Ryan Paevey, an American actor and model, has had a tumultuous relationship with the popular TV show General Hospital. In January 2018, Paevey announced his decision to depart the show, and his character, detective Nathan West, was written out via a dramatic on-screen death. The decision to leave was mutual and amicable, with Paevey expressing his gratitude to the show for giving him a chance as a green actor.
After leaving General Hospital, Paevey continued to act in several Hallmark films, including the Unleashing Mr. Darcy sequel, Marrying Mr. Darcy. His final film with the network was 2023's Under the Christmas Sky. In addition to his acting career, Paevey launched a brand called Fortunate Wanderer in 2016, selling photography prints from his travels, outdoor gear, and handmade jewelry.
In 2024, Paevey announced he was stepping away from acting to pursue other interests and move closer to his family. However, the full picture was far more raw, with Paevey citing his mental health, social media scams, and his mother's cancer diagnosis as reasons for his decision. He revealed that he had been a victim of financial scams, including his bank accounts being hacked, money embezzled, and investments stolen.
Paevey's mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and he left Los Angeles to be closer to her, feeling the need to devote more of his time and resources to family. During an Instagram Live session with fans in August 2024, he shared the difficult reality of his mother's condition. Despite everything, Paevey expressed gratitude for his time in the industry, particularly to General Hospital and Hallmark.
Paevey returned to General Hospital in September 2025 as Cassius Faison, Nathan's twin brother. He began filming the week of August 18, 2025, with material beginning to air on September 19, 2025. Executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed that Paevey's return started with a surprise text from him.
Paevey did not return as Nathan West, as he was adamant that he didn't want to do a resurrection story of Nathan. Instead, Cassius was later revealed to be Nathan's twin brother, who had assumed his identity. Paevey exited the show again during the Monday, July 6, 2026, episode, with this departure being planned from the start.
The door remains open for Paevey to return to General Hospital, according to executive producer Frank Valentini. Paevey's journey with the show has been marked by twists and turns, but his gratitude to the industry and his fans remains evident. As he moves forward, Paevey's focus on his mental health and family will likely continue to be a priority.
Key points
- Ryan Paevey first left General Hospital in January 2018 and returned in September 2025 as a new character, Cassius Faison.
- Paevey's decision to leave acting in 2024 was due to his mental health, social media scams, and his mother's cancer diagnosis.
- Paevey exited General Hospital for a second time on July 6, 2026, with the door remaining open for a potential return.
