General Hospital: Behind Carly Spencer’s Role and Style in Port Charles

On General Hospital, Carly is a powerhouse and sensational star, with a dedicated team behind her in the hair and makeup department, that tames those curls into the the incredible style we love.

General Hospital’s Carly Spencer

Laura Wright’s Carly Spencer has become a home staple of General Hospital. Since she lept into the role in 2005, the character has shifted from a younger, much more volatile figure to a central part of the show’s landscape. Carly isn’t just a long-term survivor of the show's various plots; she is often the person around whom the major storylines revolve on a daily basis.

Her consistency with her on-screen presence is a significant part of her brand, though it requires a daily routine that many viewers don't see. While Carly is known for her smooth, blonde hair, Wright’s natural hair is actually a head of tight curls. Every day of filming, the hair and makeup team works miracles to straighten those natural ringlets into the sleek style that has defined the character for two decades. Sometimes it might be easy for Wright to blend in while on holiday or off the set and downtown, such is the striking difference between Carly and Laura.

It is a technical process and a labor of love, as the stylists have to keep her hair looking healthy and moving naturally despite the heat and flat-ironing required for studio work. That same team are always in the running for awards and in 2025, the team was nominated for Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup, although the award went to The Drew Barrymore Show.

Beyond those looks of hers, Carly’s longevity comes from her focus on her family. Whether she is looking out for her children or her love life, her actions usually stem from a practical sense of loyalty. She has evolved from her early days of scheming into a powerhouse of a woman who acts as a protector for those close to her. Wright, who made an early splash on shows such as Guiding Light and Loving before joining GH, brings a level of consistency to the role that has made her a fixture of daytime television and a fan favorite for millions of viewers.

What’s happening in Port Charles

Currently, Carly is dealing with a Valentin (James Patrick Stewart) and Jason (Steve Burton) problem, as well as the revelation that her daughter, Josslyn (Eden McCoy), is an agent of the WSB, recruited by Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).

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With Nina putting pressure on her daughter Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) to disclose the whereabouts of Valentin, and Jack putting that same pressure on Nina (Cynthia Watros) to make it happen, it’s anyone's guess where things will go now. What we do know is that Carly is handling it like a champ, while looking absolutely fabulous. Not just the gal with the best hair on the show, she is, without a doubt, a true star.

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