Longtime 'General Hospital' actress Leslie Charleson passes away

Leslie Charleson, celebrated for her nearly five-decade portrayal of Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 79.

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by Paxton Conway
Longtime 'General Hospital' actress Leslie Charleson passes away

The news was confirmed by a representative for the long-running ABC soap opera, with heartfelt tributes from the show's executive producer, Frank Valenti.

"It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of Leslie Charleson," Valenti stated in a social media post. "For almost 50 years, she was a cornerstone of General Hospital, much like her character Monica was to the Quartermaine family. Leslie's presence was a guiding light for the entire cast and crew."

Valenti expressed his personal grief, reminiscing about their daily conversations and her vibrant energy on set. "On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, I extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time," he added.

A storied career in daytime television

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1945, Charleson began her acting journey with roles in other soap operas like As The World Turns and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing. Her breakthrough came in 1977 when she was cast as Monica Quartermaine, a role she would hold until December 2023, making her the longest-serving actor on General Hospital.

In an interview from 2020, Charleson recalled her initial reluctance to join another soap opera after Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, but she was persuaded by producer Tom Donovan. "I could never have imagined the profound impact this role would have on my life," she reflected.

Monica Quartermaine: A legacy of drama and resilience

Monica Quartermaine became a pivotal figure in General Hospital, known for her resilience and dramatic storylines. The character navigated through numerous crises, including personal struggles with alcoholism, breast cancer, and intense family conflicts. Monica's breast cancer storyline from 1994 to 2000 remains one of the show's most impactful narratives, addressing the issue with authenticity and sensitivity.

"We had women writers and producers who had been affected by breast cancer, and I wanted to ensure the portrayal was honest and respectful," Charleson shared in a 2022 interview with co-star Maurice Benard.

Accolades and contributions

Throughout her career, Charleson earned four Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, reflecting her exceptional contributions to daytime television. Beyond General Hospital, she appeared in popular shows like Dharma & Greg, Diagnosis: Murder, and even made a guest appearance on Friends in 2004.

A lasting impact

Leslie Charleson's passing marks the end of an era for General Hospital and its fans. Her enduring legacy, both on and off-screen, continues to inspire generations of viewers and actors alike. Her remarkable portrayal of Monica Quartermaine leaves an indelible mark on the history of daytime television.

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by Paxton Conway

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