General Hospital is expanding its cast with the addition of veteran actor Alimi Ballard, who is set to debut as William Baines on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Ballard is no stranger to daytime television. He launched his acting career in 1993 as Frankie Hubbard on Loving, before continuing the role on The City after the series transitioned in 1995.

Reflecting on those early years during an interview with Theatre Corner, Ballard described landing the role as the moment his professional acting career truly began.

"It was my first opportunity as a series regular and my introduction to becoming a professional actor," he said, recalling the audition process that opened the door to the industry.

The actor also credited Emmy-winning actress Debbi Morgan, who played his on-screen mother Angie Hubbard, as one of his greatest mentors. Ballard praised Morgan's dedication, emotional depth and professionalism, saying she helped shape his approach to acting and inspired him to continually raise his own standards.

After leaving daytime television in 1996, Ballard built an impressive career in primetime. His credits include Sabrina the Teenage Witch, where he portrayed the Quizmaster, as well as FBI agent David Sinclair on Numb3rs. He has also appeared in popular series such as Criminal Minds, Queen Sugar, Queen of the South, Law & Order and The Rookie.

Despite his success, Ballard has spoken openly about the challenges of maintaining a career in Hollywood. Looking back on the years between filming Deep Impact and landing Numb3rs, he recalled periods of financial uncertainty, guest roles, unemployment and perseverance, describing those experiences as lessons in resilience and determination.

Now, more than three decades after first entering the world of soap operas, Ballard is returning to the genre where his career began, bringing years of experience to his new role as William Baines in General Hospital.