
Leslie Charleson, who played Dr. Monica Quartermaine on 'General Hospital' for nearly half a century, is announced to have passed away at 79 following declining health.
- Jan 13, 2025
AceShowbiz - Leslie Charleson, renowned for her portrayal of Dr. Monica Quartermaine on "General Hospital," passed away Sunday morning after a long illness. Frank Valentini, the show's executive producer, confirmed her death on social media, expressing profound sorrow.
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson," Valentini wrote. "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."
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 22, 1945, Charleson launched her career at a young age when she joined "A Flame in the Wind" in 1964. She soon transitioned to CBS's "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" and participated in numerous primetime shows throughout the '70s, including "The Rockford Files," "Mannix," and "Happy Days."
Her role on "Happy Days" is particularly memorable for being Ron Howard's character Richie Cunningham's first on-screen kiss.
Charleson joined "General Hospital" in 1977, replacing Patsy Rahn as Monica. Her time on the soap saw Monica becoming one of the most beloved and multi-dimensional characters on daytime TV. From intense love triangles, dramatic medical storylines, to comedic family feuds, Monica engaged the audience for decades.
Most notable was her tumultuous yet enduring marriage to Alan Quartermaine, played by Stuart Damon, which provided endless intrigue and drama until Alan's character passed away in 2007.
Beyond her character's dramatic on-screen life, Charleson was admired for her resilience in the face of personal challenges, including multiple health issues that impacted her mobility in recent years.
Despite these setbacks, her sense of humor and spirit remained undiminished, endearing her further to colleagues and fans alike. Her commitment to advocating for cancer awareness resonated deeply, especially since her character was diagnosed with the disease in the mid-90s.
Charleson's legacy is punctuated by her four Daytime Emmy nominations and her steadfast presence on "General Hospital" until her final appearance in December 2023. Her contributions to the show and her interactions with fans solidified her status as a beloved icon in daytime television.
Leslie Charleson's passing marks the end of an era for "General Hospital" and its viewers. Her radiant presence will remain a cherished memory for all who had the privilege of watching her unparalleled talent and dedication to her craft.