‘General Hospital’ actress Leslie Charleson, known for her role as Monica Quartermaine, dies at 79
Leslie Charleson, a well-known soap opera actress famous for her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine on “General Hospital,” has died at the age of 79.
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of “General Hospital,” shared the news of Charleson’s passing in an Instagram update on Sunday. According to a source familiar with the matter, she succumbed to complications from a prolonged illness.
Valentini expressed his sorrow, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson. Her remarkable legacy has unfolded over nearly 50 years on ‘General Hospital,’ and just as Monica was central to the Quartermaines, Leslie was a cherished matriarch to the entire cast and crew.”
He added, “I will miss our daily conversations, her sharp humor, and her striking presence on set. My sincerest condolences go out to her family and friends during this challenging period.”
Charleson debuted as Dr. Quartermaine on “General Hospital” in 1977 and went on to star in over 2,000 episodes throughout her nearly five-decade career, based on her IMDb profile.
Reflecting on her long tenure with the ABC series, Charleson told Digital Journal in 2019: “Initially, I signed on for just two years, and I don’t really know what happened afterward. I appreciate her spunk, her independence, and everything about her. Back then, strong female roles were rare. It was a fantastic period, and the material was powerful to act.”
Prior to her time on “General Hospital,” Charleson honed her skills on television dramas like “A Flame in the Wind” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.” She also made appearances in various shows throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, including “As the World Turns,” “N.Y.P.D.,” “The Rookies,” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.”
Throughout her career, Charleson also reprised her role from “General Hospital” in its spin-offs, “Port Charles” and “General Hospital: Night Shift.”
During the late ’90s and early 2000s, Charleson remained primarily in Port Charles, appearing occasionally as a guest on sitcoms like “Dharma & Greg” and “Friends.”
Her last appearance on “General Hospital” occurred in the December 2023 episode titled “Everything You Ever Wanted,” according to IMDb.
