General Hospital is an American television soap opera, airing on ABC. Created by Frank and Doris Hursley, the serial premiered on April 1, 1963. John Beradino, whose career began as American Major League Baseball player, originated the role of Steve Hardy in the serial's premiere episode and made his final appearance on April 23, 1996, making him one of the longest-serving soap opera actors. The longest-running present cast members are Genie Francis and Scott Baldwin, having joined General Hospital as Laura Vining in February and Scott Baldwin in August 1977, respectively. Leslie Charleson, who portrayed Monica Quartermaine from August 17, 1977, to December 21, 2023, was previously the longest-tenured cast members, until her death in 2025. Rachel Ames was previously the series' longest-running cast member, portraying Audrey Hardy from 1964 to 2007, and making guest appearances in 2009 and 2013, the latter for the series' fiftieth anniversary. Ames made a special appearance on October 30, 2015. Actress Jacklyn Zeman — who portrayed Bobbie Spencer — joined the serial in December 1977, until her death in May 2023. Actress Jane Elliot, who joined the serial in June 1978 as Tracy Quartermaine, is the third longest-serving actor presently on the cast. The following list is of cast members who are currently on the show: the main and recurring cast members, or those who are debuting, departing or returning to the serial.