Leslie Charleson, the veteran American actress and popular soap opera star, who caught worldwide attention with her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine on the fame drama series, General Hospital, has died.
The beloved actress reportedly died at the age of 79 on Sunday morning, following a prolonged illness.
In a post on Instagram, General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini, confirmed the heartbreaking development. He wrote: “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 her incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”
Born on 22 February 1945, Leslie Charleson joined the cast of General Hospital in 1977 and remained a beloved cast member for over four decades, leaving an enduring legacy on the iconic soap opera.
Charleson’s portrayal of Monica Quartermaine featured compelling story lines, including surviving breast cancer and navigating the intense family drama of the Quartermaines, making her a fan favorite. Her performance earned her four Daytime Emmy nominations.
Born in Kansas City, Charleson kick-started her illustrious acting career in the year 1964 on the ABC soap opera A Flame in the Wind. Over the years, she appeared in notable prime-time series such as The Rockford Files, Happy Days, and The Streets of San Francisco. Her film credits include a starring role alongside Shelley Winters in The Day of the Dolphin (1973).
In recent years, health challenges, including multiple falls, affected Charleson’s mobility and appearances on General Hospital. Her last on-screen appearance was in December 2023, though her character continues to be referenced in the storyline.
