sentences:  Exits of major characters like Luke and Laura, Heather Webber, Scott Baldwin and Dr. Lesley Webber helped contribute to falling ratings, although new characters brought in new fans to make up for those losses.Emily McLaughlin reduced the number of her appearances during this time due to weakening health but remained a strong presence when she did appear.Veteran actors like Peter Hansen and Susan Brown departed, although they would return on a recurring basis and later helped launch the 1997-2002 spin-off, "Port Charles".