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General Hospital to Mark 62nd Anniversary with Triple Celebration Episode Featuring Genie Francis and Dedication of ‘Dr. Monica Quartermaine Cardiac Wing”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

Next week, General Hospital continues to be the longest-running television show on the air when it marks its 62nd anniversary. The series premiered back on April 1, 1963.

Tuesday’s April 1st episode will serve as triple celebration as the ABC daytime drama series not only as acknowledges its 62nd year, but it will also pay tribute to the contributions of its long-running stars, Genie Francis (Laura Spencer Collins) and the late Leslie Charleson (Monica Quartermaine).

According to the current issue of TV Guide Magazine, Laura will officially open GH’s new ‘Dr. Monica Quartermaine Cardiac Wing.’ Commenting on the moment, Francis shared, “I take great pride in giving the speeches because there’s a lot of truth in them and how I feel about this place and how I feel about the people in.”

Photo: ABC

Genie also expressed that she appreciates when the spotlight can be turned on her in the most flattering of ways, “It’s always nice when they acknowledge the fact that I’m sort of an antique her. I’m historical. I like the feeling of that.”

As noted in the TVG article, this anniversary episode was written before Leslie Charleson’s passing on January 12th, with the hopes that she would be well enough to appear in the dedication. However, the team pivoted and is now planning a memorial for Monica that will air at a later date. (No word yet on when that will be).

Photo: ABC

Sharing a remembrance of her late co-star, Genie said of Leslie Charleson, she was, “always so kind to me. Most of us have come and gone, me included. Even Tony (Geary) came and went. But Leslie was there non-stop. She was a real pillar of this show and of that hospital, which is a lovely thing. I’m glad they did this in her honor. I think it’s beautiful.”

Are you looking forward to GH’s 62nd anniversary episode? Glad they are spotlighting Genie Francis and honoring Leslie Charleson, by opening the ‘Dr. Monica Quartermaine Cardiac Wing’ in the story? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Yes I’m glad they are spotlighting Genie Francis and honoring Leslie Charleson I’ve been watching from the beginning.

I have been watching GH since 1969 and I still love it; great actors and actresses. Will Robin Scorpio and Leslie be there ?

Why are they taking so long to announce Monica’s death?

I. Agree!!

Wondered the same thing. Also, why didn’t they have a funeral for Dex on the show?? Weird!!
Both characters need one!!!

Dex was a minor character. He had no family in PC. As a cop, they’d have to break the budget to hire a bunch of extras for the service funeral.

Because she is an Icon. And it takes time to remember her properly

They are probably going to use it in a Storyline, like Drew caused her Death by tearing down the Quartermaine Crypt.

Yeah I said that too

The show is written about 3-4 months ahead. Storylines can be adjusted, but the death of a longtime character with connections to a legacy family takes much care and coordination. Former cast members might be asked back and require schedule coordination.

Episodes were recorded far in advance before Leslie’s passing. That is the reason why her passing hasn’t even been mentioned yet.

The scripts can be written months ahead …. but GH doesn’t tape that far in advance. Thays why they are able to change plans. Days of Our Lives is the only soap that films months and months ahead.

A combination of the 3-4 month lead time in taping and the scheduling and budgetary logistics involved with assembling a large group of current (and likely past) cast members in this century. They did it right for Bobbie/Jackie, let them take the time necessary to do the same for Monica/Leslie.

Love this both deserve to be honored

This’ll be good, hopefully.

Well deserved.RIP Leslie. You are greatly missed

So glad that they are honoring Leslie.
Miss her being on the show. She was a great actress.

I started watching General Hospital in 1979 when I was a teenager. I have always enjoyed the show and the storylines was so sad to hear of Leslie Charleston’s passing. I’m happy they are honoring her for her contribution to the show.

Yesssssza

It’s about time I have been watching GH for 57 years I was wondering when they were going to pay Tribute to Leslie Charleson She was the Matriarch since since 1977. I was so sadden of Leslie Charleson passing I.will GREATLY Miss her on GH.
THANK YOU For PAYING TRIBUTE TO LESLIE Charleson❤️

I knew that GH was taped about 6 weeks ahead of the air date, but I had no idea that the show was written several months in advance.

This would have been a good time to have Monica pass away on the show, so they could dedicate the cardiac wing to her memory. But I understand this episode was written before Leslie passed. They will have to address that down the road, and hopefully soon.

Either way, it’s very nice of them to honor their history by recognizing Leslie/Monica, and also having Genie Francis front and center, where she should be. I have my issues with the way Frank runs this show, but one thing I will give him credit for, as a whole they’ve done a pretty good job honoring the show’s rich history during his tenure, in my view.

I just turned 70…and I have ALWAYS WATCHED GH!!

I have watched GH since the first day. I miss all those who have passed on. It will be wonderful to see this episode highlighting Genie Francis and honoring Leslie. It should have been done long ago, but am happy Frank Valentino decided to honor Leslie now. I’m not happy the way the the show has handled firing and hiring the actors, but Frank does well to honor the beloved.

I haved been watching General Hospital since I could remember I sorry of passing Dr Monica Qaurtermen Monica is an excellent actress she is missed.

I’m so glad they’re honoring Leslie Charleston and the character she portrayed!! She was a beautiful person and a wonderful actor ❤️ RIP Leslie

Great show

I Love GH. Can not wait to see it

I’ve watched GH since the start. I remember Monica as always the power house of the family. Tracy has surpassed that role many times. Laura is just to “goody”. Let’s let Jason do it

So happy they’re finally doing it. She was so great!

Hi! I’m Cindy Parker from South Roxana Illinois and I just want to say that I have been watching GH since it aired the day before my 6th birthday. I was born April 2, 1957 and my mother started watching GH the day it aired from what I understand. Of course I really didn’t catch on at that age, but as I grew U felt that I was a part of GH. I really enjoy the soap and all the crew. I’ve seen all of the ups and downs and laughed and cried with them all and even got my husband watching it. we’ve beenarried 50 yrs and when he retired he started watching it at home with me. Before that he was working and I would have to tape it for him. He took is a big fan. Pleàse keep it going so we can continue to watch a great soap with an àwesome story line. it’s our enjoyment. we love all the characters and story lines.

I to have watched general hospital since day one with my mother and have gotten my husband hooked too I agree to every word you said. Long live G H.

I have watched GH from day one and love all the actors that have been there! Am not fond of the swapping out of the characters!!

General hospital ‘s 62 anniversary.

Long Live General Hospital

I will be 62 years old this year. I have been watching general hospital. I kno when I was 16 or 17 years old. Never missed an episode I would always record. I loved all my children. I loved one life to live well. The only one left now is general hospital and I still love it. And yes, Monica will be very, very missed. I just wish that Tracy would tone down a little bit. Rest in peace. And God bless you for all those wonderful years.

Tracy has toned down A lot! She cracks me up! With all the Q’s antics but she is definitely “softer” now! In the 80s she didn’t care about anything but herself…

I’m so happy they are doing this for Monica. I am 62th years old too
I remember everyone on the show. I’m sad that Monica Qurmen is watching everyone down here on this earth celebrate her and she deserves it too Rest in Peace ❤️

I’m a General Hosital soap opera watcher/ fan since my 1st born daughter was born in February 5. 1964. Still record the show 5 days a week so I don’t miss an episode. What a GREAT RUN this has been sofar. Great actors/actresses, story lines and topics great sets. GREAT EVERYTHING. THANK YOU, for my relaxing hours.

I’m thrilled about the recognition of Genie Francis and his dedication for Leslie Charleston. I’ve been watching for 50 years!

I was born the year G.H began and my mom started watching while she would iron all the clothes for a family of 8! I can remember at the age of 4 watching with her and running home from high school to watch Luke and Laura!
Then when I had my daughter, she watched with me and too ran home from school to see every episode! This time it was Sonny and Carly!
Now she is expecting her daughter in June. The fourth generation in our family of G.H fans and watchers!

I am 74 years old and used to watch GH every day after school with my Mom, who has long since passed. Wel loved Monica and Laura has always been my favorite character. Looking forward to both episodes.

I remember my Mom watching this show when I was a child. I was born in 63. My Mom would do her ironing during the time GH was on, she related to it very well as she was also a nurse. I remember Jessie Brewer, Steve Hardy and Audrey Hardy and The Baldwin’s. A lot of history in General Hospital.

It’s truly amazing and wonderful 62 years GH. Leslie and Genie honor is great idea. Also Jane Eliot has been on a long time too. Big toast to all at GH.

I still remember Laura’s mother, Leslie Webber. So it still gets confusing when Monica is referred to as Leslie.

That’s Awesome we’ll Deserve

I am very glad about the dedication. I have watched General Hospital since the days of Dr. Hardy, Audrey, Jessie and Lucille. The writers never cease to amaze me. Looking forward to the tribute and memorial for Leslie.

I have watched, read and then recorded since Day One in 1963.
Watched with my late Mother and now I share daily thoughts with my Baby Sis who lives in Florida, I live in Pennsylvania.
#GHFOREVER ♥️

Ive also been watching since the beginning. I have always taped and or recorded every episode so I wouldn’t miss anything. Great show!

I been watching general hospital, from the beginning with Jessie, doctor Harvey, Phil bewer,Lucille, and so on. It’s nice to celebrate Monica.

Wish the Anniversary opening sequence included pictures of the many key characters throughout the years! Happy 62 years!

First they have to address her death in GH. (She’s been in that bedroom upstairs forever!) I’m waiting to see how they’re gonna do that. Either way, it’s going to be a tear jerker. Get your hankies ready.

Sadly, I am start to think the storyline with Drew fighting with Tracy and wanting the family crypt torn down because of the property line will somehow tie into Monica’s death.

Im disappointed that they did not recognize her death after one of the episodes. They have done thatvfor almost every cast membervwho died. Then they can write her death into the show when they want.

I think it’s wonderful that they are dedicating the episode to Leslie Charleson and honoring her in that way and spotlighting Genie Francis.

My sister and I have watched General Hospital from the first episode. I was almost 17, and she was a couple of months shy of TWO years old. We were delighted when Genie Francis came back to the show. We miss seeing Leslie Charleson. She reigned the family in when necessary, but she was gentle about it. It will be nice to see her honored in such a special way. This is one episode that won’t be missed!

I too have watched GH for many years…since it was a 1/2 show! And then becme a1 hour show.and I still watch it.

Yes I’ve been watching GH since it was in black and white (1963)!!

So looking for the episode I waited on l was beginning to start high school, I started watching at that time and I have been

I once met genie outside a theatre in Birmingham Michigan was very nice signed a tv guide I have with her pic on cover.

General Hospital

Troy Lennon Appel Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ in Contract Role of the Mysterious ‘Hudson’

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There are even more newbies coming to General Hospital with the news today that Troy Lennon Appel is joining the cast of the ABC daytime drama series in the contract role of “Hudson.” Look for Appel to make his debut on the July 30th episode.

What we do know is that Hudson is a business executive with mysterious ties. As first reported by TV Insider, Troy has already been enjoying his time on the legacy soap opera. He enthused, “Working on GH has been nothing short of an incredible, fast-paced experience, Everyone is very professional; they’re on top of every intricate part of this very established, well-oiled machine, and I’m just trying to keep up and not halt the process in any way.”

In a statement, General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini expressed: “Troy is a terrific guy, and we are excited to have him join our cast. And fans will be intrigued to see how his character fits into the story.“

FOUR NEWCOMERS IN SHORT ORDER

Appel’s casting comes on the heels of three other major additions coming to Port Charles, and all should be landing on-air next month in July. As previously reported, Dean Geyer has joined the cast as Tristan Robert and is set to debut on the July 13 episode. Daytime vet, Kelly Kruger (ex-B&B and Y&R) has signed on to play the new Serena Baldwin and Kayden Brenna Tokarski is the new Scout Cain, the daughter of Drew (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam (Kelly Monaco).

Apple added on his GH experience thus far, “So many of the cast and crew have gone out of their way to welcome me, and I am immensely grateful for how simple and easy this transition has been. I owe it all to them. They know what they’re doing, and I hope to learn as much as I can and add to the show, to the best of my ability.”

Troy’s previous credits have included: Revenge Best Served ChilledBlackmail, Lies and Murder, and Lethally Blonde. Finding Master Right and Menflix, and he appeared with The Goldbergs star  Hayley Orrantia’s music video for her single, “Find Yourself Somebody.”

So, what do you think about the casting of Troy Lennon Appel to General Hospital? Who will Hudson actually have ties to, since it is a contract role? Will you be intrigued to see all the new arrivals next month in Port Charles? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘General Hospital’ Alum Avery Pohl Joins Cast of Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Series

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Previously on General Hospital, Esme Prince caused so much trouble for Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) until the character went overboard and was presumed dead back in January of 2024.

Esme’s portrayer, Avery Pohl was heralded by GH fans as one of the great young baddies in recent memory. And now, Pohl is taking her talents to the new Netflix series, and joining the Scooby-Doo universe in an undisclosed role in the upcoming show, Scooby-Doo Orgins!

News of Pohl’s casting came via Deadline when they revealed 12 actors joining the upcoming live-action series which also includes notables: Sara Gilbert (ex-The Talk and The Connors), and Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks), plus previously announced, MacKenna Grace (ex-Faith, The Young and the Restless) who plays the central role of Daphne Blake. Tanner Hagen takes on Shaggy Rogers, Abby Ryder Fortson plays Velma Dinkley, Maxwell Jenkins  is Fred Jones, and even Paul Walter Hauser also appears in a secret role, and not to be left out, Scooby-Doo himself.

Courtesy/ABC

ZOINKS, RUH-RO AND JEEPERS!

Avery Pohl took to her Instagram upon the reveal of her new project and said, “Dog’s outta the bag. So grateful to work with so many talented and kind individuals.” Immediately many of her former GH castmates congratulated the actress including: Tabyana Ali and her predecessor in the role of Trina, Sydney Mikalya and Eden McCoy (Josslyn).

According to the official loglines for Scooby-Doo Origins, its a, “Modern reimagining of the iconic mystery-solving group of teens and their very special dog. During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder. Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”

The series, which introduced supernatural mystery-solving teens Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, and Shaggy Rogers and their talking Great Dane Scooby-Doo, originally aired on CBS from 1969-76. It then moved to ABC, where various versions of the show aired until 1986. The Scooby-Doo franchise has also released three movies more than adozen animated series, and over 40 animated home entertainment movies.

WILL ESME PRINCE RETURN TO GH?

Pohl received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2025, in the Outstanding Guest Performer category and initially debuted on GH back in 2021.

In case you missed it, Avery participated in a livestream chat last year along with GH’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow) and their acting coach and soap alum Holly Gagnier (ex-Days, GH, and OLTL) on the Michael Fairman Channel. You can check it out below.

Now, share your congrats for Avery on landing her upcoming role in ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Let us know, if you hope GH brings back Esme one day and Spencer Cassadine via the comment section.

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A post shared by Avery Pohl (@averypohl)

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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell is Set Up By Lucas and Company, Cassius is in the Right Place at the Right Time

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On the Wednesday, June 10 episode of General Hospital, after Sidwell (Carlo Rota) shoots Lucas (Van Hansis) three times, he is surrounded by PCPD commissioner Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna), Joe (Jonathan Bennett) and other uniformed cops. Laura (Genie Francis) and Sonny (Maurice Benard) show up and the mayor runs to Lucas as Joe checks his vitals.

Lucas comes to and reveals (as we all predicted) that he was wearing a bulletproof vest. That reveal sets Sidwell off that he was played as Dante says there is evidence enough to arrest him for attempted murder.

Sidwell though, tells Dante that he needs to arrest Laura and his father, the mobster Sonny Corinthos, for Professor Dalton’s murder, but admits he no longer has the proof because Lucas broke into his safe and stole the evidence.

Courtesy/ABC

LUCAS GETS BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS

Just then, “Nathan” (Ryan Paevey) shows up wondering what he missed. Sidwell says his lawyer will get the charges thrown out since Dante, Laura, Sonny and Lucas conspired against him. However, Dante mistakenly allows “Nathan” aka Cassius to be in charge of taking Sidwell to the PCPD and to book him.

Lucas is still uneasy. Laura wants him to go to GH to be checked out. Dante asks Laura and Sonny and Sonny about Dalton’s death, but they play dumb as if they know nothing about it, which is not lost on Dante that they are lying.

Later, none other than Joe takes Lucas to the hospital, and for the first time we see the two characters truly in a one-on-one moment together. Lucas talks about Marco and Joe waits around till the nurse comes to get Lucas to get checked out. Do you get a sense that Joe likes Lucas, or is that all in our minds?

Courtesy/ABC

SIDWELL GETS AWAY

Taking a side road, Cassius gets Sidwell out of his vehicle, and tells him he cannot protect him from an attempted murder charge, so the only thing Jenz can do is to get out of the country and disappear for good. Sidwell says he has many contingency plans in place, and also warns Cassius that he will expose him if he does not comply with what he needs him to do.

To make it look good, Sidwell asks for Cassius’ gun. In the final moments of the show, Cassius is seen with a gash on his head calling Dante, and informing him that Sidwell’s thugs jumped him and Jenz got away!

Courtesy/ABC

THE PLAN TO BLACKMAIL DREW BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE

Elsewhere, Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) is freaked out that Jack (Chris McKenna) is able to grab her arm and talk! Just then, Nina (Cynthia Watros) shows up. Willow learns her mother hasn’t been injecting Brennan with the paralytic drug. Jack says he can stop Sidwell and Cullum from coming after her and has evidence she can leverage against Drew.

Willow learns, that according to Brennan, Drew misappropriated federal funds and he has the proof, and if that should come to light, Drew would be sent to prison. Nina says Drew won’t risk being sent to prison again, so Willow can stop drugging him.

However, Jack has a plan. He says he’s the only one with the information on Drew. He thinks they should continue to let Cullum and Sidwell believe he’s still in a locked-in state to give him cover. Willow is told as much as she hates continuing to drug Drew, she will only need to do it 1 or 2 more times, to give Jack time to set everything in motion.

So, were you annoyed that Cassius freed Sidwell when he was caught shooting Lucas Jones? Where do you think Sidwell will go? Do you think Joe and Lucas might be potential boyfriends, and what do you think of Jack’s plan? Did Drew really misappropriate federal funds? Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, check out the scenes between, Nina, Willow and Jack.

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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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