BREAKING NEWS: GH Legend Leslie Charleson (Monica Quartermaine) Passes Away at 79, Leaving Behind an Incredible Legacy

A Light Goes Out in Port Charles

The daytime television community is mourning the loss of a true soap opera legend. Leslie Charleson, who brought Monica Quartermaine to life on General Hospital for nearly 50 years, has passed away at age 79. The heartbreaking news was shared Sunday by GH executive producer Frank Valentini.

A Beloved Matriarch Both On and Off Screen

“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,” Valentini expressed in a touching statement. The producer went on to share how he would deeply miss their daily chats, her quick wit, and incredible presence on set.

From Kansas City to Port Charles

Born February 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Charleson’s journey to soap opera stardom began in 1964 with ABC’s “A Flame in the Wind.” After roles in “As the World Turns” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” she found her forever home at General Hospital in 1977 as the formidable Dr. Monica Quartermaine.

An Award-Worthy Performance

Throughout her illustrious career, Charleson’s powerful portrayal of Monica earned her four Daytime Emmy nominations. Her talent was further recognized with two Soap Hub nominations and four Soap Opera Digest nods, cementing her place among daytime television’s finest performers.

More Than Just Soaps

Beyond Port Charles, Charleson showcased her versatility through appearances in prime-time shows like “The Wild Wild West,” “Happy Days,” and “The Rockford Files.” She also graced the silver screen in 1973’s “The Day of the Dolphin” and appeared alongside Deirdre Hall in the 1993 television movie “Woman on the Ledge.”

A Final Farewell

Charleson’s last appearance as Monica came in December 2023, marking a fitting end to her reign as General Hospital’s longest-running cast member. While a specific cause of death has not been revealed, reports indicate she had been battling an illness.

The Heart of the Quartermaines

Just as Monica Quartermaine served as the backbone of Port Charles’ most prominent family, Leslie Charleson’s warmth and dedication made her a treasured figure among her General Hospital family. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the soap opera world, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of daytime television performers.