‘General Hospital’ News: Tonja Walker’s First ‘GH’ Air Date Revealed

Hard-core “General Hospital,” fans will catch their first glimpse of Tonja Walker on January 16! The much anticipated debut of the former (and current?) mob boss Olivia Jerome is sure to send shockwaves through the already chaotic Port Charles.

Walker tweeted this news nugget over the weekend: “First airdate Jan 16th then a few days goes by, then I’m in a lot!! Thank you!”

There’s still no official word on what role Walker will play. She last aired on GH over 25 years ago, in the role of mean mobstress, Olivia Jerome.

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But a trail of clues certainly leads viewers to think she’ll be back as Olivia: a mysterious person with the initials O.J is yanking her brother Julian Jerome’s (William DeVry) strings, and the mystery person in the pawnshop is a woman.

Still, soapland is an unpredictable place and wild speculation about Walker’s role has gone on a rampage. There are even some who believe that Walker will be a recast of Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers)!

After leaving GH Walker played Marie Green on the late, great soap, “Guiding Light,” (killing off beloved mom Maureen Bauer was bad karma, but I digress!). Walker also worked on the now-defunct soaps, “Passions,” and, “One Life to Live.”

Lots of soap fans agree that Olivia Jerome is Walker’s signature soap role and that she will pick up where she left off on GH.

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Walker’s stint as Olivia was short (1988-1990) but memorable. She and her brother Julian fought each other for control of the Jerome crime family, with Julian the apparent victor.

GH viewers saw Julian shoot and kill his sister before she could warn her crush, and Julian’s enemy, Duke Lavery (Ian Buchanan) about his plan to kill him.

If Olivia lived, it would be just like the steely villainess to bide her time and strike back at Julian when he is at his most vulnerable. Julian is currently in a nasty battle with his ex-wife Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), who he tried to kill; she later ran him over.

GH fans, be sure to tell us in the comments section below who you think Walker will portray during her second GH run!

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