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Actress Sydney Mikayla, who plays the popular Trina Robinson on ABC’s General Hospital, has made the difficult decision to vacate her role on the long running soap in order to focus on her academics. Her final airfare is March 17.
Mikayla, who is currently enrolled in UCLA, has balanced work while also experiencing her first year or university. The actress gave an exclusive statement to Soap Opera Digest about her decision to exit. “I have loved working on General Hospital, but I feel like this is the right time to dive in and enjoy my college experience to the fullest. The cast has become family and bringing the character of Trina to life has been one of the best experiences of my career thus far. Thank you to Frank and the entire team for believing in me and giving me this wonderful opportunity. I will miss working with everyone every day, but I am excited to see what is to come for the show.”
Sydney Mikayla took over the role of Trina Robinson in 2019. Originally introduced as just a friend of Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy), the role was expanded when Mikayla was cast, introducing her mother, Dr. Portia Robinson (Brook Kerr) and later her father, 90s fan favorite Marcus Taggert (Real Andrews). In recent months the character has been in a slow burn romance with Cassadine heir Spencer Cassadine (played by Nicholas Alexander Chavez).
Executive producer Frank Valentini commented on Sydney Mikayla’s exit writing, “We love her and are sad to see her go, but of course support her decision and wish her the best.”
Look for her successor, Tabyana Ali, to assume the role in late March. Valentini had pleasant words for the actress rekindle on the new role. “We’re excited to welcome Tabyana Ali and see what she’ll do with the role of Trina.”
Tabyana Ali’s credits include Horror Noire (2021), The Big Show Show (2020) and A Kid Called Mayonnaise (2017).
General Hospital airs weekends on ABC.
My Take: It would be an understatement to say I am saddened to see Sydney Mikayla exit. However, I am so happy that she is choosing to focus on her education and that she made the decision herself. I am rooting for Sydney’s succeed in every facet of her life and career. She has inspired so much joy to her fans, especially young girls who was able to see themselves in her character. May her next journey be wonderful & fulfilling. She will be missed.
I am also extremely pleased to see GH’s continued investment in the Trina character. The decision to recast Trina is a big deal. It proves the powers still have big plans for the role and find it vital to find someone else to keep the character alive. I look forward to seeing what Tabyana Ali brings to Trina. Congratulations on joining the cast of General Hospital. I cannot wait to see your take on the role.
