Soap vet Rick Hearst returns to GH this week as Ric Lansing after an eight-year absence. A teaser of his first scene between Ric and his daughter Molly (Kristen Vaganos) hit social media early. Keep reading to find out how fans react.

Who Is Ric Lansing?

Ric Lansing hasn’t been in Port Charles for almost a decade. Some viewers may not be familiar with the character who has deep roots on the soap opera. Soap vet Rick Hearst joined GH as Ric Lansing in 2002. His most famous previous role was as Alan-Michael Spaulding on the now-defunct CBS soap, Guiding Light.

Ric Lansing immediately turned Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) life upside down with the shocking revelation that he was his half-brother. Ric’s father had an affair with Sonny’s mother, Adela. After Ric was born, his father tried to make her put Sonny up for adoption. Instead, she chose to take Sonny and move away, leaving Ric to be raised by his abusive father. Ric did, however, eventually break free and went to Harvard to get his law degree.

The character had several love interests on GH, including Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn.) His relationship with Alexis resulted in Molly.

Rick Hearst left the show in 2009 after being taken off contract. He briefly returned to GH from 2014 to 2016. The soap announced last month that the actor would be reprising the role of Ric Lansing in Molly’s time of need.

‘GH’ star Rick Hearst/Credit: Instagram

First Scene Between Rick Hearst & Kristen Vaganos

Alexis also has a daughter by Sonny. Kristina (Kate Mansi) and Molly were always close until a baby came between then. Kristina volunteered to be a surrogate and carry a baby for Molly and TJ (Tajh Bellow.) However, the baby died after Kristina accidentally fell out of a window at the Metro Court.

Molly just found out that Kristina was actually planning to sue for custody of the baby before the accident. Her dad, Ric Lansing, returns to town to offer comfort and perhaps his legal services.

‘GH’ Fans React To Unexpected Return

Rick Hearst’s first air date is on Thursday, August 22. But a clip of Ric and Molly’s first meeting has already hit the internet. He offers his condolences for the loss of Molly and TJ’s baby girl. Molly admits to her dad that she feels so alone while mourning her daughter.

A GH viewer shared the clip on Twitter and wrote, “Kristen and Rick have better father/daughter chemistry in 20 seconds than like 90% of the actors on all soaps.”

Other soap fans replied in agreement:

• Can we please keep Ric on the show?
• I’m so proud of how she’s grown as an actress and made Molly her own. She’s wonderful!
• 1) glad they didn’t make him dye his hair darker, 2) they have better chemistry than Kate and Maurice do lmao and she’s been on longer I’m pretty sure
• my fav new father daughter duo
• Yes! Very good timing and Kristen and Rick look like father and daughter.

Are you excited to see Ric Lansing back and involved in the Molly/Kristina baby drama? Share your thoughts in the comments.