Leslie Charleson, beloved ‘General Hospital’ star, passes away at 79

Leslie Charleson, the beloved actress who portrayed Dr. Monica Quartermaine on ABC’s General Hospital for nearly 50 years, passed away on January 12 at the age of 79. Known for her grace, talent, and resilience, Leslie’s death marks the end of an unforgettable era for the soap opera world.

Leslie Charleson’s passing was confirmed by General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini in a heartfelt Instagram post. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” he wrote. “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 of the entire cast and crew. I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit, and incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”

Charleson, who joined General Hospital in 1977, became a household name through her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine, a character known for her fiery determination, dramatic storylines, and heartfelt moments.

A career shaped by dedication and talent

Born on February 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, Leslie Charleson grew up surrounded by opportunity as the daughter of a publishing executive. At 19, she made her television debut on the daytime soap A Flame in the Wind. She later appeared on As the World Turns, but it was General Hospital that cemented her place as a soap opera legend.

Charleson’s dedication to her craft shone throughout her career. In a 1993 interview, she recalled the advice she received from soap veteran Roy Poole, who told her, “Don’t think of the 9 million people who are watching. And don’t worry about your hands.” Leslie chuckled as she explained how this advice helped her overcome her nerves early on. “All of a sudden, hands became something I had never seen before. I didn’t know what to do with them,” she said.

Her most iconic storyline may have been Monica Quartermaine’s battle with breast cancer, which aired between 1994 and 2000. The emotionally charged plot resonated with many, as it was inspired by real-life experiences of women on the show’s production team. “We had all women — women writers, a woman producer — and they had all been affected by breast cancer, including me. My mother had it,” Charleson said during a 2022 interview with her co-star Maurice Benard.

Charleson took the responsibility seriously, immersing herself in the realities of the disease to ensure an authentic portrayal. “I went to Wellness Hospitals, just to see what it was like, because we wanted to be honest. So much of the soap had been fantasy time, but this we took special effort and concentrated effort to make sure it was done properly,” she explained.

Awards and accolades

Over her remarkable career, Leslie Charleson earned four Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (1980, 1982, 1983, and 1995). She also appeared in TV movies like Woman on the Ledge and starred in General Hospital spinoffs such as Port Charles and Night Shift.

Reflecting on her long tenure with General Hospital, Charleson shared her thoughts during a 2019 interview with Digital Journal. She credited her “interest in the material” and the strong relationships she built with her castmates for her success. She also pointed out a unique aspect of her career: “I am the only actor on the show that doesn’t have another soap opera to talk about since I have never done another soap opera, while almost everybody else has.”

Final years and health challenges

In her later years, Leslie Charleson faced health challenges, including mobility issues caused by multiple falls. She had not appeared on General Hospital since December 2023, and her most recent fall led to hospitalization shortly before her passing. While the exact cause of her death has not been disclosed, her resilience and strength throughout her struggles remain an inspiration to her fans and colleagues.

Fans and colleagues alike are mourning Leslie’s loss, remembering her as a trailblazer who helped shape daytime television. Her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine gave viewers a character who was fiercely loyal, deeply human, and unafraid to face life’s toughest challenges.

As tributes pour in, it’s clear that Leslie Charleson’s legacy will endure. From her groundbreaking performances to her impact on breast cancer awareness, her contributions to the entertainment industry will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Leslie Charleson. Your talent, grace, and presence will forever live in the hearts of those you touched.