'General Hospital' star Leslie Charleson dies at 79
Leslie Charleson, an actress known for her role as Monica Quartermaine in the soap opera "General Hospital," passed away after a long illness on Sunday, January 12. She portrayed the character for nearly half a century and was 79 years old.
The news of Leslie Charleson's death was shared by Frank Valentini, the executive producer of "General Hospital."
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, he said.
Leslie Charleson has passed away
Leslie Charleson joined the cast of General Hospital in 1977 and, for nearly 50 years, was the heart of the Quartermaine family. Her character was part of one of television's most famous love triangles. However, in recent years, the actress's health has significantly deteriorated, preventing her from continuing to perform in the soap opera. She appeared on screen for the last time in December 2023.
Leslie Charleson's career began in 1964 in the series "A Flame in the Wind." In the 1970s, she appeared in many popular shows, such as "The Rockford Files" and "Happy Days." The actress was nominated four times for the Daytime Emmy Award.
Charleson was not only an actress but also a passionate person. One of her passions was observing wildlife, especially dolphins and horses. In interviews, she often emphasized that she loved her work on "General Hospital".