Leslie Charlson, the famous television star best known for her role as Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, died Sunday morning at the age of 79, after a long illness.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague Leslie Charlson,” General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said in an Instagram post.
“Her lasting legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone, and just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines family, Leslie was a beloved mother to all the cast and crew. I will miss our daily conversations, her quick wit, and her amazing presence on set. And on behalf of everyone at General Hospital, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time.
Charleson joined General Hospital in 1977 and remained a treasured member of the cast for more than four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the series’ legacy.
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Her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine included poignant stories, from surviving breast cancer to navigating the Quartermaine family drama, cementing her as a fan favorite. She has received four Daytime Emmy Award nominations for her work.
Charlson was born in Kansas City, and began her acting career in 1964 on the ABC television series A Flame in the Wind. Over the years, she has made notable appearances in prime-time series such as The Rockford Files, Happy Days, and The Streets of San Francisco. Her film work included a starring role alongside Shelley Winters in The Day of the Dolphin (1973).
In recent years, health issues, including several falls, have affected Charleson’s mobility and appearances at General Hospital. She was last seen on the show in December 2023, with her character still being referenced in the story.
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