Leslie Charleson, beloved for her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, has sadly passed away at the age of 79. Her death follows years of health challenges that affected her mobility, with her last appearance on the soap opera being in December 2023.
Charleson’s health struggles began in 2017 when she suffered a leg injury after a fall while walking her dog, forcing her to take a break from filming for two months. Patty McCormack filled in for her during this time. Over the years, Charleson had to rely on a walker due to recurring falls, with her final hospitalization occurring just a week before her passing.
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital, shared the news of her death on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his grief and admiration for Charleson. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” he wrote. He went on to highlight her significant contribution to the show, describing her as both the heart of the Quartermaines and a cherished matriarch of the cast and crew.
Fans and colleagues alike have shared their sorrow, with many expressing how much Charleson meant to them. One fan wrote, “I’m so sorry to hear of Leslie Charleson’s passing. May she rest in peace,” while another said, “Omg, I’ve been watching GH since 1979. I feel like I’ve lost a family member.”
Her passing marks the end of an era on General Hospital, where she spent nearly five decades as one of the central figures of the show. Leslie Charleson’s legacy as Monica Quartermaine and as a respected member of the General Hospital family will not be forgotten.
