In the demanding and fast-paced world of television, few roles require the unique blend of natural charisma and disciplined professionalism found in a contract child actor. Yet, among the talented young performers gracing the screens of daytime drama, one star is shining with a particular magnetic presence that is captivating both loyal soap fans and global cinema audiences alike: Scarlett Spears, who embodies the beloved character Donna Corinthos on General Hospital (GH).

The young actress, who has effortlessly held her own against daytime titans like Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) and Laura Wright (Carly Spencer), is now officially a Hollywood breakout star. Her recent, high-profile roles in major 2025 feature films have solidified the sentiment expressed by many in the industry: Scarlett Spears is a remarkable young star with an undeniable talent and a glow all her own, and she is already on a fast-track trajectory to cinematic success.

The Rise of Donna Corinthos
Scarlett Spears took on the recurring role of Donna Corinthos, the daughter of Sonny and Carly, in November 2022. Despite her young age, she quickly made the character memorable, bringing a warmth and sincerity that is often a welcome respite from the criminal intrigue and emotional turmoil of Port Charles. Fans immediately responded to her adorable expressions, her on-screen chemistry, and her ability to anchor scenes with veteran actors, particularly her emotional interactions with on-screen father, Maurice Benard.

The sentiment from the source material—”I absolutely adore this young actress — she lights up the screen as Donna, our very own Scarlet Spears. Her talent is undeniable, her presence magnetic, and every scene she’s in feels a little brighter because of her”—is a testament to her unique appeal. She has mastered the delicate art of expressing genuine emotion that drives the plot forward while remaining a beacon of innocence in the often-dark soap landscape.

This groundwork laid in daytime TV—the grueling schedule, the rapid fire script memorization, and the need for emotional immediacy—proved to be the perfect training ground for her monumental leap to the big screen

The Hollywood Crossover: From Port Charles to Oz
The year 2025 marked the true launch of Spears’ Hollywood career, with the young actress securing pivotal roles in two highly anticipated feature films, demonstrating her remarkable versatility and appeal to major studios.

The first was the live-action adventure film Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado, where Spears played the young version of the iconic adventurer, Dora Márquez. This role showcased her ability to portray an adventurous, globally recognized character, further cementing her viability in mainstream family entertainment.

However, it was her second feature film role that truly solidified her status as a global sensation: playing Young Glinda in the critically acclaimed and highly successful movie musical, Wicked: For Good. This was not a minor role; Young Glinda provides crucial context for the adult Glinda, played by Ariana Grande.

The casting itself speaks volumes about Spears’ talent. To be chosen to play the childhood version of a central, complex character in one of the most anticipated movie musicals in decades requires an exceptional level of acting skill and an innate ability to convey a character’s essence. Her co-star, Ariana Grande, personally praised Spears on social media, acknowledging her contribution to the role:

“Thank you for your beautiful work and for allowing the world to understand our Galinda more deeply than ever before. I adore you so.”

This kind of public praise from a global superstar is a powerful endorsement and a clear indicator that Spears’ talent is recognized at the highest levels of the industry. Her appearances on the red carpet, especially alongside Grande and Cynthia Erivo, confirmed her magnetic stage presence, leaving fans to declare that the young star was “moving on up” and destined for major Hollywood stardom.

The Undeniable Appeal: Why Fans Are Freaking Out

The buzz surrounding Scarlett Spears is driven by more than just her successful film roles; it’s rooted in her natural screen appeal that fans have adored since her GH debut:

Natural Charisma and Glow: She possesses an inherent glow that makes her scenes pop. Whether it is her sweet smile, her expressive eyes, or her natural comfort in front of the camera, she has a star quality that cannot be taught.

Professionalism and Technical Skill: The demanding schedule of a soap opera requires disciplined memorization and quick emotional shifts. Spears’ ability to manage this while simultaneously filming major studio pictures thousands of miles away speaks to an extraordinary level of professionalism for an actress her age.

Cross-Genre Success: Her smooth transition from the intense, character-driven drama of General Hospital to the magical, musical spectacle of Wicked: For Good showcases a rare versatility. She is not confined to one genre but is proving capable of excelling in both television and blockbuster cinema.

The Question of Port Charles’s Future
With such explosive success, the inevitable question among the General Hospital community is whether they will be able to hold onto their burgeoning star. As fans on social media rightly lament, they are “losing Donna Corinthos to Hollywood.” While the character of Donna, as the daughter of Sonny and Carly, is perpetually central to the core families, the scheduling conflicts that inevitably arise for in-demand young talent could force a difficult decision for the network.

However, for the time being, the General Hospital writers and producers continue to manage the logistics, showcasing their commitment to Spears and the character. Her continued presence, even if sporadic, serves as a delightful treat for viewers and a source of pride for the show.

Scarlett Spears is a shining example of a young actress whose undeniable talent and sheer joy for performing have allowed her to transcend the boundaries of her first major role. She is not just an adorable child actor; she is a powerful, magnetic presence who is proving that the future of Hollywood is incredibly bright, and it started in the heart of Port Charles. The world is watching, captivated by the young star who lights up the screen every time she steps into the spotlight.