General Hospital
Erika Slezak Pays Tribute to Anthony Geary In Remembrance of the “Brilliant Actor” and Their “What If” Crossover
Erika Slezak, who for 41 years played Victoria Lord on One Life to Live and most recently returned to daytime in a new role on General Hospital as Monica Quartermaine’s sister, Ronnie Bard, has shared her remembrance of Anthony Geary, the iconic Luke Spencer, who passed away this past Sunday December 14 at the age of 78.
Geary, along with Slezak and The Bold and the Beautiful’s Heather Tom (Katie Logan) are the most decorated performers in Daytime Emmy history with Tony receiving 8 for his performances as Luke Spencer and Erika receiving 6 for her work as Viki. Meanwhile, Heather Tom has received Emmys and wins for her roles as Victoria Newman on Y&R, Kell and Katie on B&B, making Erika and Tony the only actors that have won that amount of Emmys for the same role on the same show!
In her statement, on her official website, Erika expressed, “I am so terribly saddened by the death of Tony Geary. He was a charming man, a brilliant actor and all together a very nice man. I send my sincerest condolences to his husband Claudio, and I will keep him in my prayers. We had such fun together when we did the What If crossover promotions in 2010. I thoroughly enjoyed him and loved watching him on television.”

Photo: JPI
What Erika is referring to is back in the summer of 2010, ABC daytime created short-form crossover meet-ups where characters from their daytime line-up crossed paths with another character from another soap. The series explored alternate realities. The ten-part series was originally streamed on ABC.com from July 12 to August 30, 2010 and was directed by then executive producer of One Life to Live, and now executive producer of General Hospital, Frank Valentini.
In fact, “What If” won a Daytime Emmy Award in the category of New Approaches – Daytime Entertainment. It was back in August 9, 2010, that ABC daytime aired the crossover between Viki and Luke titled, “Luke and Viki: Pain in My Heart,” and in it, the two characters are trapped in an elevator together!
More often than not, between Erika and Tony’s career, they were handing each other golden statuettes, because when it was time for Lead Actor or Actress to be presented, in the following year in which they won, they would wind up calling each other’s name to the podium after ripping open the envelopes. In fact, in a now absolutely poignant and priceless message to Erika back in 2011, when she celebrated her 40th anniversary as Viki on One Life to Live, Tony Geary taped for her a special video during a tribute on Live with Regis and Kelly!
Anthony said in tribute to Erika: “Pardon my appearance. Luke’s have a rough day,” Geary said in jest where he may have been battling a cold. “You know, when I first came on General Hospital 33 years ago, when Luke Spencer was unleashed on Port Charles, Viki Lord was already turning heads and given them hell in Llanview. I started checking out the competition, and I can tell you honestly that from that day to this, whenever I’m moving through the TV channels and I see an Erika Slezak scene, I stop. I sit and I watch your intelligence, generosity, and brilliance, and there’s no other way to say it … your class comes through every time. You’re an amazing actress and an amazing woman. It’s been my pleasure to get to know you a little bit, mostly at award shows. It’s been a lot of fun giving each other that little trinket back and forth. I hope we get to do it again sometimes. And then last year, I had the opportunity to finally work with you one day trapped in an elevator. It was heaven. I love you kid. Congratulations on a wonderful run on One Life to Live. I hope we get to work together again.”
Now below, check out Tony Geary’s anniversary message to Erika Slezak’s then 40-year run on One Life to Live, which clearly touches our hearts given his passing, followed by the promo for the “What If” series below that.
Then let us know, what did you think about the sentiments shared by Erika Slezak on the passing of Anthony Geary? Looks to us that these two soap opera icons had a mutual admiration society. Would you love to see crossovers such as this in 2026 with your favorite soaps and characters? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Erika Slezak is always a class act. I remember the “What If” between Viki and Luke. I enjoyed watching two such powerhouse performers work together.
I’m pretty sure Jonathan Jackson has also won 6 Daytime Emmys for his portrayal of Lucky on GH.
I believe Jonathan does have six, Tony, has eight (most of any daytime actor). Erika has the most of any daytime actress.
I was about to say the same thing. Jonathan jackson was on the show a total of 9 years got nominated 10 times has won 6 for only playing Lucky spencer.
General Hospital
Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

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, 2023 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.

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.”

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 three-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

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.

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.

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

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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