General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Head Writers Share Plans to Honor Leslie Charleson and Bid Farewell to Monica Quartermaine
While previously noting that six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Erika Slezak’s (Viki, One Life to Live) arrival times with the passing of Monica Quartermaine on upcoming episode of General Hospital, on Monday co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten revealed more details on how the show plans to honor the late Leslie Charleson and the character of Monica.
First up, Monica’s death is said to occur this month in September and the character’s passing will leave an indelible mark on the Q family and all of Port Charles as the scribes have crafted a story, they feel is befitting of Leslie Charleson.
“When bidding farewell to her and to Monica, there could be no half-measures,” the writers shared. “Honoring Leslie’s contribution to General Hospital and Monica’s significance to Port Charles meant doing more than simply throwing a funeral and looking back at the past.”
Photo: ABC
Korte and Van Etten aded, “We wanted Monica’s passing to kick off a new story; to create new connections on the canvas; to test her loved ones; and to grow their relationships. This way, Monica may be gone — but her legacy will be felt long into the future.”
On a personal note to all GH fans, they shared, “Leslie Charleson was adored by the cast, crew, and audience.” Overall the writers could not be more pleased with the cast of General Hospital and what they have given to the stories they have written, including the passing of Monica, adding, “The cast and crew have fulfilled and surpassed our expectations in every respect and for every story.”
Photo: JPI
Leslie Charleson died back on January 12th of this year at 79-years old. In story, Monica has been ailing for a few years now as the character’s often talk about her fragile state, in particular last week, when Tracy (Jane Elliot) discovered Drew (Cameron Marthison) was shot and she didn’t know how she was going to tell Monica, who is Drew’s adoptive mother.
GH executive producer, Frank Valentini, paid tribute to Charleson on her death, expressing, “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. I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set.”
So, are you ready? Are you going to have the hankies ready as we are about to say goodbye to Monica Quartermaine as GH’s honors the legacy of the character and her portrayer, the late Leslie Charleson? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Very much looking forward to the GH tributes to both Leslie Charleson and her character, Dr. Monica Quartermaine.
I’m glad the writers didn’t rush into this and are making this the major story that it is. The cast is definitely going to deliver. There will be many tears, I’m sure.
The picture of Monica in the vault raises a few questions:
Will they move Justus’ spot? The plaque next to Lila (and beneath Alan) should be for either Monica or reserved for Tracy.
Soaps always play loose with ages, but were we supposed to believe Alan was only 59 when he passed?
My theory is that one reason it’s taken so long to tell the Monica death story is that, just by coincidence, Leslie Charleson’s passing happened right around the same time Chad Duell left the show.
Michael and his grandmother Monica had grown close over the years, so it would seem very strange to proceed with this story with Michael off the canvas. And even when he returned in recast form, well you probably should be sure the recast was successful before you attempt to pull off this story. It’s bad enough they threw NuMikey immediately into the custody battle and the surprise courtroom birth of his daughter Daisy.
Fortunately for everybody, Rory has done a great job as Mikey, and even though he has never actually had any scenes with Monica, I believe he will be able to play the grieving grandson convincingly when this story rolls out. And there’s probably a good chance that Grandma Monica is going to leave the estate to him. She could leave it to Jason, as her last surviving child, but even though Jason has moved back “home” for Danny’s sake, I’m not so sure he would want to inherit the mansion.
Hopefully having all this extra time to write the story will mean they did it right. And by that I mean… do not involve that useless piece of Hallmark crap in the story at all. If he can’t be in Hell, at least put him in a coma until Monica is properly laid to rest and her earthly affairs are settled.
I agree that Duell’s departure (and Michael being off canvas) was one part. Gibson has far exceeded expectations since day one and made the courtroom scene work.
While they sometimes tape 2-3 weeks before air date, the scripts are typically written 3 months before air. Story arcs planned before the writing. There were multiple storylines featuring the Q’s already in progress when LC passed (Gio’s paternity, the custody battle and Drew’s dastardly deeds). All needed to come to resting points before they could address Monica’s passing.
Despite some misgivings, Drew will be a part of the story. One of LC’s last big scenes was when CM’s Drew returned to tell her Jason “died” again.
As for who gets the house… while Michael is a logical choice, leaving him the house doesn’t create any long-term drama. And, yes, Jason doesn’t want it. To maintain some ongoing angst for Tracy, my prediction is Monica leaves the house to Olivia. Like Monica, Olivia is a Q by marriage and can stand up to Tracy when needed.
I am glad that they have finally decided to honor Monica Quatermain, she was a wonderful actress. I grew up watching her on general hospital. She is very much missed
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
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Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
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General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
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General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
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