General Hospital spoilers and updates report Leslie Charleson, who played the iconic Monica Quartermaine since 1977 passed away after a long illness at 79. GH Executive Producer Frank Valentini made the announcement Sunday, January 12.
General Hospital Spoilers: Valentini’s Announcement
Frank Valentini announced: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson”. “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.”
GH Spoilers: Leslie Had Been Ill For Some Time
The cherished actress, who became part of the soap in 1977, has faced various health challenges over the past few years, affecting her presence on the ABC soap.
Her last appearance as Monica was a short one where she was seated, in December 2023. In recent times, she’s experienced multiple falls that have made it difficult for her to move around.
Despite these obstacles, which had required her to use a walker, her indomitable spirit remained strong. Unfortunately, she was hospitalized once more last week following another fall.
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, @lesliecharleson. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/p7mhN9ccO5
— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) January 12, 2025
General Hospital Spoilers: Leslie’s Long Television Career Began In 1964
The Kansas City native embarked on her extensive daytime television career in 1964 at the young age of 19, debuting in the short-lived ABC soap opera “A Flame in the Wind.”
A few years later, she took on the role of Iris Donnelly Garrison in CBS’s “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing”. There, she found herself at the center of a captivating love triangle alongside characters portrayed by Donna Mills and David Birney, a storyline that resonated with many viewers.
Throughout the 1970s, she made guest appearances on numerous shows of the era, such as “The Rockford Files,” “The Wild West,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “Mannix,” and “Ironside.” On “Happy Days,” where she portrayed the character Dorothy Kimber, a divorcée who shared the screen with Ron Howard, marking his first on-screen kiss.
GH Spoilers: Other Television Appearances
In 1973, she starred alongside Shelley Winters in the film “The Day of the Dolphin,” where she developed a deep affection for dolphins, leading her to collect them throughout her life. In her later years, she made guest appearances on shows like “Dharma & Greg,” “Diagnosis: Murder,” and “Friends.”
Leslie shared the screen with Deidre Hall from “Days of Our Lives” and Colleen Zenk from “As the World Turns” in the 1993 television movie “Woman on the Ledge.”
While she had numerous primetime roles, she made a notable return to soap operas in 1977, stepping in for Patsy Rahn as Monica Bard on “General Hospital.”
Charleson often joked about not being warmly welcomed by some cast and crew members, who were unhappy about her predecessor’s departure; her quick wit and humor helped her win them over.
General Hospital Spoilers: Forty Plus Years Of Comedy And Drama
Throughout her remarkable 40-plus years on “GH,” Charleson’s portrayal of Monica has been central to one of daytime television’s most iconic and beloved love triangles.
The dynamic between Rick Webber (Chris Robinson) and Alan Quartermaine ( Stuart Damon) created a captivating narrative around Monica. Leslie has brought a delightful mix of humor to the role, often showcasing her character’s penchant for slapping others, all while being part of the wealthy and perpetually tumultuous Quartermaine family.
In addition to the lighter moments, she has also delivered powerful performances in dramatic storylines, including her battles with breast cancer and the heart-wrenching loss of three children.
Monica’s journey has seen her face life-threatening situations, including being shot and held at gunpoint multiple times; throughout this incredible journey, she received four Daytime Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actress.
GH Spoilers: Off Contract, Recurring After Thirty Years
After three decades on “GH,” she was moved from a contract role to a recurring status in 2010, which sparked protests from her fans and the show’s audience. In 2017, while walking her dog, Charleson had a fall that resulted in a leg injury, temporarily replaced by former child star Patty McCormack for two months during her recovery.
A few years later, she experienced another fall and was recast for just one day. Last October, it was revealed that her return to the show seemed unlikely.
Nevertheless, Monica’s character is still referenced in the storyline whenever the Quartermaines come together, with mentions of her being upstairs in their mansion.
General Hospital Spoilers: A Friend’s Memories
Variety Magazine writer Rosemary Rossi remembered her friend Leslie with glowing terms in an article announcing her passing. “I knew Leslie very well; she was a great friend to me; no one was kinder, more fun, loyal, or generous- I remember the times at her lovely home. We’d watch her turtle roam in the beautiful backyard until it vanished into the bushes.
We would sit in the kitchen nook and chat, and I would tease her about her favorite musicians, Elvis Presley and the Eagles-she had a wonderful laugh. She adored her horse and was a big fan of GH-she loved being part of its history and cared deeply for the fans; … she will be missed”.
