General Hospital’s Dex Heller, From Junior Mobster to Rookie Cop

You’re Not in Kansas Anymore

Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, Evan Hofer always seemed destined for stardom — and pursued it from a young age. Before a General Hospital writer had ever dreamed of creating Dex Heller, his portrayer had been making the rounds in primetime and movies.

Photo : Roadside Attractions/Courtesy of the Everett Collection

Consider Those Dues Paid

Hofer even headlined 2019’s Run the Race, a feature about athletically inclined brothers that cast him as the sibling of future Days of Our Lives actor Tanner Stine, who’d land the role of Steve and Kayla Johnson’s son Joey the same year his castmate booked General Hospital.

tdex evan hofer shirtless

Making ‘Waves’

When Hofer made his debut as Dex in May of 2022, the character was only supposed to stick around for a few months at most. But the daytime drama took one look at the newcomer and decided, on second thought, he’s a keeper. Good move, General Hospital!

Gym DandyGENERAL HOSPITAL – Episode “15022” - "General Hospital" airs Monday - Friday, on ABC (check local listings). (ABC/Frank Micelotta)MAURICE BENARD, STEPHEN A. SMITH, EVAN HOFER

When Volonino’s manager Chet Driscoll reclaimed his job from temporary replacement Dex, the military veteran was hired by Mob boss Sonny Corinthos to be, in essence, his new Jason Morgan. What did the position entail? Anything the godfather said, that’s what!

Anti-Trust

While encouraging Sonny to put his faith in him, Dex secretly conspired with the don’s estranged son Michael to get the goods on Dad in order to finally make him pay for his life of crime. Or, in Michael’s mind, for dumping mom Carly Spencer for Nina Reeves.GENERAL HOSPITAL - Episode “15178” - "General Hospital" airs Monday - Friday, on ABC (check local listings). (ABC/Christine Bartolucci) STEPHEN A. SMITH, EVAN HOFER, MAURICE BENARD

Past Imperfect

Over time, viewers came to learn more about Dex. For instance, that he came from a rough family background. In fact, things were so bad that he enlisted immediately after high school to get away from the older brothers who harassed and beat him up.

Love at First Sight

The minute Dex laid eyes on Sonny’s occasional stepdaughter, Josslyn Jacks, he was a goner. Since she was dating Cameron Webber, Dex tried to keep his distance. But let’s be real. As drawn to Joss as he was, he didn’t try too hard!

Hang Time

When Sonny’s lawyer Diane Miller was attacked by the Hook killer (who turned out to be Heather Webber), the gangster suspected Dex. And what better way to get him to talk, the mafioso figured, than by dangling him from a meat hook and torturing him!

Passion’s Playthings

After the Hook tried to do away with Joss — thank goodness Dr. Britt Wesbourne intervened — she and Dex could no longer resist. They surrendered to the desire that was bubbling so close to the surface that it was a wonder Cameron didn’t see it.

The Doctor Is Out

In case you were wondering — and Britt would’ve appreciated it if you did — she was nicked by the poisoned hook and died in the arms of her mother, Liesl Obrecht. Meanwhile, life went on. Not Britt’s but everyone else’s.

Breaking Up Is… Well, *That* Was Easy

Once Cameron found out that Joss had cheated on him with Dex, he stuck a fork in their relationship faster than Kelly’s Bobbie’s patrons do a plate full of steak and potatoes. She got over it. As for Dex, hey…RUN THE RACE, from left: Tanner Stine, Evan Hofer, 2019. © Roadside Attractions /courtesy Everett Collection

If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It

As has become a rite of passage for every piece of eye candy to pass through Port Charles, Dex was pressed into service to strip with Milo and the Magic Wands at the Nurses Ball. And yes, believe it or not, their number started as a medical skit!

Photo : ABC screenshot

‘Should We… Hug It Out?’

Although Spencer Cassadine and Dex were dating besties Trina Robinson and Joss, respectively, they got along like oil and water. And if it’s been a while since you took high school bio, oil and water don’t mix well.GENERAL HOSPITAL - ABC's "General Hospital" stars Evan Hofer as Dex Heller and Eden McCoy as Josslyn Jacks. (ABC/Ricky Middlesworth)

Aw, [Bleep]!

Dex’s days seemed to be numbered once Sonny found out about his and Michael’s cockamamie plot to do what countless others had tried and failed to do. Thankfully, Carly intervened before her favorite ex added another dollop of blood to his hands.

The Rookie

Walking around with a target painted on his back, Dex offered to testify against Sonny. Knowing that doing so would get him fitted with cement shoes, and not even stylish ones, Anna Devane suggested that he ensure his safety by… joining the Port Charles PD.

But That’s One Face That Didn’t *Need* Rearranging!

As Sonny’s hatred of Dex grew — and his willpower shrank — the career criminal took time out from his wedding date with homophobic Natalia Rogers-Ramirez to beat his former flunky to a pulp. Everyone else just got Harrison Chase and Brook Lynn Quartermaine a toaster.

Solid as a Rock

Though Joss balked upon learning that Dex had been willing to execute Cyrus Renault for Sonny, the lovers managed to get past that obstacle. It wasn’t like Joss wasn’t surrounded by murderers and thieves literally every day of her life, after all!

‘Come Here Often?’

After Molly Davis’ half sister — Sonny’s daughter Kristina — lost the baby she was carrying for her and partner T.J. Ashford, Dex seemed to do as much to lift the spirits of the budding RBG as that drink did. Should Joss be worried?

Bloody Hell!

As Christmas neared, Dex received a gift nobody wanted: After breaking up a kerfuffle at Rice Plaza, he took a literal knife to the back!

The More You Snow

What’s next for Dex? The sky’s the limit. But one thing we know for sure is that with Hofer at the wheel, we’ll be happy to go along for the ride. Buckle up, y’all!

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