General Hospital has made a casting change for Ethan Lovett. Nathan Dean has portrayed the role in a recurring capacity since 2009, with James Ryan briefly stepping in for him in 2023. Dean last appeared in 2020 before returning to the show earlier this year. However, he has now been replaced by Christian Howard.

General Hospital recasts Nathan Dean’s Ethan

Howard, who replaced Dean as Ethan Lovett, marked his first appearance on the Monday, July 27 episode. In it, he shared some scenes with Ava, played by Maura West. Ethan continues to share a complex yet increasingly flirty connection with Ava. Howard reportedly started his acting career in 2005, starring in an indie film, Love Struck. During his early career stages, he was mostly involved in shorts and television movies.

However, he received his breakthrough in the famous short film Street Fighter: Legacy, where he played Ken Masters. The film’s success led to the creation of the web series Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist and its follow-up show, Street Fighter: Resurrection (2016), where he reprised his role. His other projects include U.F.O., The Border, and others. Apart from his acting endeavors, he’s also credited as a stunt double and fight choreographer in several projects. This is because since a young age, he trained in martial arts.

Dean’s final appearance was on July 17, 2026. It remains unclear as to why he was recast. He made a recent return on April 17, 2026, after around six years. He was incorporated into the storyline with a connection to Delilah Wilson. She died giving birth to her daughter, Phoebe, who was later adopted by Chase and Brook Lynn. Dean’s Ethan earlier claimed that he was Phoebe’s biological father, which was later learned to be false. Ava clarifies that he has no biological connection to Phoebe. The child’s true father’s identity remains under wraps.