General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jane Elliot Talks On Her 60-Year Career, Always “Coming Home” to Play Tracy, Monica’s Memorial and Going Toe-to-Toe with Erika Slezak (Exclusive)
On General Hospital, Jane Elliot has been playing the often scheming, often lovable, Tracy Quartermaine on and off since 1978 for nearly 50 years. The character is now the longest-tenured member of the iconic Quartermaine family still around. Something that is not lost on the newest Gold Circle Inductee at last week’s 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Jane was awarded her honor for excellence and dedication to her craft in the field of daytime television; and for making an enduring contribution to the vitality of the industry, and for setting standards for all to emulate.
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Jane shortly after she took to the stage during the Emmy ceremony and was acknowledged for her Gold Circle induction on her legendary daytime career which has spanned 60 years. It has included roles such as: Carrie Marler on Guiding Light, Angelica Deveraux on Days of our Lives, and Cynthia Preston on All My Children. Soap fans first saw Jane in 1965’s, A Flame in the Wind.
Photos: ABC/CBS/NBC
Jane shared what she is most proud of in her daytime career, “The first soap opera I did was in 1965, 60 years ago and it was live television. It’s 60 years later and I have been part of nine different soap operas. The thing I think that I’m proudest of is that I keep coming home to General Hospital and they keep a place for me, and that’s cherished. It is so cherished that they let me go do other things: I’ve done Days of our Lives. I’ve done Guiding Light, I’ve done All My Children, etc. They let me go, and visit other shows and create other characters, and then I get to come home. I don’t know anybody that’s been as lucky as I am.”
Photo: ABC
THE WRITE STUFF
Over the past year, GH Emmy-winning head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten, have really given Jane some extraordinary nuanced material to play, and dare we say for the 2026 Daytime Emmys, if she were to throw her hat into the race, she would be hard to beat. Commenting on the writing, Elliot expressed, “It starts on the page. I can only do what I do, but it has to be on the page first. The material that I’ve been given to do in this past year has been exceptional.”
MONICA’S MEMORIAL EPISODES
There was not a dry eye in the house when on September 25 and 26, General Hospital aired its episodes centering around the memorial of Monica Quartermaine as the series said goodbye to the iconic character and her portrayer, the late Leslie Charleson. In real-life and on the show, it was Jane and her co-star Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) who were closest to Charleson making the story and the emotional scenes difficult to do.
“It was really hard, because Leslie died nine months ago and we did a celebration of life for her,” recalled Elliot. “I did a eulogy then for Leslie, and then I did it for Monica. To keep her (Monica) alive for nine months on camera and play like she was still here, and then to finally, after not acknowledging it, then acknowledging that she’d passed, was heartbreaking for Steve Burton and for me. I thought Steve did the best work of his life.”
Photo: JPI
In the key moment in the story for Tracy, she wheels interloper Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) out of the church (he was in a wheelchair recovering from gunshot wounds), closes the doors, and then makes her way to the pulpit to finally eulogize Monica, who has always been like a sister to her; even though they were sister-in-laws. Jane explained if she felt more pressure or weight to the moment to deliver in the scene because of her love and out of respect for Leslie Charleson and the history they shared.
“There’s always weight when you’re given good work, right? When something is well-written it’s always a pressure to come up with the goods. because you want to it justice,” expressed Elliot.
Photo: ABC
GOING TOE TO TOE WITH ERIKA SLEZAK
Since Monica’s death, General Hospital brought six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Erika Slezak (Ronnie, GH and ex-Viki, OLTL) to the series for a short-term run as Tracy’s newest rival. Jane shared her reaction to working with another icon. “I was just in awe. I’ve watched Erika for years on television. She’s watched me for years on television, and then there we are face to face, nose to nose. And it’s like, ‘Oh, my God! There you are’. And she looks at me and goes, ‘Oh, my God! There you are.’ It could not have been more delicious.”
Courtesy/ABC
THE LEGACY OF TRACY: FROM WITHHOLDING EDWARD’S HEART MEDICATION TO BEING THROWN OUT OF THE QS
In a famous 1980 General Hospital storyline, Tracy Quartermaine withheld her father Edward’s heart medication during what she believed was a real heart attack. However, Edward was actually faking the attack to test her loyalty. It became a soap classic and won Elliot a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 1981. Jane explained that although it did launch Tracy further into the soap opera stratosphere she does not reflect back on it in that way. “I don’t think about stuff like that. I just do what’s asked of me,” Elliot said. “You put it on the page, I’m going make it sing as best I possibly can. I don’t have that self-awareness of how it’s going to live in history. I just do what I do. That’s all.”
Photo: ABC
Now below, check out our conversation with Jane. Make sure to check out the Michael Fairman Channel for more interviews with the winners at the 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
So, what do you think about what Jane shared about always “coming home” to GH, Erika Slezak, working in daytime for 60 years, and Monica’s memorial? Are you glad to see Jane receiving the Gold Circle honor? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Total class act! Love Jane Elliot!
Jane is a treasure. She looked amazing that night, amazing for a lady of her age, or any other age for that matter. And the honor was so well deserved. Probably the only way they were gonna get her on the stage at this point, to give her the flowers she so rightfully deserves.
I know it’s pretty well known in the industry that she hasn’t submitted her name for the Emmys in many years, but I really wish she would next year. She’s done such exceptional work this past year, and the year isn’t over, I have no doubt that if she submitted for Best Supporting Actress that not only would she get a nomination, she’d win.
What a great story that would make for next year’s Emmys, if Jane won in 2026, 45 years after her one and only previous win. If everyone wishes it, maybe we can will it into happening.
I would love it if she submitted her name also. I just love her. She’s truly exceptional.
I love Jane Elliot. She is so classy.
I love how Jane has become the undisputed queen of daytime. It is obvious how many of her fellow actors are in awe of her. There is no doubt she would win Best Actress next year. I hope Jane and Steve submit the Monica funeral scenes. No doubt, they would win.
The best thing about GH, Jane Elliot
My absolute co-favorite all-time actress period (along with the incredible Beverlee McKinsey). For those who never had the chance to experience Jane as Carrie Marler on Guiding Light (1981-1982) you have no idea what you missed. THe collaboration between Jane and her buddy Doug Marland, who created the character specifically for her. She was originally approached about playing the role of Vanessa Chamberlain who was about to debut on GL but but she thought the character as described was too much like Tracy. Carrie was the complete antithesis of Tracy Quartermaine, but also with the added complexity of DID (she has that in common with erika Slezak too as far as acting experiences!).Check her very few available episodes on Guiding Light.
How is it possible that she’d never sat across the Emmy-nominated-actress lunch table with Erika Slezak? Did she only get nominated for Supporting?
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).
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.
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.
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.
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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