Rick Hearst is setting the record straight. After rumors recently circulated that the actor is leaving General Hospital (he plays lawyer Ric Lansing on the soap opera), he took to Instagram to reveal the truth.

Hearst posted a screenshot of a Google search for “is Rick Hearst leaving General Hospital,” along with the AI overview’s response, which said, “The actor revealed in May 2026 that he was unexpectedly let go from the show, with his character, Ric Lansing, written off following an abrupt and fatal heart attack.”

On top of the screenshot, Hearst wrote in big red text, “I hate the internet.” He also captioned the post, “Complete [horse] shyte.” So, there you have it: Ric Lansing isn’t going anywhere right now.

Hearst made his General Hospital debut in 2002 and was on the show for seven years. He returned from 2014 to 2016, then took an eight-year break before coming back in 2024.

Needless to say, fans of the show were relieved to know that Hearst isn’t going anywhere. Many thanked Hearst in the comments section for clearing things up, and several others expressed their joy about Lansing sticking around.

“I’m really glad you came on here to say this. I don’t know how you deal with this stuff,” one person wrote. “Your fans are so happy you are back on GH! We want you to stick around!!” Someone else said, “Thank you! I love having you on the show n enjoying this new version as well!” and another commenter added, “I am SO glad to hear that!! LOVE you being back…it brought me back to GH. You’re so good with everyone and in every scene.”

In addition to General Hospital, Hearst also starred on The Bold and the Beautiful in 2002, then again from 2009 to 2011. He was on The Young and the Restless in 2000 and 2001, as well as Days of Our Lives from 1989 to 1990 and Guiding Light from 1990 to 1996.