Erika Slezak's General Hospital Farewell: Will Ronnie Bard Return to Port Charles?

After a much-anticipated three-week guest role, legendary actress Erika Slezak said a temporary goodbye to Port Charles. But don't fret, fans, because everyone involved is keeping the door wide open for her comeback!

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Erika Slezak's General Hospital Run

• Erika Slezak, famous for her 42-year run as Viki Lord on One Life to Live, concluded her three-week guest appearance as Veronica "Ronnie" Bard on General Hospital on November 6, 2025.
• Slezak embraced the challenge of playing Ronnie, a hardworking woman with a tough past, a stark contrast to her iconic, privileged character Viki Lord, and thoroughly enjoyed her time interacting with the stellar GH cast.
• Both Slezak and General Hospital Executive Producer Frank Valentini have expressed a strong interest in Ronnie Bard making a return to Port Charles, leaving fans hopeful for future appearances.

Imagine stepping into a new town, meeting a whole new set of characters, and becoming embroiled in a bitter family feud, all while shaking off over a decade away from a specific type of work. That's exactly what daytime television legend Erika Slezak did when she arrived in Port Charles as Veronica "Ronnie" Bard on General Hospital.

For soap opera fans, the news of Slezak's return to daytime after her groundbreaking 42-year tenure as Victoria "Viki" Lord on One Life to Live was like a dream come true. From her first air date on September 26, 2025, to her final scenes on November 6, 2025, her three-week stint was a whirlwind of drama, unexpected alliances, and powerful performances that left a lasting impression.

Bringing a New Character to Life After a Storied Career

Erika Slezak isn't just a familiar face; she's a cornerstone of daytime television history. Born in Hollywood, California, on August 5, Slezak grew up surrounded by a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. Her father, Walter Slezak, was a Tony Award-winning actor known for his work on film and Broadway, including his acclaimed role in Fanny. Her grandfather, Leo Slezak, was a world-renowned operatic tenor who graced prestigious stages in Vienna, Berlin, and New York's Metropolitan Opera.

This rich artistic lineage clearly influenced her path. At just 17, she was accepted into London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), becoming one of its youngest-ever students. This early foundation prepared her for a career that would make her a household name.

Her definitive role as Viki Lord on One Life to Live, which she debuted in 1971, spanned over four decades until the show’s final episode in 2012, and a brief internet reboot in 2013. During this time, she earned an astonishing six Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (1984, 1986, 1992, 1995, 1996, and 2005), solidifying her status as one of soap opera's most honored stars. Viki was known for being confident, strong, and even battling alternate personalities like Niki, Tori, and Jean.

Stepping into Ronnie Bard's Well-Worn Shoes: A True Acting Challenge

After a dozen years away from the daily grind of a soap opera, Slezak’s return was met with immense excitement. Yet, the character of Ronnie Bard was a dramatic departure from Viki Lord. Ronnie arrived in Port Charles as Monica’s long-lost sister, showing up at the Quartermaine crypt to pay her respects after Monica's passing. Unlike Viki, who was born with a silver spoon, Ronnie had a much tougher upbringing, navigating foster care and making her own way in life from age 16.

Slezak found this contrast to be the biggest draw. "I've never played anybody like Ronnie... She's just a hardworking woman who literally had to make her own way in life," Slezak mused. Ronnie started as a waitress, loved her job, and educated herself through community college, never aspiring to a "rich life." This "simpler" character, as Slezak described her (in a good way!), offered a fresh challenge for the seasoned actress, allowing her to explore a new dimension of her craft.

Example: Imagine a long-time fan, let's call her Martha, who has been watching Erika Slezak since the 1970s. For Martha, Viki Lord was an institution, a symbol of resilience and strength. When Slezak's casting as Ronnie Bard was announced, Martha felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. Would Slezak be able to shed Viki's skin? Martha tuned in diligently, initially expecting Viki-like gravitas. Instead, she witnessed a more vulnerable, earnest character, a woman clearly shaped by hardship. Martha found herself not missing Viki, but rather completely captivated by Slezak's ability to transform, proving that even after decades, a true artist can surprise and delight their audience with something entirely new.

Navigating the Quartermaine Quagmire and Legendary On-Screen Chemistry

Ronnie Bard’s introduction to Port Charles immediately plunged her into the thick of Quartermaine family drama. From explaining her existence to everyone (Monica had never mentioned her!) to being constantly at odds with Tracy Quartermaine (played by the incomparable Jane Elliot), Ronnie's life in town was anything but quiet.

One memorable incident involved Ronnie blaming Tracy after her tea was spiked at a tea party hosted at the Quartermaine mansion, leading to Tracy being unceremoniously kicked out. The plot thickened when Ronnie became entangled in Martin Gray's (Michael E. Knight) scheme to make it appear Monica had left the mansion to Ronnie, intending for her to sell it to Drew (Cameron Mathison). However, Ronnie's conscience ultimately prevailed, preventing her from going through with the deception.

"When Frank [Valentini, GH’s executive producer] 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!'"

— Erika Slezak, on her motivation to join General Hospital

For Slezak, working with Jane Elliot was a primary motivator. She called Elliot a "master class in acting," praising her ability to "twist a simple sentence into a whole lifetime." The rapport between the two veterans was instant, with Elliot even preparing Slezak's dressing room as a warm welcome. Slezak fondly recalled a brief encounter years prior when Elliot visited the OLTL set to observe, making their on-screen collaboration a long-awaited treat.

While their on-screen clashes were a highlight, Slezak enjoyed several other significant interactions. She found her scenes with Maurice Benard (Sonny) "so sweet," revealing a rarely seen side of the mob boss. She also cherished working with Genie Francis (Laura Collins), remarking that she'd been wondering where Genie was since she was using her dressing room! The two had last crossed paths backstage at The View years ago.

Slezak also enjoyed her first-time collaboration with Michael E. Knight (Martin Gray), who she knew from his All My Children days. She called him "wonderful" and a "really good villain" who didn’t appear to be one, also noting his "gorgeous white hair!" Even Cameron Mathison (Drew), with whom she shared many scenes, received praise. When asked if she knew who shot Drew, Slezak playfully denied it, quipping, "How can I shoot him? I wasn’t even in town!"

The End of a Short Run and the Promise of More

Ronnie’s storyline wrapped up as Martin’s scheme was exposed, revealing Monica’s true will: the mansion went to Tracy, and Ronnie was granted funds to purchase a home in her beloved Durham, North Carolina. The emotional scenes allowed Slezak to shine, and she was particularly delighted by Tracy’s line, "No, I was too busy breaking the laws of physics to get here!"

Despite the brevity of her three-week run, Slezak's performance was impactful. Critics might point out that her time was limited, barely enough to fully flesh out a new character. However, this short stint demonstrated Slezak's enduring talent and versatility, proving she could captivate an audience even in a role far removed from her iconic Viki Lord.

Another potential counterpoint could be that some fans, especially those dedicated to One Life to Live, might have hoped to see her reprise Viki or a character more akin to her. Yet, Slezak openly embraced the challenge of Ronnie, a character "completely different." This choice highlighted her artistic integrity and delighted many viewers who appreciated seeing her in a fresh, more vulnerable light. As she noted, "Ronnie grew through this whole process, and learned," making the character's journey, however brief, a fulfilling one.

Slezak admitted to some initial nerves about memorizing lines after a long hiatus. "That part of my brain that memorizes easily hasn’t been used in 12, 13 years!" she joked, adding that the first couple of days were "tricky." But she quickly "got back into the swing of it," praising the "incredible group of actors and writers" who made her feel welcome and compelled her to "pull up [her] A game."

Fans were equally delighted, showering Slezak with letters, emails, texts, and social media praise. One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) called her and Jane Elliot's performances a "masterclass in acting," suggesting they "each should get the Emmy." Another predicted, "We'll be seeing her again, especially if Erika wins that Guest Star #DaytimeEmmys next year." (Source: Parade, "Erika Slezak Opened Up About Whether Fans Could See Her on ‘General Hospital’ Again After Her Storyline Wraps," Nov 7, 2025)

The biggest question on everyone's mind is, of course: will she return? Slezak’s answer is a resounding "Yes, I would." She described her time on General Hospital as "delightful, terrific, a pleasure," and appreciated that Ronnie "grew through this whole process" and was "different every day." (Source: Soap Opera Digest, "Ronnie Bard, We Hardly Knew Ye!", Nov 6, 2025)

Adding to the anticipation, Executive Producer Frank Valentini himself is enthusiastic about a potential comeback. "We thoroughly loved having Erika here and the door is open for her to return," he exclusively told TV Insider, even shouting "You'll be back. You'll be back," after her final scene. (Source: TV Insider, "When Is Erika Slezak’s Final ‘General Hospital’ Episode? Could Ronnie Return?", Nov 6, 2025)

Practical Takeaways for Soap Fans and Slezak Admirers

• Don't Count Her Out: Erika Slezak is clearly open to returning to General Hospital, and the show's producer is keen to have her back, so keep an eye out for future announcements.
• Versatility Reigns: Slezak proved her incredible range by tackling Ronnie Bard, a character profoundly different from her iconic Viki Lord, winning over new and old fans alike.
• A Warm Welcome: Her positive experience highlights the welcoming environment on the General Hospital set, a testament to the cast and crew's camaraderie.
• A Masterclass in Chemistry: Her scenes, especially with Jane Elliot, were praised as a "masterclass" in acting, showcasing the power of two veterans sharing the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Erika Slezak's General Hospital Role

When was Erika Slezak's last episode as Ronnie Bard on General Hospital?

Erika Slezak's final episode as Veronica "Ronnie" Bard on General Hospital aired on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

How long was Erika Slezak on General Hospital?

Erika Slezak appeared in a three-week guest stint on General Hospital, starting on September 26, 2025, and concluding on November 6, 2025.

Will Erika Slezak return to General Hospital?

Both Erika Slezak and General Hospital Executive Producer Frank Valentini have publicly expressed that the door is open for her character, Ronnie Bard, to return to the show in the future.

What other shows has Erika Slezak appeared in recently?

After her long run on One Life to Live, Erika Slezak has appeared in two episodes of Blue Bloods as Donna Duvall, an episode of The Resident as Dr. Eileen Jacoby, and the Hallmark Christmas film, Next Stop Christmas as Aunt Myrt.

Sources

• Soap Hub, "GH’s Veronica “Ronnie” Bard," November 3, 2025.
• Soap Opera Digest, "Ronnie Bard, We Hardly Knew Ye!", November 6, 2025.
• TV Insider, "When Is Erika Slezak’s Final ‘General Hospital’ Episode? Could Ronnie Return?", November 6, 2025.
• General Hospital News, Spoilers, Exclusives and More Spilled Daily!, "Erika Slezak Pens Sweet Message To Her General Hospital Fans", November 4, 2025.
• Soap Opera News, "Erika Slezak’s General Hospital Run Comes to an End", November 4, 2025.
• Parade, "Erika Slezak Opened Up About Whether Fans Could See Her on ‘General Hospital’ Again After Her Storyline Wraps", November 7, 2025.