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Erika Slezak

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Erika Slezak
Erika Slezak with her father, Walter Slezak, on the set of One Life to Live (1974)
Born (1946-08-05) August 5, 1946 (age 80)
Hollywood, California, U.S.
EducationRoyal Academy of Dramatic Arts
OccupationActress
Years active1971–present
Known forVictoria Lord
TelevisionOne Life to Live
Spouses
Robert Daniel Mooney
​
​
(m. 1968⁠–⁠1971)​
Brian Davies
​
(m. 1978)​
Children2
FatherWalter Slezak
RelativesMargarete Slezak (aunt)
Leo Slezak (grandfather)
AwardsDaytime Emmy Award (1984, 1986, 1992, 1995, 1996, 2005)
Soap Opera Digest Award (2002)
Websitewww.erikaslezak.com

Erika Alma Slezak (/ˈsleɪzæk/; born August 5, 1946)[1][2] is an American actress, best known for her role as Victoria "Viki" Lord on the American daytime soap opera One Life to Live from 1971 through the television finale in 2012 and again in the online revival in 2013. She is one of the longest-serving serial actors in American media. For her portrayal of Viki, she won six Daytime Emmy Awards, the most of any daytime drama actress.



Life and career

[edit]

Erika Slezak had a theatrical background, working in repertory theatre after graduating from RADA. [3] During her years in repertory theatre, Slezak played a wide variety of roles, ranging from Desdemona in Othello and Queen Elizabeth in Mary Stuart to Marian in The Music Man. [4] After graduating from RADA, Slezak joined the Milwaukee Repertory Company at age 20 as a lead and remained with the company for three seasons.[5] Slezak spent a season in Houston, where she performed in several productions, including the role of Elvira in Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit with Margaret Hamilton.[6]After Houston, Slezak took a break and planned to spend a few weeks visiting her parents in Switzerland. That break turned into roughly seven months before she was asked to perform Desdemona once again in Othello.[7][8], Slezak had previously been put on tape for the role of nurse Mary Kennicott on All My Children, [9] On March 16, Slezak auditioned for One Life to Live, reading opposite Bernard Grant, who played Steve Burke. Slezak was not told that she was auditioning for the role of Viki.[10]Present at the audition were OLTL producer Doris Quinlan, casting director Joan D'Incecco and series creator Agnes Nixon.[11][12]Slezak learned that she had been cast as Victoria “Viki” Lord and was told she would begin work the following day, March 17, 1971.[13]Slezak was the third actress to portray Viki; Gillian Spencer originated the role when One Life to Live premiered in 1968 and was succeeded by Joanne Dorian in 1970. During Slezak's tenure, Christine Jones temporarily portrayed Viki while Slezak was on maternity leave[14], and Judith Barcroft[15] also briefly assumed the role during a later absence.[16]Slezak had no previous television experience, and longtime One Life to Live director David Pressman helped her adjust her stage-trained acting style to performing for television.[17]In 1974, Slezak appeared opposite her father, actor Walter Slezak, when he guest-starred in four episodes of One Life to Live as Viki's godfather, Lazlo Braedecker.[18]

Slezak's husband, actor Brian Davies, also appeared on One Life to Live, portraying Scott Edgar in 1983[19] and Danton Gordon in 1989.[20]

During Slezak's early years on One Life to Live, she portrayed Viki's alternate personality, Niki Smith, only in flashbacks and other characters' recollections; Niki later returned as an active character.[21] In 1984, Slezak won her first Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Viki.[22] In 1985, Niki Smith returned as an active alternate personality, allowing Slezak to portray both Viki and Niki in the storyline.[23] In 1986, Slezak won her second Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.[24] In 1987, Viki had an out-of-body experience during brain surgery in a storyline in which she visited Heaven and encountered deceased loved ones.[25] In 1988, Slezak portrayed Viki and her Old West ancestor, Virginia "Ginny" Fletcher, in a time-travel storyline.[26]

In 1990, Viki suffered a stroke in a major storyline that required Slezak to portray the character's physical and speech impairments during her recovery.[27] In 1992, Slezak won her third Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.[28] In 1995, Slezak portrayed Viki with several additional alternate personalities in an expanded dissociative identity disorder storyline.[29] In 1995, Slezak won her fourth Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.[30] In 1996, Slezak won her fifth Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.[31] In 2000, Slezak portrayed Viki through a breast cancer storyline, for which she researched the illness and consulted with breast cancer survivors in preparing for the role.[32] In 2004, Viki underwent a heart transplant after her husband, Ben Davidson, died while comatose and his heart was donated to her.[33] In 2005, Slezak won her sixth Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.[34] In 2007, Slezak criticized aspects of One Life to Live under then-head writer Dena Higley, particularly what she viewed as departures from the show's history and character-driven storytelling. Her comments appeared in her fan club newsletter and were subsequently reported in the soap-opera press.[35]In 2008, Slezak reprised Viki's visit to Heaven as part of One Life to Live's 40th anniversary, with series creator Agnes Nixon appearing as "The Creator."[36] In 2011, One Life to Live marked Slezak's 40th anniversary as Viki with a special episode devoted to the character and her history on the series.[37] In 2012, Slezak remained with One Life to Live through the conclusion of its ABC run, appearing as Viki in the series' final network episode on January 13.[38] In 2013, Slezak reprised the role of Viki when One Life to Live was revived as an online series.[39] Slezak also appeared as herself on The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Intimate Portrait and The View.[40][41] [42]In 2019, she was interviewed for an episode of 20/20 about the stalking and murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer, who had appeared on One Life to Live in the 1980s. In 1996, Slezak portrayed Jean Roberts in the television film Full Circle, based on the novel by Danielle Steel.[43] In 2018, Slezak guest-starred on The Resident.[44] In 2019, Slezak appeared as Helen in the film Guest Artist.[45] In 2019 and 2023, Slezak guest-starred on Blue Bloods.[46] In 2021, Slezak appeared in the Hallmark television film Next Stop, Christmas.[47] In 2025, Slezak returned to daytime television as Veronica "Ronnie" Bard on General Hospital, her first daytime role since One Life to Live.[48]

Personal life

[edit]

Slezak married Robert Daniel Mooney in 1968 in Milwaukee[1] and divorced in 1971.[citation needed] She married Brian Davies on April 4, 1978,[49] and is the mother of two children, Michael and Amanda.[2][50] In 2003, Amanda Davies played a teenaged version of her mother's character Victoria in flashback scenes on One Life to Live.[2] Amanda Davies died on January 29, 2024.[51][52][53]

Awards

[edit]

Slezak has won six Daytime Emmy Awards in the category of "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series" out of nine nominations for her role as Victoria. Nominated in 1983, 1988, and 2012, she won in 1984, 1986, 1992, 1995, 1996 and 2005, making the record for most wins by an actress and, along with Justin Deas, is second to 8-time winner Anthony Geary, for the most wins for playing one character. Additionally, Slezak won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple with Mark Derwin in 2000.[2]

Daytime Emmy Award wins
YearAward
1984Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for One Life to Live[54]
1986Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for One Life to Live[55]
1992Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for One Life to Live[56]
1995Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for One Life to Live[57]
1996Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for One Life to Live[58]
2005Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for One Life to Live[59]
Soap Opera Digest Award wins
YearAward
2000Favorite Couple for One Life to Live (shared with Mark Derwin)[2]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1971–2013 One Life to Live Victoria Lord Series regular
1977 A.M. Chicago Self Episode dated November 3, 1977
1978 Donahue Self Episode dated March 21, 1978
1978–83 Family Feud Self–Celebrity contestant 3 episodes
1996 Full Circle Jean Roberts Made-for-TV movie directed by Bethany Rooney[60]
1996–2002 The Rosie O'Donnell Show Self 4 episodes
2000–02 Intimate Portrait Self Episodes: "Linda Dano", "Erika Slezak"
2003–2012 The View Self 4 episodes
2018 The Resident Dr. Eileen Jacoby Episode: "Haunted"
2019 Guest Artist Helen Drama film directed by Timothy Busfield[61][62][63]
20/20 Self Episode: "Your Biggest Fan"
2019, 2022 Blue Bloods Donna Duvall Episodes: "Identity" and "Nothing Sacred"
2021 Next Stop, Christmas Aunt Myrtle Made-for-TV movie directed by Dustin Rikert[64]
2025 General Hospital Veronica Bard Role held from September 26 to November 6, 2025

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 "Erika A. Slezak/ Is Wed to Actor, Daniel Mooney". The New York Times. May 21, 1968. ISSN 0362-4331. OCLC 1645522. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 SOD. "SOAP STAR STATS: Erika Slezak (Viki, OLTL)". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  3. ↑ "Erika Slezak - Actress". TV Insider. September 1, 2026. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Slezak, Erika 1946– | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com.
  5. ↑ "Erika Slezak - Actress". TV Insider. September 1, 2026. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
  6. ↑ Thomas, Michael (November 28, 2025). "EXCLUSIVE: Erika Slezak Reveals If She Would Return to General Hospital and More". Soap Opera News.
  7. ↑ "1975 Erika's Life Story". Erika Slezak Fan Club.
  8. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  9. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  10. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  11. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  12. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  13. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  14. ↑ "20 Questions with Erika Slezak". ErikaSlezak.com. 1991.
  15. ↑ "Victoria Lord". Soap Central.
  16. ↑ "Erika Slezak Finally Gets Bumped by One Life".
  17. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  18. ↑ "1979 Don't Step". Erika Slezak Fan Club.
  19. ↑ Lackmann, Ron (2003). The Encyclopedia of American Television (PDF). Facts On File.
  20. ↑ Warner, Gary (1998). One Life to Live: Thirty Years of Memories. Hyperion. p. 402.
  21. ↑ "1991 Lady". Erika Slezak Fan Club.
  22. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  23. ↑ "1991 Lady". Erika Slezak Fan Club.
  24. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  25. ↑ "One Life to Live 45th Anniversary: Best and Worst Moments". www.tvguide.com.
  26. ↑ "One Life to Live 45th Anniversary: Best and Worst Moments". TV Guide.
  27. ↑ "1991 Lady". Erika Slezak Fan Club.
  28. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  29. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  30. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  31. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  32. ↑ "2000 Survive". Erika Slezak Fan Club.
  33. ↑ "Victoria Lord Timeline". Erika Slezak Fan Club.
  34. ↑ "Erika Slezak | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  35. ↑ "Erika's World". Erika Slezak Fan Club. March 22, 2007. Retrieved September 29, 2026.
  36. ↑ "TV Guide". www.tvguide.com.
  37. ↑ "TV Guide". www.tvguide.com.
  38. ↑ "Life in Llanview Comes to an End: "One Life to Live" Goes Off the Air | Television Academy Interviews". interviews.televisionacademy.com.
  39. ↑ "Interview: Erika Slezak & Kassie DePaiva on 'One Life to Live's' Legacy - TV Source Magazine". TV Source Magazine. July 14, 2013.
  40. ↑ ""Erika Slezak", "Kathy Griffin"". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. June 16, 2000. Retrieved September 29, 2026.
  41. ↑ "Erika Slezak". Times Union. Hearst Communications. July 6, 2002. p. 30. ISSN 8756-5927.
  42. ↑ "Jerry Lewis, "Erika Slezak"". The Free Lance-Star. October 23, 2005. p. 49.
  43. ↑ "Slezak, Erika 1946– | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com.
  44. ↑ "The Resident: Season 1, Episode 10 | Cast and Crew | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com.
  45. ↑ "Guest Artist | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com.
  46. ↑ "Erika Slezak List of Movies and TV Shows - TV Guide". www.tvguide.com.
  47. ↑ "- Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide". www.tvguide.com.
  48. ↑ "'One Life to Live' Icon Erika Slezak Left Soap Operas a Decade Ago. Here's Why She's Chosen to Return with 'General Hospital' (Exclusive)". People.com.
  49. ↑ Waldo, Garren (August 5, 2023). "Soap Opera Legend And Icon Erika Slezak Celebrates Her Birthday". Soap Hub. AllGear Digital. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  50. ↑ "Amanda Davies, One Life to Live Alum and Daughter of Soap Legend Erika Slezak, Dead at 42". Yahoo Entertainment. January 29, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  51. ↑ Calvario, Liz (January 30, 2024). "Amanda Davies, daughter of 'One Life to Live' actor Erika Slezak, dies at 42". NBC News. NBCUniversal News Group. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  52. ↑ Saunders, Angel (January 30, 2024). "Amanda Davies, One Life to Live Alum and Daughter of Soap Legend Erika Slezak, Dead at 42". People. People Inc. ISSN 0093-7673. OCLC 794712888. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  53. ↑ Dolak, Kevin (January 30, 2024). "Amanda Davies, Daughter of Soap Icon Erika Slezak, Dies at 42". The Hollywood Reporter. Eldridge Industries. ISSN 0018-3660. OCLC 44653726. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  54. ↑ SOD. "Daytime Emmy Winners & Nominees: 1984". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Archived from the original on April 2, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  55. ↑ SOD. "Daytime Emmy Winners & Nominees: 1986". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Archived from the original on May 27, 2006. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  56. ↑ SOD. "Daytime Emmy Winners & Nominees: 1992". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Archived from the original on May 27, 2006. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  57. ↑ SOD. "Daytime Emmy Winners & Nominees: 1995". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Archived from the original on May 27, 2006. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  58. ↑ SOD. "Daytime Emmy Winners & Nominees: 1996". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Archived from the original on June 3, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  59. ↑ SOD. "Daytime Emmy Winners & Nominees: 2005". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Archived from the original on June 3, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  60. ↑ Scott, Tony (September 9, 1996). "Danielle Steel's Full Circle". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. ISSN 0042-2738. OCLC 60626328. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
  61. ↑ "Jeff Daniels' 'Guest Artist' heads to home viewing platforms". The Detroit News. Digital First Media. July 21, 2020. ISSN 1055-2715. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
  62. ↑ Roeper, Richard (July 20, 2020). "'Guest Artist' loses steam soon after arriving at the station". Chicago Sun-Times. Chicago Public Media. ISSN 1553-8478. OCLC 51500916. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
  63. ↑ Linden, Sheri (March 6, 2019). "Guest Artist: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Eldridge Industries. ISSN 0018-3660. OCLC 44653726. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
  64. ↑ Lewis, Errol (August 30, 2021). "Erika Slezak to Appear in 'Next Stop Christmas' for Hallmark Channel". Soap Opera Network. Manti, Inc. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
[edit]
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