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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Speaks at Monica’s Memorial, Jason Says a Final Goodbye, and Erika Slezak Makes Her Debut

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

In a beautiful, heart-breaking and emotional episode of General Hospital, the cast, the writers and producers did right to their legacy star, the late Leslie Charleson and the beloved character she played for 47 years, Dr. Monica Quartermaine.

We are sure fans of the soap opera were in puddles of tears several times throughout the memorable and poignant, Friday, September 26 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. As the story picked-up, a wheelchair bound Drew (Cameron Mathison) showed up at the memorial service for his mother, only to be quickly wheeled out of the church and into the foyer by Tracy (Jane Elliot). She told him he’s not wanted here.

Now, up on her feet, and previously dreading to speak at Monica’s funeral, she finally was able to bring herself to do it. Tracy began with, “Okay, I’m going to try. Because I know if I don’t, I’m going to regret it.” Choking back tears and preparing herself, Tracy shared, “Monica means that much to me.” She then spoke on their complicated history and how she thought her brother, Alan married beneath him with Monica.

Courtesy/ABC

Tracy recalled that, “Monica gave as good as she got. And somewhere between, during, or because of our epic battles, I grew to respect her. In fact, that respect grew to love. My brother made her my sister-in-law, but she became my sister.” Then, in one of the more heart-tugging moments of the memorial, Tracy in tears says, “So, my sister, looks like I’m the last one standing. But don’t you worry: That house is yours. Alan gave it to you, an as long as I’m alive, I promise you, it will stay that way.”

Photo: ABC

Now back at the hospital, Martin (Michael E. Knight) is surprised to see Drew back so soon from the funeral, as he spews how he’d been publicly shunned and it made it clear that he wasn’t considered a true member of the family and never would be. Drew confessed he is pinning his shooting on Michael, but admitted to Martin, “I don’t remember a damn thing. But the police don’t have to know that.” Drew vowed to make Michael (Rory Gibson) pay for everything he’d taken from him. Martin asked him to reconsider because Tracy is the one is anger should be directed at, but Drew intimated that Tracy will get what’s coming to her as well!

With the service over, everyone is arriving at the Quartermaines’ for the reception, and as mourning after a funeral goes, this felt real-to-life, with Olivia (Lisa LoCicero) baking in the kitchen to keep her mind off her pain of losing Monica, her son, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) helping her serve the food, Dante and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) estranged son, Gio (Giovanni Mazza) showing up to pay his respects, Ned (Wally Kurth) being emotional and bringing levity to the situation throughout and more.

Photo: ABC

Out on the patio, Jason (Steve Burton ) is by himself taking the death of his mother very hard, and the regret he feels for all the years he distanced himself from the family. Lulu (Alexa Havins) comes to comfort him and tells him Monica knew how much you loved her. Laura (Genie Francis) shows up and is in tears over Monica’s death as Lulu consoles her mother as she cries she will miss her dear friend.

Inside the house, Gio speaks to Tracy, He says being at the memorial gave him a renewed perspective on his situation seeing how the Q family banded together. He feels very proud to be part of the family and as Monica’s great-grandson. This brings tears to Tracy’s eyes. As the family is gathered in the Quartermaine living room toasting to Monica, Jason is feeling isolated. Outside in the foyer, a grief-stricken Tracy takes a moment to sit and look at Monica’s photos and all the Quartermaines that have left her. Suddenly, she walks out of the house.

Courtesy/ABC

Next, Jason walks out of the living room and starts to walk up the staircase to Monica’s room. He stops in his tracks to toast to his mother, and to tell her how much he loves her. We cut to the montage of Leslie Charleson as Monica through the years that reminded of all of: Alan and Monica’s stormy marriage, her enduring relationship with Jason, her daughter, Emily (Amber Tamblyn), the iconic breast cancer storyline, in which Charleson received a Daytime Emmy nominations for, and more.

Courtesy/ABC

As the montage came to an end, the scene took us to General Hospital and the memorial wall, where Laura, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst), Portia (Brook Kerr), Felicia (Kristina Wagner) are together as Monica has now joined the other deceased doctors and nurses with her photo now placed alongside the others, as Elizabeth hugs Laura who is overcome with sadness.

Photo: ABC

In the cliffhanger, Tracy arrives at the Quartermaine crypt and sees the door is cracked open, She sees someone standing there and asks, “Who are you? And what are you doing here?” The woman turns around revealing the one and only Erika Slezak who responds, “Someone who has been waiting to meet you for a long time.” We fade to black.

Courtesy/ABC

However, in the closing credits, Slezak was in the cast list with the character name “Veronica Bard.” Longtime GH fans know that Monica’s name was Monica Bard Quartermaine. Just if Erika will prove to be playing Monica’s sister as expected, won’t be confirmed on-screen till next week!

So, do you think GH delivered a proper goodbye and tribute to Leslie Charleson and Monica Quartermaine ? We reached for the hankies several times over. Did you? Share your reactions via the comment section below and check out the beginning of the episode below, one more time.

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Everything was lovely and moving! But I have a question for regular viewers: I don’t understand why Jason has been front and center throughout the storyline of Monica’s death, notwithstanding the good acting performance from Steve Burton. It’s my recollection that, for most of the time, Jason completely rejected the Quartermaines, including Monica. Am I wrong?

Hi James

For the first 15 years after the accident, Jason did indeed clash with the Qs. But as he matured, and eventually had children, that relationship softened slowly. He seemed to truly regret not seeing Alan while he was dying. Monica initially blamed him for Emily’s death until it came out that it was not mob related.

It was Sam who encouraged Jason to have more contact with the Qs. Danny’s middle name is Edward, which Jason was okay with. Initially, Jason was thought not to be Danny’s biological father. It was Monica telling him how she loved him despite not being her biological son that he stepped up for Sam.

Jason was presumed dead the first time when Edward passed. AJ had returned from the dead and died for the final time all while Jason was “dead”.

When everyone (including Drew) assumed Drew was Jason, the relationship with the remaining Qs mended with “Jason” donating money to save the hospital. When the real Jason returned, Monica knew fairly quickly that he was the son that she raised. He and Billy Miller’s Drew really didn’t interact that much after Sam left Drew to return to Jason.

LC had a few scenes with Cameron Matheson’s Drew when he came on board but was no longer able to appear after Jason’s latest return from the dead.

When Sam died last year, it was her wish to keep her kids together. At that point, Dante and Jason both moved into the mansion (Drew was already living there) to keep the kids together despite CM’s Drew and Jason dislike for each other. Jason and Tracy have shared some thoughtful scenes this year since he moved back into the house Alan gave Monica.

Hello Steve:

Thank you for your reply and detailed explanation of the storylines and giving context to my concerns. Not being a regular viewer, I was unfamiliar with most of these details. Again, I am amazed at your recall and knowledge of these storylines. Take care, Friend!

He’s Monica’s only living child and he made mistakes in the past, but haven’t we all.

Thank you for your reply, Michael. Good point!

The last week of GH has been awesome! Great tributes to Dr. Monica Quartermaine, a beloved character!

Sonny and Carly not at Monica’s funeral? Thank you, Soap Gods!

Amen to that!

WHERE IS CARLY? SHE SHOULD BE FRONT AND CENTER!!! WITHOUT CARLY, THERE IS NO GH. SUNNY TOO!! The other characters are planets who orbit around Carly and Sunny( as in SUN- get it?). The show has been so weak without Sunny and Carly dominating the stories. And both of em should have been front and center at Monica’s funeral. SO DISAPPOINTED!!

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Lands Role in TV Pilot ‘Ghosts Are Real’

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Chad Duell

Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, General Hospital) just wrapped filming for a TV pilot that could bring him back to your screens in the near future. The Daytime Emmy winner took to his Instagram story to reveal is part of the cast of the horror-comedy mockumentary, Ghosts Are Real.

In the spoof, Duell is seen donning a black leather jacket and gloves and dark sunglasses as smoke billows up around him. Chad wrote  “Pilot in the books, Can’t wait to share it with you all ”

Ghosts Are Reals official Instagram account, which the producers just started shared the series is about “A dysfunctional ghost-hunting crew finally finds real ghosts.
A scripted paranormal horror-comedy series.” The account also revealed that the pilot episode is now in post-production, and episode 1 or Case 001 is called “The Scooters.”

General Hospital

Photo: JPI

LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL AND GETTING BACK ON TV

After a 15-year-run as GH’s Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly’s (Laura Wright) son, Michael Corinthos, Duell made the decision to exit the show and take a break. His last episode aired in January of 2025. In May of that year, Rory Gibson debuted as the recast Michael and has been firmly-implanted into the role ever since.

In a livestream conversation last month on the Michael Fairman Channel, Chad opened about his current foray into music after releasing his first two EDM-style tracks, If You Need Me followed by Static in the Crowded Room.

Looking back on his decision to leave General Hospital when he did, Duell shared his thoughts at the time, “I’m taking some time away, we’ll see what happens. Obviously, they decided to go in a different direction with Michael when I was gone. I didn’t think they were going to bring somebody back in my place. But you know, it’s the business. You never know what can happen.”

Duell also explained he had not watched a single episode of General Hospital since he left the series, but now feels reenergized following the loss of his father and stepping away from the soap. Chad expressed, “I’m in a place now mentally, where I’m ready to sink my teeth into (acting) again.”

In case you missed it, you can check out the full conversation with Chad below.

Now let us know, do you hope Chad’s new role in the pilot for Ghosts Are Real eventually becomes a series? Would you like to see Chad back landing more TV and film roles? Let us know in the comment section.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Drew Spots Willow and Chase in a Close Moment; What’s Monet’s MO?

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Willow, Chase and Drew

The Wednesday, September 23 episode of General Hospital brought with it some moments to ponder for the future direction of key storylines.

First, Chase (Josh Swickard) is ramping up his custody battle with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton), focusing on not losing his rights to baby Phoebe. Ava (Maura West) threw suspicion on Carly (Laura Wright) in a discussion with Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) to save her friend Nina (Cynthia Watros) from being considered the prime suspect in the disappearance/murder of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna), and lucky Drew (Cameron Mathison) might have struck gold after seeing Willow and Chase looking awfully “palsy-walsy.”

The episode opened up with the introduction of the arrival of a new character to the canvas legal eagle Monet Mitchell (Blythe Howard) who had a meeting with her potential client, Chase.

Monet

Courtesy/ABC

ALL THE MONET

Monet then told Chase for this case to work in his favor, he needs to move back into the Quartermaines, if his goal is to not lose his daughter. Citing concerns over Tracy (Jane Elliot), Monet told Chase she would handle things with Tracy. Chase agreed to move forward with Monet representing him.

Later, Monet shows up at Tracy’s and the two have a terse confrontation, but is it all for show? Do they know each other, or are they going to be true adversaries, because Tracy also wants Chase out of Brook Lynn’s life? As previously teased, Monet will be revealed to have a connection into Port Charles, but who?

NOT MY MANAGER

In addition, Trina (Tabyana Ali) decided to continue her recording deal with Gio (Giovanni Mazza) under the auspices of music executive Simon (Grady Eldridge), as long as Brook Lynn is no longer a part of the project or being her manager, The decision was made after Brook Lynn came to smooth things over with Trina at her apartment. In the end, Brook Lynn was forlorn and left putting Gio in an uncomfortable position with his mother.

DREW’S MACHINATIONS

At Aurora Wellness, Drew confronted Kai (Jens Austin Astrup) about knowing that Willow was the one who’d shot him and how Kai and Trinas stole incriminating evidence against Portia (Brook Kerr) from his safe. Next thing you know, Drew offers Kai a job at Aurora! Kai is stunned and declines, but Drew say the offer is open-ended for him.

Then, Chase is seen lifting weights when Willow approaches him (both in workout clothes, yet again, or something like that). Willow sees Chase is stressed and says he needed to clear his head after meeting with a new divorce attorney. Willow grabbed Chase’s hand as the supportive “friend,” just as Drew turned the corner and witnessed the close little moment between the exes.

Check out the scenes at Aurora Wellness between Drew and his former intern, Kai below.

Now let us know, how will Drew use the closeness he sees between Chase and Willow to his advantage? Who is Monet really? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

 

 

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Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber

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Alley Mills

Heather Webber, one of the all-time villains in General Hospital history is on her way back to the canvas, when two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Alley Mills reprises the role beginning on the Thursday, November 5 episode.

TV Insider revealed the comeback news today. Mills began playing the role of Heather back in October of 2002. The previous Heathers included: Robin Mattson, Mary O’Brien and the very first Heather, who was none other than Georganne LaPiere (the half-sister of Cher).

As for Mills, she actually took home the Daytime Emmy last year at the 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series. She won in the same category back in 2022.

Heather Webber

Photo: ABC

FROM THE WONDERS YEARS TO THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL TO GENERAL HOSPITAL

Alley Mills assumed the role of Heather Webber in October 2022 and had ended her initial run in 2023 and then was back again in 2024. Soap fans also know that Mills had played Pam Douglas on the The Bold and the Beautiful since 2006 and appeared on the series through 2019, and made appearance in story in 2021 and 2022.

On B&B, Alley was a part of the memorable storyline which saw Pam and Stephanie’s (Susan Flannery) mother, Ann Douglas (the late Betty White) pass away. In addition to GH and B&B. primetime fans know Alley as Norma Arnold, the mom of the ABC’s hit late 80s and early 90s series, The Wonder Years.

When GH viewers last saw Heather and her crime spree as The Hook, she had taken the life of Brando Corbin (the late Johnny Wactor) and what was believed at the time to be the life of Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), although a few years later, Britt showed up alive.

Heather wound up in the slammer at Pentonville, but got released in 2024, when it was revealed that she had a bad hip replacement which resulted in cobalt poisoning which was said to be the root cause of her erratic behavior.

WHAT BRINGS HEATHER WEBBER BACK INTO THE STORY?

Eventually, Heather’s son, Steven Lars (Scott Reeves) returned to Port Charles to retrieve his mother, and to make sure she was taken care for out of town. Now the question becomes, why is Heather back on the GH canvas in 2026?

One theory! Could Heather be revealed as the person stalking Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali)? After all, Heather is the mother to the late Esme Prince (Avery Pohl). Perhaps, she wants retribution for her daughter, and this is her twisted way of doing it? Or, is something else at play here? Stay tuned!

Take a look at our conversation with Alley from the 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards immediately following her second Emmy win below.

Now let us know, excited to know Alley Mills is returning as Heather? What do you think will be her storyline this time around? Weigh-in via the comment section.

 

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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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