Leslie Charleson, who portrayed Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital for nearly five decades, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy cherished by fans, colleagues, and the television industry alike. As tributes pour in from cast members and the soap opera community, General Hospital plans a special episode to honor both the actress and the beloved character she brought to life.
Tributes from the “General Hospital” family
- Executive Producer Frank Valentini announced her passing on the show’s Instagram account, calling her a “dear friend and colleague” and noting her enduring legacy and how her character, Monica, was the heart of the Quartermaine family.
- Many current and former “General Hospital” cast members have shared their condolences and memories on social media, describing Charleson as a kind, elegant, and talented woman who will be deeply missed.
- Dominic Zamprogna, Steve Burton, Sarah Joy Brown, and William deVry are among those who have expressed their sadness and paid tribute to Charleson’s impact on their lives and careers.
- Former “General Hospital” writer and current “Beyond the Gates” EP and head writer Michele Val Jean also expressed her heartbreak at the loss.
“General Hospital” to honor Leslie Charleson and Monica Quartermaine
- In a special episode coinciding with the show’s 62nd anniversary, “General Hospital” plans to unveil the “Dr. Monica Quartermaine Cardiac Wing” to honor Charleson’s legacy and Monica’s contributions to the fictional hospital.
- Genie Francis, who plays Laura and started on the show the same year as Charleson, will have a major role in the tribute episode and has spoken about Charleson being a pillar of the show.
- According to IMDb, this special episode was planned before Charleson’s death and was not initially conceived as a memorial episode, though it will now hold even more significance.
Cause of death revealed
- The cause of Charleson’s death has been revealed as sequelae of blunt head trauma, meaning traumatic brain injury, according to USA Today.
- She had suffered a previous head injury, and the death was ruled an accident.
- Medical records also noted Charleson had a history of asthma, arthritis, and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), according to the New York Post.
Memorial service and additional tributes
- A memorial service for Leslie Charleson was held on February 22, 2025.
- Local Los Angeles news personality George Pennacchio attended and shared that it was a “lovely goodbye” and that Leslie’s horse, Romero, was present.
- Many fans and members of the soap opera community have taken to social media and other platforms to share their love and admiration for the iconic actress.
Legacy and impact
- Charleson’s long tenure on “General Hospital” (1977-2023) made her the longest-running cast member, playing a pivotal role in the show’s history.
- She received four Daytime Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine.
- Her character’s storylines, including battling breast cancer, resonated deeply with viewers.
- Beyond her work, Charleson was admired for her advocacy for mental health and animal welfare.