General Hospital Star Leslie Charleson Dies, Leaving Cast Devastated Over Loss of ‘Beloved Matriarch’
Leslie Charleson, the longest-serving cast member of the U.S. medical drama General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 79, according to Variety. Best known for portraying the beloved Monica Quartermaine, the matriarch of the prominent family on the show for almost 50 years, Charleson’s death has left a profound void in the hearts of her friends, family, and devoted fans.
The news of her passing was shared on Sunday through a heartfelt post on the official General Hospital Instagram account. The show’s Executive Producer, Frank Valentini, offered a touching tribute to the actress, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson.”
He continued, “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.” Valentini 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.”
The announcement was met with an outpouring of grief from the General Hospital community. Fans flooded the comments with tributes and condolences, with many expressing their heartbreak. One follower wrote, “Oh gosh noooo,” while another commented, “My Sincere Condolences to everyone at GH. She was an iconic character and leaves an amazing body of work.”
Leslie Charleson’s passing hit particularly hard given her longstanding role on the show, where she had become a fixture for decades. Although her role was scaled back to recurring status in 2010 due to health challenges, Charleson continued to bring her trademark spirit to the screen.
She had faced several health challenges over the years, including a leg injury in 2017 that caused a brief hiatus and led to temporary replacements. Despite her physical struggles, Charleson’s determination kept her in the public eye, and Monica’s presence was still felt in the show, always “upstairs in the mansion.”
A Kansas City native, Charleson’s acting career spanned decades, starting with A Flame in the Wind in 1964 and later starring in popular shows like The Rockford Files, Happy Days, and Friends. She was also known for her dramatic role in one of daytime TV’s most popular love triangles, and for her portrayal of Monica as a strong, humorous, and resilient character who overcame numerous personal struggles.
Her loss is deeply felt by fans who adored her character and admired her legacy in daytime television.