Leslie Charleson, a beloved fixture in the General Hospital family, has sadly passed away at the age of 79. Her death was confirmed by a representative of the show to Entertainment Weekly, and the news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community.
Charleson was most famous for her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine, a role she played for over 40 years. To honor her legacy, General Hospital paid tribute to the late actress with a heartfelt Instagram post on January 12. The post included a smiling photo of Charleson along with a message from the show’s executive producer, Frank Valenti, who expressed his deep sorrow.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” Valenti wrote. He shared how difficult it would be to accept the loss, mentioning how much he would miss their daily conversations and the witty remarks Charleson was known for.
Valenti also reflected on her immense impact on set, describing her as a “beloved matriarch” to both the cast and crew, just as her character, Monica Quartermaine, was the heart of the Quartermaine family on screen. “Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew,” he continued, highlighting her incredible presence and more than 50-year-long legacy on the show.
Charleson’s career extended far beyond General Hospital, with roles in other shows like As the World Turns, The Wild Wild West, and the short-lived soap Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, among others. Her contributions to television and her lasting impact on the entertainment world will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.
