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Leslie Charleson, a revered figure in daytime television, passed away at 79 on January 12, 2025. Known for her indelible portrayal of Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, Charleson's career spanned nearly five decades, solidifying her as a cornerstone of the genre. Frank Valentini, the show's executive producer, announced her death on Instagram, describing her as "the beloved matriarch of the cast and crew." He added, "Her enduring legacy will live on in every corner of our hearts."
She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1945 and began acting at a young age. She studied theater at Bennett College before embarking on a journey that would see her rise to fame. Early roles in A Flame in the Wind and As the World Turns showcased her talent, but it was her work in CBS's Love Is a Many Splendored Thing that brought her recognition. By 1977, she joined General Hospital during a critical ratings slump, taking on the role of Monica Quartermaine, a character who quickly became central to the show's success.
"She brought a complexity to Monica that was both riveting and relatable," said Valentini. Monica's fiery personality and turbulent relationships, particularly with her on-screen husband Alan Quartermaine, captivated audiences. "We'd do real slaps," Charleson recalled in 2023, reflecting on her dramatic scenes with the late Stuart Damon.
Charleson's portrayal also carried emotional weight during Monica's 1994 breast cancer storyline. "It was exhausting yet deeply fulfilling," she said in 2020. "This storyline allowed me to connect with women facing similar battles, and the response was humbling."
Beyond her work on General Hospital, Charleson appeared in popular series like Happy Days and The Streets of San Francisco. However, she rarely strayed far from her soap opera roots, making only occasional appearances in other projects such as the TV movie Woman on the Ledge and a memorable cameo in Friends.
Despite stepping back from a full-time role in 2010, Charleson continued to make guest appearances on General Hospital. "I never imagined staying this long, but Monica grew with me, and I with her," she shared in a 2019 interview.
Her passing marks the end of an era for soap opera fans. As Valentini stated, "Just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was the soul of our General Hospital family." Her legacy is one of dedication, resilience, and an enduring impact on television history.
