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Did ‘General Hospital’ Set the Stage for Erika Slezak’s Arrival After Martin Found a Shocking Letter Addressed to Monica?

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: ABC

With all the reports and speculation bubbling to the surface on just who One Life to Live icon, Erika Slezak (ex-Viki) will be playing when she debuts on General Hospital, today’s July 22nd cliffhanger may have provided a clue to the affirmative answer.

At the end of the episode, Martin (Michael E. Knight) comes upon a letter underneath a chair at Drew’s (Camerron Mathison) that has crayon scribbling all over it mailed to Monica Quartermaine. Martin shows it to Drew, who said Amelia and Wiley must have taken it from the Quartermaines without knowing it, and he can just toss the letter.

After Drew exits, the ever-snooping Martin decides to take out the letter inside the already opened envelope which has scribbling on one side and a written letter on the other. Martin begins to read it, “Dear Monica, I’m sorry that you are ill. I know that it’s been a long time …..”  After that, the legal eagle looks shocked! What did the rest of the letter say?

Courtesy/ABC

The smart bet is that Martin just learned that Monica has a sister nobody knew about it, which means, we could be close to the long-running soap opera killing-off the character, and paying tribute to the late Leslie Charleson who was the longest-tenured cast member at 47 years before her death earlier this year on January 12th.

Adding fuel to this, Daytime Confidential recently reported, “While ABC remains tight-lipped regarding who the six-time Emmy-winning actress will be playing on GH, sources tell yours truly Slezak is set to play the sister of the missing-in-action Q matriarch.”

Photo: JPI

In story, the character of Monica grew-up off-screen as an orphan and was raised by her mentor Gail Adamson (Susan Brown), which might provide some of the back-story if Slezak arrives as the sister Monica hasn’t seen or heard from in years.

GH’s executive producer Frank Valentini took to X to confirm Erika’s upcoming arrival, after Slezak’s fan club president, Walter Miller and her official website revealed she was coming to GH for a short-term role.

Photo: ABC

In his confirmation, Valentini shared, “I am thrilled to confirm that my dear friend and former One Life to Live colleague, Erika Slezak, will appear on General Hospital this Fall. Stay tuned as we prepare to introduce another daytime legend to Port Charles.”

Erika Slezak was the central heroine of One Life to Live more than 40 years, and received six Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Awards, the most for any actress in that category, and is tied with The Bold and the Beautiful’s Heather Tom (Katie Logan) for the most Daytime Emmy wins overall by an actress.

So, what did you think of Martin stumbling upon the letter addressed to Monica, which clearly was from someone from her past? Do you now believe more than ever that Erika Slezak will be playing Monica’s sister when she appears on GH? Comment below.

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Unlike the retcon parentage of Cody, Sasha, and Gio (which all played rather loosely with established timelines), giving Monica a never-before seen sister is not ridiculous. Yes, she grew up in an orphanage, but there’s a lot of leeway the writers could use.

Slezak likely begins taping in September, so we’ve got a few months to let this simmer working up to Monica’s passing and a memorial.

Seeing Slezak and Elliot battle for control of Monica’s house (Alan gave it to her – because he was an idiot) should be a blast.

I hoped that Victoria Lord Buchanan would come to Port Charles. After all, Lulu has had telephone conversations with her. The Llanview Banner has been mentioned more than once. Whatever role TPTB come up with, I will be thrilled to see the one and only Erika Slezak again. I know this will be a short term role. I sincerely hope she will appear much more than one day.

Is there any reason Viki couldn’t be Monica’s sister? Her father, Victor Lord, could have had an affair with someone at some point who then dropped Monica off at the orphanage because she was unable to raise her… could pave the way for more Lords to move to Port Charles?

Yes, Victor Lord did get around. He fathered Viki, Meredith, Tony, Tina, Todd, and Victor Jr. But the thought is Monica’s sister would fight for money and maybe the mansion – two things Viki doesn’t need.

As for other “Lords moving to PC”. Meredith and Tony are long dead. The iconic Andrea Evans passed away, so they’re not going to recast Tina. The network, when last speculated, has an edict about no more sexual assault perpetrators, which is why Howarth became Austin after Franco died and Todd was not brought back.

After all that, we’re more likely to see new or legacy GH characters than import more from Llanview.

A good thought Jimmy. Heaven knows Victor Lord was a lecherous so and so.

Not certain if she will be playing Monica’s sister as Lulu has mentioned The Landview Banner, twice I believe. Could be red herrings

I’m ecstatic that Slezak will be guest starring on GH! But the “long-lost sister no one knew about” trope does a disservice to long-term viewers who watched most, if not all, of Monica’s storyline. The character is dead; the actress is dead. There is no chance for the actress to play what might have been a gripping storyline. Yet I am hopeful that Slezak’s acting will win the day.

100% agree with your thoughts on a long lost sister, especially when Lulu speaks with Vicki.

Now that would be odd to have Erika on screen playing a new character while Lulu chats to Vicki.

Well since the rights for OLTL went back to ABC, Erica might be playing vicki bc of the lulu connection but somehow make her Monica’s long lost sister or not. Whatever they do, its great to see slezak back on daytime even though its only a short story arc.

Erika Slezak’

Since her time on GH is short-term, what will the story be about?

I believe she enters to wrap up an old mystery or to wrap up an ongoing story…

Then after she will be gone.

Please, no reaching for the past and no rethought of families. I thought OLTL did that too much during its run. Oh look, another Lord heir we did not know about! I very much like the idea of Erika Slezak in a new role that connects dots and completes a picture. For me, the arrival of a long-lost sister to Monica Quartermaine is an acceptable twist. How wonderful for Leslie Charleson to be remembered and celebrated with the involvement if another celebrated and beloved daytime colleague. The thought of Miss Slezak sharing scenes with Jane Eliot is too exciting to be believed. I relish a classy storyline featuring veterans, hopefully without making it opportunity for the overused tropes of more surprise children and forgotten affairs. I wish Miss Charleson’s health allowed her more visibility on the show. And it is sad that Denise Alexander and Lesley Webber are gone too. That is sad as Lesley will not be present to say goodbye. Will the show say goodbye to her and how?

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Secrets Exposed!

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, official spoilers, and the latest teaser video, indicate that the truth is about to come out on many fronts which could put several Port Charles residents in harm’s way, but who will double-cross whom?

First, Nina has been carted away by the WSB, after she is the prime suspect in the disappearance and possible murder of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Now it appears that her daughter Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) is willing to do anything to find her mother. (probably for fear she will somehow implicate Willow!)

Ava (Maura West) meets with Willow at the Metro Court Gardens and informs her, “If Nina is being framed. I may know by whom.” Would Ava risk the ire of Drew (Cameron Mathison), if she throw’s him under the bus and admits he planted Jack’s wallet in Nina’s car, or is she about to accuse someone else to protect him?

Meanwhile, Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Justine’s (Nazneen Contractor) romance is about to become public, or at least fall into the wrong hands! The two are being spied on while making out in a dark location thinking they are alone. Next, Ava’s voice is heard saying, He had to go down!” Is she talking about Sonny who she had teamed with Drew to take down? Cut to Sonny telling Ric (Rick Hearst) “Let ’em try.”

Finally, the action turns to Pentonville, where Curtis (Donnell Turner) is in a dangerous situation, when outside his cell, another inmate suggests to him, “Find a reason not to be in your cell after lunch.” Later, that man and two others, enter the cell as Sidwell (Carlo Rota) just reads a book, as he looks concerned as the men encircle him. Does Curtis come to the rescue of Sidwell? Stay tuned.

SPOILERS

Here’s a look at the official General Hospital spoilers for the week of September 21-25 below.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Willow seeks out Valentin. Anna shares her fear with Jason. Carly makes a discovery. Rocco reassures Scout. Britt confides in Isaiah.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Jason and Sonny catch up. Carly does damage control. Britt and Anna come face to face. Jordan sees something she wasn’t supposed to. Lulu opens up to Dante.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Sonny strategizes with Ric. Tracy enlists a new ally. Drew takes note of an encounter between Chase and Willow. Trina makes a big decision. Kai receives an offer.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Ava confronts Sonny. Tracy reveals her agenda. Jordan is in for a shock. Michael and Drew put their cards on the table. Alexis meets with a potential client.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Carly levels with Jason. Lulu is stunned. Josslyn refuses Michael’s request. Jordan wants answers. Hudson assists Brook Lynn.

Now below, check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Out Secret’s Out.”

Then weigh-in: Do you think Ava truly helps Willow save her mother by pointing the finger at Drew? Do you want Drew to go down, or do you want him to exact his revenge on Nina and Willow? Who do you think is behind Sonny and Justine’s romance being exposed? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Hayden Panettiere’s Memorial Service Attended by ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Nashville’ Alum Jonathan Jackson and More

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Hayden Panettiere and Jonathan Jackson

Over the weekend, the loved ones of Hayden Panettiere (ex-Sarah, One Life to Live, ex-Lizzie, Guiding Light and ex-Juliette Barnes, Nashville et al) gathered in Malibu, California on Saturday, September 19 to honor and celebrate the late actress’ life in what has been reported by TMZ as an extremely moving memorial service just one month after her tragic death.

Attending the funeral were several of Panettiere’s Nashville co-stars and closest friends including: six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer, General Hospital, ex-Avery Barclay, Nashville), Connie Britton (ex-Rayna James), Claire Bowen (ex-Scarlett O’Connor), Lennon Stella (ex-Maddie Conrad) and Charles Esten (ex-Deacon Claybourne) who performed one of Hayden’s song from the series with a band set up at the church.

In addition to Panettiere’s Nashville co-stars, her dear friends, Evan Ross, Paris Hilton and Ruby Rose were among the 150 or so guests, and the celebration of life was organized by Hayden’s family, including her father, Skip Panettiere.

Nashville Cast with Hayden Panettiere

Photo: ABC

INSIDE HAYDEN PANETTIERE’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE

The report shared that Connie Britton and Charles Esten made speeches about their late friend and colleague, and it appears guests watched as doves were released outside the church before moving inside for the ceremony in tribute to the 36-year-old star.

Hayden’s mother, Leslie Vogel was reportedly not invited to the memorial. However, she denies this according to TMZ, and shared that she had a family emergency which precluded her from making her daughter’s funeral. In addition, Hayden’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were also not  invited to the memorial. It was Zach who first found Hayden unresponsive in an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina.

Page Six reported, that Hayden’s ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, and their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, were not photographed at the event.

CAUSE OF DEATH STILL UNCLEAR

Additionally, recent reports from September 14, have indicated that Hayden’s cause of death is related to her taking a fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill. According to TMZ, multiple law enforcement sources connected to the case believe she took one fatal oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl the morning of her death, Sources with direct knowledge allege that Panettiere had a “long time drug dealer” in Los Angeles who provided her with several black-market prescription drugs, including oxycodone.

However on September 16, a rep for Panettiere told ENews,As reported by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden’s death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise. Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

So, are you glad to know Hayden was given a memorial service and that so many of the main cast of Nashville showed up for it? Are you saddened to hear the most updated reports on how the extremely talented actress may have died? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ James Patrick Stuart Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’

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James Patrick Stuart

Sometimes not overplaying moments within two-person scenes, carry the weight and the gravitas of the situation and tug at our heartstrings. That’s exactly what General Hospital’s James Patrick Stuart (Valentin Cassadine) was able to do on last week’s Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16 episodes of the ABC daytime drama series in scenes with Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) and Laura Wright (Carly Spencer).

We know last week saw many emotional turns from the likes of the aforementioned Hughes, plus her GH co-stars, Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Cynthia Watros (Nina), plus The Bold and the Beautiful’s Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy). All the actresses delivered noteworthy performances. However, for us, James Patrick Stuart’s Valentin, showed his deep love and care for a woman torn to pieces by the WSB and the sadness he felt seeing this great love of his in so much turmoil, while also trying to hold on to the new woman in his life, which pulled us in.

In story, Valentin hightails it to Anna where she explains how she almost killed Britt Westbourne, and how she faked her recover at the clinic in France, when all along she was seeing visions of Peter August (Wes Ramsey). Anna is in such a state that Valentin offers to run away with her. Carly shows up at Anna’s door and sees Valentin is there and makes a quick exit.

James Patrick Stuart and Finola Hughes

Courtesy/ABC

VALENTIN IS HEARTBROKEN FOR ANNA

Anna tells Valentin that he needs to go after Carly and explain to her that he was just visiting her to check in and to take care of an old friend. Valentin says share so much more than that, which Anna says she knows. After Felicia (Kristina Wagner) comes to watch over Anna, Valentin leaves, but is heartbroken over Anna.

SMOOTHING THINGS OVER WITH CARLY

When Valentin arrives back at Carly’s he wants to explain to her what has happened to Anna, but Carly says she wants to respect Anna’s privacy. In a very adult conversation, Valentin tells Carly he believes Anna will come back from this and land on her feet as she always does. He adds that he hopes that one day she can find some peace, just like he has now with Carly. Valentin realizes how good Carly has been for him, his outlook and happiness. The two share a hug.

Throughout all of these beats, James Patrick Stuart was able to shift from gut-wrenching concern, caring, and panic, to self-awareness, and hope for the future. It certainly touched us and we hope many viewers felt it too.

It does go to show that sometimes on the soaps, the big histrionic performances are not always the most memorable ones. Sometimes it’s the quiet ones that sneak up on us. All you needed to do was watch Valentin’s eyes in the scenes and you knew exactly how he was feeling.

So, for all the reasons stated above, Michael Fairman TV names General Hospital’s James Patrick Stuart, as our pick for the Power Performance of the Week.

So, do you agree with our choice of James Patrick Stuart, or do you think someone else should have been gotten our recognition? If so, share your picks and thoughts 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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