Leslie Charleson: Farewell to a soap opera legend at 79
Leslie Charleson, an actress known for her role as Monica Quartermaine in the soap opera "General Hospital," has passed away after a long illness on Sunday, 12th January. She portrayed the character for nearly half a century. She was 79 years old.
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of the series General Hospital, shared the news of Leslie Charleson's death.
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson. 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, he said.
Leslie Charleson has passed away
Leslie Charleson joined the cast of "General Hospital" in 1977 and for nearly 50 years was the heart of the Quartermaine family. Her character was part of one of the most famous love triangles in television history. In recent years, the actress's health had significantly deteriorated, preventing her from continuing to perform in the soap opera. She appeared on screen for the last time in December 2023.
Leslie Charleson's career began in 1964 in the series "A Flame in the Wind". In the 1970s, she appeared in many popular shows, such as "The Rockford Files" and "Happy Days." The actress was nominated four times for the Daytime Emmy Award.
Charleson was not only an actress but also a person full of passion. One of her passions was observing wildlife, especially dolphins and horses. She often emphasised in interviews that she loved her work on "General Hospital".