‘GH’ Rena Sofer Talks The Gio Storyline, Her Ex Wally Kurth, And Just About Everything Else!

General Hospital spoilers and updates reveal Rena Sofer, who plays Lois Cerullo on the ABC soap, opens up about the Gio Palmieri (Giovanni Mazza) storyline, her ex, and just about everything else!

She recently did an extensive interview with Woman’s World Magazine and talked about a lot of different things.

Semi-Retirement Ahead?

Rena Sofer, known for her role as Lois Cerullo, is working hard to keep Brook Lynn Quartermaine Chase (Amanda Setton), Gio, and the rest of Port Charles from discovering the truth.

In an interview with Woman’s World, she shares her feelings about returning to the Quartermaine mansion after 27 years.

The Daytime Emmy winner, who has appeared in shows like Seinfeld and NCIS, opens up about Lois’ unexpected secret, and her experience working with her real-life and on-screen ex-husband Wally Kurth.

She also expressed her thoughts on whether Lois needs a romantic interest (hint: George Clooney might be a good match!).

Sofer, who began her career on soaps like Loving, Another World, and nearly ten years on The Bold and the Beautiful, also mentioned considering a move east and plans to “semi-retire.”

Lois’ Deception Involving Her Grandson Gio

When Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital, contacted Rena Sofer about reprising her role from 1993, which won her a Daytime Emmy in 1995, she was excited to return.

Now, a year and a half later, Lois is still involved in the drama as one of the Faces of Deception. “Frank made the process so smooth and wonderful,” Sofer shares about her comeback- “I appreciate that Lois remains true to her character.

Then he introduced a fascinating storyline about her daughter having a baby as a teenager and the consequences that follow- I’ve been excited about it ever since.”

She Didn’t Just Set Up An Adoption, She Kept It All In The Family

Lois didn’t just arrange for her daughter Brook Lynn Chase’s (Amanda Setton) baby to be adopted; she secretly gave the baby, whom Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) never knew was his, to her late cousin, Camila.

Now that young Gio is living in the Quartermaine mansion, Brook Lynn, who once avoided the Q family’s schemes, is trying to hide her own well-meaning plan. “What’s interesting is that the roles have reversed, but this isn’t who she really is.

And it’s not about the Quartermaines-her biggest fear is losing her daughter,” says Sofer, who has three daughters herself. “Any parent will get it-you do your best for your kids at the moment… and then those kids might end up in therapy because of how you handled things!”

Rena’s Both Excited And Scared For The Truth To Come Out

This story is gaining attention after a slow buildup and some misleading hints that sparked a lot of fan theories.

Sofer shares that she feels both excited and anxious about her character’s secret finally being revealed. “I do scenes with others and think, ‘When the truth comes out, you won’t hate me, right?’” she explains. “They’re like, ‘What are you talking about?’

It’s just that I’m usually liked, and now I’ll be the outcast! It’s strange knowing people will be upset with Lois, and I have to portray that.” Fortunately, Sofer gets to work alongside Amanda Sutton and Giovanni Mazza, who play Brook Lynn and Gio.

Rena Works Well With Her Castmates

Sofer expresses, “Amanda is incredible, and we share a really fun bond that feels like a mother-daughter relationship. We get each other in so many ways-and Gio is one of the sweetest people you could ever meet—he’s just so kind and lovable. I’m thrilled for him and the fantastic storyline he’s going to have, as it’s going to be quite a journey!”

In addition to how this impacts Brook Lynn, Gio, and Dante, Lois will also have to deal with the grandparents-this means the actress will likely have some interesting moments with her Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) Plus, her on-and-off-screen ex-husband, Wally Kurth, who portrays Brook Lynn’s father, Ned, and is also the father of Sofer’s daughter, Rosabel.

Rena Talks About Working With Wally

It can feel odd to work with an ex-spouse, but Sofer shares that returning to work with Wally has been a positive experience.

“We’ve really enjoyed it,” she says; despite their shared history and co-parenting, both Sofer and Kurth are not interested in revisiting a romantic storyline for their characters from the ’90s.

So far, Lois hasn’t had any romantic plotlines, and Sofer is fine with that. “I don’t miss love stories or love scenes,” she reflects.

“The last love scenes I did with Lawrence St. Victor on The Bold and the Beautiful were as intense as it gets for me… unless I end up in a nursing home love story!”

Rena Keeps Pitching A Stunt Cast With George Clooney In It

I keep suggesting a fun guest appearance where someone like George Clooney shows up at the house.

She jokes, “He knocks on the Quartermaine door and says, ‘Hey, Lois, when are you coming home? You’ve been here too long-that way, we’ll see she hasn’t just been missing Ned all this time, right?”

Sofer, 56, mentions she’s had her “sexy days,” and then a voice from the background says, “‘You’re always sexy.’” Sofer laughs and shares that this is her husband, Sanford Bookstaver, whom she married in 2003, divorced in 2017, got back together with in 2019, and remarried last May.

Rena Talks Some More About Remarriage to Her Current Husband And Possible Move

The newlywed, who has a daughter named Avalon with Brookstaver, is trying to sell their home in Los Angeles to move to the east coast. “After our divorce, I wasn’t interested in dating, so I explored many new things,” she explains. “Now, we want to semi-retire, and my dream is to build a home where we can stay forever if we choose. It will have a large studio downstairs for my woodworking and ceramics, plus a dog room so we can foster and care for our pets with plenty of outdoor space.”

Speaking Of Dogs—

When Sofer was single and looking for new creative activities, she unexpectedly fell in love with a dog her daughter wanted to adopt.

Now, she has six dogs at home and her dedication to helping dog shelters has strengthened her bond with her former General Hospital co-star Vanessa Marcil, who played Brenda, Lois’ passionate partner.

Sofer shares, “There were years when we didn’t talk because life got hectic, but we have a deep respect for each other and a strong friendship.

We enjoy acting and creating characters, but that’s not our main focus; we discuss our kids, dogs, and the world around us. I believe that’s why we’re friends-we motivate each other, and that’s the best kind of friendship.”

Sofer And Marcil’s Recent Charity Campaign

They have recently joined forces for a social media campaign to help a mother dog and her eight puppies, showing their dedication to making a positive impact. “During our events, we hold raffles, and the money raised goes to a local shelter or one we support,” she explains.

“When possible, we also visit shelters or take the dogs for a run. It can feel overwhelming in today’s world, so it’s wonderful to contribute in a meaningful way.”

Rena Talks About Her Recent Indie Movie And Future Plans

Sofer might mention “semi-retirement,” but she is still loving her work. The actress recently had a great time filming the indie murder mystery Death on the Brandywine alongside All My Children star Walt Willey and One Life to Live star Tuc Watkins.

After she relocates east and creates her dream home, she is still eager to dive back into acting.

She would reprise Lois on General Hospital or Quinn on The Bold and the Beautiful. “I would be open to anything and everything,” she assures.

Rena Talked Of What’s Ahead

Sofer is getting ready to meet Vanessa Marcil and soap opera fans at several events (check her Instagram for dates).

Meanwhile, Lois is doing everything she can to prevent Gio, Brook Lynn, Dante, and grandparents Olivia, Sonny, and Ned from discovering Gio’s true lineage on GH.

“Things are going to get intense… in very bad ways,” Sofer tells Woman’s World with a sigh. “Lois believed she was acting in everyone’s best interest, but she has a lot to clarify!”

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with GH right now. Come back here often for General Hospital spoilers, news, and updates.