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Steve Burton Speaks on How ‘General Hospital’ is Handling Monica’s Death, “I Applaud Them for Doing This Tribute the Right Way for Leslie Charleson”

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: ABC

This week, General Hospital fans shed many tears as Monica Quartermaine, played by the late Leslie Charleson who passed away earlier this year in January, was killed-off the show when the ailing character passed away quietly. Monica’s adoptive son, Jason (Steve Burton) found his mother dead, and has been dealing with the loss and the grief in heartbreaking fashion.

Steve Burton and Jane Elliot (Tracy), whose characters are two that are still on the Port Charles canvas that spent many years acting opposite Charleson  were given the major moments thus far. In the episodes that aired, Tracy has also been trying to come to terms with the loss of Monica, which have also provided many hankie-inducing moments.

On the latest episode of That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Burton talked on taping the scenes, and that there is more of a tribute to come as Leslie Charleson and her GH alter-ego, Monica Quartermaine, will continue to get a major sendoff.

Courtesy/ABC

Speaking on acting with Jane Elliot in the emotional scenes, Burton expressed, “She’s a master … a beast.” He added, “What they’re doing for Leslie is amazing. They’re giving her a proper tribute which takes some time. But we want that, the fans want that, she deserves it, of course. I don’t know what the progression is on the shows that are airing, but it’s going to be (in story) every other day for a stretch.”

Burton was very close with Leslie Charleson in real-life, and adored her, making playing Monica’s death all the more heart-tugging. Steve shared, “It wasn’t easy, obviously. It wasn’t easy for anybody. The psychological part of already going to Leslie’s celebration of life and then kind of moving past that and then reopening the whole thing again was super painful. I’m grateful that for the time that we had together.”

Courtesy/ABC

“I’ll say this, going to Leslie’s celebration of life, she touched so many people,” Burton recalled about Charleson’s memorial gathering. “I certainly didn’t know the extent of it and just how many people she touched. Many people showed up and just got up (and spoke) and said ‘she changed my life.’ It’s a huge testament to the character of that woman. It was such a blessing to play her son, and it was fun. It was bittersweet doing all this.”

Photo: ABC

Summing it up, Steve is proud of what GH is about to share with the audience, and gave high praise to the cast, expressing, “The work was incredible. I’m looking forward to the tribute, and for the fans to see it. Obviously, it’s going to be an emotional time. I’m just happy they’re doing it. Having somebody who’s passed, but still having their character kind of on (the canvas), can be kind of confusing, I think. I applaud them (GH) for doing this tribute the right way for Leslie Charleson.”

Watch the latest episode of the That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford below, as they honor Monica and more.

Now, let us know, what do you think about how GH has handled Monica’s death on-screen thus far? Are you looking forward to seeing how the soap opera deals with her funeral and pays tribute to Leslie Charleson? Let us know via the comment section.

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I think the template for good soap writing should adhere to the BJ’s storyline because it involved all the intricate players. Monica’s death seems to be adhering that template without a certain group of folks being ostracized from the main idea of the storyline. In this case, that would be the death of Dr Monica Quartermaine. So well done writers.

Um.. what? This must be another Harry. However, I agree with the sentiment the commentator is trying to express. The writers have done a good and respectful job conveying the significant impact Monica has had on her extended family, her associates and her friends.

I agree… there is a 2nd Harry. Some posts don’t read like Harry “the school teacher’ comment’s.

Maybe someone is making fun of me? It wouldn’t be the first time, and I doubt it will be the last!

Oh Harry, I am getting the same. I am with you buddy.

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53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

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.

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General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

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.

Serena and Jason

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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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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