General Hospital star Leslie Charleson dead at 79 after 50 years and 2,000 episodes on beloved soap opera

Leslie Charleson, renowned for her lengthy tenure on the much-loved soap opera General Hospital, passed away at 79 on Sunday, January 12. 

The actress portrayed the character of Monica Quartermaine on the ABC series since first taking on the role back in 1977. 

The show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, confirmed her death due to a prolonged illness in a statement posted on the main Instagram account, as reported by Variety. 

‘It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson.’

Valentini emphasized her remarkable contribution, noting that her impactful legacy had unfolded over almost five decades solely on General Hospital. Just as Monica embodied the essence of the Quartermaines, Leslie stood as a beloved matriarch to the entire cast and crew.

Valentini emotionally continued, ‘I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set.’  

Leslie Charleson, who is known for her decades-long career on the beloved soap opera General Hospital, passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday, January 12; seen in 2019 in L.A.

Leslie Charleson, who is known for her decades-long career on the beloved soap opera General Hospital, passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday, January 12; seen in 2019 in L.A. 

In conclusion, Frank wrote, ‘On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.’ 

Upon hearing the news of Charleson’s passing, social media users and fans jumped to the comment section of the post to share their thoughts over the ‘heartbreaking’ update. 

One penned, ‘Rest in Peace! Leslie Charleson will always be Monica Quartermaine,’ while another shared, ‘Incredibly sad. a truly special character on the show. She was amazing.’ 

‘RIP she will be missed and FOREVER Monica Quartermaine!!!’ a follower wrote, while one added, ‘RIP Leslie Charleson. So sad. I grew up watching her on GH since the 1970’s.’ 

An Instagram user also expressed, ‘Oh this is heartbreaking news. Loved her & how she portrayed Monica. So sorry for this to GH.’ 

Another penned, ‘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-60s, and made appearances in a number of projects such as A Flame In The Wild (1965).  

A statement was uploaded to the show's main Instagram account as executive producer, Frank Valentini, confirmed her death following a battle with a long illness, per Variety

A statement was uploaded to the show’s main Instagram account as executive producer, Frank Valentini, confirmed her death following a battle with a long illness, per Variety

The actress portrayed the character of Monica Quartermaine on the ABC series since first taking on the role back in 1977; seen above on General Hospital in 1993

The actress portrayed the character of Monica Quartermaine on the ABC series since first taking on the role back in 1977; seen above on General Hospital in 1993 

She also took on 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 in Love Is A Many Splendored Thing from 1967 through 1973. And back in 2004, the actress portrayed herself in one episode of Friends. 

In 1977, Charleson was cast as Dr. Monica Quartermaine in General Hospital – and notably starred in a total of 2,079 episodes on the hit soap opera. 

She garnered critical praise of her performance and during her time on the show, received four Daytime Emmy Award nominations. 

The late actress also garnered four Soap Opera Digest nominations and two Soap Hub nominations. 

In 2010, Leslie became only a recurring cast member on General Hospital, with her last appearance on the series taking place in December 2023.  

You May Also Like
Kanye West ditched by talent agent and swastika T-shirt site is removed amid backlash for spreading Nazi hate

Kanye West’s talent agent parts ways with him as controversy surrounds Nazi-themed merchandise.

Kanye West was dropped by the talent agency 33 & West in…
Oprah breaks down in tears over the private pain that still haunts her despite her billion dollar success

Oprah sheds tears over lingering private pain despite her immense success

Oprah is opening up about the painful childhood trauma that still haunts her…
Feds likely eyeing 'cover-ups' to bust Mexican cartels along border: former DEA agent

Former DEA agent suggests that federal authorities are probably investigating attempts to conceal illegal activities in order to dismantle Mexican drug cartels operating along the border

Mexican drug cartels have outfitted dozens of tunnels with rail and cart…
‘Severance’s Tramell Tillman Reveals Which “Woe’s Hollow” Scene Nearly Made Him Break Character: “I Almost Lost It”

The actor Tramell Tillman from “Severance” shares the emotional scene from “Woe’s Hollow” that almost caused him to lose his composure.

Tramell Tillman, who plays Seth Milchick in Season 2 of Severance, is…
Chicago grand jury returns indictment against high-ranking affiliate of violent Sinaloa Cartel: DOJ

DOJ: Chicago grand jury charges top Sinaloa Cartel member

A prominent member of a violent Mexican drug cartel is looking at…
‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ EP Megan Ganz Says The Gang Is Going Crazy After the Eagles Super Bowl Win: “At Least One Of Them Is Probably In Jail For Punching A Police Horse”

“After Eagles Super Bowl Win, One ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ EP Reveals The Gang’s Wild Reaction”

Following the Philadelphia Eagles’ impressive victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in…
Making the Liberal Media Cry: Trump’s Approval Ratings Are In

Therapists are noticing more Democratic patients concerned about changes in their lives under Trump’s presidency: Study

Democrats are worried about losing their way of life under President Trump.…
R.I.P. Peter Navy Tuiasosopo: ‘NCIS,’ ‘Street Fighter’ Actor Dead At 61

Actor from ‘NCIS’ and ‘Street Fighter,’ Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, passes away at age 61

Veteran television and film star Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, known for Street Fighter…
2025 Oscars: Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Bowen Yang among presenters for 97th Academy Awards

Celebrities to Present at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025 Include Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, and Bowen Yang

LOS ANGELES — More stars have been announced to take the stage…
NFL fans stunned by Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts' modest $2,000-a-month apartment... despite his $255m contract

Surprising Contrast: NFL Fans amazed by Jalen Hurts’ Simple $2,000-a-month Apartment compared to $255m Contract

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is a Super Bowl MVP and one…
Former Overstock CEO Gears Up for Another Hearing in Dominion Voter Fraud Suit

Former Overstock CEO prepares for another court session in Dominion voting fraud case.

Last Updated on February 10, 2025 Former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne is…
Federal funding freeze: Appeals court won't halt judge's order requiring Trump administration to unfreeze all federal cash

Federal Funding Freeze: Appeals Court Refuses to Stop Judge’s Order Requiring Trump Administration to Release all Federal Funds

WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court declined to immediately stop a judge’s…