Our Chat With Rena Sofer

We loved connecting with Rena Sofer for a Port Charles 411 cast interview—because honestly, teenage Amanda and Shannon never would’ve believed we’d get to spend an afternoon talking with Lois Cerullo herself. While staying warm at home in upstate New York, Rena Sofer shared what it was like returning to General Hospital and slipping back into Lois Cerullo after so many years away—along with a mix of behind-the-scenes memories and the real-life passions that have shaped her just as much as her work.

One of the best parts was hearing Rena talk about how much has changed behind the scenes since the ’90s. She explained that back then, they filmed more by the act, moving through longer chunks of the episode with cameras ready to pick up the next scene. Now it’s more block-and-tape, meaning they film whatever scenes are on a set at the time—even if they’re from different episodes or different days in the storyline. It was such a good reminder of how much goes into keeping everything moving and consistent.

And yes—we asked about the nails. Because you can’t talk about Lois without talking about the nails. Rena told us they’re press-ons (she uses the sticky tabs, not glue), and that she changes them constantly depending on what they’re filming and what Lois is wearing. Since scenes can be shot out of order—or even from different episodes in the same day—she’s swapping nail sets more than people probably realize. We also asked whether she’s ever had any nail mishaps, and she shared that one popped off right in the middle of a scene. Back in the ’90s, she would’ve had to work around it and keep going, but now they can just stop, fix it, and pick right back up.

We also talked about what it’s been like coming back into the show now and getting to be part of a new chapter in Lois’ life—especially because this is really the first time Rena, as Lois, has gotten to have a true on-screen daughter dynamic that isn’t just baby Brook Lynn. Getting to share scenes with Amanda Setton has brought something new to Lois’ story, and Rena had such kind things to say about working with her. She also mentioned showing Amanda clips from the ’90s to give her a better sense of Lois’ background, including scenes with Ellen Travolta. And we were so happy to hear that Rena was actually a big reason Ellen came back—she told us it was something she specifically asked for when she agreed to return, and we’re truly grateful it happened because it brought so much of Lois’ history and heart back with it.

Of course, we couldn’t skip over the friendship longtime fans still hold close—Lois and Brenda. Rena shared how close she is with Vanessa Marcil, and why that bond has always been such a meaningful part of the Lois story.

The conversation also moved to Rena’s life outside GH, including how she found woodworking and ceramics during her divorce, when she was focused on her daughter and trying to fill the quieter time in ways that felt creative and calming. She talked about what she enjoys making now, and how ceramics ended up being something she really connected with.

We also talked about her passion for animal rescue and fostering, and how it started with one dog that became her “heart dog.” From there, she got pulled into fostering dogs who needed extra care and using her platform to raise support for causes that matter to her. She also shared that she’s planning a benefit event later this year in Pittsburgh to raise funds and support food banks.

Before we wrapped, Rena told a behind-the-scenes story from her original GH run that longtime fans will immediately recognize. If you remember the Coney Island Cyclone episode, you’ll want to hear her tell it.

Want to hear the full conversation with Rena Sofer? Listen as Amanda and Shannon catch up with her about returning as Lois Cerullo, behind-the-scenes stories, and what she’s been up to off-screen—available wherever you get your podcasts.