General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Head Writers Tease Plans to Honor Tristan Rogers’ Robert Scorpio and Denise Alexander’s Lesley Webber
General Hospital viewers recently saw the incredibly moving episodes surrounding the death of Monica Quartermaine (the late Leslie Charleson) and her memorial, and its aftermath. That aftermath is still playing out which includes; the sudden arrival of Monica’s never-heard-of before sister, Ronnie Bard (Erika Slezak).
Now fans are wondering, can lightning strike twice or three times if GH’s co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten, honor Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio) and Denise Alexander (Lesley Webber) both of whom passed away this year?
During last week’s 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, General Hospital took home the gold for the Outstanding Writing Team in a Daytime Drama Series. In the Winners Walk, following their victory, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten spoke with TV Insider, who asked if there was any update to how GH plans to send-off and honor the beloved characters of Robert Scorpio and Lesley Webber and would it be similar to what fans saw in terms of the care and thoughtfulness that was put into Monica’s death.
Photo: NATAS
“Our plan is to absolutely do that,’ said Van Etten “We want to make sure that we achieve the same goal that I think we have with the story of Monica’s passing. We want a story that will carry (Lesley and Robert’s) names into the future, so that we still feel Robert’s and Lesley’s presence for years to come.”
Denise Alexander joined General Hospital back in 1973 after her 7-year successful run as Susan Martin on Days of our Lives. When Alexander came over to GH, the show was struggling with low ratings. In fact, a 1976 TIME magazine article panned the soap opera, but praised Alexander’s portrayal of Lesley, calling her the show’s ‘only saving grace.'”
Photo: ABC
Soon after, the Lesley/Rick/Monica triangle caught fire and the show became top-ranked once again. Alexander portrayed Dr. Lesley Webber until 1984 when she was killed-off. However in true soap fashion, she returned to GH in 1996 very much alive and remained on a recurring basis until 2021.
Photo: JPI
It was 1980 when Tristan Rogers joined General Hospital as super spy Robert Scorpio. He remained with the show until 1992. The character of Scorpio at that time was presumed dead. Fast-forward to 2006 when viewers learned Robert was alive and well. Rogers continued playing Scorpio on and off until this year; with a few years/stints to The Young and the Restless in-between as Colin Atkinson.
Photo: ABC
Knowing how emotional it was for viewers and the positive reaction they received for the writing of Monica’s memorial, Korte added she understands the importance of honoring these memorable and defining GH characters in the series history. “Monica was a pillar of General Hospital,” explained Korte. “She was the heart of the Quartermaines, and the Quartermaines are our crazy, awesome family.”
So, how would you like to see General Hospital handle killing-off the characters of Robert Scorpio and Lesley Webber in order to honor the contributions of Tristan Rogers and Denise Alexander to the legacy of the iconic soap opera? What kind of story would you like to see, and who would you like to see return to the show to heighten the emotion of the story? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
I will honor robert and leslie webber.oxoxoxRIP
I will as well oxoxox
I do think that these two pivotal characters deserve proper memorials.
More than anything, though, I want Sam McCall resurrected. She added so much to General Hospital with her investigation services, her back story, the way she took care of her children and family. Maybe she had to go undercover with the investigation into what is going on with Sidwell, Drew, etc.
I totally agree with you, would be continuing in the Soap Opera tradition and great plot line(s)
That’s an awesome idea!
Robert’s passing deserves a storyline (not just a tribute episode) and requires timing to get Emma Samms, Kimberly McCullough and probably Sofia Mattsson back temporarily.
Because most of her contemporaries have passed on, Lesley’s death only impacts Laura. Elizabeth might have had a scene with Lesley, but nothing stands out. With Jon Lindstrom recently being spotted in the studio, hopefully Kevin is back soon to help Laura when Lesley’s passing is addressed.
For anyone wondering, Audrey lives on happily off screen with Rachel Ames nearing her 96th birthday.
Thanks so much for the update on Rachel Ame. It would be amazing if Audrey was able to be at Lesley’s service.
As nice as that sounds, she retired full time around 10 years ago.
So many from Lesley Webber’s stories are gone. Scott should be there. John Stamos as Blackie? Little Mikey? Laura, Lucky, Lulu.
Robin has to make a cameo for Robert. Tiffany, too. Even by phone if necessary.
So many from GH’s history are gone.
Based on the number of people at Monica’s funeral, I wouldn’t hold out hope for too many for Robert and Lesley. Definitely not John Stamos. Maybe they can get JJ to do a few episodes… KM is the true question mark. They’ll want her, I just don’t know if she wants to be in front of the camera at all. I just get that impression. She hasn’t acted since her last GH appearances in 2021 and prior to that 2018.
Jonathan Jackson told Michael Fairman he will definitely return for episodes honoring Leslie Webber. In fact, I thought they may have already shot those scenes as I heard rumors that JJ was on set earlier this month shooting episodes.
I think Kimberly McCullough will agree to return to honor Tristan Rogers. I know she’s busy directing new projects, but I think she would return to honor him.
Where are you reading that JJ said that about returning? I follow this site regularly and have never seen any quote like the one you suggest.
I saw that, too, but it was on another tv entertainment site that he said would be interested in returning for a memorial honoring Lesley.
Very happy to hear that both will be honored.
Lesley Webber and Robert Scorpio are very important parts of GH history. I hope they and the actors are appropriately honored.
.I like both actors
The were always the best we will miss them always. for all the .actors that are gone so soon. I have watching for 6oyears love the show ,known I am retired now. I do not miss a day of Gh
.kept it going
I very much agree
I remember the first time Robert met Leslie. He met her in front of Laura’s apartment. He thought she was gorgeous and he felt she looked so young to be Laura’s mom. He said something like “You’re Laura’s mother? How is that possible?”I loved these 2 characters when I was a kid. I’m glad GH is going to honor them.
I’m glad to hear they plan to honor both Leslie Webber and Robert Scorpio. I know Jonathan Jackson said he will return to shoot episodes honoring Leslie. There were rumors that JJ was on set a few weeks back and I wondered if they were shooting scenes honoring Leslie. When Laura attended Monica’s memorial she told Jason that Leslie was sick. So I thought they were leading up to Leslie’s story. I’m sure Laura, Lucky, Lulu, Elizabeth, and Aiden, would definitely be part of Leslie’s memorial. Inwishntheyd bring Jake, Nikolas and Scotty back for the memorial, but it’s doubtful.
As for Robert, I really hope Frank can get Kimberly McCullough to return to honor Tristan Rogers. If there is a reason KM would return to GH, it would be to honor TR and Finola Hughes. They would have to get Sasha, Holly to also return. Of course Mac, Felicia and Maxie, if it happens next year, would be there.
I’d like to see Brenda and Jax return to GH
I highly doubt they will bring back Ingo Rademacher to play Jax after he sued ABC.
RIP to all that have passed loved you all!
Luke should come back for Leslie as she was his mother-in-law, as well as, for Robert. They were good friends.
Luke is dead.
Is anyone every really dead on a soap? I think if Tony Geary wanted to do an appearance… Luke would be very much alive. I still hold on to “never say never” where Luke / Tony is concerned.
About 5 years ago, I would’ve agreed with you. Geary (now 78) is enjoying retirement in Amsterdam. He had some very heartfelt comments when Tristan passed (as he did when Jackie did).
Yes, he did a cameo (Luke was still alive then) in 2017 when Jane “retired”. Fortunately for us, she changed her mind.
When discussing his prior “returns” over the years, he has hinted or stated they’ve stroked his ego. Like they’ve raved about his abilities or they’ve given him carte blanche to write the story or make whatever changes he wants to make. He has said things like “He/she really knows how to talk to an actor’s ego”. So, I’m guessing if they want him to come back for a limited run, they better start laying on the charm and let him have whatever he wants. Otherwise, he will happily stay in Amsterdam.
Bring back Sam
Please bring back Sam!!
Really looking forward to this! It’s past time to honor them!
The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.
TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.
That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.
Photo: ABC
STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES
GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.
Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.
GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS
Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.
Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.
So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
On the Friday, September 11 episode of General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship becomes strained to potentially the point of no return.
Things take a turn when an unglued Britt having been traumatized by almost being killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Jason to back her up with the PCPD when she reports Anna for attempted murder.
However, Jason told Britt, he can’t. Jason shares that he does not believe Anna would have gone through with shooting her. Therefore, Britt was not in any real imminent danger. Britt is flabbergasted and hurt that Jason is refusing to tell the police what he actually witnessed for himself on Mount Emerson.
Courtesy/ABC
BRITT WANTS BACK UP FROM JASON
Jason counters that he can’t believe that Britt would want Anna punished. or sent to prison, or a mental facility after the trauma she endured while being locked up and mentally tortured while at Wyndemere.
He asks Britt, “How could you even say that you want her locked up or prosecuted for what she did when you knew she was being held prisoner and you did nothing to save her?” Britt is stunned by Jason’s response.
Coming up, official General Hospital spoilers share that on the upcoming Monday, September 14 episode, Jason confides in Carly (Laura Wright), while Britt is stung. In the video preview that aired at the end of the Friday, September 11 episode for this coming Monday, Britt says to Jason, “You don’t believe me. Do you?”
General Hospital head scribes, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte previously teased in their fall preview of the soap, “Britt and Jason have come a long way and fought a lot of enemies to be together. But the most stubborn obstacle to their happiness isn’t without, it’s within. Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”
So, what do you think will happen? Will Jason and Britt break-up over Britt’s lies and Jason’s unwillingness to report Anna’s crime against her? Do you want Jason and Britt to go their separate ways? If they do, will Britt become romantically involved with Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) ? If so, who do you pair Jason with? Anyone? Weigh-in via the comment section.
If Anna Devane’s (Finola Hughes) new therapist on General Hospital looks familiar to you, it’s because actress Kearran Giovanni, who plays Dr. Nichols, previously played a doctor on One Life to Live!.
Viewers tuning-in to the Thursday, September 10 episode of GH got their first look at Dr. Nichols who has been brought in to help Anna recover from her PTSD and trauma following the reveal that she has been suffering from a break in reality since before being put in mental health facility in France, after being gaslighted by Cullum and company earlier in the year.
One Life to Live fans will recall that Kearran Giovanni played Dr. Vivian Wright in 2009, and it was then she first worked with current General Hospital EP, Frank Valentini, who at the time was at the helm in Llanview.
Photo: JPI
WHERE ELSE HAVE YOU SEEN KEARRAN GIOVANNI?
Giovanni appeared on OLTL in the recurring role through 2012 and in the final ABC episode of the beloved series was the the ob/gyn who delivered Destiny Evans (Shenell Edmonds) and Matthew Buchanan’s (Eddie Alderson) baby into the world, whom they named Drew Buchanan II after Bo Buchanan’s (Robert S, Woods) late son. In addition, Vivian has been dating Shaun Evans (Sean Ringgold).
In addition to One Life to Love, Giovanni has very impressive credits having appeared in numerous TV series and motion pictures including starring in the TNT drama Major Crimes from 2012-18, ABC’s Designated Survivor 2017-19, the CW’s Black Lightning from 2019-20. Most recently, Giovanni appeared on the Fox series, The Resident and has a recurring role on the CW’s crime series, Walker from 202-2024.
HEALING ANNA
On today’s General Hospital, after Anna’s harrowing meltdown where she almost shot and killed Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) after seeing visions of “Peter August” (Wes Ramsey), Jason (Steve Burton) saved the day and talked Anna down from committing murder. Now, Dr. Nichols was introduced as a valuable staff member at the hospital. Although, this marked the first time in the history of the show we have heard of her character.
So, do you remember seeing Kearran Giovanni on One Life to Live? Happy to see that Anna may have a qualified therapist in charge of her healing, unless the doctor turns out to be not on the up and up? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
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