The Many Lives of Nikolas Cassadine on General Hospital

Prince Nikolas is a complicated character

Nikolas Cassadine is a member of the wealthy and powerful Cassadine family on General Hospital. The clan is known for its many devious and sometimes sinister actions. Despite his family's reputation, Nikolas was once portrayed as a more sympathetic character with a sense of morality and a desire to distance himself from the darker aspects of his family's legacy. Sadly that has changed in recent years.

The character was originated by actor Tyler Christopher in 1996, but he left the show on July 14, 1999. Coltin Scott had the role beginning on July 20, 1999, and he left in April 2003, when Christopher made his return. Chris Beetem temporarily portrayed Nikolas in 2005 and Christopher was let go from the series in July 2008. Christopher came back on a recurring basis in honor of the soaps' fiftieth anniversary in April 2013 and was soon upgraded to a series regular.

Actor Nick Stabile took on the role in June 2016 in Christopher's absence. In 2019, Marcus Coloma was cast as Nikolas with Adam Huss temporarily stepping in for him in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Coloma departed in January 2023 and Huss was last in the role when Ava thought she had killed her husband.

The many loves of Nikolas

Nikolas is the son of Stavros Cassadine (Robert Kelker Kelly)and Laura Spencer Collins, (Genie Francis) Nik holds the title of Prince, as he is descended from Mikkos Cassadine, a powerful figure in the Cassadine family's long-ago history.

Over the years, Nikolas has been involved in many romantic relationships including Emily Quartermaine, (Natalia Livingston) who was later revealed to be Nik's biological cousin. He has also been involved with Gia Campbell (Marisa Ramirez), Courtney Matthews,( Alicia Leigh Willis) Elizabeth Webber, ( Rebecca Herbst), Hayden Barnes (Rebecca Budding), Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), Ava Jerome (Maura West) and Esme Prince ( Avery Kristen Pohl).

Will Nikolas return from the dead yet again?

In typical soap opera fashion, Nikolas has been presumed dead and returned multiple times throughout the show's history. These storylines often involve elaborate plots and unexpected twists that frustrate GH fans. At this current time, the Cassadine Prince is presumed dead by his wife because Ava knocked him out with a statue. He is actually comatose and being held by the mysterious boss of Mason Gatlin (Nathanyeal Grey). General Hospital fans are hoping that Nik wakes up and will be rescued and that they don't go another 3 years without knowing his fate.

Prince Nikolas Mikhail Stavrosovich Cassadine is estranged from his son Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Chaves) and everyone believes he ran out on on a pregnant Esme and his son Ace (Jay and Joey Clay). Laura and Valentin Cassadine ( James Patrick Stewart ) are in Russia searching for him even as Ava confessed to Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) that she accidently killed her husband. Will the temporary writers bring Nik back to Port Charles or will fans be waiting yet again and not knowing his fate? Will it be Haus in the role or yet another recast.

It was never explained why Nik was removed from the scene this time considering he wasgone from Port Charles life for close to 3 years before. Be sure you stay tuned to General Hospital to find out how this saga ends and whether the Dark Prince will make another return. As confusing as things are at this present time spoiler alerts tease that the situation surrounding Nik's loved ones is about to become more difficult so stay tuned.