<Tr> <Th> First cousins </Th> <Td> <Ul> <Li> Sam Morgan </Li> <Li> Kristina Davis </Li> <Li> Molly Lansing </Li> <Li> Charlotte Cassadine </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> Sam Morgan </Li> <Li> Kristina Davis </Li> <Li> Molly Lansing </Li> <Li> Charlotte Cassadine </Li> </Ul> <P> Nikolas Cassadine is a fictional character from General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network . Originated by actor Tyler Christopher in 1996, he left the show on July 14, 1999 . Due to Nikolas' importance on the soap, he was immediately replaced by Coltin Scott on July 20, 1999 . Scott left the role on April 16, 2003, as Christopher made his return on April 21, 2003 . Christopher vacated the role on July 28, 2011, after he was let go from the series . Christopher once again reprised the role on a recurring basis in honor of the soaps' fiftieth anniversary; he was later upgraded to a series regular . Actor Nick Stabile took claim of the role in June 2016 in Christopher's absence . Created by head - writers Robert Guza, Jr. and Karen Harris and introduced by executive producer Wendy Riche in 1996 as the illegitimate son of Laura Spencer, the character was immediately popular with audiences . Hailed by Soap Opera Digest as the "Best New Male Character" in 1996, Nikolas's arrival immediately implodes the happy life of supercouple Luke and Laura . </P> <P> The role was originated by daytime newcomer, Tyler Christopher then known as Tyler Baker on July 15, 1996 . Christopher tried to audition for the role of Stone Cates in 1993 but was turned away . In April 1996, Christopher was one of several actors to audition for casting director Mark Teschner . Christopher hired an acting coach to prepare him for the audition and worked regularly with General Hospital's onset acting coach, John Homa . In June 1996, Christopher received a call back to read for executive producer Wendy Riche and was later brought back to screen test with several actors, including Stephen Nichols who would play Stefan . Christopher was hired two days later, signed a three - year contract and filmed his first scenes in late June 1996 . In May 1999, rumors circulated that Christopher would not renew his contract which was set to expire in June . The series had also put out a casting call for an actor similar to Christopher which meant he could potentially be replaced . By the time of Christopher's departure, Nikolas had become integral to the series, a recast was very much needed and Christopher was immediately replaced by Colton Scott . Of his casting, Scott said remembered that viewers didn't have any warning . "Tyler was there Monday, and I came in on Tuesday" he said . Though inexperienced, Scott was immediately put the test opposite Nichols, Geary and Francis so he got "very comfortable very quickly ." After a year without finding work, Scott's mother wanted him to come home . And he promised her he would he'd get a job in six months . Scott booked the role of Nikolas six months to the day of his promise to his mother . In late March 2003, Scott would vacate the role in the summer of 2003 after failed contract negotiations . According to his official web site, Scott was very upset by the decisions made . At the same time, Christopher also became available at the same time and it was an opportunity the series couldn't pass up, revealed executive producer, Jill Farren Phelps . In November 2005, Tyler Christopher underwent surgery for a broken arm and Chris Beetem served as a temporary recast starting on December 6 and lasting five episodes . </P>

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