Quartermaine family
The Quartermaine family is a fictional family from the ABC soap opera, General Hospital. Created and introduced by Douglas Marland, the wealthy and eccentric family has been a continuous staple on General Hospital since their introduction in the 1970s. The Quartermaines were first introduced in 1977, when Stuart Damon originated the role of Alan Quartermaine. His parents and sister were next to be brought on canvas. Anna Lee originated matriarch Lila Quartermaine, with David Lewis being the first to play her husband Edward. Jane Elliot was cast as sharp-talking Tracy. The family owned business, ELQ Industries, named for the family's patriarch, Edward Louis Quartermaine, has been the center of several conflicts within the family.
The family is currently represented onscreen by Tracy, Monica, Jason, Sam, Dillon, Michael, Jake and Danny.
Background
The Quartermaines are notorious for their socialite status as well as their dysfunctional tendencies. Prone to comedic fights, they annually attempt to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner only for it to be ruined and have to order pizza. At Christmas time, the family has been known for their annual Christmas reading at the Hospital's Pediatric Ward Christmas party, ever since the passing of former Chief of Staff Steve Hardy, until the party remained to be aired. In a 1992 interview, Stuart Damon described the family:
