Leslie Charleson, a popular soap opera star best known for her role as Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, died Sunday morning at the age of 79, after a prolonged illness.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said in a post on Instagram.
“Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone, and just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch to the entire cast and crew. I will miss our daily chats, his quick wit, and his incredible presence on set. “On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my deepest condolences to your loved ones during this difficult time.”
Charleson joined General Hospital in 1977 and remained a beloved cast member for more than four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the soap's legacy.
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Her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine involved gripping stories, from surviving breast cancer to navigating the Quartermaines' family drama, cementing her as a fan favorite. He earned four Daytime Emmy nominations for his work.
Born in Kansas City, Charleson began her acting career in 1964 on the ABC soap opera A Flame in the Wind. Over the years, he made notable appearances on primetime series such as The Rockford Files, Happy Days, and The Streets of San Francisco. His film work included a starring role opposite Shelley Winters in The Day of the Dolphin (1973).
In recent years, health problems, including several falls, affected Charleson's mobility and appearance on General Hospital. She was last seen on the show in December 2023, and her character continues to be referenced in the story.
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