General Hospital spoilers and updates reveal there is cause for celebration on April 1. The ABC soap celebrates its 62nd anniversary with a special episode, and the opening of a new cardiac wing.
The Show Was Filmed Prior To Leslie Charleson’s Death, Who Played The Cardiac Wing’s Namesake
The episode was filmed prior to Leslie Charleson’s death, who played the new cardiac wing’s namesake, Dr. Monica Quartermaine.
Cast and crew were hoping Leslie could have made it over to the special episode which honors her character’s achievements, but she was too ill.
April 1 marks a momentous occasion for “General Hospital” as it celebrates its 62nd anniversary, both for the series and the iconic setting within it.
Additionally, the show will unveil the Dr. Monica Quartermaine Cardiac Wing. Leslie had played Monica since 1977 and passed away in January, and her character’s legacy as a physician will be celebrated in Tuesday’s installment.
There Will Be A Separate Episode To Memorialize Leslie And Her Iconic Character Monica
“More tributes for Monica are on the way,” shares executive producer Frank Valentini. “We realized that the hospital’s anniversary coincides with the show’s anniversary, which adds a unique twist-it’s a bit meta, but I think it’s fantastic.
To give the hospital a reason to celebrate, we decided to create a new wing in Monica’s honor, and it’s truly a stunning set; it’s quite remarkable.”
He describes the set as an “airy” atrium that offers a blend of indoor and outdoor aesthetics, a style he intends to expand upon as the summer progresses.
Valentini Continues Describing The Set
I’m constantly seeking ways to push the production designers to create more open spaces, especially since we spend so much time indoors.
This desire led to the creation of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) house and the Quartermaine solarium, both of which feature expansive exteriors.
In the April 1 episode, we also pay tribute to the deep connections among the characters in Port Charles, particularly the bond between Sonny and Laura Collins (Genie Francis).
The storyline acknowledges those who have passed through the hospital, whether as staff or patients, leaving behind loved ones. Many of these individuals are honored on a memorial wall in the new wing.
Valentini Feels Honoring The Characters And Actors Is Important
Valentini emphasizes the significance of recognizing both the characters and the actors who portrayed them, such as Monica, Alan Quartermaine (Stuart Damon), Bobbie Spencer (Jackie Zeman), and Epiphany Johnson (Sonya Eddy).
He states, “While we always strive to move forward, it’s essential to understand our origins and the lessons of the past.”
He adds, “What we’ve learned is that the hospital serves as a captivating backdrop for storytelling, where the lives and stakes are immensely heightened. Therefore, introducing new elements while honoring those who have been part of the journey creates a sense of wholeness.”
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