The General Hospital star, Jane Elliot, has successfully entertained her audience for over four decades with her incredible performance. Her portrayal of Tracy Quartermaine has gained immense popularity over time. However, what inspired her journey to land the role is a story worth telling. In a recent interview, Elliot shared that her friendship with fellow soap star Deidre Hall opened her eyes to the world of daytime drama. It was this friendship that ultimately led to her iconic role on General Hospital. So, let’s dive deeper into Elliot’s audition process and the lasting impact of her time on the show.
How Deidre Hall Inspired Jane Elliot To Join Daytime Drama?
Jane Elliot credits her close friendship with Deidre Hall for introducing her to the world of daytime drama. In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Elliot open up about her early struggles as an actress and reveal how Hall’s structured life inspired her. According to Elliot, when she visited Hall’s house, she noticed scripts on her bed and asked about them. To which Hall replied that those were her scripts for the coming week. Elliot was impressed with Hall’s structured life, where she knew when she was going to work, had scripts to learn, shows to do, and a part to play, unlike her own hand-to-mouth existence.
Shortly thereafter, Elliot received a call from her agent informing her that Days of Our Lives had offered her a role as a judge. However, her agent turned down the offer on her behalf as she never wanted to do soaps. But after witnessing Hall’s structured life, Elliot felt a strong urge to be a part of daytime drama. She expressed her desire to spend more time in front of the camera and hone her craft. Her agent, surprised by the change of heart and agreed to follow up on the opportunity. But how did she land a role as Tracy Quartermaine on General Hospital? Let’s find out!
How Jane Elliot’s Last-Minute Audition Landed Her The Role Of Tracy Quartermaine On General Hospital?
Picture this: Jane Elliot, a nursery school teacher, covered in dirt from head to toe, is helping a colleague move to a new home in La Canada Flintridge. Suddenly, her phone rings. It’s her agent, informing her of an unexpected audition for General Hospital that very same night! The audition was for the role of Gina Dante, which Anna Stuart was leaving. However, Elliot was caught off guard. All the other contenders were “raven-haired beauties with gorgeous brown eyes,” which was not her look. Little did she know this audition would change the course of her career forever.
According to Elliot, she believes that the impromptu nature of the audition worked to her advantage. She received the script on the spot and had no preparation time. Elliot found it liberating because it allowed her to perform at her best without overthinking. The next day Monty called her agent to inform him that they are not casting her for Gina. But rather, they were writing a new role for her. As a result of Elliot’s impressive audition, they wrote Tracy Quartermaine. So, this is how General Hospital got Tracy Quartermaine! Keep coming back to TV Seasons and Spoilers for more insider news and spoilers about your favorite TV shows.