Leslie Charleson, General Hospital icon, dies at 79
Soap Opera Icon Leslie Charleson Dies at 79
Leslie Charleson, beloved for her nearly five-decade portrayal of Dr. Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 79. Her death on January 12, 2025, marks the end of an extraordinary era in daytime television, leaving fans, colleagues, and loved ones mourning her loss.
The announcement came from General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini, who shared a heartfelt tribute on the show’s Instagram account. “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” Valentini wrote. “For nearly 50 years, Leslie brought Monica Quartermaine, the heart of the Quartermaine family, to life. Off-screen, she was equally loved by the cast and crew. Her quick wit, daily conversations, and warmth will be deeply missed. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends during this heartbreaking time.”
Charleson joined General Hospital in 1977 and became an integral part of the show, winning over audiences with her talent and charm. Despite battling mobility issues in recent years due to multiple falls, she remained dedicated to her craft, with her final appearance airing in December 2023. Reports indicate she had been hospitalized a week before her passing following another fall, though the official cause of death remains unknown.
Born on February 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, Charleson grew up in a supportive, creative household. Her father’s career as a publishing executive and connections through a neighbor at ABC helped her break into the entertainment industry. She began her acting journey in 1964 on the soap A Flame in the Wind, followed by a role on As the World Turns. Her talent and captivating screen presence eventually led her to General Hospital, where she made history.
In a 1993 interview, Charleson reflected on advice she received from her early mentor, Roy Poole, when she was just starting out. “I didn’t know what to do with my hands,” she recalled with a laugh. “Roy told me not to worry about millions of viewers or my movements, and his advice helped me find my confidence in my roles.”
Charleson’s portrayal of Monica Quartermaine was marked by heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth. From family drama to life-threatening illnesses, Monica’s journey resonated deeply with viewers. One of Charleson’s most powerful storylines was Monica’s battle with breast cancer from 1994 to 2000.
“We wanted to portray the experience as authentically as possible,” Charleson told co-star Maurice Benard in 2022. “Having writers and a producer who had lived through breast cancer made it a personal project for everyone. I even visited wellness centers to immerse myself in the patient experience. It was vital to get it right.”
Over her remarkable career, Charleson earned four Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (1980, 1982, 1983, and 1995). Beyond her work on General Hospital, she appeared in films like Woman on the Ledge (1993) alongside Deidre Hall and Colleen Zenk and reprised her role as Monica in the spin-offs Port Charles and General Hospital: Night Shift.
In a 2019 interview, Charleson reflected on her enduring connection to General Hospital. “I’ve always been passionate about the stories we tell and the relationships I’ve built here,” she said. “I’m one of the few actors who hasn’t worked on another soap. This is my home.”
Leslie Charleson’s impact on daytime television and her audience is immeasurable. Her ability to bring depth, authenticity, and heart to her roles has left a lasting legacy in the industry.
As fans and colleagues honor her incredible contributions, the General Hospital community remembers her as a pioneer and a beloved figure. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life. Rest in peace, Leslie Charleson.