Rena Sofer Bids Farewell to Hollywood After 35 Years – A Bittersweet Goodbye and a New Chapter in New York
After more than three decades of captivating daytime television audiences, Emmy-winning actress Rena Sofer is closing one of the biggest chapters of her career — and life — by leaving Hollywood behind. Known for her unforgettable portrayals on some of daytime TV’s most beloved soaps, Sofer is heading east for a new beginning.
A Career That Defined Daytime Drama
Rena Sofer first graced television screens in 1987, debuting as Joyce Abernathy on Another World. While her role there introduced her to daytime audiences, it was her stint on Loving that kept her on the radar of soap fans. Her real breakthrough came in 1993 when she joined General Hospital as the spirited and memorable Lois Cerullo. The performance earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, cementing her status as one of the genre’s most talented stars.
In 2013, Sofer returned to daytime as Quinn Fuller on The Bold and the Beautiful, a role she embraced for nearly a decade until 2022. Many fans thought that might be the last they’d see of her in a soap role, but in 2023, after an astonishing 26-year absence, she made a surprise return to General Hospital, delighting viewers who had missed Lois’s energy and charm.
A Personal Decision to Leave the Spotlight — For Now
Sadly for fans, Sofer’s 2023 comeback is proving to be short-lived. The actress recently announced that she and her husband, television director Sanford Bookstaver, are leaving California for the East Coast. The move marks the end of more than 30 years of living and working in Los Angeles.
The timing is significant for the couple. In May, they celebrated both their one-year wedding anniversary and the 22nd anniversary of their first marriage — a unique milestone that reflects their enduring bond. Now, with their daughters grown and living independently, Sofer and Bookstaver are ready for a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle of Hollywood.
A Farewell Fit for New York
On August 4th, the couple shared a farewell video on social media. In it, Sofer sang Billy Joel’s 1976 classic “New York State of Mind” — a fitting anthem for the next chapter of their lives. True to LA form, the emotional moment was humorously interrupted by the sound of a leaf blower, which Sofer jokingly described as “the most LA way” to end her goodbye post.
With their five beloved dogs in tow and driving their Rivian, the couple officially hit the road for New York. Sofer expressed gratitude to Los Angeles for the memories and experiences, while embracing the excitement of “quieter and calmer times” ahead.
What This Means for Her Soap Roles
As for her iconic roles as Quinn Fuller (B&B) and Lois Cerullo (GH), Sofer indicated that they’ll be on hold for now. However, the door remains open for possible guest appearances or future returns. For daytime fans, it’s a bittersweet goodbye — not necessarily permanent, but one that leaves a noticeable gap on their screens.
A New Beginning
While Hollywood may be losing one of its most beloved soap stars to the East Coast, Rena Sofer’s legacy is firmly intact. Whether or not she steps back into Lois’s heels or Quinn’s designer wardrobe again, her decades of work continue to resonate with viewers.
For now, fans can wish her the best as she and Sanford settle into their New York life — a fresh start for a woman who has spent her career reinventing characters, and now, her own story.
