Leslie Charleson, who played Dr. Monica Quartermaine for nearly 50 years on ABC’s “General Hospital,” died at 79. The show’s chief producer, Frank Valentini, shared the news Sunday evening.
Charleson started the popular daytime show in 1977 and became the actor who has been on it the longest. She played Monica Quartermaine for 46 years, and fans loved her for it. Her last episode on the show was in December 2023.
“Just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew,” Valentini said. “I will miss our daily talks, her sharp sense of humor, and her amazing energy on set.”
Charleson’s trip to Port Charles had some difficulties. In a 2022 interview with “State of Mind,” she talked about how it felt like a “hostile environment” when she took over the part of another actress. She quickly put her spin on the character, especially through her unforgettable partnership with the late Stuart Damon, who played her husband, Alan Quartermaine.
While on the show, Charleson discussed many important topics, including Monica’s struggle with breast cancer and family conflicts that were key to the series. Her strong efforts earned her four nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress at the Daytime Emmys.
Before her famous part in “General Hospital,” she had a successful TV career in Kansas City. She started her career in 1964 with ABC’s “A Flame in the Wind” and later acted in “As the World Turns.” On “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” she played Iris Donnelly from 1967 to 1970. Charleson also made guest roles on prime-time shows like “The Rockford Files,” “Mannix,” “Friends,” and “Dharma & Greg.”
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Health problems have hampered Charleson’s mobility in recent years. She had to take a break from the show in 2017 due to a fall while walking her dog. Patty McCormack took her place for a short time. Her coworkers remarked on how cheerful she stayed even though she needed a walker later. She was last hospitalized after another fall last week.
Charleson was last seen publicly in Atwater Village, Los Angeles three months ago. Despite needing mobility assistance, she was seen having lunch with friends and keeping her usual upbeat disposition.
The show started to include her restricted mobility in later episodes of “General Hospital.” Recent scripts say that Monica is in the Quartermaine house, but she mostly stays off-screen. Charleson passed away after her last episode aired in December 2023, marking the end of an important time for the popular soap series.
