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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

Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

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Van Hansis

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2024 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.

Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.

When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Van Hansis

Photo: ABC

LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES

Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.

“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Van Hansis

Photo: ABC

GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS

Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.

Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”

The five-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”

So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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Breaking News

Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

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Robert Kelker-Kelly

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.

According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.

Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Robert Kelker-Kelly

Photo: NBC

Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.

As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.

Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Robert Kelker-Kelly, GH

Photo: ABC

Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.

Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.

Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”

The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”

Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.

Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.

Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Everyone Turns Their Backs on Sonny; Can Anyone Get Chase to Open His Eyes About Willow’s Treachery?

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the ABC soap opera picks right back up with everyone turning their backs on Sonny (Maurice Benard), and now the one person he hoped would be by his side appears to be abandoning ship when Justine (Nazneen Contractor) doesn’t believe him about ordering the beatdown of Sidwell (Carlo Rota) in the latest spoilers video.

Sonny screams at Justine, “Someone is setting me up.” She says, “It’s over!” He proclaims, “I didn’t do it!” Little do they know that it was actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) who set Sonny up to take the fall for the Pentonville drama that left Curtis  (Donnell Turner) with injuries as well.

Then, Lulu (Alexa Havins) is seen using her voice memo app on her phone to record her discussion with Sidwell while he is recovering from his injuries at the hospital. This moment is intercut with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) saying, “I wish there was someone who could get Chase (Josh Swickard) to open his eyes about who Willow truly is!”

Next, Willow is seen happily waving while at a table at a Metro Court Gardens, while Chase, Michael (Rory Gibson), Brook Lynn and Ava (Maura West) all receive text messages. Tracy (Jane Elliot) punctuates the promo stating, “That’s the real Willow,” while the words “The world knows” comes across the screen.

Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 5-9 below.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Sonny challenges Justine. Josslyn takes matters into her own hands. Britt and Willow discuss matters of the heart. Jason is taken to task. Serena finds herself in a bind.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Felicia has welcome news for Anna. Brook Lynn confides in Valentin. Hudson tries to talk Josslyn down. Lulu makes a daring play. Willow and Chase discuss his marriage.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Carly asks Anna for a favor. Tracy bites her tongue with Gio. Drew and Alexis go at it. Scout tries to broker peace between Danny and Rocco. Lulu pursues a lead.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 
Carly supports Sonny. Lulu’s latest article makes waves. Ava pitches a new target to Drew. Curtis gets a shock. Chase throws down the gauntlet.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Britt offers a lifeline. Anna offers her expertise. Sonny reassures Gio. Portia makes her loyalties clear. Dante’s investigation hits a roadblock.

Check out the latest General Hospital promo for the action this week entitled, “The World Knows” below.

Now weigh-in: With everyone disbelieving Sonny, what will be his next move? Will he hit rock bottom, or rise up and fight back and prove his innocence? Will Sonny enlist Jason to get to the bottom of this, even though Jason is out of Sonny’s business? Meanwhile, can this truly be the week that Willow is exposed for her multitude of crimes … or is this all a red herring? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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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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