Listen, folks, let me tell you about Leslie Charleson. She’s been an iconic part of the soap opera world, especially as the longest-serving cast member on General Hospital. Leslie joined the show back in August 1977, and her character, Monica Quartermaine, became a household name. Fans adored Monica, and Leslie herself earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for her work. But, in December 2023, Leslie stepped away from the show due to health concerns. Now, everyone’s asking: how’s Leslie doing, and is there a chance she’ll return to the show?
What Led to Leslie Charleson Leaving 'General Hospital'?
Here’s the thing: Leslie, who turned 79 in 2024, has been dealing with some tough health challenges. A source close to her revealed exclusively to Closer in October 2024 that Leslie has "suffered several falls in recent years." One particularly memorable incident happened back in April 2018 when her dog, Riley Rose, tripped her during a walk, leading to a leg injury. This accident forced the show to temporarily replace her in episodes that had already been written. At the time, General Hospital tweeted, “Unfortunately, she will need to be replaced in shows already written. She sends all her love and will be back as soon as she recovers. We wish her a speedy recovery and all the best.”
Thankfully, Leslie bounced back and returned to GH in July 2018 after recovering from that leg injury. But now, with her recent health issues in 2024, it’s been harder for her to keep up with the demands of filming. A source told Closer that Leslie is “doing her best to recover,” but added, “At her age, it’s just more challenging for her to get around.”
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How Is Leslie Charleson Doing Since Leaving 'General Hospital'?
Alright, so here’s the latest on Leslie’s health. According to a source, Leslie is “doing OK under the circumstances” and isn’t rushing herself to get back into the grind. While it’s been months since she last appeared on General Hospital, she was spotted out and about in Los Angeles in October 2024. The photo showed Leslie enjoying lunch and sipping a glass of wine, using a walker and accompanied by a caregiver. This gives us a glimpse into her current lifestyle.
The source also mentioned that Leslie is making an effort to stay social. “She’s seeing friends and staying engaged,” the insider revealed. It’s heartwarming to hear that Leslie is keeping her spirits up despite the challenges she’s facing.
Now, about whether Leslie will return to General Hospital, the source says, “While the show would welcome her back with open arms, it’s unlikely she’ll ever come back.” That’s tough to hear, but it’s clear Leslie is focusing on her health and well-being right now.
Who Was Leslie Charleson's Character on 'General Hospital'?
Leslie played the role of Dr. Monica Quartermaine, a beloved cardiologist at the hospital, starting on August 17, 1977. She stepped into the role after Patsy Rahn and quickly became a mainstay on GH, eventually earning the title of the show’s longest-running cast member. Before joining General Hospital, Leslie had already made a name for herself in the soap opera world, starring in shows like A Flame in the Wind, As the World Turns, and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing. In fact, Fred Silverman, then-president of ABC, specifically asked Leslie to join the show because it was struggling and needed a ratings boost.
Leslie’s portrayal of Monica earned her nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1980, 1982, 1983, and 1995. However, in August 2010, Leslie was demoted from a series regular to a recurring role. She addressed this change on her Facebook page, writing, “I did not want you to find out on the Internet… Unfortunately, that did not happen and yes, it is true. I am officially off contract.”
She continued, expressing gratitude to her fans: “I have had the best relationships with you, the fans, and I would’ve never had that without ‘Monica.’ There is nothing that I cherish more than the experiences and memories I have had and the special friends that I have made over the years, both on the show and off. I can’t say enough about how much you all mean to me.”
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Leslie continued to appear in episodes of General Hospital until December 2023, though her screen time gradually decreased over the years.
