BELOVED General Hospital star Leslie Charleson has died at the age of 79.
Leslie was best known for her role as Monica Quartermaine on the hit American soap opera for nearly 50 years, appearing in an incredible 2,079 episodes.
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Leslie Charleson has passed away at the age of 79 Credits: Wikipedia / ABC
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Leslie played Monica Quartermaine (second right) in General Hospital Credits: Disney General Entertainment Con
Leslie died over the weekend, according to a heartfelt post shared on General Hospital’s official Instagram account.
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson.
“Her lasting legacy spans nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone and, just as Monica was the heart of Quartermaines, Leslie was the beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew.”
She joined the cast of General Hospital in 1977, where she became one of the show’s most beloved and longest-running characters.
Valentini added: “I will miss our daily conversations, her wit and her incredible presence on set.
“On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my deepest sympathies go out to her loved ones at this difficult time.”
Leslie began her acting career in the 1960s and gained early recognition playing Alice Whipple in the soap opera As the World Turns.
At the time Leslie joined General Hopsital, she stepped in for Patsy Rahn, who originally played Monica.
Her impressive guest appearance on the show featured one of daytime TV’s greatest love triangles involving Rick, Monica and Alan.
Her acting skills have earned her widespread recognition and several award nominations.
In an episode that aired in February 2004, Leslie made a surprise appearance as a guest star on the phenomenally successful sitcom Friends.
She played herself in the game “Pyramid” in The One Where the Stripper Cries.
That she did a cameo in a sitcom spoke volumes for her on-screen idol status.
Much to the dismay of die-hard fans, General Hospital was discontinued in 2010 and reduced to permanent status.
In 2018, the star injured herself while walking her dog, forcing her to be replaced two months into the show.
General Hospital posted on X explaining that the actress was injured.
The statement read: “Leslie Charleson’s beloved dog, Riley Rose, was a little too eager on her morning walk and tripped over Leslie – injuring her leg.
“Unfortunately, she will need to be replaced in shows already written.”
In recent years, Leslie’s health has further deteriorated and the Kansas City native has not appeared on the ABC soap since December 2023.
Her beloved character continued to be mentioned in the show despite her absence, and Monica was said to be upstairs in the mansion.
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A moving tribute was left to the actress Credit: Rex
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