Leslie Charleson, Dr. Monica Quartermaine from ‘General Hospital,’ Passes Away at 79
Leslie Charleson, a revered figure in the world of soap operas, has passed away at the age of 79. This was confirmed by Frank Valentini, the executive producer of the iconic show "General Hospital," on Sunday. For nearly half a century, Charleson breathed life into the character of Dr. Monica Quartermaine, becoming a beloved cornerstone of the series.
Valentini expressed his sorrow, stating, "It is with profound sadness that I announce the loss of my cherished friend and esteemed colleague, Leslie Charleson. Her remarkable journey on 'General Hospital' spanned almost 50 years, and just as Monica was the soul of the Quartermaine family, Leslie was the cherished matriarch of our entire cast and crew." He added, "I will dearly miss our daily conversations, her sharp humor, and her captivating presence. My deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones during this challenging time."
Charleson embarked on her journey with "General Hospital" in 1977, continuing until her demise. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, her acting career began in childhood. Her television journey commenced with the ABC series “A Time for Us,” as noted by Soap Central.
Her illustrious career included a stint on "As the World Turns" and a noteworthy role on CBS's "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing," which earned her an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Iris Donelly Garrison.
Charleson's repertoire extended to numerous commercials. As her biography on Soap Central highlights, her work on Pearl Drops ads garnered her a role in "Day of the Dolphin," directed by Mike Nichols alongside George C. Scott. Subsequently, she performed in the David Merrick play "One-Night Stand," featuring Tony Curtis.
Her talents graced many television series, such as "Adam 12," "Barnaby Jones," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Ironside," "Kung Fu," and "The Rockford Files." Notably, she shared a memorable on-screen moment with Ron Howard on "Happy Days." Her other credits include co-starring with Deidre Hall in "Woman on the Ledge," and guest appearances on "Diagnosis Murder" and "Dharma & Greg."
However, it was her enduring role in "General Hospital" that solidified her legacy. She took over from Patsy Rahn in 1977, cementing her status as a soap opera icon. In a 2020 interview, Charleson reflected on a poignant breast cancer storyline for her character. "At the time, 'General Hospital' was led by a strong female team, and each of us had personal experiences with breast cancer," she recalled. "Addressing a real-world issue that impacts so many was an honor and a challenge, but the audience's response was deeply moving."
Beyond acting, Charleson was an advocate for breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, and AIDS-related causes. Her bond with the "General Hospital" audience was profound. "Our fans are fiercely loyal," she once remarked. "They invite us into their homes daily, forming a genuine connection. I once had a fan introduce me to her friend, only to realize we hadn't met either before!"
Since 2010, Charleson appeared on the show as a recurring character, maintaining her connection with the audience and leaving an indelible mark on the world of daytime television.
