The Queen of Daytime: Laura Wright Named Soap Central’s Best Lead Actress for Her Powerhouse Performance as Carly Spencer
In the competitive and ever-evolving landscape of daytime television, certain performers do more than just play a role—they anchor an entire production. For fans of General Hospital, that anchor is Laura Wright. Today, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that our readers and the daytime community have made their voices heard: Laura Wright is officially Soap Central’s Best Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series.

Since stepping into the high-heeled shoes of Carly Spencer (formerly Corinthos) in 2005, Wright has done the impossible. She took a character already established by three previous talented actresses and made it uniquely, definitively her own. This latest honor is a testament to her unwavering consistency, her raw emotional range, and a fire that has kept her at the center of Port Charles’ most explosive storylines for nearly two decades

A Masterclass in Resilience: The Year of Carly
While Laura Wright has multiple Daytime Emmys to her name, her work over the past year has felt particularly poignant. The character of Carly has faced a series of “life-shattering” transitions—from the loss of her marriage to Sonny and the subsequent rise of Nina Reeves, to her own journey of self-discovery and the rebuilding of her personal empire.

The Emotional Anchor: In a year marked by the “Who Shot Drew?” mystery and the constant turmoil of the Quartermaine family, Carly has served as the show’s primary emotional lens. Wright’s ability to convey a decade of history in a single, silent look is unparalleled.

The Protector: Whether she is defending Michael’s legal strategy or standing as a bulwark for her children, Wright’s Carly remains the ultimate “mama bear.” Her scenes during the recent custody battles and the fallout of the September shooting have been described by critics as a masterclass in daytime acting.

The Rebirth: Fans have particularly celebrated the “New Carly”—a woman who, while still fierce and occasionally impulsive, has found a new level of maturity and independence. Wright has navigated this subtle character evolution with a grace that makes every step feel authentic.

The Power of the Performance
What separates a “lead actress” from the rest of the cast is the ability to carry the heavy lifting of the narrative day after day. In the grueling world of soap production, Wright is known as a “one-take wonder,” a professional who arrives on set with a deep understanding of her character’s motivations and a willingness to leave everything on the floor.

Her chemistry with her co-stars is legendary. The electric (and often toxic) spark between her and Maurice Benard (Sonny) has defined an era of television, but her ability to forge new, compelling connections with actors like Cameron Mathison (Drew) and Josh Swickard (Chase) proves that she is a versatile collaborator. She doesn’t just act in a scene; she creates a space where everyone around her is forced to step up their game.

A Connection That Transcends the Screen
Perhaps the most significant reason for this win is the profound connection Laura Wright has cultivated with the fans. In a genre where characters can be polarizing, Wright has managed to keep the audience “Team Carly” through even her character’s most controversial choices.

She is incredibly active on social media, engaging with viewers with a transparency and humor that mirrors the best parts of her on-screen persona. Fans feel like they know her, and more importantly, they feel like she knows them. This award isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about the love and loyalty of a community that has watched her grow, fight, and triumph for twenty years.

What Lies Ahead for Port Charles’ Leading Lady
As we head into 2026, the stakes for Carly Spencer have never been higher. With the “Corinthos Civil War” brewing and the fallout of the Quartermaine will reading still settling, Carly will undoubtedly be at the center of the storm. If the past year is any indication, Laura Wright will meet these new challenges with the same wit, fire, and heart that earned her this title.

We congratulate Laura on this well-deserved win. She remains the heartbeat of General Hospital, a true legend of the screen, and the undisputed Queen of Daytime.

Raise a glass to Laura Wright—our Best Lead Actress!