In the soap opera world, actors come and go. In fact, we just recently learned of the unfortunate departure of Jonathan Jackson as Lucky Spencer in General Hospital. However, it's not all bad news in Port Charles.
Just as one familiar face says goodbye, another is preparing to make their grand entrance. In a move that’s sure to excite longtime fans, General Hospital is set to welcome an One Life to Live alum to its cast, proving once again that the world of daytime drama is always full of surprises.
And this surprise is a big one! Six-time Daytime Emmy winner Erika Slezak, best known for her iconic role as Victoria “Viki” Lord on One Life to Live, is officially heading to Port Charles. It's not uncommon for beloved soap stars to appear in new roles on different daytime dramas, but this casting is something special. Slezak’s legacy in the soap world is unmatched, and her addition to General Hospital is already stirring up excitement among fans who have followed her acting career for decades.
What's also interesting about her casting is that she's never actually crossed over into another soap. This makes her upcoming role on General Hospital a historic moment, not only for her but for daytime television as a whole. According to TVLine, Slezak has signed a short-term contract to appear on the long-running ABC soap. This means she’ll be on the show for a limited time, not necessarily as a permanent cast member.
The news was announced by her longtime fan club president, Walter Miller, on her official fan site on Thursday, June 12. According to Miller's statement on Slezak's casting, Slezak doesn't know yet which character she will be portraying in the soap or when her scenes will air. Still, she is excited to work again with General Hospital’s executive producer, Frank Valentini. They previously worked together on One Life to Live, where Valentini served as executive producer, director, and composer.
Valentini himself confirmed the exciting news on social media (X, formerly Twitter) on June 12, calling Slezak a “daytime legend” and teasing her upcoming appearance on General Hospital later in the year.
"I am thrilled to confirm that my dear friend and former “One Life to Live” colleague, Erika Slezak, will appear on @GeneralHospital this Fall. Stay tuned as we prepare to introduce another daytime legend to Port Charles. #GH #OLTL"
Whoever Slezak ends up playing, she's bound to make a memorable impact and become an unforgettable part of General Hospital. We're hoping her short-term deal turns into a long-term stay, giving both longtime fans and new viewers plenty of time to see her shine on screen.
While waiting for Slezak to make her appearance on the soap opera, we recommend checking out some of her other work. She previously appeared in two episodes of Blue Bloods as the character Donna Duvall. She also had a small role in The Resident, playing Dr. Eileen Jacoby. Besides General Hospital, we'll see her next in an upcoming musical drama film titled Song Sung Blue. It's slated for release on Dec. 25, 2025.