‘General Hospital’ Writers Reveal Plans for Tristan Rogers & Leslie Charleson Tribute Episodes
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It’s been an unforgettable year on General Hospital filled with explosive storylines and casting shakeups, and co-head writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten tell TV Insider that they are feeling “gratified and humbled. The cast and crew have fulfilled and surpassed our expectations in every respect and for every story.”
Amid the forward momentum, which includes the arrival of One Life to Live vet Erika Slezak, GH is also taking time to honor its past. This month, the show will mark the passing of Monica Quartermaine, whose portrayer, Leslie Charleson, died on January 12 of this year. “Leslie Charleson was adored by the cast, crew, and audience,” Korte and Van Etten note.
“When bidding farewell to her and to Monica, there could be no half-measures,” the writers reveal. “Honoring Leslie’s contribution to General Hospital and Monica’s significance to Port Charles meant doing more than simply throwing a funeral and looking back at the past. We wanted Monica’s passing to kick off a new story; to create new connections on the canvas; to test her loved ones; and to grow their relationships. This way, Monica may be gone — but her legacy will be felt long into the future.”
The loss of Charleson has been compounded by another recent heartbreak: the death of Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio) on August 15. “We’re heartbroken by Tristan’s passing,” say Korte and Van Etten. “He created the consummate General Hospital hero; Robert Scorpio was swashbuckling and sensitive, smoldering and vulnerable.”
The writers say they’re “fortunate that he was able to make one last return, and that his scenes centered on expanding his Scorpio family.”
They also have plans for a Robert Scorpio-focused tribute episode in the future. “He is sorely missed, and we aim to pay tribute to Tristan and Robert the same way that we did for Leslie and Monica,” Korte and Van Etten tell TV Insider.
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Denise Alexander tribute is long overdue. Elizabeth surely misses her.
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Laura was her daughter
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Laura is Leslie's daughter, not Elizabeth.
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Respect the writers for wanting to get it right. Though I think their definition varies from mine. Wish GH would've brought AJ & Emily back alive (instead of Drew) while Leslie C could still play Monica. And now to say bye to her properly, MIA Qs Skye, Dillon & Maya should def be a part of it. Not holding my breath tho as I feel the current writers forgot they exist. Still im glad Monica will be honored in whatever form it takes 🙂
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I say get rid oh Drew. Fire him . Take him out permanently!
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What about the actress who played Leslie Webber? Did you conveniently forget about her?
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I loved Leslie Webber but even as an LONG time fan I think they would be hard pressed to do long tributes to actors and actresses who left the canvas long ago. Too many modern viewers who wouldn’t know them. But I do think there is an opportunity to show them in flashbacks that integrate into the show and then do a memoriam at the end of the episode.
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It is time to acknowledge " Monica", for sure! I understand weaving it into storylines but it is sad as it has been over 6 mths since Leslie Charleson passed and " Monica" is just up in her room..
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And "Leslie Webber" too.
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And how's about something else for our Lucas L. Spencer while they're at it. That thing with Helena's video that they called a memorial to him was nothing but a bs episode. When Laura, Lucky and lulu were all together they should have written one scene to remember him by. They dont even have Tracy mentioning him anymore. No plagues of honor hanging in Carly's hotel or restaurant, not acceptable writers. And now no Robert Scorpio either. May he rest peacefully and be remembered fondly. PLEASE fix this GH.
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It is about time that GH give her a send off that she deserves. She has been one of the main actress on this show from the 60s-70s
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I'm so happy that GH my beloved soap ,will be finally doing this much needed tribute 💙🩷
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Dumb. The fans want to look back fondly when GH was written well and had characters with heart who actually did things that make sense
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Giovanni Mazza is the best addition to the cast! I honestly thought he was going to be on DWTS this year. Glad he'll be on GH still. Wish the storyline included more of his genius talent!
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Delete writers are excited about the recent stories on General hospital. They have exceeded their expectations? Virtually every post I have read through the General Hospital viewers is negative. Most of the due to the Drew, Willow story. And it continues. I believe after reading many articles that Cameron was a sought after performer coming from Hallmark. Some think he's handsome he's big he's strong and really mean looking. The story with Drew and Willow is disgusting. I understand the ratings have dropped. I'm glad the writers are happy but the viewers are not. I call it the Drew soap opera. I think he's involved with the script as well. Just my feeling no proof. Big Shot.
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Yes they did
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They could so a stand alone memorial episode.
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Both passed away on the show so how would they honor that?
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What about Sasha's husband, Brando?
He was a good guy! And he was murdered in real life.
I have been watching since 1963.
Love it!!
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I wish gh had done a tribute to Johnny he died a hero i know the writers or directors of gh when they won their Emmy last year they said something in their speech it had just happened when the emmys aired last year Frank he didt say anything when they won for best drama I'm not surprised that frank didt do a tribute Johnny's character was already dead on the show i was hoping that Sashas baby was gonna be a boy and that they'd name him johnny but that obviously didt happen gh has suffered alot of losses the last 2 or 3 years
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LOL, I know it's just a typo, but "plagues of honor" is really a great way to honor Luke Spencer, an unscrupulous rapist, adulterer and career criminal, but somehow still a beloved character.
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I don't think so you know they fired Allan
And I truly don't remember them doing anything for Mike
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Mike died on the show. He went out in a graceful way.
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They honored them by showing their grief on the show. With Mike, they had a lot of memories of him by his GH families and friends, I can't remember if they had a funeral for Alan but he also was honored in episodes
I've been. Watching almost from the beginning
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Let's not forget Chris Robinson (Dr. Rick Webber). He deserves a tribute as well. It was triple heartbreak for GH fans in 2025. First, Leslie Charleson (Monica) then Denise Alexander (Lesley) and, then Mr. Robinson.
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Did they do one when Alan Quartermaine and Mike (Sonny's dad) passed?
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Don't forget Denise Alexander. The Lesley/Monica rivalry was epic and Lesley is Laura's mother and played an integral part in the history of General Hospital and her picture deserves its place on the wall of physicians who have passed. ❤️
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Rick also just passed away recently, as well!! These ALL need to be addressed, and not just overlooked!
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What about Leslie Webber the actress that played her passed away last year too... Wondering if GH is going to pay tribute to her as well...Too many good & wonderful loving Actors passing away in the last 2 years..😭 waiting for all the tributes..
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I completely agree! I wasn't watching in Lesley Webber's heyday (started watching in the 90s) but even on regular recurring for 15 or so years, she still added so much to the Webber/ Spencer family and the show as a whole. She completely won me over and having heard so much about her & Rick, I was hoping the show would reunite Laura's parents when he returned in the 2000s instead of killing him off in a horrible way. Between Rick Webber's death & what was done to the Quartermaines, GH really trashed its incredible legacy. So sad.
Glad GH is honoring Monica & Robert and their actors but Denise Alexander & Chris Robinson (Laura's parents Drs. Lesley & Rick Webber) contributed so much to the show n deserve to be honored as well 🙂
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Thanks for mentioning Chris Robinson/Rick Webber. Thought they forgot about him. All should be remembered and honored in the best possible way.
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Plus Chris Robinson?
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Give the writers time, they're just airing Monica/Leslie Charleson's passing. She died over 9 months ago! They really can't honor Rick/Chris Robinson's death, since Rick was killed off years ago.
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The actor who played Luke, Anthony Geary, is still alive, and lives in Amsterdam. His character is still mentioned quite often by Tracy.
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I think.its a shame they've fiddled around almost a year and haven't done.anything yet. Days of our lives didn't do that. When Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn died they immediately got to work and did beautiful memorials for their characters Doug Williams and John Black and honored them in such a beautiful way. It's a shame General Hospital can't do that.
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What about Denise Alexander (Leslie Webber) and Chris Robinson (Rick Webber)? Both these actors were a big part of GH history. There should be something done for both of them and not just a picture at the end of the show. I don't even recall even that being done! I am a long time follower of GH.
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There needs to be a tribute for Denise Alexander as well since she passed away in March. Laura can’t think her mother I just out there somewhere.
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FV waiting this long to honor Monica is just trash all because ES is joining the cast. LC & DA NOW TR . All 3 were huge parts of GH history. But we all know FV could care less about GH Legacy characters or actors. As long as he gets his oltl & amc favorite actors. If bad enough we had to sit t
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The actors that passed were with some of us since the beginning of GH.
I feel a great way to honor all of them is another GH book
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Very happy you let Monica live on I know we ned to honor he r do a show that ust show her but let Monica live on the show She big part of the Quarterrmene family and the hospital .Replace her with another actress let her live on the show .The grandkids would be devastated & they have had to much loss for young kids
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But they have to have a reason to show them besides their passing in real life. Everyone won't get a send-off. If that were the case they should honor Brando
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Rick was eliminated a long time ago on the show, I thought.
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Absolutely loved them both! Several GH veterans have passed this year. I hope they each get a tribute!
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General hospital is the greatest.keep doing what your DOING . De - voted !fan.
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Poor Leslie Charleston has been gone nearly a year yet they’ve kept her alive without showing her on GH yet Frank kept her alive without showing her for his own needs. Too many wonderful people have passed without any acknowledgment on GH. It’s heartless IMO. 💔
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What about a tribute to Jackie Zeman and Bobbie Spencer? She passed away too.
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Denise Alexander who has played Lesley Webber since the beginning also needs the same type of farewell treat!! Laura's mother should be honored on the show!! Its only right!! We have lost si many talented GH actors in the past couple of years that it's really sad!! Allow them are missed dearly!!
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Can't believe that you have waited so long to honor Monica. You are better than waiting 8 months. Let's hope it doesn't take that long for Denise or Robert. Shame on you.
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Perhaps I missed it but was there a tribute of any kind to
Jackie Zeeman? Bobbie Spencer. Watch sporadically as my schedule allows. Absolutely thrilled that the legend Erika Slezak is joining.
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Yes, they had a 2 day tribute to Bobbie in Dec 2023, ending with renaming Kelly's to Bobbie's. They even brought the actress who played BJ back as a "reporter" with a twist at the end. You should check it out on YouTube.
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Denise Alexander/Leslie Webber was a pivotal part of Port Charles and GH. She will be missed as well
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I bet she gives Tracey the Q Mansion!
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I miss something how is Drrew related to Monica? Another kid out of wedlock
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