The Thursday, March 17 episode of “General Hospital” marked the final appearance by actress Sydney Mikayla in the role of Trina Robinson. The character has been recast with daytime newcomer Tabyana Ali who will make her first appearance on the soap later this month.
Earlier this month, Mikayla revealed plans to leave the series in order to concentrate full-time on her studies at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) where she’ll eventually graduate as part of the school’s class of 2025.
“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,” said Mikayla in a statement released to Soap Opera Digest. “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.”
Hours after her final episode aired, Mikayla said on Twitter, “So proud to be a part of the @GeneralHospital family. Nothing but love for all the #GH cast and crew. Thank you @TeschnerMark for giving me a shot, #NnekaGarland for being in my corner and a HUGE thanks to @valentinifrank for believing in me. Hope I made you all proud.” She concluded the post with a “heart” emoji and the hashtag “Trina.”
“It’s a very special #sprina day today!” wrote Mikayla’s now former co-star and on-screen love interest, Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Spencer Cassadine). “@SydneyMikayla is such a bright light in this world and my heart is so full of feelings of respect and admiration for her [sic] going to miss you very much but so excited for your life to continue and flourish,” he stated.
In response to Chavez’ tweet, Mikayla said, “Thank you friend! I think we created something pretty special and I am so proud. And I’m STILL #TeamSprina. Don’t you forget it.”
On Instagram, Mikayla posted a lengthy message thanking her co-stars collectively and individually, while also welcoming Tabyana into the role of Trina. “Thank you to the writers, producers, creators, and everyone who took a chance and gave me the lifetime of an opportunity,” said Mikayla in her message. To the fans she wrote, “Your love for the show makes us actors love doing what we do. It was an honor to be your Trina. I hope I’ve made you proud. Go kill it @tabyanaali !!!” She ended her post with three “heart” emojis and the word “Farewell.”
Her post received numerous responses, including from Chavez, William Lipton (Cameron), Brooke Kerr (Portia), Avery Kristen Pohl (Esme), Briana Nicole Henry (ex-Jordan), Eden McCoy (Josslyn), and many more.
You can read Mikayla’s full Instagram post below.
On March 16, Mikayla shared an image of an item she left hanging on the wall of her dressing which read, “Faith Moves Mountains.”
“I took all the pictures off the wall in my dressing room….except this one. Just wanted to leave a little something behind,” she said of the picture.
Check out some pictures of Mikayla as Trina below.
Mikayla joined the cast of “GH” in 2019.