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General Hospital’s Executive Producer Frank Valentini Previews, “There’s More Tribute to Come For Monica”

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: ABC

The cast and crew and behind the scenes creatives were deeply saddened when General Hospital’s longest tenured cast member, Leslie Charleson (Monica Quartermaine) passed away back on January 12th of this year.

While we have previously reported GH’s plans for its 62nd anniversary episode airing on Tuesday, April 1, which will include honoring Charleson when her character of Dr. Monica Quartermaine get a new cardiac wing named after her at the hospital, the soap’s executive producer, Frank Valentini shared with Variety, that even after that, there is more in store the.

Valentini teased, “There’s more tribute to come for Monica. But the opportunity presented itself that we would have the anniversary of the hospital be on the anniversary of the show. So it’s a little meta, but I think it’s great. And then to give the hospital a reason to celebrate, that’s how we came up with the the new wing for Monica, which is a really beautiful set. It’s pretty incredible.”

Photo: ABC

The ABC daytime drama will address the death of Monica Quartermaine and the passing of Charleson at a later date, as this anniversary episode was said to be written before the news of the fan favorite’s death.

During the April 1 anniversary episode, Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Laura (Genie Francis) remember those who have come and gone and been a vital part of the hospital including: Alan Quartermaine (Stuart Damon), Epiphany Johnson (Sonya Eddy), Bobbie Spencer (Jackie Zeman) and more.

“As much as we always want to go boldly into the future, I think you can’t go into the future without understanding where you’ve come from, or what the past has taught you,” shared Valentini. “And if there’s anything that it’s taught us, it’s that the hospital is a very interesting and exciting place for story to be told, and the lives and the stakes in the hospital are so much bigger.”

So, glad to hear that there are more plans to honor Leslie Charleson and her contributions for 47 years as Monica Quartermaine down the line? Comment below.

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Happy to hear… but not looking forward to all the tears it will bring. GH tributes always are very touching and emotionally well done in honouring the passing of a cast member.

I most enjoyed the time Monica came to visit Tracy in the hospital, Tracy thinking she would die & be completely honest, told Monica, ” I Love you more than than anyone else in the world!” & began crying.. shortly after, Monica left the room..she had a hard time processing it, because she knew it was true..
After all there fights
Monica was great in that episode

I sure hope they show ample footage of the Alan and Monica wild make out sessions on the heels of one of their infamous marital fights. They were really a super soap couple without actually being called a super soap couple. They were classic!

I loved watching them. They were the most entertaining couple on daytime.

It would bring the house down! So to speak…

love that they honor the history of the show and remember all the departed cast members

Everything they do for Leslie (and Monica) will be beautiful but we’re always going to miss her.

She will be so miss Just don’t understand what took so long

This was written prior to Leslie Charleson’s passing. It’s not like she passed and they just pushed out scripts. That’s not how it works… even at this soap.

Leslie deserves to be honored immensely and forever! I will always remember Monica and Alan fighting!

They were an ideal couple, perfectly made for each other!

Been watching since day one. Saddened we lost Lesley but her tribute will be beautiful. Naming a wing after her is so appropriate and will keep her memory alive to all her fans. Rest in peace, Lesley, you are missed already.

I’ve been wondering when they were gonna honor her! I know it’s going to be a tear jerker. I’ll be sure to grab my box of tissues.

This was written prior to Leslie’s passing.

I have been a faithful fan of General Hospital since 1978. So many characters and storylines have come and gone since then. My mother’s favorite characters, besides Luke and Laura, were definitely Monica and Alan Quartermaine. In both of our opinions, they are central to what General Hospital is today. I am VERY happy to see that Dr. Monica Quartermaine will have a hospital wing named after her, definitely that episode (the 62nd anniversary show), and the episode where the entire cast will honor her in what will probably be the most saddest of episodes (those memorial episodes usually are as they should be). Leslie Charleson was a phenomenal actress. The name Monica Quartermaine will never be forgotten and neither will Leslie Charleson. RIP Leslie.

Wonderful news. A suggestion is to include Sasha Gilmore’s deceased husband’s name somewhere (Johnny ?” who sadly passed at a young age.

Ehh, the context here is legendary characters who were actually employed by the hospital itself. What happened to Johhny Wactor IRL was tragic, but “Brando Corbin” doesn’t fit in this context.

She’s been gone since January

I’m very happy that Monica will be honored in this way. She deserves this tribute. Condolences to her family friends and fans. Condolences as well for all who have passed. I really love GH Stars. God bless their souls and spirits to be protected as they transition to that Paradise where they will sleep for now. Until Jesus returns. In Jesus’s Mighty name I pray. Amen, Amen and Amen. ✝️❤️️➕➕➕⭐⭐

I think it’s ridiculous that they haven’t addressed her death yet. Monica is just up in a room dying all this time? Leslie has been the longest person on the show. The least they could do is address the fact that she is dead. They could then name the wing after her. That would make more sense and honor her life.

They don’t just snap their fingers and bam there’s a script. This episode was written before she passed. Then they tape 6 weeks in advance. When a cast member dies it takes time and planning. They have to see who they’d like to bring back and who could be available. With Monica for example they would want Ned there. But Wally Kurth also works on Days of our lives. So they’d have to be sure he’s available. Once they know that then it’s the planning and writing. Then the taping and editing. We dont want these rush. I don’t mind that Monica is still alive currently even though Leslie is not.

Did you read the story you’re commenting on? This is directly addressed:

The ABC daytime drama will address the death of Monica Quartermaine and the passing of Charleson at a later date, as this anniversary episode was said to be written before the news of the fan favorite’s death.

My mom started watching General Hospital when it was in black and white. I’ve only been watching for 30 something years. We love it, the story lines just keep drawing you in. We love all the actors. Let me tell you we shed some tears when the actors passed away. The best way to sum up GH is they feel like our family. I hope it never goes off air in my life time.

It would be nice if the character of Lesley Webber came back.

I would hope Denise Alexander as Lesley Webber would be included in a tribute to her longtime co-star Leslie Charleson and nemesis Dr. Monica Quartermaine. Those years with Alan and the Webber brothers were so well done. Soaps work best when past characters are remembered and included in current stories. As the World Turns was very good about that. GH remembers at anniversaries, but I wish some of the old guard would be featured more.

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS

In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year,  A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.

The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).

The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”

Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.

So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.

The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.

Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC

WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?

Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.

So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?

Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.

Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.

Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.

In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

WHERE IS SCOTT?

On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.

In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”

The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.”  Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.

So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in 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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