General Hospital fans are in for a treat as a familiar character returns to Port Charles in the form of Emma Scorpio-Drake, the daughter of Robin Scorpio and Patrick Drake. 

The role, now portrayed by Braeden Bruner, marks an exciting new chapter for the character. 

Emma, who has been absent for several years, is back in town, and Bruner is ready to make her mark on the iconic soap.

Bruner, a Texas native, had a personal connection to General Hospital long before landing the role. 

Both of her parents were longtime viewers of the soap, with many memories of watching it in the ’80s and ’90s. “Both of my parents grew up watching General Hospital,” Bruner explains. 

“When I booked the role, they were over the moon. When my mom found out I was going to be screen-testing with Finola [Hughes, who plays Anna Devane, Emma’s grandmother], 

she was just beside herself. They have been so supportive throughout my entire career.”

Bruner’s journey to Port Charles began when she was just five years old, landing her first commercial. Her love for storytelling was fostered by her grandparents, particularly her grandfather, who had a passion for old Westerns. This early exposure to films led Bruner to pursue acting more seriously, deciding at age 17 to commit to a full-time career in entertainment. She later moved to Los Angeles, where she landed roles in both film and television. “I’ve been really lucky,” Bruner reflects, “and I’m thankful for the projects that helped prepare me for General Hospital.”

Before joining the GH cast, Bruner starred in a few notable films, including a coming-of-age drama titled Break, where she played the lead role. She also appeared in a horror anthology directed by Justin and Christian Long, where she underwent full prosthetics to portray a darker, more challenging character. Despite this diverse acting experience, Bruner admits that working on a soap opera is a unique experience. “This is my first time on a soap, and it’s a completely different beast,” she acknowledges.

To prepare for her role as Emma, Bruner dove into the history of the character. She watched old General Hospital episodes and YouTube clips of Emma’s early years, focusing on her relationships with her parents, Robin and Patrick, as well as with her grandmother, Anna. “I started with Emma’s birth scene and watched her grow up to understand her relationships with everyone in Port Charles,” Bruner explains. This research helped her understand the essence of Emma and provided a foundation for her portrayal of the character.

Bruner admits that she had “all the emotions” on her first day of filming, from nervousness to excitement. However, she quickly found comfort on set. “From the moment I walked through the door, every single person there welcomed me with open arms,” she says. “It felt like home right away. I’m really lucky because the cast and crew are incredibly kind, and I’ve been having a lot of fun since day one.”

One of Bruner’s early connections on set was with Finola Hughes, who plays Emma’s grandmother, Anna. “We operate on the same level, approaching scenes with a lot of play, which is really exciting and fun,” Bruner says. Hughes has also taken Bruner under her wing, offering advice and guidance as she navigates the world of daytime television. “She’s been incredible, texting and calling me with tips and advice,” Bruner shares. “She’s a joy to work with.”

Bruner has also bonded with several of her younger co-stars. She and Gio Mazza, who plays Gio Palmieri, became fast friends, enjoying each other’s sense of humor. Bruner has also grown close to Eden McCoy (Josslyn Jacks) and Tabyana Ali (Trina Robinson), both of whom have been welcoming and supportive. In fact, Bruner recently discovered that she and Tabyana share a Texas connection, further strengthening their friendship.

As for Emma’s character, Bruner hints that viewers can expect a bold and rebellious version of her. “Emma is confident, bold, and a bit unruly,” Bruner describes. “But underneath that tough exterior, she’s really quite compassionate. As we film more, we’re peeling back those layers to reveal a vulnerable side to her.” Bruner finds playing this nuanced character to be incredibly rewarding. “Emma is so much fun to play,” she says. “She’s incredibly complex, and I’m discovering more about her every day.”

With her first episode about to air, Bruner is excited to share Emma’s journey with General Hospital fans. “Storytelling and love are the closest things we have to magic,” she says, reflecting on the power of her craft. “Getting to explore the wounds and joys from our past and share them with others is cathartic and beautiful. I’m excited to do that on General Hospital.”

As Emma returns to Port Charles, Bruner is ready to make her own mark on the legacy of this beloved character. Fans can look forward to more drama, excitement, and heartfelt moments as Emma Scorpio-Drake navigates life in Port Charles, all under the talented hands of Braeden Bruner.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.