Legendary soap star Erika Slezak is set to make a return to the genre for the first time in over a decade, with a brand-new role inGeneral Hospital. Slezak rose to prominence for her 40+ year role as matriarch Victoria Lord in the soap operaOne Life To Live, a role she first took on in 1971.
Slezak has also enjoyed roles inThe Resident, and the hitpolice proceduralBlue Bloods, but has not acted in soaps sinceOne Life to Liveended in 2013. However, all of that is about to change now that she has scored a new role in one of the most iconic soap operas on American television.
PerSoap Opera Digest,Slezak has signed a short-term contract to appear onGeneral Hospital, America’s longest-running soap opera. There is no confirmation yet of the character she will be playing, or when her scenes will air, but the contract is signed, and Slezak will be back acting in soaps after One Life to Live went off the air in 2013.
A message on the actress’s official website read, “At this time, Erika does not know which character she will be playing or when her scenes will air, but is excited to be working again with executive producer Frank Valentini and the cast of GH!” More information surrounding her role would be expected to be released soon.
What This Means For General Hospital
Port Charles Is Welcoming A Legend
Having a legendary star like Slezak in the mix for the cast ofGeneral Hospitalis a huge coup for the show, and is sure to help improve the show’s viewership. While the character she will be playing has not yet been announced, there is a good chance that the show already has a definitive role mapped out for her.
Slezak played the role of Victoria Lord onOne Life to Livefor 42 years.
Given the range and acting prowess of Slezak, who won a staggering six Daytime Emmy Awards for her work onOne Life to Live, she is bound to be a huge asset to the show. And it could even be the case that her short-term contract develops into a long-term role if she adapts well to the soap, which will benefit all parties long-term.
Whether her character will be embroiled inclassic soap opera cliches, come in as a relative of another character, or function as a metaphorical wrecking ball, Slezak’s stay onGeneral Hospitalis sure to be a memorable one, and could play a big role in continuing to make the show a success on daytime television.
Our Take On Slezak’s General Hospital Role
The Actress Should Feel At Home Back On Soaps
It is perhaps fitting that themost decorated American soap opera actress ever should be joining the longest-running American soap currently in production. And there will be the hope that Slezak andGeneral Hospitalwill be the perfect match, with her presence upping the performances of the rest of the cast.
A soap with the longevity ofGeneral Hospitalhas seen a number of changes through the decades, and some prominentGeneral Hospital cast members passed awayin the past few years. However, being able to bring in a legend like Slezak is a great way of being able to balance this process out, and ensure the show maintains its quality levels.
General Hospital
Cast
General Hospital, a series released in 1963, weaves narratives of families, friends, adversaries, and lovers in the bustling city of Port Charles, New York. Set against the backdrop of a busy hospital, upscale hotel, and crime-ridden waterfront, it explores life-altering events in this intricate social tapestry.
