General Hospital
General Hospital Stars Attend ‘Celebration of Life’ in Memory of Leslie Charleson
When Leslie Charleson (Monica Quartermaine), the longest-tenured cast member of General Hospital, passed away back on January 12th of this year, it was a heartbreaking loss for the show, its fans and Leslie’s co-stars, friends, and colleagues.
Charleson, died at the age of 79, to which the Los Angeles medical examiner’s office deemed as her cause of death “sequelae of blunt head trauma.” Leslie had taken several falls over recent years, so it may have been attributed to a prior injury.
Over the weekend, several of Leslie’s longtime friends and cast members, attended a “Celebration of Life” in her honor in Los Angeles, California including: Finola Hughes (Anna), Ian Buchanan (ex-Duke), Lisa LoCicero (Olivia) and Lynn Herring (Lucy).

Photo: IBuchananIG
Taking to her Instagram, Finola Hughes honored Leslie by expressing,”Beautiful celebration of this wonderful woman. The stories about Lester’s generosity and kindness and above all her fun loving way of life. Her love of animals, her horses, her joy in acting. It was touching to bring her two worlds together for an afternoon, her GH family and her equestrian friends 💕 rip sweet Lester, we love you”
Ian Buchanan shared, “A Wonderful Celebration for a Glorious Friend.❤️❤️❤️” Lisa LoCicero responded to Ian’s post and noted, “Always great to see you Ian.. and a perfect celebration of a beautiful soul..❤️❤️❤️

Photo: JPI
Charleson played Monica Quartermaine for 47 years on the ABC daytime drama series and debuted on the soap back in 1977 replacing Patsy Rahn in the part. The beloved actress last appeared on-screen on GH in an episode back in December of 2023. In October of 2024, it was announced that Leslie would unlikely ever return in the role, but with the understanding she would not be recast.
It was back on January 12th that GH executive producer, Frank Valentini broke the news of Leslie’s passing on X, sharing, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague. Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaine family, 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. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”
Share your thoughts on Finola Hughes, Ian Buchanan and others touching words from the celebration of life in honor of the late Leslie Charleson via the comment section below.
Lovely words for a lovely lady, and what looks like a fitting celebration of Leslie’s life. I’m interested to see how and when GH deals with her death on the show. Monica deserves an ending as good as the one they gave Jackie Zeman/Bobbie.
Great to see Ian Buchanan looking well and impeccably dressed, as always. I’ll never forgive them for killing off Duke Lavery.
Blame Ron C, all his fault, poor writer couldn’t figure out how to honor legacy!
It is interesting how he brought both AJ and Duke back from the dead only to kill thrm off permanently when pettiness got in the way.
I know Ron wrote the story, but I honestly blame Frank more. He’s the one that made the decision to fire Ian, and get rid of a beloved legacy character. If you’re going to do something like that, it better be a damn good story, and that one certainly was not. It still pisses me off 10 years later.
I wish they would recast the role. I don’t think Leslie would mind her character going on. They could finally let her out of her room. It would be fun to see Tracy put in her place. I can see Monica coming down the steps saying “shut up Tracy”. Of course not just anyone could play her. How about Susan Lucci??
Leslie had an agreement with Frank Valentini that the role would not be recast, nor should it be. Some roles you don’t recast because they were such iconic characters played by an iconic actor. The same way they didn’t recast Bobbie when Jackie Zeman died, they didn’t recast Lila when Anna Lee died, they didn’t recast Steve Hardy when John Beradino died, they didn’t recast Luke with Tony Geary retired, and so on, and so forth. Leslie’s Monica is in that realm of all-time GH chatacters, and no one should or will ever play her again.
But, GH recasted Edward Quartermaine! The original actor was very iconic.
David Lewis (Edward #1) had retired once before and came back to do voice overs as a ghost talking to Lila. He was convinced to come back on camera for a few years. He retired for the final time 15 years after he first appeared.
Leslie has been on the show 47 years. A major difference.
Icon character is the subject at hand… Not the years spent in a role by an acto/actress.
I agree, about the OG Edward Q… he left GH due serious health issues… the show recasted this iconic actor.
Tony Geary as mentioned… retired.
My the point is, it’s not always about an iconic actor/actress whom passes away in real life which determines whether a recast will or will not happen.
OG Edward and TG are examples of that, too.
David Lewis was very iconic as the first Edward Quartermaine, absolutely no question. But he was on the show for 15 years, not 40+ years. That’s the difference in a role that you can recast, and one that you can’t. Or I guess shouldn’t would be a better word.
Absolutely not Theresa Anderson. I love Susan Lucci but she is wrong for that character. Besides, Monica should not be recast. Lesile Charleson put the indelible stamp on that character and should never be replaced. RIP dear Lesile. We love you!!!!!!!!!
Guessing that you’re not a long time soap fan. You don’t recast someone who played the character for 47 years!
And no, Lucci would never consider taking the place of another soap icon. Would anyone accept a different actress as Erica Kane? No. Monica will pass in story by mid year.
She was one of the reasons I watched General Hospital. I am a long time watcher of the show.
They will not recast in honor of her and I respect that sorry she was so ill for so long
Her character should never be recasted. You don’t play a role for over 40 years to be replaced. Someone mentioned they replaced Edward but it was only with David Lewis permission and he had not played that role as long as Lila, Alan, Monica or Tracy has/had. No one would replace Tracy. it simply would never be the same!
Do you not proof read? Who is Lester???? Several times you called Leslie a man. Not nice.
Well, you should have explained that in your article. Bad on you. THAT was your mistake.
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
General Hospital
Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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