Exciting news for General Hospital fans! The role of Emma Drake, daughter of Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough) and Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson), is officially being taken over by actress Braedyn Bruner. Fans can catch her debut on Monday, December 23. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Emma.
A New Face for Emma Drake
Braedyn Bruner, a talented young actress from Texas, has stepped into the shoes of Emma Drake, a role previously portrayed by Brooklyn Rae Silzer. Bruner’s casting marks an exciting new chapter for the character, who has been part of General Hospital’s legacy for years.
Bruner, who started her acting career at the age of five, has had a diverse career that spans film, television, and stage. She shared with TV Insider that her mother was incredibly supportive and emotional when she learned that Braedyn would be screen-testing alongside General Hospital legend Finola Hughes (Anna Devane), Emma’s grandmother. “When my mom found out that I was screen-testing with Finola, she was just beside herself,” Bruner said. “They have both been so supportive throughout my entire career and they both cried.”
A Rising Star
Before landing the role of Emma, Bruner had a growing career in film. She appeared in the 2020 movie Full Out 2: You Got This! as Natalie and had roles in two films that were released close together—Break (as Millie) and V/H/S Beyond (as Angela). She also made an appearance on Barney & Friends in 2009. In 2023, Bruner made the move to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career full-time.
She reflected on her journey, saying, “I’ve been really lucky. I had two films come out one after the other. I did a coming-of-age drama called Break, and then on the flip side, I worked on a horror film directed by Justin Long and his brother, Christian Long. It was an anthology series where I got to wear full prosthetics and dive into dark material. It was a big challenge but also a lot of fun. But this is my first time on a soap, which is completely different.”
Preparing for Emma’s Return
To prepare for the role, Bruner immersed herself in Emma’s history, watching old General Hospital episodes and studying her relationships with key characters like her parents, Robin and Patrick, as well as her grandmother Anna. “Part of the audition process for me was going back and watching old episodes and YouTube videos to understand what Emma’s relationships were like with Robin, Patrick, and Anna,” Bruner explained. “I started with her birth scene and worked my way up to understand how she grew and developed in Port Charles.”
Looking Forward to Emma’s Next Chapter
As Emma returns to Port Charles, fans can expect fresh storylines and exciting moments as the character navigates her relationships and life in the city. With a mix of nostalgia and new energy, Bruner is sure to bring a unique take to Emma, who has always been a beloved figure in the GH family.
What do you hope to see from Emma’s return to Port Charles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
