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?
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
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.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
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.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
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