Beloved ‘General Hospital’ Star Leslie Charleson Passes Away at 79

Leslie Charleson, the actress best known for her nearly five-decade-long role as Dr. Monica Quartermaine on the popular soap opera General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 79. The show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, announced the news on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the talented actress and cherished friend.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” Valentini shared in a statement. “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.”

A Career That Spanned Decades

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Leslie Charleson discovered her love for acting as a child. She began her television career as a regular on the ABC daytime series A Time for Us. Over time, her natural talent and charm led her to several other prominent roles, including stints on As the World Turns and CBS’s Love Is a Many Splendored Thing. Her performance as Iris Donelly Garrison on the latter earned her her first Emmy nomination.

Charleson’s early career also included appearances in commercials, one of which notably helped her land a part in the film Day of the Dolphin, directed by Mike Nichols and starring George C. Scott. She went on to star in the David Merrick play One-Night Stand alongside Tony Curtis and appeared in a variety of television shows, including Adam 12, Barnaby Jones, Marcus Welby, M.D., Ironside, Kung Fu, and The Rockford Files.

Fans of Happy Days might remember her for a sweet on-screen moment with Ron Howard—she gave him his first on-screen kiss. Charleson also co-starred in the TV movie Woman on the Ledge with Deidre Hall and appeared on shows like Diagnosis Murder and Dharma & Greg.

Becoming Dr. Monica Quartermaine

In 1977, Leslie Charleson joined General Hospital, taking over the role of Dr. Monica Quartermaine from Patsy Rahn. The character quickly became a fan favorite, and Charleson’s portrayal turned Monica into a central figure in the show’s beloved Quartermaine family.

One of her most notable storylines on the soap was about breast cancer, which was deeply personal for Charleson and the team behind the show. In a 2020 interview, she reflected on the impact of the storyline.

“At the time, General Hospital had a strong female administration with a female executive producer and head writer, and together, each one of us had been touched by breast cancer in our own lives,” she explained. “Dealing with a real-life issue that afflicts so many women and their families, and being able to show the struggle and issues they face, was something I am so proud of. It was exhausting and incredibly difficult work, but the response to the storyline was truly humbling.”

Beyond the screen, Charleson became an advocate for breast cancer awareness, as well as causes like cystic fibrosis and AIDS-related charities.

A Devoted Actress and Fan Favorite

Even after stepping back from a full-time role in 2010, Leslie Charleson continued to appear as a recurring character on General Hospital. Her commitment to the show and her fans never wavered, and she often spoke about the unique bond between soap opera stars and their audience.

“General Hospital’s fans are fiercely loyal,” she said in an interview. “Because these characters appear in their homes each weekday, year after year, they truly feel a connection to us personally. I once had a fan come up to me to introduce me to her friend before she realized that I hadn’t actually met her before either!”

Charleson’s charm and warmth extended beyond her acting. She built a legacy not just through her work on screen but also through her kindness, humor, and dedication to her craft.

Remembering Leslie Charleson

Leslie Charleson’s passing marks the end of an era for General Hospital. For nearly five decades, she brought the complex, lovable, and strong-willed Dr. Monica Quartermaine to life, captivating audiences with her performances. Her contributions to the soap opera world and her advocacy for important causes will never be forgotten.

As Frank Valentini so beautifully put it, “Just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew.” Her presence, both on and off screen, will be deeply missed.

Leslie Charleson leaves behind an unforgettable legacy and millions of fans who will continue to cherish her memory.