In an exclusive clip from Maurice Benard’s upcoming State of Mind podcast episode with Genie Francis, the two General Hospital stars remember the legendary co-stars they’ve lost in recent years.
Key Takeaways
- Francis is making her State of Mind debut on Sunday, November 16.
- Benard and Francis will remember their late GH co-stars.
- Francis shares memories of Leslie Charleson, Tristan Rogers, Jackie Zeman, and Tyler Christopher.
Remembering Those GH Has Lost
Benard (Sonny) has been hyping up his new two-part podcast interview — set to air on November 16 and November 23, respectively — and with good reason. Sitting down with him will be Francis (Laura), the GH vet who is one half of the iconic Luke and Laura and has spent nearly 30 years in Port Charles.
In Francis’ first-ever appearance on State of Mind, the actors take a profound moment to remember the many co-stars they’ve lost in recent years: Leslie Charleson (Monica), Tristan Rogers (Robert), Jackie Zeman (Bobbie), and Francis’ on-screen son Tyler Christopher (Nikolas).
Benard went about the moment simply, letting Francis be in the spotlight to remember their co-stars. As Benard read off each name, Francis was tasked with saying whatever came to her mind and heart.
They started with Rogers, who Francis immediately called “delightful.” She went on to compliment his talent, calling him a bright star who deserved to land in the movies. Rogers lost his battle with lung cancer in August and made his final appearance on GH in July.
Benard followed up with GH’s longest running cast member, Charleson, who passed away in January. Her character Monica passed away in September, allowing the show to remember both the actress and the character. Francis remembered Charleson being the first actor she was on live television with, and recalled a moment when Charleson forgot her line. “When the scene ended, she wept and we held each other, and I cried.”
Zeman was next on Benard’s list, whose character often played in close quarters with Francis’ until Zeman lost her cancer battle in 2023. The actress spoke with so much fondness in her voice when she responded, “Jackie Zeman…I loved her so much.” Francis went on to admit how much she admired Zeman, and regrets how afraid she was whenever her “cool big sister” asked her out for lunch.
Benard concluded with Christopher, who originated the role of Nikolas and tragically passed away in 2023. After referring to him as “a beautiful angel,” Francis continued with, “He was not equipped to live in this world.”
Benard also shared thoughts on the late actors, admitting he didn’t get to know them until they appeared on State of Mind. “I was like, ‘Wow, these people are beautiful.’ I just didn’t know them.”
Watch the full clip below, and catch the first part of the interview on November 16.
