General Hospital star Leslie Charleson dead at 79 after 50 years and 2,000 episodes on beloved soap opera
Leslie Charleson, known for her decades-long career on the beloved soap opera General Hospital, passed away on Sunday, January 12 at the age of 79.
The actress has played the character of Monica Quartermaine on the ABC series since she first took on the role in 1977.
A statement was uploaded to the show’s main Instagram account, in which executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed her death after a battle with a long-term illness, per Variety.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague Leslie Charleson.”
He added that her “lasting legacy on General Hospital alone has lasted nearly 50 years and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch to the entire cast and crew.”
Valentini continued emotionally: “I will miss our daily conversations, her quick wit and incredible presence on set.”
Leslie Charleson, known for her decades-long career on the beloved soap opera General Hospital, passed away on Sunday, January 12 at the age of 79; seen in 2019 in LA
In closing, Frank wrote, “On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my sincerest condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”
When social media users and fans heard the news of Charleson’s passing, they took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts on the “heartbreaking” update.
One wrote: ‘Rest in peace! Leslie Charleson will always be Monica Quartermaine,” while another said: “Incredibly sad. a truly special character on the show. She was great.’
‘RIP she will be missed and FOREVER Monica Quartermaine!!!’ one follower wrote, while someone added: ‘RIP Leslie Charleson. So sad. I grew up watching her on GH since the 1970s.”
An Instagram user also said: ‘Oh this is heartbreaking news. I loved her and how she portrayed Monica. I’m sorry for this to GH.”
Another wrote: ‘We all loved Monica. May she RIP. and may her memory be a blessing,” while one added: “Icon and legend! Rest in paradise!’
Leslie was born in Kansas City, Missouri in February 1945 – and her sister Kate Charleson was also an actress.
The late star began her successful career in the entertainment industry in the mid-1960s, appearing in a number of projects such as A Flame In The Wild (1965).
A statement was uploaded to the show’s main Instagram account in which executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed her death after a battle with a long-term illness, per Variety
The actress portrayed the character of Monica Quartermaine on the ABC series since she first took on the role in 1977; seen above at General Hospital in 1993
She also played small roles in The Wild Wild West (1968), Adam-12 (1972), Happy Days (1975) and The Rockford Files (1977).
Leslie played the character of Iris Donnelly on Love Is A Many Splendored Thing from 1967 to 1973. And in 2004, the actress portrayed herself in an episode of Friends.
In 1977, Charleson was cast as Dr. Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital – and most notably appeared in a total of 2,079 episodes of the hit soap opera.
She garnered critical acclaim for her performance and received four Daytime Emmy Award nominations during her time on the show.
The late actress also received four Soap Opera Digest nominations and two Soap Hub nominations.
In 2010, Leslie became just a recurring cast member of General Hospital, with her final appearance on the series taking place in December 2023.