in stage combat to demonstrate his proficiency in choreographed fight sequences. This shift in career trajectory aligns with the aspirations of other actors who’ve successfully transitioned from soap operas to prominent action film roles, such as Chris Hemsworth and Michael B. Jordan.
Paevey’s pursuit of action-oriented roles also led him to take up trap shooting, enhancing his comfort and proficiency with firearms — a valuable skill set for auditions in the action film genre.
Although Paevey’s acting future was uncertain when he left “General Hospital,” he displayed the courage and determination of a true action hero. While the superhero role he envisioned didn’t materialize immediately, he did have the opportunity to engage in some exhilarating stunt work.
Looking ahead, Paevey indicated that a return to “General Hospital” is improbable, having inked an exclusive contract to star in multiple Hallmark Channel movies in 2022. He had already cemented his status as one of Hallmark’s beloved leading men, thanks to his roles in heartwarming films like “Unleashing Mr. Darcy,” “Christmas at the Plaza,” and “Hope at Christmas.”
In his latest venture with Hallmark, Paevey traded snowy landscapes for Hawaiian sands in the 2022 film “Two Tickets to Paradise,” relishing the chance to surf on camera. He expressed a willingness to tackle a wide array of physical activities, embracing adventure and excitement in his roles. This dedication to action suggests that Paevey is poised to inject a new dynamic into Hallmark’s repertoire, choosing to amplify his presence in the network rather than seeking stardom in the action genre.
