General Hospital fans are thrilled to see Erika Slezak return to daytime TV — but the beloved soap veteran didn’t say yes right away. The Emmy-winning icon admits she had major concerns about joining the ABC soap, worried that her new role might upset Monica Quartermaine’s legacy and longtime fans.
Erika Slezak’s Nerve-Wracking Return to Daytime
General Hospital fans are thrilled to see Erika Slezak back in daytime TV after four decades. However, the six-time Daytime Emmy winner confessed she was nervous about her comeback. Playing Veronica “Ronnie” Bard, Monica Quartermaine’s never-before-mentioned sister, came with mixed emotions for the soap legend.
When executive producer Frank Valentini offered her the role, Erika’s first reaction wasn’t excitement — it was fear. She didn’t want to replace Leslie Charleson, who made Monica iconic. “When Frank asked me to come here, I said, ‘I’m not going to replace Leslie?’” she shared. That one line showed her deep respect for the late actress and the show’s legacy.
General Hospital: The Weight of Legacy: Why Erika Almost Said No
For Erika Slezak, General Hospital was both a homecoming and a challenge. After ruling One Life to Live as Victoria Lord for 41 years, she wasn’t sure she wanted to step back into the world of daytime television. The idea of filling another actress’s shoes — especially one so beloved — gave her pause.
Her concerns were personal and professional. She didn’t want fans to feel she was taking someone’s place. Valentini assured her she wasn’t replacing Leslie, but expanding Monica’s story. That small clarification convinced Erika to say yes. Still, she admitted it took time to shake off her initial anxiety. “It’s wrapping up Monica’s story,” she explained. “I hope Leslie would be pleased with it.”
Adjusting to Port Charles: A New Pace and Familiar Faces
Even with her long career, joining General Hospital wasn’t easy. Erika admitted the show’s fast-paced filming style caught her off guard. “You jump back and forth from one script to 12 scripts later,” she said with a laugh. The unpredictable schedule was a major adjustment from her One Life to Live days.
Yet, the warmth of the cast made the transition smoother. She was welcomed by both old friends and new co-stars, including Jane Elliot (Tracy Quartermaine), whom she called “the Queen.” Working alongside familiar faces from One Life to Live — Josh Kelly, Nancy Lee Grahn, and Jessica Tuck — reminded her why she loved the soap world in the first place.
A Fear Turned Into Gratitude After General Hospital Stint
What began as fear has now turned into gratitude. Erika Slezak’s General Hospital journey is proof that even legends can feel nervous about starting over. But her emotional honesty and respect for the show’s legacy have only made fans love her more. As Erika continues her Port Charles story, viewers can’t wait to see what Veronica Bard brings next. For more exclusive General Hospital updates and spoilers, stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily