News
One Life to Live's Erika Slezak Makes Statement On The Passing Of Longtime Co-Star Patricia Elliott

Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos
On Monday, the daytime television industry learned of the passing of the extraordinarily talented, Patricia Elliott. Best known on television for her role as OLTL’s Renee Divine Buchanan (an ex-madam whose heart, no matter what, always belonged to one man, Asa Buchanan), and her acclaimed performances on Broadway, died at the age of 77 from cancer.
Elliott’s longtime One Life to Live co-star was six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Erika Slezak (Viki). In Llanview, Renee and Viki always crossed paths, and certainly when they were dealing with the troubles of the Buchanan men in their lives.
On her website, Slezak shared her sentiments: “My dear friend and colleague Patricia Elliott passed away from a very rare cancer on Sunday. Pat was a wonderful, kind, generous soul, with a wicked sense of humor and a great deal of talent. She was a friend, and a woman to whom I always turned when I had questions or needed advice. I will miss her and I wish her peace and quiet now, which is what she always looked for.”

Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/MaxPhotos
In addition in her annual holiday letter to her fan club, Erika reflected back on 2015 as to her time with her family and away from show business: “All I know is that I am enjoying myself. If work comes along, and it’s good and interesting, I would probably be happy to do it, but so far, nothing interesting has shown up. So that’s just fine by me.”
Share your thoughts in the comment section below on Erika’s statement on the loss of her dear friend and colleague, Patricia Elliott, and what Erika related about the status of finding a role she would be up for playing, and she would enjoy doing.
She will be missed but not forgotten she was a great lady and I lover and her on one lifte to live
We miss you Erika and so sorry for your loss,our thoughts and prayers are with you
Agreed! May Nate (Al Holden/Michael McBain), David Canary (Adam/ Stewart Chandler and now Patricia Elliot (Renée Divine Buchanan) All rest in Peace!
Nothing would make me happier than to see the talented Erika Slezak back on television. Preferably opposite the fabulous Robin Strasser. So sad that we are having to say goodbye to Patricia Elliott. One Life to Live was full of amazing ladies!
Patricia Elliott’s passing is a sad event; she was a wonderful actor. I wish I had seen her perform on the stage. It’s been a sad year for fans of OLTL and AMC as well. I miss Erika Slezak and would love to see her on GH – perhaps a long lost Cassadine ?
I will also miss Me. Elliott. She was wonderful on oltl. I would LOVE to see ES on tv anywhere. She would make a wonderful hospital administrator for GH! I could see her going head to head with olbrerch and being a stern but fair matriarch. Maybe she could be a long lost Hardy. Steve’s sister????
I don’t know what the legal ramifications would be, but if ERIKA SLEZAK were to come to General Hospital I would watch it (I currently do not) – I would wish that she could come back as Victoria Lord from Landview and that they would eventually incorporate more Landview residents. But, since none of us seem to know what the current “rights” status is to characters from One Life to Live (or All My Children) I suppose that won’t happen. I think an actress as great as she is should be working. But, as I said, I don’t know if Prospect Park or ABC-TV holds the rights to the characters. To my way of viewing the situation, if Prospect Park had only stayed out of the situation maybe some of these characters could have done a “cross over” or two appearance on General Hospital.
Does anyone know what the current rights status is?
I miss you Erika so very much as well as others from OLTL. My heart broke when you gave the speach at the very end of the show. You are one beautiful woman besides being a terrific actress too. I wish abc would settle the darn law suit so if you and the cast would come back and do us the honor of visiting us in our homes once again. You were always like a family member.
Your letter to your fans was classy as ever and yes, Patricia Elliot will definitely be missed. I loved her as Renée and thought she was the bread that held Asa together. The Soap World has lost three is a very short time staring with Nathaniel then AMC’s David Canary and now Patricia too. This has been a very sad month or so.
I love you Erika and I have many memories of you too.
Sincerely, Joe
A long lost Hardy would be perfect 🙂 Loved having you and the entire cast of OLTL over the years in my living room. Would love for it to become a reality again one day soon.
i would love to see erika slezak back on daytime – however i watch all four remaining soaps and none of the writing teams would be able to do her phenomenal acting skills justice …….this is just my opinion
I have to disagree. I think she could be on B&B… a partner for John McCook? Could that work for you?
oh yes i could definitely see her paired with john mccook but tptb/writers will have to be more creative with their style of writing……………
happy holidays chris milligan!
Would love to see Erika Slezak on Young and The Restless. Maybe a long lost sister to Victor Newman. One who will be his good side!
Hello Erika,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your friend Patricia. I loved her on OLTL. I still miss OLTL. But I understand stand that you’re enjoying this time off. When something does come along that you would be interested in doing please let your fans know. I wish you & your family a very Merry Christmas & a blessed New Year.
Cathy
Erika, I would be thrilled to see you on the screen once more, but until then, enjoy your retirement, and have a wonderful holiday season. Miss seeing you on OLTL.
I loved One Life to Life! I’m so sorry to here of “Renee” passing. May she rest in peace! The world has lost an amazing actress.
So sorry to hear this news. Reminds me again how much I miss this show. RIP Pat Elliot you will be missed.
Sympathies and blessings to all that had Patricia Elliot as a part of their lives. She portrayed the character of Renee as one whose loyalty as/to the Buchanans was unquestionable and unwaivering. I always enjoyed seeing her on the screen.
I’ve hoped for sometime that a smart soap would tap into Erika Slezak’s talents, she was a huge force in the success of OLTL. I do hope to see her cast in a role worthy of her talents soon. Another key family of strength is needed in Port Charles as the Quartermains keep crumbling and keep trying to rebuild over and over again.
So sad to learn of Ms. Elliott’s passing. Asa met his match only once and it was Renee. As for Ms. Slezak, I think GH needs a Chairman of the Board to battle Olbrecht…and maybe Tracy.
Patricia Elliott was a fine actress and she will be missed!!!!! additionally i have to say i truly miss OLTL it was my favorite soap and Llandview was full of crazy residents.
Very classy statement from a very classy lady. You are missed very much. I would love to see you on the screen again, until then enjoy your time with your family.
Yes i just heard yesterday, and it sent chills down my back, i loved her on OLTL for many yrs. She will be missed. RIP
I love Erica and of course Patricia and One Life to Live and miss it all! Maybe we can just make a whole new soap with Vickie’ new neighbor Erica? Pineview with all the old characters we can get back. Llandview was wiped out by a flood and Pine Valley was wiped out by a tornado and all survivors develop a new town called Pineview . How cool would that be??? Love you all and Merry Christmas
I love it 🙂
As a former actor, I know the bonds that are made after a short run of any play. Acting is an incredibly bonding experience, I can’t imagine what it would be like after decades! Ms. Slezak has had a great loss that few could understand. I’m sorry for you and all your cast,ages.
Together you all filled many peoples days with wonderful stories for many years.
I wish this section had a like button
Thank you.. Wishing you a happy new year.
Ms. Slezak, I miss you and OLTL so much. I keep hoping that ABC will wise up and bring you and the show back to my TV. I enjoyed the show from 1967 when I came back from Germany with my family, until those dunderheads took it off. I am glad to know that you are enjoying life with your family. I wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS & THE ALL THE BEST IS THE COMING YEAR. Thank you again for all the hours of entertainment. I won’t forget.
She will be miss I sure will miss her on one life to live she was a good person
I have been watching since the 60’s also. Sure do miss these shows.
Patricia’s mother and my mother were business partners in the 60’s and 70’s. Patricia was the older contemporary I looked up to with sparkling eyes. We stayed in touch through the years and became very close when our parents started dying. I stayed in her darling coach house apartment in Chelsea several times, late in her career, and her stories always delighted me. She could sure tell ’em! I am so sorry to hear that she is gone, and hope she did not suffer much.
God Bless You & Rest In Peace, Patricia Elliott! <3 🙂
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing

General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”

Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)

Soap opera fans are always clamoring for when Dancing with the Stars reveals their cast each season, that they would include a familiar face from daytime drama, but it rarely happens, if ever, anymore.
Over the last several years, the series has leaned heavily into casting celebrities with massive TikTok or Instagram followers, which in turn, have helped this season and last have their best ratings numbers in years.
But, how about for next season’s cast of Dancing with the Stars, that it could include newly-awarded Daytime Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas) of Beyond the Gates?

Photo: CBS
LOVE OF DANCE TO LOVE OF ACTING
Michael Fairman TV spoke to Michelle about her dance background and if she would love a shot at lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during Wednesday’s November 11, livestream chat on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Ambyr explained to fans (who joined in on the live chat), how she began her show business career. “I started off as a dancer, first and foremost. Acting wasn’t really something I wanted to go after. I did plays when I was younger, but it was just something we did in school, but I really wanted to be a dancer. I moved out to LA to dance, and I fell out of love with dance, which was so weird.”
This year’s Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series winner, added, “I was like, ‘What is going on?’ I moved all the way out here for dance. I found I was forcing myself to go to dance class, and I just didn’t have the passion for it. I was working at this restaurant at the time, and one of my coworker was like, ‘What about taking an acting class out here?'”
Next, Ambyr took the coworker up on the idea. “So, I took an acting class and I fell in love with it that day,” shared Michelle. “I was like, ‘I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ I thought, I would love to book a role, of course, as a dancer, but I think acting has a little bit more longevity.”

Photo: ABC
A SHOT AT THE LEN GOODMAN MIRRORBALL TROPHY
When the talked turned to if Ambyr would consider or be interested in appearing on the ballroom dance competition series, she piped up with, “I would love to do Dancing with the Stars! Pick me!”
As those in the live chat rallied around this idea, it made us think, Ambyr could be the first contestant from Beyond the Gates, and someone representing the soaps. It checks off so many boxes! To which Ambyr replied, “That would be beautiful.”
You can check out the full conversation with Ambyr below.
So, what do you think soap fans? Can we make sure Ambyr’s name gets in front of the producers and casting director for next season’s Dancing with the Stars? Would you like to see her in the competition? If so, who would be your dream pro professional dance partner for her? Let us know in the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.

Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.

Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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