Leslie Charleson, who played the popular character Dr. Monica Quartermaine for nearly 50 years on “General Hospital,” has died, the show’s executive producer announced Sunday.
She was 79 years old.
“It is with great sadness 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 to the entire cast and crew,” the “General Hospital” producer wrote. Frank Valentini. “I will miss our daily chats, his quick wit and his incredible presence on set. “On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my deepest condolences to your loved ones during this difficult time.”
Charleson began playing the role in 1977 and continued until his death.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she began acting as a child, beginning her television career as a regular contributor on another ABC daytime series titled “A Time for Us,” according to Soap Central.
After a stint on “As the World Turns,” Charleson also spent two and a half years on another CBS soap opera, “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” which earned her her first Emmy nomination for the role of Iris Donelly Garrison. .
The actress also appeared in several commercials.
“Of all the numerous commercials Leslie has done, she credits Pearl Drops with landing her a role in the film ‘Day of the Dolphin,’ directed by Mike Nichols and co-starring George C. Scott,” her Soap bio Central. fixed. “He followed this with a performance in David Merrick’s play One Night Stand, co-starring Tony Curtis.”
Charleson later appeared as a guest star on several popular television shows, including “Adam 12,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Marcus Welby, MD,” “Ironside,” “Kung Fu” and “The Rockford Files.”
“It was on Happy Days that Leslie gave Ron Howard his first on-screen kiss,” her bio says. “She also co-starred with Deidre Hall in the TV movie ‘Woman on the Ledge’ and made guest appearances in ‘Diagnosis Murder’ and ‘Dharma & Greg.’”
But it was Charleson’s role on “General Hospital” that gave him the most fame and satisfaction. She joined the show in 1977, taking over the role from Patsy Rahn, who originated it.
Charleson discussed a significant breast cancer storyline for her character in a 2020 interview.
“At the time, ‘General Hospital’ had a strong female management with an executive producer and head writer, and together, each of us had been affected by breast cancer in our own lives,” she said. “Dealing with a real-life issue that affects so many women and their families and being able to show the struggle and issues they face was something I am very proud of. “It was grueling and incredibly difficult work, but the response to the story was truly humbling.”
She became a spokesperson for charities related to breast cancer, cystic fibrosis and AIDS.
The star was as devoted to her fan base as they were to her.
“‘General Hospital’ fans are incredibly loyal, and I think because these characters show up in their homes every day of the week, year after year, they really feel a connection to us personally,” he said in the interview. “I once had a fan come up to me to introduce me to her friend, before she realized I’d never met her before either!”
Charleson appeared on the soap opera as a recurring character since 2010.
