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BREAKING NEWS: Erika Slezak to Join the Cast of ‘General Hospital,’ Six-Time Daytime Emmy-Winner Signs Short-Term Deal

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

UPDATED: In the “dreams do come true department” for fans of One Life to Life and daytime soap operas, now comes word that six-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Erika Slezak (ex-Viki, OLTL) will be joining the cast of ABC’s General Hospital this fall.

According to the news from Slezak herself, via her fan club president Walter Miller, Erika has signed a short-term contract with the ABC soap opera. At present, “Erika does not know which character she will be playing, or when her scenes will air, but she is excited to be working again with executive producer Frank Valentini and the cast of GH!”

For over four decades, Erika played the central heroine on One Life to Life from 1971 until its final episode that aired on January 13, 2012 following its cancellation by ABC, and for one season in the online version of the soap opera via Prospect Park in 2013. Since the end of ‘One Life,’ Slezak has appeared in numerous episodic television series including The Resident and Blue Bloods.

Photo: JPI

Previously, Frank Valentini worked with Erika during his tenure at One Life to Live where he served as the series executive producer from 2003-2012 as well as his years working his way up the ranks. When the series ended its run on network television, ABC brought Valentini over to GH in 2012 where he has remained for the past 13 years.

Photo: ABC

Several former OLTL cast members have made it on to the GH soundstages reprising their roles from Llanview, or creating new roles including the likes of: Roger Howarth (Todd, Franco, Austin), Michael Easton (John, Silas, Finn) Kristen Alderson (Starr, Kiki), Kassie DePaiva (Blair), Hillary B. Smith (Nora), Florenzia Lozano (Téa), Mark Lawson (Dustin), Bree Williamson (Claudette), and Chris McKenna (Brennan) to name but a few.

It should be noted that on General Hospital, after waking up out of her coma, Lulu (Alexa Havins) got a new job working as a reporter for the “Llanview Banner.” As any One Life to Live fan knows, ‘The Banner” was the newspaper originally owned by the Lord family. After Victor Lord died, Viki became its owner and publisher with several twists and turns along the way. Could that be the new tie-in that brings Erika to GH? Stay tuned.

Following Michael Fairman TV’s breaking news story of Erika’s return to daytime, General Hospital’s EP Frank Valentini took to his account on X and confirmed her upcoming arrival, expressing, “I am thrilled to confirm that my dear friend and former One Life to Live colleague, Erika Slezak, will appear on General Hospital this fall. Stay tuned as we prepare to introduce another daytime legend to Port Charles. #GH #OLTL”

So, what do you think of Erika Slezak joining the cast of General Hospital? Who do you hope she plays? Have you missed seeing the iconic star of daytime television? Comment below.

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Oh Thank the heavens above. I hope she is playing Vicki and leads her back to Landview and the return of OLTL !!

Don’t get too excitied. OLTL has been, is, and will be no more. Not trying to be mean, just being a realist.

Understood. I just like to dream and hope a little.

If she can’t play Vicki , then she must play a role connected to the Q’s somehow. Would love to see her go toe to toe with Traci. She could keep up!

One of Martin’s exes lol

Or…Monica’s death will come out this summer. Maybe Erica could play Monica’s sister.

Monica was adopted and never knew her birth parents. Erika likely won’t be airing until at the earliest late September as Frank said she’d be joining in the fall.

But she could play Monica’s long lost biological sister.

Well, consider me shocked. Will Viki make a trip to Port Charles to cover a story for The Banner? Or, who could she possibly be? A patient at the hospital with a long story to tell? Felicia’s never-before-seen mother?

Regardless, it will be great to see a daytime legend back on the screen. We should probably just get the 2025 Guest Performance Emmy ready for her.

Felicia’s mother HAS been seen, as June Lockhart. She could, I suppose, be a recast.

June Lockhart (who is weeks away from her 100th birthday) played Felicia’s GRANDMOTHER. Her mother was never shown.

Erika (approaching 79) would fit the age group perfectly. Although, I doubt this is the character she’ll play.

June Lockhart played Felicia’s GrandMother

Well, this is truly surprising; I’m glad it’s known: this is a short-term gig.

So I’m excited… but if they have her playing Monica imma cry

They’re not recasting Monica.

I can’t imagine Frank green lighting that nor Erika taking over that role. I’m sure she’d never want anyone to play Viki after her. And yes, I’m aware that both Leslie Charleson and Erika Slezak did not originate the roles of Monica and Viki.

Plus:

Spoiler
Finola Hughes already confirmed the death of Monica will be addressed this summer.

They were just waiting for the other Q storylines to come to a head before moving onto that major one.

Thank you. And how did you do that?

She let it slip during an event recently.

Yeah but that formatting with a box that one must click on if they want to read a spoiler? Pretty, pretty good.

Oh, that. Last button on the toolbar where we write our messages.

Your toolbar must be different than most. The box I type in is just a box with no toolbars.

Come on. That would be disrespectful to both LC and ES. Not going to happen.

Maybe as Niki Smith!

I might’ve laughed this off before watching the end of Thursday’s episode. Could be way off here, but Willow is a prime candidate for DID. Her mental health is questionable going back to the Dawn of Day years.

I’d prefer not to have this tired soap trope (Frank already went down that ride with Connie). If they do, they could say the Reeves and the Lords go way back and Nina would contract an old family friend to help her daughter. That said, Erika deserves a better storyline than that.

THIS MAKES ME SO EXCITED. Slezak is daytime royalty and I am so glad she will be back on screen even if for a short story. The cast is already so bloated so I hope this doesn’t steal too much from the current cast. While I would love to see her show up as Victoria Lord Buchanan, I dont see a reason for Viki to visit PC. But I dont know if I have the patience to get to know her as another character. I am excited to see daytime vets still working. I LOVED seeing Colleen Zenk on Y&R as Aunt Jordan(although an ill conceived character) Colleen’s talent showed through. I cannot wait to see Ms. Slezak! Welcome Back!

I agree. The royalty is so appreciated as many soap actors from the glory days are slowly passing away. I was a ATWT and GL girl in the 70s, 80s, 90s, etc until they were both cancelled, and then I did move towards GH, following a number of the actors from CBS to ABC. Colleen was excellent (and Jordan, not so much). I have always wanted to watch Erika since she got paired with GL’s Ross Marler on OLTL, so I very much look forward to her new “short term” role on GH.

It makes me so sad that so many I watched growing up are passing away. Alas, is life but doesn’t make it any less sad. David Canary(Adam/Stuart AMC), Ben Hendrickson(Hal, ATWT) and so many more. So anytime I can see a soap vet, I welcome it.

Wow! I am sure it will be a good story, with Erika Slezak involved.

But the GH writers will also be involved… so a “good story” isn’t a given.

Happy to see daytime soaps other than Days remembering and creating roles for the old daytime grand dames. I would love to see more Linda Dano, Robin Strasser, and Victoria Wyndham again but in original roles and not recasts.

If she ends up having scenes with Sonny, I will barf!

James…me, too Brother!!!!! Also, if she ends up having scenes with that SCUMBAG Drew, I will very, very angrily throw myself out of an open window…preferably my own living room window!!!!! LOL

Talk to you later, Brother.

Peace.

Truly excited to see Erika Slezak back on daytime!
I bet she’ll be coming to see Lulu about the story she was hired to write for the Llanview Banner.

If she’s Viki I could see it, but I don’t think she will be, tbh.

Short term unrelated character, that’s fine. OLTL crossover? Not so much.

Recast of Monica or any other GH character? Unthinkable.

So Happy to See Her Again!

Maybe they will finally have Monica pass, as she did in real life, and Erika will play her long lost sister

Monica was adopted and there’s no record of her birth parents.

However, in the 80’s, spa owner Lorena Sharpe was supposed to be a first cousin, but I’m not sure if that was adopted or biological. She left town with Derek Barrington. It would be a real stretch to bring Lorena back as only Anna, Felicia, and Holly would remember her.

I always thought Erika Slezak is the only person who could have replaced Susan Flannery as Stephanie on B&B, but if I have to tune in to GH to catch this powerhouse, consider it done!

I only have one request GH, although the GH cast is full of heavy hitters, I plead the show to please put Erika in scenes with the fabulous Jane Elliot, I’m just salivating at these two heavy hitters going head to toe.

Yes, and throw in Kim Zimmer, too. All interacted with the late Jerry verDorn, aka Ross Marler (GL) and Clint Buchanan (OLTL). Jane’s Carrie on GL was historical.

Kim will never be on GH as long as Frank is EVP. She had done rather sharp words about Echo’s return to OLTL after GL went off the air.

All for some Slezak-Elliot scenes, though.

I hope she gets a better storyline than Jonathan Jackson did.

I am shocked and thrilled. Shocked because GH is done in Los Angeles and Erika is a very happy east coast person. Thrilled because I LOVE Erika Slezak. It will be such a wonderful treat to see her on daytime again. I can’t wait to see what character they create for her and which of the GH regulars she’ll interact with. She could show up as Viki. GH has made reference to Llanview University and The Banner. Whoever she plays, I’m sure she’ll be great. Fall cannot come soon enough. Hurry, hurry, hurry!!!!!!!!!!!

Slezak has always maintained she’d do a stint on any west coast soap, but only if it were short-term.

I’m guessing the west coast commute is why they’re emphasizing the short-term contract. GH has done this a couple of times for Emma Samms, who lives full time in England. Maybe Erika is renting a house for a few months in LA?

If she is playing Viki, will she mention that Clint, Tina, and Rene have all passed on?

Jessica Tuck was spotted in the studio recently. Would Viki run into a resurrected Cassandra Pierce or Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) and tell them how much they remind them of her children?

I am over the moon with this news! I can’t wait to see her in PC. I hope it’s as Viki Buchanan just to add the cozy comfort of the soap worlds intersecting.

I hope GH handles this opportunity with grace and class befitting Ms. Slezak. I do not need see her play Viki Buchanan. It seems audiences like to have their universes of characters and places (Chicago, L&O), FBI, ABC dramas), but sometimes taking an actor and character out of place is not all that satisfying. It can be very distracting to service of the current story in play. More interesting for me to have a favorite in a new well-written role that makes for strong story. Although I enjoyed seeing her on screen again, the wonderful Colleen Zenk was let down by Y&R with that silly Aunt Jordan character and story so again GH, please be smart with the esteemed Ms. Slezak and showcase her talents in the brightest light. This is very exciting news indeed!

I agree completely. She’s such a fabulous actor I would love to see her work with new material worthy of her talent. My only disappointment is that it’s a short term visit. Got my fingers crossed she has such a fabulous, creatively challenging time that she decides to stay on for longer.

Please,please give her a role worthy of her talent and status

Great News! Just make sure the writers give her great material to work with on screen. If so, she should easily take her 7th Emmy with a 2025 Guest Performance Emmy! Also, expect ratings to improve to more than 2 Million viewers in the Fall! Now we just need to get Kim Zimmer back in Daytime!

Thank you Frank!!! Some live to far to be on permanently, but if they are willing to commute, AWESOME!!! I would post pics of us if I could. Pickled Tink to hear this great addition!!!

As for her role, I almost guarantee the set up of connection with Lulu & The Banner, which weirdly is distributed in Llanview PA, AND Port Chuckles, NY. Also, a connection as one of Martin’s exes is possible. Just pray the writing is good! Thanks again to Frank, so far so good, if you’re reading this.

I’m still smiling about this days after it was announced. So nice to have a long-time favorite back (even one from a different show), and short-term works beautifully, really, given that the cast is already pretty large and there’s only so much room for a star of Slezak’s stature. But temporarily, of course they can find room, without damaging the show’s structure (let’s see how the writers do with that, but it’s possible at least). Win-win-win, provided the writing is there. (Oh, I do hope they have her go toe to toe with Jane Elliott. What fun that could be.)

Viki comes to Port Charles to look for her long-missing son and is shocked to discover that he has had amnesia, changed his name to Jack Brennan. So they finally reunite after all these years.

I know that Leslie ( Monica) is a little older than Erika (Vicki) but it would be an honor for a legend to recast a legend because the character Monica Quatermaine has a lot to do and so much more to offer her family and the hospital, community and friends of Port Charles even if just for a short term… Because they are both Icons it would be a Great Opportunity and and Honor to get Monica affairs in Order for a Lifetime Homegoing Celebration surrounded by the City of Port Charles and hand it over to Jason and Traci

I loved Erika as Vicki but I just cannot image her replacing Leslie. It just would feel so disrespectful to Leslie Charleston.

I do find it odd how soap opera roles are expected “never to age or pass away” which real actors do.

No, No, No. That’s not how you “honor a legend”. Asking Erika to play Monica would be dishonorable to two legends. It’s going to be hard for many viewers to accept Erika as anyone other than Viki – they wouldn’t burden her with a role no one would believe her in.

The show has navigated without Monica on screen for the past few years out of respect for LC. If they were going to recast, it would’ve been a long time ago.

And finally, Erika is only one year younger than Leslie.

She’ll play Sasha’s gaslighting, money-stealing mother-in-law as the mysterious person who has been messing with Daisy. Makes perfect sense seeing it’s short term.

General Hospital

Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker

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Troy Lennon Appel

General Hospital introduced the character of Hudson Parker back on July 30, 2026 marking the first appearance of Troy Lennon Appel in the role.

Quickly, we learned there was some connection to Ethan Lovett, after Hudson tracked him down and beat up the guy, the potential that Hudson is the biological father to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) adopted daughter, Phoebe, and that he is now Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) right hand man at JJE.

On Sunday, October 25 in a brand new episode of the That’s Awesome Podcast with Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), the Stone Cold and the Jackal duo welcomed Troy Lennon Appel to the show to delve into his background, landing the role of Hudson, and what may come next in a teaser for upcoming episodes of GH.

Jonathan Bennett

Photo: ABC

A NEW CHARACTER CREATED JUST FOR TROY WAS THE TICKET TO PORT CHARLES

As it turned out, Troy revealed that he had actually auditioned for General Hospital on six different occasions before being cast as Hudson, the last audition being for the role of Joe Fitzpatrick that went to Jonathan Bennett.

Appel explained, “Every time I showed up (to audition), I was like, ‘All right, I gotta nail this because it’s General Hospital.‘ It was my sixth one where I auditioned for Joe Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Bennett’s character. That was last November. Then, it was February of this year when I came in for an in-person callback. My wife and I were just like, ‘You gotta nail this.’  I didn’t get that character. Obviously, Jonathan got that, but then, they created Hudson Parker for me. I’m shocked I’m even on this show right now!'”

The General Hospital newcomer was even more stoked when he realized that not only did the producers and writers create a role just for him, but that he was going on contract as a series regular.

Appel recalled, “All at once, they were like, ‘We’re going to offer you a three-year contract and we’re creating a character for you.’ It was just something you never expect to hear. I was on the phone and I just fell down to the ground. I went through the range of emotions you could have. I know I cried. I hyperventilated. I’ve never hyperventilated in my life. But now, I get to essentially live the dream I have.”

Photo: ABC

HUDSON AND JOSSLYN

Eden McCoy shares many a scene with Troy, and he gave her major kudos for getting him through the beginning weeks of his run as Hudson. “We did a chemistry test, together and I give her so much credit because obviously, she’s a pro. She’s been doing it for so long. I’ll do scenes with her where I’m like, ‘I got to just try to meet her where she’s at because she’s just so talented.'”

Troy added, “Eden took me under her wing, and just helped me out so much with understanding the process of all of this and even just knowing where to go, when, when to be where I need to be. I don’t know how I would be feeling if I didn’t have her always working with her and just helping me out the entire time.”

The mystery of just who this guy is will become clear in the weeks ahead as Appel revealed, “We actually just shot what Parker’s background is. Right now, I am the Vice President of Operations for JJE. I manager the company’s financials, essentially. But, there’s more to Hudson which we will eventually find out.” Getting the chance to mix it up with the cast, Troy added of Hudson, “He’s up to some stuff.”

Check out the full conversation with Troy Lennon Appel with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson below.

Now weigh-in: what do you think about Troy having a role specifically creating for him after 6 auditions for GH? What do you think will be revealed of Hudson’s background in the weeks to come? Do you want to see a Josslyn and Hudson pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

 

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General Hospital

GH Alums Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan to Reunite for Special Fan Event

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Greg Vaughan and Kelly Monaco

General Hospital fan favorite Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall) will be making a rare public appearance teaming up with her longtime friend and former leading man, Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer), at a special fan event.

The announcement came from the stars on their social media accounts, but you can circle, Sunday, December 13, at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey as the spot to see Kelly and Greg at this meet and greet.

As General Hospital viewers know, Monaco spent 21 years as Sam McCall before being killed-off on the October 30, 2024 episode. Before that, she had become soap-famous for her dual roles as Livvie and Tess on the GH spinoff, Port Charles.

Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan

Photo: UncleVinnie’s

Vaughan is currently appearing on daytime’s newest soap opera in the recurring role of Dr. Kial Rollins, a role which he debuted back on December 8, 2025. Throughout his daytime career, Greg has appeared on The Young and the Restless (ex-Diego), Days of our Lives (ex-Eric) and as GH’s Lucky.

SAM AND LUCKY

It was back in 2007 that in story, Sam started pursuing Lucky (then played by Greg Vaughan) as a form of revenge against Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst). Sam was furious after learning that Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) had a child with Elizabeth while Sam and Jason were broken up. That child was Jake. Eventually, Sam and Lucky became a hit with viewers and would continue to cross each other’s paths.

Uncle Vinnie’s comedy club took to their Instagram and shared, “The fans asked and we always deliver!!” Tickets going fast! Order on our website.”

In addition, Shanna Moakler, who is in a relationship with Vaughan, took to the comment thread and exclaimed, “My two favorite people.” Moakler and Monaco had previously announced in March of 2025 the start-up of their podcast called Bad Bunnies. It was expected to cover pop culture, personal stories, and Hollywood secrets.

Then, in July 2025, it was confirmed that Kelly Monaco would no longer be participating. At the time, she stepped away due to personal family matters, focusing on maintaining a private life, and new work commitments.

So, would you love to see Kelly and Greg together again? Happy to see that Kelly is making a public appearance for her fans? Let us know via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Hesitate to Sign Divorce Papers, Elizabeth Reveals Aiden’s Leaving For Paris, Willow Flashes Back to Her Crimes

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Brook Lynn and Chase

As the week came to a conclusion on the Friday, October 23 episode of General Hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) wrestled with becoming an empty-nester, while Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Monet (Blythe Howard) conspired to keep Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Ric (Rick Hearst) at legal bay, and Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) frozen relationship thawed, but how much?

Let’s take a look! First, in a moment that was written to bring Liz and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) closer, the GH head nurse is wistful over the fact that she just learned that her talented bakery chef son, Aiden, secretly earned his GED and got into a prestigious pastry school in France and to top it off received a scholarship to attend the school.

Liz is concerned that allowing him to go wasn’t the smartest move because of his young age. Dante suggested that maybe it’s her fear of being alone that is causing her to feel hesitant for Aiden to go abroad. He shared a story about the support her received from Olivia when he moved away from home for the first time; that he understood mothers and sons are close, but she needed to let him go build his own life.

Elizabeth

Courtesy/ABC

After coming to terms with it, she revealed that Aiden is leaving in four days and had to make cupcakes for the Halloween party, Dante offered to help her do the baking. They smile. So, what this means to GH fans? All of Liz sons: Cameron, Jake, Aiden are all now officially off the canvas!

WILLOW VS. LULU

At Miller & Davis, Willow strolls in to meet Monet to go over their strategy in their meeting with Ric and Lulu. While discussing their next move, Willow flashes back to the night she shot Drew (Cameron Mathison) twice in the back, and then later, how she first stuck a needle in his neck to use the paralytic drug that kept him in a locked-in state for months.

Willow

Courtesy/ABC

When Ric and Lulu arrive, the four end up in a stalemate. Willow refused to drop the lawsuit, and Lulu refused to retract the story on her. Willow’s stance is that Lulu had been manipulated by the Quartermaines, who wanted to take her children away, so Michael can have sole custody of them. Lulu fired back that she was doing her job as an investigative reporter to expose crimes perpetrated by a congresswoman.

Now at an impasse, Ric and Lulu tell Monet and Willow they will see them in court as now a judge will hear the case. Not what Ric wanted that to happen, but now he tells Lulu, they will figure out a way to bring Willow down.

DIVORCE BLUES?

Finally, Chase and Brook Lynn head to the Dominican Republic to get a quickie divorce after how their lawyers dredged up awful things about both of them in Port Charles. While on the plane, the two discuss that they still want each other to be happy.

Once in front of the judge in the Dominican Republic, he asked if the two were mutually consenting to this divorce, but instead, the two sang each others praises.

This left the judge to ask if the two wanted to go through with ending their marriage and he left the room. Later, when he returned with the divorce documents to sign, Chase and Brook Lynn stared at each other hesitating to sign on the dotted line.

So, what do you think will happen next? Will Brook Lynn and Chase end their marriage, or decide to try to make it a go? Is it upsetting to you that all of Elizabeth’s sons are off the canvas? Should the soap recast them all, like they did with Alexis’ daughters and restart the story of these young men? Do you think now will be the time that Willow’s crimes will be publicly exposed, and she will lose her kids and her seat in a congress? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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