Vanessa Marcil heading back to 'GH'

NEW YORK, June 7 (UPI) -- Actress Vanessa Marcil has signed on to reprise her role of Brenda Barrett on the U.S. soap opera "General Hospital," ABC said Monday.

The announcement was made by Brian Frons, president of daytime at Disney/ABC Television Group.

Marcil created the role of Brenda in 1992 and played the part until 1998. She returned briefly in 2000 and from 2002 to 2003, and then won a Daytime Emmy in 2003 for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

She will be seen again playing the character beginning Aug. 11.

"Fans can now rejoice, Vanessa is returning to 'General Hospital.' True to form, Brenda arrives in Port Charles with a secret that will impact Sonny, Jax and Jason," Frons said in a statement. "'General Hospital' has always been dedicated to the strong history of our characters. Fans and viewers alike will be thrilled with her storyline and will agree that her return was worth waiting for."

"We are so thrilled to welcome Vanessa Marcil home to 'General Hospital.' Vanessa is a wonderful, talented actress and her portrayal of Brenda makes her a force of nature in Port Charles," Executive Producer Jill Farren Phelps said.

"I feel so lucky to continue to be allowed to visit 'General Hospital' and honor where I came from," Marcil remarked. "I am humbled by these great people and a character that I truly love."

Marcil's TV credits include "Las Vegas," "Without a Trace," "Lipstick Jungle" and "Beverly Hills 90210."