Leslie Charleson as Monica Quartermaine (Image via Youtube / General Hospital)

What happened to Leslie Charleson? Details explored as General Hospital actor passes away at 79

Modified Jan 13, 2025 09:03 GMT

Leslie Charleson, who played Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, died on January 12, 2025, at 79. While the exact cause of her death has not been disclosed, Variety reported that the actress faced several falls in recent years, which affected her mobility, and she needed a walker to help her. She was hospitalized last week following one such fall, which sadly marked the end of her life and career.

Leslie Charleson, born on February 22, 1945, was a well-known American actress with a career that spanned over decades. She joined the ABC soap opera in 1977 and became a key part of it for over 46 years.

As Monica Quartermaine, Charleson gave the character depth and complexity. Monica was a brilliant cardiologist and resilient family matriarch. Her story, including her marriage to Alan Quartermaine and many personal and professional struggles, kept viewers hooked. Charleson's acting made Monica one of the most memorable characters on the show.

General Hospital star Leslie Charleson dies at 79

Leslie Charleson, the actress who played Monica Quartermaine on the second-longest-running soap opera for almost 50 years, has died at the age of 79. The news was shared on the show’s official Instagram page, where executive producer Frank Valentini honored her remarkable legacy.

“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,” Valentini wrote.

“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.”

While the exact cause of her death has not been confirmed, Charleson had reportedly been battling an illness for some time and faced mobility challenges in her later years due to a series of falls. Her last fall caused her to be hospitalized just before she died.

Born on February 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, Charleson began her acting career in 1964 on the ABC daytime soap opera A Flame in the Wind. She later starred in As the World Turns and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing before appearing in guest roles on popular TV shows like The Wild Wild West, The Rockford Files, and Happy Days.

She also acted in movies like The Day of the Dolphin (1973) and TV films like Revenge! (1971) and Woman on the Ledge (1993). The actress married Bill Demms in 1988. They got divorced in 1991 and had no children.

During her time on General Hospital, Charleson received praise from critics and was nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards. Fans loved how she played Monica, taking on important storylines that showed her character’s successes and challenges in her personal and professional lives.

Monica Quartermaine's life on General Hospital was full of tough times, like fighting breast cancer and losing four of her children. As the head of the Quartermaine family, she was known for being strong. She’s even famous for kicking out family members who caused trouble for her family.

Charleson last played Monica in December 2023, ending her career as the longest-serving cast member of General Hospital.

Fans of General Hospital can watch the show's new episodes on ABC and Hulu.