General Hospital’s Kayden Tokarski Takes A Stand Against Drugs
The 17-year-old Scout actress opened up to Maurice Benard about youth substance awareness, mental health and healthy ways of coping.
General Hospital (GH) fans finally got to hear the conversation they were waiting for, as Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) and Kayden Tokarski, who plays Scout on the ABC soap, sat down for an interview on State of Mind.
Just 17 and Doing Advocacy
The promo for the podcast highlighted Maurice saying, “She was so incredible because the mental health [chat] with a 17-year-old was one of the best I’ve ever had.”
Those folks who follow the podcast obviously looked forward to hearing what she had to say, and sure enough, the conversation turned to something important to Kayden Tokarski outside of acting.
She revealed that she’ll serve as a keynote speaker for an upcoming community event focused on youth substance awareness.
Tokarski explained more about it, telling Maurice Benard, “It’s a wonderful event where we bring anyone of all ages, but we really focus on youth and high schoolers to come stand up against drugs.”
She went on to explain how the initiative aims to guide teenagers through difficult emotional periods.
The GH star added, “It’s all just education and just trying to inspire kids to say no and to turn to other things as a way to cope through some of the hard times in life.”
Beyond Drugs
The General Hospital veteran actor noted that drug use is not the only hazard facing young people today. He pushed against alcohol, saying that it’s capable of killing people as well.
Tokarski agreed with him, and General Hospital fans heard her say that the initiative isn’t only about drugs, but it covers a broad range of harmful habits.
She said, “Even though it’s the Walk Against Drugs, it is kind of a mix of many different things including alcohol, saying no to tobacco, just saying no to any chemicals that could hurt you.”
Mental Health and Coping Strategies
The State of Mind interview also touched on mental health and the pressures of performing under stress.
When Maurice Benard asked about handling performance anxiety, Kayden Tokarski shared her personal way of staying grounded, noting that thorough preparation and keeping her ego in check help keep her calm.
When discussing emotional well-being and seeking professional guidance, Kayden Tokarski added, “I think therapy is absolutely beneficial.”
Viewers React
In the comments section, GH viewers seemed impressed with her maturity. One follower wrote, “Yes stay away from drugs because I was around drugs in my area but I always had God with me.”
Here are a few more responses from the discussion:
- “Great interview and she’s a lovely young lady doing a great job playing Scout!”
- “Kayden I’m glad you are a guest on SOM! Kayden Blessings to you for telling the youth to say no to drugs and Blessings to you Maurice for having Kayden on your show to discuss the drug problem amongst the youth! Great show today!”
- “Very impressed with this young lady. Thank you, Maurice.”
- “What a wonderful young lady . I know her family is very proud of her. Good job mom and dad.”
- “She is a breath of fresh air and very intelligent and an old soul and a very beautiful actress.”
Your thoughts? Join the conversation and then come back for more General Hospital cast news and updates.