Acclaimed Actress Erika Slezak Joins General Hospital, Brings Beloved Viki Lord Character to Life

Acclaimed actress Erika Slezak, who won six Daytime Emmys for her role as Victoria "Viki" Lord on One Life to Live, has joined the cast of General Hospital. Slezak, who had not appeared on a soap opera in over a decade, was called in by the show's producer Frank Valentini for a short-term arc.

Initially, Slezak, now 79 years old, was unsure if she could still handle the fast-paced dialogue and long speeches required for a soap opera role. However, after a week of adjusting, she found her footing and thoroughly enjoyed her time on the show.

Slezak was cast as Veronica "Ronnie" Bard, the secret sister of the late Monica Quartermaine, played by the late Leslie Charleson. Ronnie and Monica were separated as children and raised by different families, and when they reconnected as adults, Monica initially rejected her sister. Ronnie worked to build her own life, but eventually reconnected with Monica through letters before her passing.

During her time on General Hospital, Slezak was thrilled to reunite with two of her former One Life to Live co-stars, Chris McKenna and Josh Kelly. The show incorporated several nods to Slezak's iconic Viki Lord character, which delighted fans of the long-running soap.

While Slezak's current storyline on General Hospital has concluded, the show's producer has left the door open for her potential return. Slezak remains grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with the soap opera world and work with the talented cast and crew of General Hospital.