Erika Slezak Bids Farewell to Port Charles, But Is Ronnie Bard Truly Gone?

Daytime legend Erika Slezak recently wrapped up her memorable three-week stint as Ronnie Bard on General Hospital, but fans are already buzzing about a potential return for Monica's long-lost sister. Her departure on November 6 left viewers wondering if this is truly the last we'll see of the beloved actress in Port Charles.

TL;DR

• Erika Slezak, known for her four-decade run as Victoria Lord on One Life to Live, concluded her limited engagement as Ronnie Bard on General Hospital on November 6.
• Slezak found playing the hardworking Ronnie a refreshing change from her previous iconic role and cherished the opportunity to work with GH's talented ensemble, particularly Jane Elliot.
• Both Slezak and GH Executive Producer Frank Valentini have openly expressed enthusiasm for Ronnie Bard potentially making another appearance in Port Charles down the line.

Ronnie Bard: A Deep Dive into a "Simple" Yet Complex Life

Imagine stepping back into a world you haven't inhabited for over a decade, not just any world, but the fast-paced, high-stakes universe of daytime television. That’s exactly what Erika Slezak did when she joined General Hospital as Veronica "Ronnie" Bard. After an illustrious 41-year career as Victoria Lord Buchanan on One Life to Live, a role she embodied from 1971 until the show’s final episode in 2012 and briefly reprised in 2013, Slezak had taken a significant break from the small screen.

Ronnie Bard, Monica Quartermaine’s long-lost sister, was a stark contrast to the affluent and often tormented Viki. Slezak described the role as a "challenge," explaining, "I’ve never played anybody like Ronnie... She’s just a hardworking woman who literally had to make her own way in life, because Monica sort of turned her back on her when she got out of foster care." (Source: Soap Opera Digest, "The Simple Life," November 5, 2025).

Ronnie’s backstory painted a picture of resilience: leaving foster care at 16, working as a waitress, and educating herself through community college, never aspiring for a life of luxury. Slezak mused that she had "never played anyone who was — and I mean this in a good way — as simple as Ronnie, who’s just worked hard her whole life." This grounded character offered Slezak a unique opportunity to explore a different facet of acting, one she was "very, very grateful" for.

Fans, it turns out, were just as grateful. The viewer reaction to Slezak's return was overwhelmingly positive. "I’ve had so many letters, emails and texts from people who so enjoy seeing me back on the screen, even though I’m not playing Victoria, I’m playing somebody completely different from her," Slezak shared. "People have been so charming and so lovely and so nice — and apparently they really enjoyed it, which I’m delighted about, really." (Source: Soap Opera Digest, "The Simple Life," November 5, 2025). This warm reception underscores the lasting connection actors like Slezak build with their audience, even after years away.

Stepping Back into the Spotlight: Conquering the Pace of Daytime Drama

Returning to the demanding schedule of a daytime soap opera, often affectionately called "sudsers" in the industry, wasn't without its hurdles, even for a seasoned veteran like Slezak. The pace of filming has notably accelerated since her last regular stint on One Life to Live. She candidly admitted to PEOPLE magazine, "I thought, 'Wow, can I still do this?'" (Source: Now.com, "It Took Erika Some Time to Find Her Groove Again," November 11, 2025). Her son, Michael, also voiced some concern about the mental stamina required.

Initially, Slezak faced some genuine "trepidation," as she put it. "In the beginning, I had a lot of trouble, especially with the long speeches, where I would just in the middle of a speech go, ‘I have no idea what I say next,’" she revealed. (Source: Now.com, "It Took Erika Some Time to Find Her Groove Again," November 11, 2025). This honest reflection provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges actors face, even after decades of experience.

However, it didn't take long for the Daytime Emmy winner to find her rhythm. After about a week, Slezak felt herself getting "back into the swing of it," and her confidence in delivering those complex lines soared. The experience, despite the initial jitters, turned out to be "so much fun," a feeling she genuinely missed. Her ability to adapt quickly and deliver powerhouse performances is a testament to her enduring talent and professionalism.

Sharing the Screen with Daytime Royalty: Slezak's Memorable Co-Stars

One of the strongest incentives for Slezak to join General Hospital was the opportunity to work alongside actress Jane Elliot, who plays the iconic Tracy Quartermaine. "When Frank [Valentini, GH’s executive producer, who had held that position at OLTL] called me and asked me to do this [and] said I’d be working primarily with Jane Elliot, I went, ‘Yes! Okay, I’ll do it!’" Slezak enthusiastically recalled. (Source: Soap Opera Digest, "Talent Show," November 5, 2025).

Slezak's admiration for Elliot is profound, describing her as a "master class in acting" and someone who could "twist a simple sentence into a whole lifetime." Their on-screen sparring as Ronnie and Tracy quickly became a highlight, demanding Slezak "pull up your A game." (Source: TV Insider, "What To Know," November 6, 2025).

Beyond her main scenes with Tracy, Ronnie also had delightful interactions with other long-standing characters. Slezak was particularly charmed by her scene with Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos). "What the hell is she going to say to Sonny?" Slezak initially wondered. But the scene showcased a "sweet" and "straightforward" side of the mob boss, prompting Benard to say, "Wouldn’t it be nice if they made us friends?" after they finished filming. (Source: Soap Opera Digest, "Talent Show," November 5, 2025).

A brief reunion with Genie Francis (Laura Collins) also proved to be a "wonderful" moment, having not seen each other since a backstage encounter at The View years prior. Slezak also praised Michael E. Knight (Martin Grey), whom she had known for years but never worked with. She found him a "really good villain" and "terrific," especially with his "gorgeous white hair!" (Source: Soap Opera Digest, "Talent Show," November 5, 2025).

Even off-screen, the atmosphere was welcoming. Slezak chatted with cast members she didn’t share scenes with, like Cameron Mathison (Drew). She even got a laugh out of the recurring fan question, "Who shot Drew?", teasing, "How can I shoot him? I wasn’t even in town!" (Source: Soap Opera Digest, "Talent Show," November 5, 2025). This camaraderie deeply impacted Slezak, creating what she called "my family for a short time." (Source: TV Insider, "What To Know," November 6, 2025).

The Great Quartermaine Will Reveal: Drama and Unexpected Twists

Ronnie Bard’s storyline climaxed with the unraveling of Martin Grey’s scheme involving Monica's will. Initially, Martin had forged Monica’s will to make it appear as if Ronnie would inherit the iconic Quartermaine mansion. However, this deception was ultimately exposed when Tracy Quartermaine, with characteristic determination, uncovered Monica’s genuine last wishes.

The true will revealed a less grand, but profoundly meaningful, inheritance for Ronnie. Instead of the mansion, she was granted sufficient funds to purchase a home in her beloved Durham, North Carolina, and a simple locket. For a character who had always worked hard and made her own way, this was a deeply emotional moment. "I can’t believe she even remembered that," Ronnie tearfully expressed upon hearing the details of the real will, adding, "When I was 16, you turned me away, and now you’ve given me a house. Thank you so much." (Source: Soap Opera Network, "Erika Slezak Concludes Run As Ronnie Bard On ‘General Hospital’," November 5, 2025).

Meanwhile, the real "sister of her heart," Tracy, was the rightful heir to the Quartermaine house, a twist that culminated in one of Slezak's favorite lines from the show: Tracy's dramatic declaration, "No, I was too busy breaking the laws of physics to get here!" (Source: Soap Opera Digest, "All’s Well That Ends Well," November 5, 2025). This dramatic resolution provided a fitting, if not entirely expected, end to Ronnie’s brief but impactful visit.

A Heartfelt Thank You to the Fans

Before her final episode, Erika Slezak shared a personal message with her dedicated fanbase through her official fansite:

"Thank you so much for all your emails. I am delighted that you’ve been enjoying my work on General Hospital. I am very grateful for the kind words you have shared with me. It was wonderful to work again in a medium I love. My experience on GH was fantastic, and I hope you continue to enjoy the show. GH has an incredible group of actors and writers, and I am honored to have been part of it. Many sincere thanks for watching. Love, Erika."

— Erika Slezak (Source: Walter Miller, Erika Slezak's official fansite, widely reported by various outlets including Daytime Confidential, Soap Opera Network, and Soap Opera News in early November 2025)

The Million-Dollar Question: Will We See Ronnie Bard in Port Charles Again?

So, after a captivating three weeks, which saw her debut on September 26 and conclude her run on November 6, the biggest question on every fan's mind is: will Ronnie Bard ever return to Port Charles? The answer, it seems, is a resounding and hopeful "yes" from all parties involved.

When asked directly if she would consider a comeback, Slezak didn't hesitate. "Yes, I would," she affirmed, adding that her time on General Hospital was "delightful, it was terrific, it was a pleasure." She highlighted the unique aspect of playing Ronnie, a character who "grew through this whole process, and learned," a different experience from her consistent portrayal of Victoria Lord. (Source: Soap Opera Digest, "All’s Well That Ends Well," November 5, 2025).

This sentiment is echoed by Executive Producer Frank Valentini, who told TV Insider exclusively, "We thoroughly loved having Erika here and the door is open for her to return." (Source: TV Insider, "What To Know," November 6, 2025). Such an open invitation from a show's top brass is often a strong indicator that a return is more a matter of "when" than "if."

For fans, the prospect of Ronnie Bard's return offers exciting possibilities. Will she become a more permanent fixture, perhaps even finding love or a new purpose in Port Charles? Or will she simply visit from time to time, stirring up new drama with Tracy or reconnecting with her newfound connections? Only time will tell, but the stage is certainly set for another potential appearance from this beloved daytime legend.

Practical Takeaways for General Hospital Fans

• Catch Up on Ronnie's Arc: If you missed Erika Slezak's performance, her impactful three-week run as Ronnie Bard is definitely worth revisiting on Hulu.
• Keep an Eye Out for Future Appearances: With both Slezak and the show's producer expressing interest, Ronnie Bard could pop back into Port Charles anytime.
• Appreciate the Talent: Slezak's brief stint served as a masterclass in acting, proving that even a short role can leave a lasting impression on viewers and co-stars alike.
• Stay Engaged with the Quartermaines: The drama surrounding Monica's will and Tracy's reactions continues to be a central plot point, ensuring ongoing family feuds and unexpected revelations.

FAQ

When was Erika Slezak's final episode as Ronnie Bard on General Hospital? Erika Slezak's final episode as Ronnie Bard aired on Thursday, November 6. How can I watch General Hospital episodes? You can watch General Hospital weekdays at 2:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT on ABC. You can also stream episodes live and on demand on Hulu. Will Ronnie Bard return to General Hospital? While Ronnie Bard has left Port Charles, both Erika Slezak and General Hospital Executive Producer Frank Valentini have stated they are open to her character returning in the future.

Sources

• Soap Opera Digest, "The Simple Life", "Talent Show", "All’s Well That Ends Well", November 5, 2025.
• Now.com, "Erika Slezak Shares What Prompted Her to Join ‘General Hospital’", "It Took Erika Some Time to Find Her Groove Again", November 11, 2025.
• Soap Opera Network, "Erika Slezak Concludes Run As Ronnie Bard On ‘General Hospital’", November 5, 2025.
• TV Insider, "When Is Erika Slezak’s Final ‘General Hospital’ Episode? Could Ronnie Return?", "What To Know", November 6, 2025.
• Erika Slezak Official Fansite (content widely reported by various soap news outlets).