General Hospital star, Leslie Charleson has sadly passed away at the age of 79. She is best known for her role as Monica Quartermaine which she took over in 1977. So, what is known about her death so far? Keep reading for further details.
General Hospital Leslie Charleson Dead At 79
Leslie Charleson has sadly passed away at the age of 79. The General Hospital legend has been absent from the show for some time now. Fans have wondered if she would make a big comeback when Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) returned in March 2024. Yet, it seemed that she would be supporting her television son from the sidelines. Unfortunately, on Sunday, January 12th, EP Frank Valentini shared a message on Facebook that Leslie had passed. He was clearly heartbroken to have to break this news to her dedicated fans:
“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 and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew. 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.”
Allegedly, Leslie had suffered several falls which had kept her from returning to the hit ABC soap. She was mentioned when Jason was on trial and was given a note from his mother, Monica. That was very hard for both Jason and Steve as an actor. He has an emotional connection to Leslie, whom he worked with since he first started on GH in 1991. Fans hoped they would see them reconnect but sadly that will never happen again.
Leslie Charleson was the second Monica which she shared did not go over well with her co-stars. They were upset that Monica #1 was canned but her humor made them love her so it all worked out famously. Before GH, Leslie was a regular on As the World Turns and guest starred on Happy Days and The Rockford Files. In the later days, she appeared on Friends and Dharma & Greg. Her final appearance on General Hospital was in December 2023.
Fans In Mourning
This is like losing a family member for longtime General Hospital fans. As soon as Frank Valentini released his statement, fans rushed to the comment section to share their feelings of sadness:
- Wow! I’m so sorry to read this. She was such a staple on GH. The engagement beyween her and Leslie Webber from back in the day was epic. And mannnn did her character love her family. Bravo to a job well done. May her soul rest in peace.
- Say it isn’t so. This absolutely awful. Loved her. R.I.P Leslie. Condolences to all
- Condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. May she rest in peace.
- So sad to hear this news. She was one of the greats! Condolences to her family and GH family
This is a truly devastating day for all who knew and loved her as well as those who grew up watching her daily. May she rest in paradise and may her memory be a blessing. Do you have a favorite Monica memory? Let us know in the comments below.