Leslie Charleson, best known for her nearly 50-year run as Dr. Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, has died at 79. A daytime TV icon, Charleson’s role on the beloved soap made her one of the genre’s most enduring stars. Here’s all you need to know about Charleson’s death.

Leslie Charleson passes away at 79, claims report

Best known for playing Dr. Monica Quartermaine on the long-running ABC soap General Hospital, Leslie Charleson has died at 79. 

Leslie Charleson’s death was confirmed by executive producer Frank Valentini, who paid tribute on social media. He praised her nearly five-decade contribution to daytime television. Charleson joined General Hospital in 1977, taking over the role of Monica Quartermaine.

She appeared in over 2,000 episodes, becoming one of daytime TV’s most familiar faces. Her character played a key part in major family dramas within the Quartermaine household, one of the most iconic families in soap opera history.

The Kansas City native began her acting career in the early 1960s with roles in As the World Turns and A Flame in the Wind. She gained widespread recognition on CBS’s Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, appearing in over 1,400 episodes. Her success in daytime television led to appearances on primetime shows like Happy Days, The Rockford Files, and Marcus Welby, M.D..

Charleson’s work on General Hospital earned her four Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress. Her character, Monica Quartermaine, was part of a prominent love triangle that captivated viewers for years. Beyond her work on General Hospital, she made guest appearances on other TV shows such as Friends and Diagnosis: Murder.

In recent years, health issues limited her appearances on the show. She suffered a series of falls that impacted her mobility and led to her temporary replacement in some episodes. Despite her reduced screen time, her presence remained a beloved part of the General Hospital universe.

Leslie Charleson’s death marks the end of an era for General Hospital. Her iconic portrayal of Monica Quartermaine cemented her legacy as a soap opera legend, with tributes pouring in from fans and co-stars alike.