
For decades, General Hospital has captivated audiences with its explosive storylines, heartbreaking romances, and complex characters who stay with us long after the credits roll. Among those characters is Tracy Quartermaine—a woman of power, pride, scheming, regret, love, and fierce loyalty. And for her portrayer, Jane Elliot, the 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards in October 2025 will mark a crowning moment: she is being honored with the Gold Circle by NATAS (The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences), recognizing 50 years of distinguished service in daytime television.
Here’s everything you need to know—and why this honor feels more monumental than just another trophy.
What is the Gold Circle?
The Gold Circle is one of NATAS’s highest honors, awarded to individuals who have dedicated 50 years or more to daytime television with exceptional service, standards of excellence, mentoring, and leadership. In 2025, Jane Elliot is the sole recipient of this Gold Circle honor.
In the same year, several others are being inducted into the Silver Circle (for 25 years of service): Kate Linder, James Reynolds, Star Jones, Judy Blye Wilson, and others. But none match the permanence of Elliot’s half-century achievement.
Jane Elliot: Fifty Years as Tracy Quartermaine
Born in 1947, Jane Elliot has been associated with daytime television for more than half a century. She joined General Hospital as Tracy Quartermaine— one of the show’s most memorable and enduring characters. Over the years, Tracy has been villain, mother, matriarch, manipulator, occasional hero, sinner, and redeemer. Her storyline arcs include familial feuds, business wars, romance, betrayal—and Elliot has delivered all of it with power and nuance.
Being recognized now, after fifty years of bringing Tracy to life through all its peaks and valleys, is a testament to Elliot’s resilience in an industry where longevity is rare. She’s weathered shifting television trends, changing casts, evolving viewer expectations—all while maintaining Tracy’s sharpness and unpredictability.
The Other Honorees, and the Context
While Jane Elliot shines alone in the Gold Circle this year, she’s joined in the honors by actors and professionals celebrated in the Silver Circle. These include:
Kate Linder (“The Young and the Restless”),
James Reynolds (“Days of Our Lives”),
Judy Blye Wilson (casting director),
Star Jones (host & executive producer), and others.
This selection emphasizes the diverse ways one can impact daytime TV—not just through acting but also through production, casting, direction, mentorship. It’s a salute to everyone who helped build the industry.
Why This Feels Electrifying
A Rare Milestone
Fifty years with the same character on daytime television—not many have done that. In an era where many actors move on, characters are recast, or stories rebooted, Jane Elliot’s consistency is stunning.
Sole Gold Circle Inductee
Being the only person honored with the Gold Circle in 2025 adds particular weight. She’s not sharing this major recognition. It sets her apart.
Impact on General Hospital’s Legacy
Tracy Quartermaine is woven into the very fabric of General Hospital. Her actions have influenced major storylines, character relationships, and the show’s tone. Recognizing Elliot is, in part, recognizing how important Tracy has been not just to GH but to daytime drama overall.
Changing Ceremony and New Access for Fans
The 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards will be held October 17, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. For the first time since 2018, limited tickets are being made available to fans. Also, the ceremony will be streamed on watch.theemmys.tv and via The Emmys app.
Broader Recognition for Daytime TV Professionals
The inclusion of the Gold & Silver Circle honors is a reminder that some contributions happen behind the scenes—casting, mentoring, production—and not just in front of the camera. And this year’s list shows the spectrum.
Potential Ripple Effects
For the Show: Jane Elliot’s recognition could renew interest in Tracy’s story arcs, inspire writers to highlight her role more, or give Elliot special opportunities or storylines.
For Fans: Long-time viewers often feel personal ownership over these characters; this award can feel like validation of their loyalty.
For the Industry: Recognizing veteran actors publicly underscores that long service and consistency matter. It might encourage networks and producers to maintain legacy characters and cast members rather than replacing them prematurely.
Cultural Impact: With General Hospital among the few daytime shows still active and relevant, Elliot’s award is a spotlight on soap operas’ ability to adapt, endure, and still resonate.
What to Look Forward To on Emmy Night
There will likely be speeches, tribute montages, possibly surprise appearances from other Quartermaines or past co-stars, reflecting on Tracy’s journey.
There might also be unique recognition or special segments dedicated to Elliot’s career outside GH (her other roles, background, influence).
The setting is different this year: more fan access, streaming-first audience, plus the impact of showing gratitude to veterans of the genre.
Conclusion
Jane Elliot being honored as the 2025 Gold Circle Inductee at the 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards is more than a “lifetime achievement.” It’s a moment of reckoning for daytime television—what it has been, what it still can be, and who shapes its soul. For over 50 years, Jane Elliot has lived Tracy Quartermaine not as a job but as a torchbearer for strong, flawed, unforgettable storytelling.
When October arrives, and Elliot takes that stage, viewers will be watching not just a star—they will be witnessing history. Because honoring Jane Elliot is honoring the many moments, twists, heartaches, and triumphs that made daytime TV the emotional, riveting world we still love.