Leslie Charleson,General Hospital Cast Member Dies at 79

General Hospital’s executive producer Frank Valentini announced Charleson’s death on the show’s official  instagram page on Sunday, Jan. 12.

Frank Valentini, Executive Producer of ABC’s long-running daytime drama General Hospital, announced today the passing of beloved actress Leslie Charleson, who portrayed Dr. Monica Quartermaine for nearly five decades.

Leslie Charleson, LongestTenured General Hospital Cast Member Dies at 79

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leslie Charleson, an extraordinary talent and cherished member of the General Hospital family,” said Valentini. “For almost 50 years, Leslie brought the character of Monica Quartermaine to life with unparalleled dedication and skill, making her not just the heart of the Quartermaine family on screen, but a true matriarch among our cast and crew.”

Charleson’s portrayal of Dr. Monica Quartermaine began in 1977, making her one of the longest-serving cast members in American television history. Her nuanced performance and professional dedication earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the entertainment industry.

Leslie Charleson was Born on February 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, Charleson’s illustrious career in television began in 1964 with ABC’s A Flame in the Wind. She went on to establish herself as a versatile actress, starring in numerous soap operas including As the World Turns and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, where she captivated audiences as Iris Donnelly Garrison in a memorable love triangle alongside David Birney and Donna Mills.

Throughout the 1970s, Charleson built an impressive portfolio of television appearances, guest-starring in popular series such as Emergency!, Happy Days, The Streets of San Francisco, and The Rockford Files. She also appeared in the 1973 science-fiction film The Day of the Dolphin and starred opposite Shelley Winters in the television thriller Revenge! (1971).

Her defining role came on August 16, 1977, when she joined General Hospital as Monica Quartermaine, a character she would embody for nearly 50 years. Her outstanding performances earned her four Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (1980, 1982, 1983, and 1995). Charleson’s tenure on General Hospital made her the longest-serving cast member in the show’s history, contributing significantly to its evolution from a struggling daytime drama to one of television’s most enduring success stories.

“Leslie’s quick wit and incredible presence on set will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working with her,” Valentini added. “Our entire production family extends our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time.”

The show will honor Charleson’s legacy with a special tribute episode, details of which will be announced at a later date.

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