Emma Drake GH: Meet the New Face of Port Charles' Rising Star

The beloved character of Emma Drake is back on General Hospital, but this time, there's a fresh face stepping into the role. Actress Braedyn Bruner made her highly anticipated debut as Emma Drake on December 23, 2024. With her arrival, she takes on the mantle of one of the most iconic young characters in the General Hospital legacy—Emma is the daughter of two beloved characters, Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson) and Dr. Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough), and the granddaughter of the legendary Anna Devane (Finola Hughes).

But who is Braedyn Bruner, the actress who now brings Emma to life? Let's take a closer look at her journey and what fans can expect from this new chapter in Emma’s story.

Braedyn Bruner: The Rising Star Behind Emma Drake

Born in Dallas, Texas, on October 9, 2000, Braedyn Bruner has been pursuing her passion for acting since she was just five years old. Raised in a family that loved movies—her grandfather was especially fond of old Westerns—Bruner developed a deep love for storytelling from a young age. By the time she was 17, she knew she wanted to dedicate herself fully to acting, transitioning from print work and commercials to pursuing a career in film and television.

Before landing the coveted role of Emma Drake, Bruner lived in both Dallas and Los Angeles, commuting between the two cities to chase her acting dreams. In 2023, she officially moved to Los Angeles and quickly started booking projects, including leading roles in two films.

One was a coming-of-age drama called Break, where she starred in a heartfelt story of personal growth. The other, a horror film directed by Justin and Christian Long, gave Bruner the opportunity to showcase her range as she tackled dark material in full prosthetics.

Despite her success in these films, Bruner’s first venture into the world of soap operas would be a major turning point in her career. Landing the role of Emma Drake, a character who had been portrayed by Brooklyn Rae Silzer until 2018, marked a new chapter in her journey, and Bruner couldn’t be more excited.

What Makes Emma Drake So Special?

Emma Drake, once a little girl with a bright future in Port Charles, has grown up to become a confident and bold young woman. As the daughter of General Hospital’s iconic couple, Robin Scorpio and Patrick Drake, and the granddaughter of Anna Devane, Emma is deeply woven into the fabric of the soap’s rich history.

In her debut, Bruner describes Emma as “confident, bold, and rebellious,” but as her storyline progresses, we will also see the more vulnerable side of her character. Bruner notes that Emma’s journey will reveal layers of compassion beneath the tough exterior, making her a multifaceted and dynamic character.

Fans can expect Emma to bring a fresh, modern energy to the show while still holding on to the classic General Hospital charm that viewers love.

Braedyn Bruner's Journey to General Hospital

Bruner’s casting as Emma Drake is not only a dream come true for the actress but also a full-circle moment for her family. As a fan of General Hospital since childhood, Bruner’s parents were ecstatic when they found out their daughter would be playing a key role in the iconic soap opera. “Both of my parents grew up watching General Hospital in the ’80s and ’90s,” Bruner recalls, describing their overwhelming excitement when they learned she had secured the role.

To prepare for the role of Emma, Bruner did extensive research. “I watched old episodes, YouTube videos, and dug into the relationship Emma had with Robin, Patrick, and Anna,” she explains. “It was important for me to understand her history so I could bring an authentic portrayal to the role.” Her hard work paid off, and she’s now ready to shake things up in Port Charles with a new, fresh take on Emma’s character.

The Emotional First Day of Filming

Like any new actor joining a long-running show, Bruner had a range of emotions on her first day of filming. “I was nervous, excited, and just felt incredibly lucky to be a part of it,” she says.

However, from the moment she walked onto the set of General Hospital, she felt welcomed and at ease. The support from her fellow cast members and crew helped her adjust quickly to the unique demands of working on a soap opera.

One of the highlights of Bruner’s experience has been the mentorship she’s received from her on-screen grandmother, Finola Hughes (Anna Devane). “She’s incredibly experienced in this universe, and she’s been such a joy to work with,” Bruner says. “She showed me the ropes and has been supportive throughout this whole journey.”

In addition to Hughes, Bruner has bonded with her younger co-stars, including Gio Mazza (Gio Palmieri) and Tabyana Ali (Trina Robinson), who have become fast friends. These relationships have made her transition into the world of General Hospital all the more enjoyable.

Emma Drake: What’s Next for the Young Star?

With her debut episode already airing, fans can look forward to a lot of drama, growth, and surprises from Emma. As Bruner explains, Emma is “a lot” to handle—she’s bold, independent, and full of fire—but as viewers get to know her, they will see more of the character’s vulnerable side.

Bruner is thrilled to be portraying such a complex character, and she believes that Emma’s emotional journey will resonate deeply with audiences. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing a character,” Bruner admits. “Emma is incredibly nuanced, and every day I discover more layers to her. I hope viewers love her as much as I do.”

For Bruner, joining General Hospital is not just a career milestone but an opportunity to tell meaningful stories. “Storytelling is magic,” she says. “Getting to take the wounds and joys from the past and bring them to life through my work is cathartic. I’m really excited to do that on General Hospital.”

A New Era for Emma Drake

Braedyn Bruner’s arrival as Emma Drake on General Hospital marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the character and the soap opera itself. As Emma shakes up Port Charles, viewers can expect her to be both a source of excitement and emotional depth, bringing a fresh energy to the screen.

For Bruner, this is just the start of her journey in the world of daytime television, and fans are eager to see where her portrayal of Emma Drake takes her. With a dynamic new actress breathing life into Emma’s character, it’s clear that this talented young star is destined for big things in the world of soap operas.