Which character does Vernee Watson portray on General Hospital? Everything you need to know

Vernee Watson portrays Stella Henry on the long‑running ABC daytime drama General Hospital. Introduced on June 7, 2017, Stella is the aunt of Curtis Ashford. She was brought in during her nephew’s birthday to reconnect with family.

Stella’s character is a former social worker-turned-patient advocate at General Hospital. She is known for her strong voice and occasional meddling in family affairs, most notably disapproving of Curtis’s relationship with Jordan and sparking drama with her past secrets.

Vernee Watson earned back‑to‑back Daytime Emmy Awards in 2018 (Outstanding Guest Performer) and 2019 (Outstanding Supporting Actress), and the role marks her most prominent soap opera contribution.

Vernee Watson plays Stella Henry on General Hospital

Stella Henry is a fictional character on General Hospital, portrayed by Vernee Watson since June 7, 2017. Watson had previously played minor roles on the show in 2000 and 2013.

As Curtis’s aunt, Stella initially disapproves of his relationship with Jordan, whom she blames for her nephew Tommy’s death. She later learns that T.J. Ashford is Shawn Butler’s biological son, a secret kept from her. Over time, Stella becomes involved in Curtis’s life, often clashing with those around him, including Portia.

She also helps convince Ryan Chamberlain to donate a kidney to Jordan, meddles with divorce paperwork, and keeps secrets about Curtis’s father. Stella suffers a stroke and recovers in Baltimore but remains connected to her family and returns often to Port Charles.

Despite her judgmental streak, Stella forms important friendships, notably with Mike Corbin, and provides support to family members like T.J., Trina, and Marshall. She has grown to accept Portia and even helps train Felicia Scorpio as a patient advocate.

In an interview with Soap Opera Digest on June 12, 2017, Watson commented on her character, saying,

 “I think there are things that we as adults want to say to the young people sometimes — and Stella don’t hold her tongue! I love that about her! It’s an opportunity for me to speak my mind and to make points that a lot of young people just need to hear, because there is just so much immortality going on. I think she dwells on a whole lot! But that’s her character. I have to understand that about her and her concern for Donnell’s character. She really helped raise him so she feels responsible for his life and want s him to do well.” 

About Vernee Watson

Vernee Watson‑Johnson, born September 28, 1949, in New York City, is an American actress, author, and acting coach. A graduate of New York University's drama program, she began her professional career at 17 with the Al Fann Theatrical Ensemble.

Over five decades, Watson has appeared in over 100 TV shows and films, notably as Vernajean “Vernée” Williams on Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–79), Viola “Vy” Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air (1990–96), and Gloria Tyler on Bob Hearts Abishola (2019–24).

Since June 2017, she has portrayed Stella Henry on General Hospital, winning Daytime Emmys in 2018 (Guest Performer) and 2019 (Supporting Actress). In the Soap Opera Digest interview, she said the following about her taking on the role,

“You don’t get people who are willing to work all the time. So I am having a ball. And I’m working at ABC, where I did WELCOME BACK, KOTTER in the ’70s! I have run into the boom operator that was on WELCOME BACK, KOTTER! Isn’t that crazy?”

In addition to acting, she is a voice artist, has appeared in national commercials, and teaches acting.

General Hospital airs on ABC and Hulu.