Leslie Charleson, a popular soap opera star best known for her role as Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 79, following a prolonged illness.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” said General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini in a post on Instagram.
“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.”
Charleson joined General Hospital in 1977 and remained a cherished member of the cast for over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the soap opera’s legacy.
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Her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine involved gripping storylines, from surviving breast cancer to navigating the family drama of the Quartermaines, cementing her as a fan favourite. She earned four Daytime Emmy nominations for her work.
Born in Kansas City, Charleson began her acting career in 1964 on the ABC soap opera A Flame in the Wind. Over the years, she made notable appearances in prime-time series such as The Rockford Files, Happy Days, and The Streets of San Francisco. Her film work included a starring role alongside Shelley Winters in The Day of the Dolphin (1973).
In recent years, health issues, including several falls, impacted Charleson’s mobility and appearances on General Hospital. She was last seen on the show in December 2023, with her character continuing to be referenced in the storyline.
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