Overview

• LaRue’s final episode airs this week as Natalia Ramirez battles a drug-and-alcohol relapse after Sonny Corinthos plans to send her to Belize.
• Natalia first appeared in February 2024 as Blaze’s mother in a guest role originally slated for only a few months.
• Executive producer Frank Valentini extended LaRue’s contract, citing her on-screen chemistry and her Emmy-winning soap pedigree.
• Writers’ attempts to rehabilitate Natalia— including a proposed romance with Sonny— failed to win over viewers who largely rejected the character.
• Reflecting on her departure, LaRue said she cherished the experience but anticipated Natalia’s exit when redemption efforts fell short.