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Erika Slezak, Who Exits ‘General Hospital’ as Ronnie Bard, Says She Would Be, “Open to Coming Back”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

Do you want the good news or the bad news? Let’s start with the bad news. Six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Erika Slezak (ex-Viki, One Life to Live) concludes her run as General Hospital’s Ronnie Bard on tomorrow’s Thursday, November 6th episode of the long-running ABC daytime drama series.

The good news? Erika would absolutely be open to a return down the line to reprise the role of Ronnie, and to get to share more screen time with the likes of: Genie Francis (Laura), Michael E. Knight (Martin), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Rory Gibson (Michael) and of course, Jane Elliot (Tracy)!

Ronnie’s story took a major turn on the Tuesday, November 4th episode, when it was finally revealed that Martin was blackmailing her to sell Monica’s house to Drew, because she has been in it with him to dupe Tracy. However, Ronnie had serious misgivings about Drew. So, she couldn’t bring herself to sign the papers giving him ownership of the house. Lo and behold, after Tracy found Monica’s real last will and testament, Ronnie only received the locket with the photo of herself and Monica as children, and funds to purchase a home of her choice in Durham, North Carolina. In the end, it was Tracy, who wound up with the mansion. After learning the news in Monica’s will, she kicked Ronnie and the rest of the Qs out the house.

Photo: ABC

In a new interview with Soap Opera Digest looking back on her short-term arc with the show, Erika commented, “I’ve never played anybody like Ronnie… She’s just a hardworking woman who literally had to make her own way in life, because Monica sort of turned her back on her when she got out of foster care. At 16, she’s out in the world by herself. She’s got to get a job, she has to make a living, she has to find a place to live. She started work as a waitress and decided she liked it and never left it; she never aspired to anything else, except that she knew she was smart and she wanted to learn more, so she went to community college and she essentially educated herself. She wasn’t stupid, but she never had the advantages of a rich life.”

Having played the very wealthy Victoria Lord on One Life to Live for 41 years, taking on the role of Ronnie was a major departure for Erika. “I’ve never played anyone who was — and I mean this in a good way — as simple as Ronnie, who’s just worked hard her whole life,” said Slezak. “So, it was a terrific opportunity for me and I’m very, very grateful and glad that the audience accepted her and that our former One Life to Live viewers tuned in and enjoyed seeing me in a completely different role.”

And as she wraps her run on-screen, and as viewers see how Ronnie exits the canvas, Erika shared she would definitely be open for an encore, and make a return sometime down the line to GH. Thinking back on her experience, Erika summed it up,  “It was delightful, it was terrific, it was a pleasure. It was different every day, which was unusual for me because Victoria was Victoria all the time. Yes, she was sometimes crazy, sometimes (her alternate personalities) Niki and Tori and Jean and all the others, but she was always Victoria! Ronnie grew through this whole process, and learned — and yes, I would be open to coming back.”

Photo: ABC

Previously, Erika shared a special thank you message to her official fan club, “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. 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.”

So, are you going to be sad to see Erika exit General Hospital on tomorrow’s episode? Thrilled to hear that she enjoyed playing Ronnie Bard so much; that she would be open to making a return down the line? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Yes! Thrilled to hear the news. She added such a warm element fo tje W home and it was fun to see “Tracy’s” fiery snark, yet simultaneously rather heartbreaking to see “Ronnie” so guilt-ridden and dismayed. I would expect that on Ronnie’s return see be less humble an ready to rumble. I only wish they had thought to bring on Eika a few years ago; we would have had thst much more time with these two “sisters” of Monica development a love/hate thing…

I’ve loved every second of Ronnie. She is a very strong and smart woman who has made her own way in life. I loved her interactions with the citizens of Port Charles. Her battles with Tracy Q were great.

Thank you Erika Slezak for coming to the West Coast for this delightful story. I so hope TPTB are smart enough to bring Ronnie back from time to time.

Ronnie had an adventure indeed, we got to see nuance and not just action-driven plots…everyone seemed to crave this, re-visiting the warm talent of Ms. Slezak and character development in rich intense time. BRAVA! Come back!!

Loved her she added a warmth to cold family. Just what we needed!

Please Stay Erica you bring joy to GH IVE BEEN WATCHING SINCE I was 18 and now I’m 70 please stay on GH❤️❤️❤️

I appreciated a storyline that was not mob related, based in international spy shenanigans, or incredulous resurrections from the dead. All that for me has long ago run its course. It all felt very OG GH, very human, and I loved that.

Totally agree. May the powers-that-be note the massive outpouring of positive response!

LOVE to see this legend back as often as possible. She brought warmth and a nice familial feeling to the Q mansion. I always saw shades of Lilia when Ronnie was interacting with the family, minus Tracy, who always needs a good sparring partner.

If OLTL V3 is just my pipe dream…then yes ! Please come back to GH. Ronnie has many stories that could be told.

She was a sweetheart indeed. Tracy needs to get off her high horse and start treating people right! She’s no better than anyone else.

It would be nice for Tracy to reconcile and acknowledge her as part of the family before Christmas and to have Ronnie to celebrate in the Quarermain Christmas dinner episode. You know how everything seems to go wrong and drama follows.

I have missed so much recently! Last I knew, Tracy had offered a nice home for Ronnie In a part of town that Ronnie loved.
What happened??

Actually that was a provison in Monica’s REAL will – that Ronnie should be given enough money to buy a house of her choosing in the rich neighborhood of the town where she and Monica lived as children. .Tracy didn’t have anything to do with that part.

It’s Thanksgiving when the Qs have dinner issues that always wind up with pizza delivery.

I could see Ronnie returning for that next year.

Erika is almost 80 I think and she’s proof that people will watch her read the telephone book. I hope they keep her forever!

She should be a shoo-in for Outstanding Guest Performer (or whatever that category is called now; I’ve lost track) for 2025. She fit in seamlessly and beautifully, from Day 1 in the crypt with Tracy.

It would be great to have Ronnie back occasionally. This is an instance in which the preferences of the performer (I understand ES doesn’t want anything other than a short-term gig) could potentially work beautifully: Ronnie really isn’t needed on the canvas full time, but as an occasional visitor to Port Charles to spar with Tracy and interact with Monica’s kinfolk, she can add some much-needed warmth, as well as be a nice reminder of Monica. (And to Iakovos’s “not mob related, based in international spy shenanigans, or incredulous resurrections from the dead,” I add a hearty “AMEN TO THAT.” I know all of that is a part of GH history too, and I respect that some viewers are really into it, but lately it’s felt out of control and too much, and I desperately want more of the reality-based family and hospital dynamics of the Marland and Labine eras.)

I loved seeing ES again, I loved her as Vicki for 40 + years on OLTL and it was like a breath of fresh air seeing her play Ronnie on GH

The writers better find a reason for semi-annual visits from Ronnie.

I always enjoyed Erika Slezak as Vicky on One Life to Live. Erika has not change at all. What a beautiful and talented actress.
I enjoyed watching her on General Hospital, I wish she would stay on the soap opera. (I HOPE SHE WILL COME BACK)
The writers and actors and actresses are outstanding.
Very well done!

Oh Erika. She was a sight for sore eyes and now our eyes will be sore again. I really didn’t want to say goodbye to her again. However, I am heartened to hear she may return for cameo visits.

I would be happy for Ronney to return to GH.

Erika was a wonderful addition to GH! I wholeheartedly vote for more Ronnie!!!❤️

monica and erika could be best friends and kick the bad guys out of town.

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‘General Hospital’ Casts Alya Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos

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Ayla Bullington

Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.

In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.

She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’” 

Josslyn

Photo: ABC

THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH

Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’

The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.” 

The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.

As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”

So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.

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‘General Hospital’ Favorite Amanda Setton Talks Brook Lynn and Chase’s Divorce, Jude Jacks, Baby Phoebe, and What’s Next (Exclusive)

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Amanda Setton

On General Hospital, Brook Lynn Quartermaine’s (Amanda Setton) life as she knows it has turned upside down. First, she and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed divorce papers while in  the Dominican Republic. As much as they loved each other, they just couldn’t get past all the trust issues between them.

Then, right after that, Jude Jax (Wil Traval) shows up at the Q mansion and demands to see his daughter, baby Phoebe! Brook Lynn is thrown for a complete loop. Is this guy claiming to be the biological father of Delilah Wilson’s daughter, which had been adopted by Brook Lynn and Chase, telling the truth? Brook Lynn is on her way to getting to the bottom of his claims.

Meanwhile, Brook Lynn’s portrayer, Amanda Setton just celebrated her first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination, and in the very competitive Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category. While Amanda ultimately did not take home the gold statuette, that honor went to The Young and the Restless’ longtime veteran, Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott), she was in great spirits when Michael Fairman TV caught up with her on the red carpet.

Photo: ABC

THE END OF THE LINE FOR BROOK LYNN AND CHASE

When asked how she felt about Brook Lynn being the first (between her and Chase) to put pen to paper on their divorce papers, Settton recalled, “She did. But I’m like, ‘Did she or did he kind of?’ They did it (both of them).”

Getting a new co-star and cast member can go one of two ways, great or not so great, but Amanda had nothing but high praise for Wil Traval’s entrance and performance as Jude Jacks!

THE ARRIVAL OF JUDE JAX

“Wil Traval is fabulous to work with. His debut was so amazing the other day, wasn’t it? He was just such a force and everybody’s faces and reactions when he says that he’s, ‘Jude Jacks, Jerry’s son.’ It was so good and well-played! Wil’s awesome. I’m excited for what’s to come. We’re going to have a lot of stuff together.”

Photo: ABC

According to Amanda, Brook Lynn will have her hands full in the months to come: “There’s a lot of stuff coming down the pike with Baby Phoebe. Will Chase and Brooklyn work together? Will they not? Is it really Jude’s daughter? Lots of questions!”

GRATITUDE TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY HER PEERS

For Setton, being an Emmy nominee meant the world to her, and to finally be acknowledged by her peers in a television career that spanned daytime and primetime including her performances as Kimberly Andrews on One Life to Live. But most importantly for her work in 2025 in the emotional rollercoaster of a story where Brook Lynn learns Gio (Giovanni Mazza) is her biological son.

“It means so much to me,” expressed Amanda. “It really does. I keep using this line, but I really mean it. It feels like a big hug. You know, not everybody who votes for these categories works with you. It’s really a very humbling feeling to know that your work actually touched someone and moved someone enough for them to vote for you. And getting to play the storyline that I got to play was such a privilege. It really was, with the actors I got to play it with. To be a little rewarded for it feels so nice.”

You can check out our chat with Amanda Setton on the red carpet at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards below. Then make sure to check out all the Michael Fairman Channel red carpet interviews from daytime’s biggest night here.

So, do you think Brook Lynn and Chase will unite to keep baby Phoebe away from Jude Jacks? What do you think of Wil Traval’s performances thus far as Jude? How do you see this story for the custody of baby Phoebe playing out? Were you rooting for Amanda to take home the Supporting Actress gold? Let us know via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Heather Webber Has Everyone on Edge, Walls Close in on Ava and Drew, Sonny Has a Problem Named ‘Josslyn’

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General Hospital Preview

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, Heather Webber (Alley Mills) infiltrates herself back into Port Charles upsetting many a citizen, while Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is making it be known she will not rest till she takes Sonny (Maurice Benard) down, and Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) are now in the hot seat for the murder of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).

In the just released, ABC video spoilers for the action November 9-13, first we see a stare down between Heather and Ava when they finally come to face-to-face.

Next, Felicia (Kristina Wagner) warns Emma (Braedyn Bruner), “You cannot allow Heather Webber to see herself as a victim!” This is juxtaposed with Heather walking into the PCPD interrogation room. Is she going to incriminate Ava and Drew further on the murder of Jack Brennan … or is she there for something else?

Ava and Drew

Courtesy/ABC

Then, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) tells Joe (Jonathan Bennett), ADA Turner (Nazneen Contractor) and Molly (Kristen Vaganos) that the PCPD has to switch their investigation and put the focus on Ava and Drew.

In the video teaser’s final moments, Josslyn (Eden McCoy) shows up at Sonny’s front door, shouting, “You just keep getting away with everything.” That leads to Sonny to tell Carly (Laura Wright) to get her daughter to back of off him.

Check out the official General Hospital spoilers the week below.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER, 9
Carly makes her loyalty to Valentin clear. Tristan makes a shocking revelation. Chase comes face to face with Jude. Jason and Alexis strategize. Josslyn flies off the handle.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Jason and Brook Lynn compare notes. Emma confronts Heather. Gio and Trina get a new opportunity. Joe and Molly hit pay dirt. Ava meets Serena.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Sonny issues a warning to Carly. Josslyn opens up to Hudson. Jude stands his ground. Drew tries to reassure Ava. Molly confides in Alexis.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Carly fears Sonny’s wrath. Sonny and Ric form a plan. Alexis makes a bold move. Drew gets a reality check. Lucas reassures Josslyn.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Drew pitches a drastic plan. Liz bends the rules for Dante. Josslyn confronts Jude. Brook Lynn opens up to Gio. Britt issues an invitation.

Now below, check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Getting Away with Everything.”

Then let us know, what do you think Heather Webber is up to? Will Ava and Drew actually take the fall for the death of Jack Brennan? Will Sonny stop Josslyn from taking him down at all costs? Share your thoughts and theories 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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