Laura Spencer (née Webber; previously Baldwin and Cassadine) is a fictional character from the original ABC soap opera, General Hospital. The character is originated by Stacy Baldwin in 1974 and Baldwin departs in 1976. The role was then recast and taken over by Genie Francis. Francis leaves the show in 1981 and returns for several more stints; 1983-1984, 1993-2002, 2006 and 2008. Laura would go on to become one of the shows most well known characters and one half of the most famous super couples, Luke and Laura.