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!
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
As had been teased since Jason Morgan’s (Steve Burton) captivity by the WSB and his release on General Hospital, he is clearly having issues speaking about what happened to him, after he was dragged away from Port Charles when he took the fall for Rocco (Finn Carr) who shot WSB director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Now. as Jason tries to reacclimate to life back in Port Charles, he has already displayed that he wants to do better for his son, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) and the people he loves and to show up for them.
In addition, things took a turn on the Friday, July 31 episode where after Sonny (Maurice Benard) questioned Jason if he was having an issue with Ric (Rick Hearst) working side by side with his half-brother, Jason had something to say.
Courtesy/ABC
An emotional Jason tells Sonny, “I can’t work for you anymore.” The moment left Sonny dumbfounded, and viewers won’t know the pick-up of the conversation till Monday’s August 3 episode of GH.
Could it be that this time Jason will cut ties with Sonny and the mob for good? If so, it would be the end of an era for Jason and Sonny, sort of the Batman and Robin of GH with a twist.
Previous teases from the GH co-head writing team of Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte, and Burton himself on his podcast That’s Awesome ,seem to indicate there is a change coming for Jason that sends him off in a different path in his life.
However, we should learn Jason’s reasons shortly, and if Sonny can talk him back into the mob, or can just wish Jason the best and let him go. But now the question becomes, if Jason exits life as Sonny’s right hand man and henchman, what do you see him doing with his life? We do know that Jason is aware that Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) has tied to the WSB, since he escorted him to Port Charles via Jakarta on the plane which may be a clue.
Weigh-in below: Do you want Jason to go work for the Quartermaines and truly join the family in full? Do you see him doing something to help those in need, or do you see him going undercover with the WSB to expose some of the treacherous things they perpetrated on him and others, or do you see Jason doing something completely different with his life? If so, what? Let us know your hopes and thoughts for Jason in the comment section below.
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
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