When a character is recast on a soap opera, especially if the actor has become closely identified with their alter ego, it can be difficult for the person stepping into the well-worn shoes. Such is the case with General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner, who took over the role of Emma. The part was originally played by Brooklyn Rae Silzer, who grew up on the show. Bruner opened up about how the fans have finally warmed up to her.
Audiences Were Touched
Emma had moved to California with her parents, Dr. Patrick Drake (ex-Jason Thompson) and Dr. Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough), with Silzer returning sporadically to the show. In December 2024, it was announced that Bruner would join the show and Emma would become a regular. This iteration of Emma, though, isn’t the sweet, kind girl we once knew. She’s now sassy and has no problem getting into trouble with the authorities if it’s for a good cause. This has turned her grandmother, Anna (Finola Hughes), into a big ball of worry.
In a recent interview with Soap Opera Digest, Bruner explained that she really likes doing emotional scenes that strike chords with the viewers. She stated that many fan comments on Anna and Emma’s interactions showed that audiences were touched. She remarked that as the fans finally came to the conclusion that they loved her version of Emma, “That was huge. That felt incredible.”
She Realized the Importance of Edward’s Sacrifice
Anna was not happy that Emma had chained herself to the Quartermaine crypt to protest its demolition. Emma later explained that she did it because back when Jerry Jacks (Sebastian Roche) had poisoned the Port Charles water supply, Edward Quartermaine sacrificed himself by giving the last dose of antidote to Emma, who was just a wee tot at the time. Bruner noted that Emma’s explanation was what really won the fans over.
She researched the part by watching that storyline, and remarked, “I remember watching them a few days before my final audition and just literally bawling my eyes out. So, I knew how important those were going into it.” Now that she’s grasped what made Emma so special, there’s no stopping the actress as she moves toward the next hot storyline.
