Leslie Charleson
Michael Tullberg/Getty ImagesAncient General Hospital star Leslie Charleson died at age 79.
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini announced Charleson’s death via the show’s official Instagram account on Sunday, January 12.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” he wrote. “His enduring legacy spans nearly 50 years General Hospital on her own and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch to the entire cast and crew.
Alongside the post, Valentini shared a photo of the four-time Daytime Emmy nominee smiling. “I will miss our daily chats, his quick wit and his incredible presence on set,” he continued. “On behalf of everyone General HospitalMy deepest condolences go to his loved ones during this difficult time.
Kelly Monaco’s experience in soap operas has been an incredible adventure. Since making her debut as Olivia “Livvie” Locke in Port Charles in 1999, the actress has captivated audiences with her character evolution and shocking storylines. The journey only continued in 2003 when she joined General Hospital as Sam McCall. Introduced (…)
Charleson began playing the role of Monica Quartermaine on the soap opera in 1977, making her the longest-serving cast member on the show. General Hospital.
“I started the show the same day Elvis Presley died, and being a huge fan I was of course very upset driving to the studios and then upon arriving I was told that they hoped I had brought my own wardrobe and makeup because there was a strike going on – and that was before I even entered the building,” Charleson recalled. Summary of the series in 2022.
“Then I walked into the building and I realized that no one really liked me, because the girl who played Monica before me had been fired very abruptly,” Charleson continued, referring to Patsy Rahnwhich she replaced.
After 30 years on the show, Charleson appeared in General Hospital in recurring status in 2010. Charleson, who has had his health ups and downs, had returned to the series several times – last appearing in a wheelchair in December 2023.
By speaking with Summary of the series in 2016, Charleson – who was married to Bill Demms from 1988 to 1991 — reflected on her General Hospital legacy.
“It’s been a long journey,” she said at the time. “I’m so happy because, unlike some actors who have come and gone and moved on to other soaps or other things, this has really been my home since I started here, there are hundreds of years. I’m very grateful to continue working on something I love doing, and I’m certainly grateful that it has endured.
