Leslie Charleson Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
ex General hospital star Leslie Charleson died at the age of 79.
General hospital executive producer Frank Valentini announced Charleson’s death through an official representative of the show Instagram bill on Sunday, January 12.
“With a heavy heart I announced the passage to my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charlson,” he wrote. “Her lasting legacy spans almost 50 years General hospital alone, and just as Monica was the heart of Quartermaine, Leslie was the beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew.”
Along with the announcement, Valentini shared a photo of a smiling four-time Daytime Emmy nominee. “I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and amazing presence on set,” he continued. “On behalf of everyone in General hospitalmy heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones at this difficult time.’
Kelly Monaco’s soap opera experience has been an incredible journey. Since making her debut as Olivia “Livvie” Locke in Port Charles in 1999, the actress has captivated audiences with her character development and shocking storylines. The journey continued only in 2003 when she joined General Hospital as Sam McCall. Presented (…)
Charlson began starring as Monica Quartermain on the soap opera in 1977, making her the longest-serving cast member of General hospital.
“I started the daytime show Elvis Presley died and being such a big fan I was of course very upset as I traveled to the studios and when I got there they told me they hoped I had brought my own wardrobe and make-up because there was a strike – and that was before I even walked into the building,” Charleson recalled Soap opera digest in 2022
“Then I walked into the building and realized that no one really liked me because the girl who played Monica before me was very rudely fired,” Charlson continued, referring to Patsy Rahnwhom she replaced.
After 30 years on the show, Charlson appeared in General hospital in recurring status in 2010. Charlson, who has had his fair share of ups and downs, has returned to the show several times – most recently appearing in a wheelchair in December 2023.
While talking to Soap opera digest in 2016 Charleson—who was married to Bill Dems from 1988 to 1991 reflects on her General hospital inheritance.
“It was quite a long period,” she said at the time. “I’m very pleased because unlike some of the actors who have come and gone and gone to other soaps or things, this really has been my home since I started here way back, hundreds of years ago. I’m very grateful that I’m still doing something I love to do, and I’m certainly grateful that I’m enduring it.”
