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As Erika Slezak Concludes Her Run as ‘General Hospital’s’ Ronnie Bard; Shares She’s ‘Grateful’ for Fan Response and ‘Honored” to Appear on the Show

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

It has been a thrill for all of us to see six-time Daytime Emmy winner, and One Life to Live icon Erika Slezak (ex-Viki) back on our screens again as Monica’s sister, Ronnie Bard in recent weeks on General Hospital. Watching Erika again reminded us all of just why she is one of the greatest to ever do it in the daytime drama genre.

Erika’s scenes with everyone on General Hospital were pure gold, but nothing compared to her scenes with another icon, Jane Elliot as Tracy Quartermaine. Seeing these two dynamos in scenes together was an absolute treat for soap opera fans and lived up to and surpassed any expectation we might have had.

As Ronnie’s story is set to come to a conclusion in upcoming episodes, now that it appears Tracy just found Monica’s true will and testament, Erika took the time to write a very special ‘thank you’ message to her fans, and everyone at GH – from the cast to the writers and more.

Photo: ABC

In a heartfelt message on her official website, Erika expressed: “Thank you so much for all your emails. I am delighted that you’ve been enjoying my work on General Hospital. I am very grateful for the kind words you have shared with me. It was wonderful to work again in a medium I love.”

Speaking on her time in Port Charles which also saw her reunite with Frank Valentini (former EP, OLTL, now EP, GH), Jessica Tuck (ex-Megan, OLTL, now a director at GH), Chris McKenna (ex-Joey, OLTL, now Jack GH) and more, Erika added, “My experience on GH was fantastic, and I hope you continue to enjoy the show. GH has an incredible group of actors and writers, and I am honored to have been part of it. Many sincere thanks for watching. Love, Erika.”

There was so much love and respect for Erika when she came to the set of General Hospital. In fact, Michael Fairman TV spoke to the directing team at GH shortly after they won the gold as the Outstanding Directing Team in a Daytime Drama series at the 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards just a few weeks ago. Speaking on behalf of the team were longtime directors: Tina Keller and Robert Markham who had nothing but praise and were in awe of Erika.

Tina Keller expressed: “I was fortunate enough to have her first and last scenes, and I literally love her. I grew up watching One Life to Live. That was my favorite show of all time.  It was just such an honor to have her on our stage and to see her work with Jane Elliot. The two of them in scenes together was phenomenal and there’s still more to come. It’s so good. She’s just amazing.” Director, Robert Markham added, “She (Erika) was a sweetheart and a phenomenal pro.”

While we don’t know how Ronnie will depart Port Charles as of yet, it looks like it will be shortly. Now we can sit back and enjoy Erika’s performances until we have to say goodbye. But, it’s been nothing but a joy to see her work again, and something tells us, she might just get that 7th Daytime Emmy next year at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series, if she chooses to submit herself.

So, sad to know that Erika’s time on General Hospital is coming to an end? Touched by her comments to the fans and those she worked with at GH? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below. But first, check out our conversation with the Emmy award-winning GH directing team from our coverage of the 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards now on the Michael Fairman Channel, where they talk about directing Erika and more.

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I do hope she gets the last laugh with Martin vs. just slinking out of town. Interestingly, it appears her beef is only with Martin and not Drew. Drew is the beneficiary, but it appears he doesn’t know the details of the scheme. Wonder if this will lead to Martin’s story ending. Wouldn’t be surprised. Looks like the writers went too far with the Martin/Tracy hatred to get them to eventually fall for each other which was where I was hoping they were going with the 2 of them…

I hoped for a Martin/Tracy pairing, too. You never know on soaps.

Tracy is the type to hold a grudge. And in this case, it’s 666% justified. I think I’ll be operating a ski lodge down here in Hell before she forgives Marty for this one.

Naaa. She has no right to be pissed. She took everything from him and he took his rightful revenge. She should respect that. It was a very Quartermaine thing to do and he almost pulled it off, lol.

Jane Elliot is almost eighty. She’s gorgeous…However, Michael Knight is in his sixties.i dont see them in romantic scenes together, but I love them as snarky enemies! So fun to watch. They never should have killed off Gregory. He was perfect for Tracy; the Lila to her Edward.

I understand that she just wanted a limited engagement ~ and though I would have LOVED more ~ seeing Erika on my TV again, in a medium I love, made me just feel warm all over. It was comforting to have her be there reminding me why I think soap opera actors are the best actors around. Best Wishes to her. I hope she pops back up in Port Charles again!

I have enjoyed her and her acti g for years. So very sorry to see her leave GH. I feel like she added so much to the show!

0would love to see more elaine slezak on GH she is awesome actress loved her on OLTL please keep her on GH even in recurring role she awesome

I did my own tribute to Erika which went up yesterday, Marlena De Lacroix: Soaps for the Thinking Fan. (marlenadelacroix.com). She will be very missed!

I have enjoyed every minute of Erika’s performance on GH. I hope they leave the door open for a future return engagement.

Me too l enjoy Erika I use to watching her on one life to live in hope she comeback again

I would love for GH to keep Erika on set, it would be a kick to see how Tracy & Roni could possibly get on with each-other. Living in the Quartermaine home together would surely be good for a few laughs and some fresh drama. Michael likes Roni too.

I wasn’t able to watch One Life to Live., I really liked Ronnie-

-I wish she would stay on to fight with Tracy..

It’s been an extremely nice ride having Erika on the show. I’ll never forget the scenes between her and Jane Elliot. Those were so well acted between the two of them and made for must-see TV!

Oh how I have enjoyed seeing our Erika Slezak again on my TV! Watched OLTL everyday it was on! I wish her stay on GH was longer! Maybe she can return to GH soon. Every scene she was in, I was on the edge of my chair, soaking up every word, expression and loved it all! Thank you for inviting Erika back into our homes. It is so awesome!

I agree – enjoyed seeing Tracy and Erika act

Enjoyed Ronnie on the show she should stay

I ran home from school to watch the soaps with my Mom and Grandma. At one time the line up was All My Children, One Life to Live and General Hospital. I’m 69 years old now and still watching GH. I watched AMC and OLTL until they went off the air. I remember watching Ryan’s Hope too. My Sons are 31 and 33 years old and every so often drop by while I’m watching GH. It never ceases to amaze me they know the characters from watching it as they were growing up and comment when I’m watching.

Linda, you sound like me! I am 70 and I watched all the same ones you mentioned and also the CBS ones. Wish OLTL and AMC were still on

A 7th Daytime Emmy next year as Outstanding Guest Performer is signed sealed and delivered after today’s episode! Erika Slezak is simply the best! And Jane Elliot will take the Best Actress trophy nomination and may win too. GH is really hot right now with stellar performances and writing!

Jane likely will continue her streak of not submitting. I would love her to submit in lead as she’s been driving story, but would exercise caution as Susan Seaforth Hayes wrongly submitted in lead last year and did not get nominated.

In all honesty, Erika had that 7th Emmy in the bag once she accepted Frank’s invite to join for GH for a stint.

I have always enjoyed her from One Life to live till now she’s a powerful lady and entertainment and I will always follow her with always watch her and I will always be for her hate to see you go hope you come back soon there’s nothing but love for you keep smiling

Keep Erika/Ronnie on . Great actress maybe she can melt the heart of queen ice Tracy.

To be honest I wasn’t thrilled with the character or Erika’s portrayal at first…and then my feelings changed. Now I don’t want either to leave! I wish “both” were staying. Ronnie living with the Qs added a warmth yet a feisty addition which Tracy needs. Loved seeing group scenes in the Q house again. We need more of them.

Michael Fairman, Do you think Erika would consider another brief return down the road or was this just a one-and-done for her?

I loved watching Erika on GH! Her acting brought greater depth to the show and I could see how the other actors loved acting with her!
She and Jane were just wonderful together! I’m very sorry Ronnie’s time is ending soon.
Hopefully she can return.

I record as I can’t watch when it comes on. I have rebound every scene Erica has been in. I love General Hospital always, and have so missed OLTL. Erica made me feel we had long lost family moving back home. I loved scenes with Jsne, but equally loved how the Qs rallied around her. Family is always family. Erica is now a part of the Qs. In fact I think OLTL should return also. Thank You all! God Bless you and your families,

General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.

Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.

In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

WHERE IS SCOTT?

On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.

In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”

The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.”  Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.

So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Seeks Answers For Sonny, Drew Gloats, and Chase is in for a Battle

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Chase, Jason and Drew

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, getting to the bottom of truth is paramount for several characters, but who will continue to lie and who might break?

In the latest video spoilers for the week of October 19-23, Sonny (Maurice Benard) needs to prove that he is innocent in orchestrating the prison beatdown of Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner). His girlfriend, ADA Justine Turner (Nazneen Contractor), wants to seemingly turn him to as she is seen saying, “I won’t give up until Sonny is behind bars,” to none other than Drew (Cameron Mathison)!

Meanwhile, it looks like Sonny has pulled Jason back in to to help him clear his name telling him to, “Find out whatever you can.” Later, we see Jason (Steve Burton) posing the question to someone, “Did you frame Sonny for it?” Did he go to Pentonville to confront Sully?

Britt and Jude

Photo: ABC

Elsewhere, Chase (Josh Swickard) and Monet (Blythe Howard) get set to dissolve Chase’s marriage to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) who now has lawyered up with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). Monet tells Chase, “We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” Chase fires back ,“I don’t want a battle!” Is the battle over baby Phoebe, or a down and dirty fight just to get a divorce?

Then, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) is reeling with happiness in the best possible way, after apparently sharing four kisses with mysterious stranger Jude (Wil Traval) at the Brown Dog Bar. Britt tells Lucas (Van Hansis) all about her evening. But, who is Jude and did he target Britt, or is he truly enamored with her? Stay tuned.

SPOILERS

Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 19-23.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Britt makes an intriguing deal. Trina is unsettled. Anna checks in on Sonny. Carly gets the third degree from Lucas. Jason calls out Serena.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Carly puts her heart on the line. Alexis delivers shocking news to Valentin. Sonny has a warning for Jason. Justine makes Drew an offer. Portia is wary of Monet.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Anna seeks out Valentin. Britt’s attitude raises eyebrows. Molly seeks Alexis’s advice. Jason makes an offer to Lucy. Tracy and Cody catch up.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Britt has juicy gossip for Lucas. Chase is thrown for a loop. Emma puts on her detective hat. Michael and Jordan await medical news. Ava is put on the spot.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Ava pitches a dangerous plan to Drew. Jason calls out Josslyn. Ric and Monet go toe to toe. Lulu is discouraged. Sonny dangles a tantalizing deal.

Take a look at the latest GH promo, “Worst Case Scenario” below.

Now weigh-in: Will Jason figure out that Drew and Ava were behind framing Sonny? Do you want Chase to get parental rights to baby Phoebe? Do you like the attraction between Britt and Jude, or is something more nefarious going on with the guy? Let us know in the comment section below.

 

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‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Talks On Where Joe Fitzpatrick is Headed and Soap Opera Shirtless Scenes

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Jonathan Bennett

It had become abundantly clear that roomies Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) and PCPD detective Joe Fitzpatrick (Jonathan Bennett) seem destined towards a romance on General Hospital.

In fact, to get Lucas all hot and bothered (although he does fully let on), during the Friday, October 16 episode, the good doctor helps Joe pick out something less stuffy to wear to a bar to meet people.

However, the moment is met with Joe taking off his shirt in front of Lucas and doing a quick change from sport coat and button down shirt to a more relaxed casual button down shirt. In fact, the ABC soap opera even called out the moment as their clip of the day (see below).

Lucas and Joe

Courtesy/ABC

MAJOR STORY TEASE FOR JOE

Bennett spoke with OUT in a new feature about what may be on the horizon for the by-the-book Joe and the moral Lucas, and how he learned that once the producers and writers on a soap script in a shirtless scene, if it goes over well, said actor, can expect many more in the months to come!

“I’m so excited for the audience to see where my character goes on General Hospital. It’s going to be monumental and I think people are going to love it,” teased Bennett. “I was shirtless in an episode and so petrified to shoot it,” he added. “I wanted to look my best and feel good. I really worked hard to get my body to a good place and I did it.”

STAYING CAMERA READY

However as Jonathan points out, now he is finding himself half-naked in upcoming scenes as officer Joe! “I think I shot myself in the foot! Now that I did it once and it turned out well, every few weeks I read a script and I’m coming out of the shower, changing my shirt, or in the bathtub,” revealed Jonathan.

So, how does he keep camera ready? “I’m in the gym more, I have a better diet,” pointed out Bennett. “You have to stay healthy if you’re going to be shirtless every few weeks! I’m gay, an only child, and an actor. Of course I love the attention!”

While Bennett’s Port Charles story is going to reveal itself in the coming months, you can also see Jonathan back as the host of The Food Network’s Halloween Wars 16th season which concludes on Sunday, October 25.

Now below. check out the scene in question from Friday’s GH entitled, “Lose the Shirt.”

Weigh-in: What do you think will be “monumental” that Jonathan has teased that viewers will find out about Joe in the coming weeks? Are you feeling the on-screen chemistry between Joe and Lucas? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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