Leslie Charleson, the unforgettable actress who brought Monica Quartermaine to life on General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 79. Her remarkable career spanned nearly five decades, and her presence on the show became a cornerstone of its legacy. It's hard to put into words just how much she meant to fans and fellow cast members alike.
The news of her passing was shared on January 13, 2025, through an emotional post on the official General Hospital Instagram page. Her death left a void in the world of soap operas, but her memory continues to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew her best.
Frank Valentini Remembers Leslie Charleson
Executive producer Frank Valentini paid a heartfelt tribute to Leslie Charleson, calling her "a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew." In a statement released by the show, Valentini expressed his deep admiration for Charleson, saying, "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson. Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone." Valentini went on to describe Leslie as not just a remarkable actress but a cherished friend whose daily presence on set was irreplaceable.
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He added, "I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit, and incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time." Valentini's words reflect the profound impact Leslie had on those around her, both personally and professionally.
Throughout her career, Leslie appeared in an astonishing 2,079 episodes of General Hospital, from 1977 to 2023. Fans and co-stars alike have taken to social media to honor her memory, sharing heartfelt tributes and cherished memories of working alongside her.
Remembering Leslie: Tributes from Co-stars
One of Leslie's longtime co-stars, Sean Kanan, expressed his grief on social media. "I just learned that Leslie Charleson has passed," he wrote in a post on X. "We played mother and son off and on for years. My deepest condolences to her family. May you rest in peace, Lester. #GeneralHospital #GH #LeslieCharleson #MonicaQuartermaine." Kanan's words capture the deep bond many cast members formed with Leslie over the years.
Sarah Joy Brown also paid tribute to Leslie, writing, "Rest in peace Leslie Charleson, grateful to have had the opportunity to learn so much from her while I was starting my run on General Hospital." She fondly recalled watching Leslie work alongside Stuart Damon and John Ingle, saying, "Her timing was legendary. Sending my condolences to her friends, family, fans, and all of her co-workers #lesliecharleson." Brown's tribute highlights Leslie's role as a mentor and inspiration to younger actors.
Nathan Varni also shared his thoughts, saying, "Sad news, #GeneralHospital legend, @lesliecharleson has passed away. Brilliant actress but more importantly, one of the nicest in the business who always greeted anyone in her orbit with a big smile and open arms. The world will miss you, Leslie. RIP." Varni's words highlight Leslie's kindness and warmth, qualities that made her beloved by all who knew her.
Leslie's Journey: From Unknown to Icon
In the months leading up to her passing, Leslie was spotted in Los Angeles using a walker to assist with mobility. An insider told Closer magazine that she was doing her best to recover after several falls in recent years. Despite her challenges, Leslie remained optimistic and continued to stay connected with friends and family.
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There were questions about whether Leslie might return to General Hospital, but insiders suggested it was unlikely given her health. Nevertheless, her legacy as Monica Quartermaine will always be a part of the show's history.
Looking back on her career, Leslie once reflected on her journey with General Hospital. Initially, she hadn't planned to stay long, signing on for just two years. "I only signed on for two years, and I don’t know what happened," she told Digital Journal in 2019. "Back then, there weren’t a lot of good female roles that had that depth. It was an amazing time, and it was strong material to act." Leslie cherished her time on the show and felt proud of the work she did.
As the years went by, Leslie became a permanent fixture on General Hospital. "I am the only actor on the show that doesn’t have another soap opera to talk about since I have never done another soap opera, while almost everybody else has," she reflected. "Interest in the material is what keeps you around and relationships." Leslie's dedication to her craft and her love for her character were evident in every performance.
