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Leslie Charleson, General Hospital’s Monica Quartermaine, Passes Away at 79
In just heartbreaking news this Sunday, longtime General Hospital star, Leslie Charleson (Monica Quartermaine), has died at the age of 79 from complications from a long illness. Frank Valentini, the series executive producer broke the news in a statement on X.
Valentini shared, “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.”
The EP closed his statement with, “On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”
Photo: JPI
Charleson had played the role of Monica Quartermaine for 47 years. She took over the role from Patsy Rahn in 1977. Leslie appeared on and off of GH through 2023, with her final appearance coming in December of that year. However, health issues, including several falls, prevented her from appearing on the show after that. Last October 2024, it was announced that she would unlikely ever return in the role, but with the understanding she would not be recast. This still made Leslie, GH’s longest-tenured cast member.
During her GH run, Charles was taken off contract after 30 years and dropped to recurring status in 2010, much to the chagrin of many fans at that time. Previously, Leslie was best known for her leading role of Iris Donnelly (1967-1970) on Love is a Many Splendored Thing and her on-screen sister, Laura, was played by Donna Mills (ex-Abby, Knots, ex-Madeline, GH). Leslie also appeared on two other soaps earlier in her career with roles in A Flame in the Wind and As the World Turns.
Photo: ABC
Throughout the incredible legacy of GH, Monica, as played by Charleson, was involved in one of the most torrid triangles in its history with Rick Webber (Chris Robinson) and Alan Quartermaine (Stuart Damon). When becoming a member of the Quartermaine family, Monica’s bickering with her sister-in-law, Tracy (Jane Elliot) and husband, Alan would become soap classics, in part due to Leslie’s comedic timing.
In one of the more dramatic stories of her GH career, Monica’s breast cancer earned Leslie one of four of her Daytime Emmy Nominations as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series. In addition, the story that found Alan and Monica adopting their daughter, Emily (first played by Amber Tamblyn, then Natalia Livingston) provided another emotional backdrop for Charleson’s acting chops.
Photo: ABC
Leslie also appeared on the television series: Dharma & Greg, Canon, The Rockford Files, The Wild West, The Streets of San Francisco, Marcus Welby, M.D., Mannix, Ironside, and Happy Days to name just a few. Charleson also appeared in the 1973 motion picture, The Day of the Dolphin opposite Oscar winner, Shelley Winters.
Michael Fairman TV sends our condolences to Leslie’s loved ones, friends and her General Hospital family during this difficult time.
Share your remembrances and thoughts on the passing of GH’s Leslie Charleson via the comment section below. But first, check out this classic scene from Monica’s breast cancer storyline featuring Leslie and Stuart Damon, followed by one of Leslie’s last episodes of GH in scenes with Jane Elliot and Michael Easton (ex-Finn).
I have a heavy heart. I loved GH back in the day when Monica, Alan, Rick and Lesley were forefront. Ms. Charleson and Mr. Damon had great great chemistry and throw in Jane Elliot… WOW! I hope GH gives Ms. Charleson her due with a heartfelt sendoff to Monica. Daytime is family based. The actors and characters are part of our everyday lives. Time passes and sadly, we must say goodbye. God bless you, Ms. Charleson! And thank you!
You it all, and your so right, growing up as a kid I remember those characters being front and center Monica, Alan, Rick and Lesley. These 4 made GH for years and back then it was so so good, today, GH not the same left it. Bur these actors and actress were it! Love your comments all so true.
RIP to a daytime legend.
While we are not shocked at her passing, we are still incredibly saddened. Always hoped she could return but admired that Frank refused to recast Monica.
Some of my earliest GH memories were when Leslie assumed the role of Monica in 1977. She always commanded a scene – while never eating the scenery.
Together with Stuart Damon, they created what is arguably the second most enduring couple in GH history (behind the juggernaut of Luke & Laura).
I’m confident the show will give Monica the farewell she deserves. If she’s up to it, I hope they ask Denise Alexander to return to solute her rival. And someone will have to escort Monica up the stairs to the great beyond.
Thank you to Leslie for the decades of entertainment. It will always be her house.
She is such a huge part of GH, so many memorable moments. She will be missed!
Why does it always feel like you have lost one of your oldest friends when a soap star dies? Talented actress great performer. Another childhood memory fades into the mist. Godspeed Leslie Charleston.
Thank you for describing what I was feeling but couldn’t articulate. I loved my childhood, coming home from school and the TV would be on and there’d be Monica and the rest of the cast, making daytime history. May this lovely actress rest in peace and her family be comforted.
You have said so very well. Condolences to her family.
So sad to read this. I was first drawn to watching General Hospital based on Leslie Charleson’s character, Dr. Monica Quartermaine, and continued watching for decades. Rest in Peace, beautiful lady.
It’s been a sad and rough couple of years for GH with the loss of many of it’s cast and ex cast members. RIP Leslie, you will be very missed…
I’m very sad. I loved Monica. She was my now-deceased partner’s favorite character. Words can’t explain how I feel.
She was one of my favorites. I will miss her. Leslie was the best. I just saw an old episode of Emergency, and she was real young, I almost didn’t recognize her at first. She will be missed.
I loved watching her and I’m sad. RIP
RIP Ms. Leslie!!!
I am absolutely heartbroken by this news. I have loved Leslie Charleson from her Love is a Many Splendored Thing days to her episodic TV days. I was beyond thrilled when she took of the role of Monica on GH. Be it high drama, romance or comedy, her performance was always flawless. I will miss her forever. I hope she knew how very, very much long time GH viewers loved and admired her. She was the very best of the best. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Thank you Ms Charleson for sharing your amazing talent with all of us. May you rest in peace.
She was a bright light who was able to go to toe with the great actors who played Edward, Lila, Alan and Traci- she stood her ground with these larger than life characters. Before there was a Diane and Sam from Cheers, there was an Alan and Monica fighting bitterly until they ended up on the floor in a passionate wrestling match. Leslie had a smile that lit up a room. She has already been missed but will be missed all the more knowing that light won’t be turned on again.
Awful news to read as I came on the site tonight. I saw Leslie’s picture as the top story on the main page, and my first thought was “Oh good, maybe Monica’s finally returning!” something that so many of us have been hoping for. But I was quickly heartbroken when I saw the headline that Leslie had passed away. Just a terrible loss, another major loss that the GH family has taken in recent years.
Another pillar from the golden history of GH has come down. Another legend and iconic character gone. A very sad day. It will be another sad day on the show when Tracy, Jason, or whomever finds that Monica has passed upstairs in her house that Alan gave to her. She wouldn’t have had it any other way.
RIP Leslie, thanks for all the wonderful performances and decades of entertainment as the legendary Dr, Monica Quartermaine! My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
This is just devastating. Like a number of others we’ve lost over the last decade or so (Kathryn Hays and Elizabeth Hubbard come immediately to mind), Leslie Charleson was from that era of soaps when the actors (and their characters) seemed bigger than life and basically indestructible. I know in my brain that they’re all now in that vulnerable age group, and it shouldn’t be a surprise when we get news of their passing, but somehow it is anyway, and I’m absolutely gutted. RIP, Leslie, and thank you for so many memorable moments over the years. You’ll be missed.
R.I.P. A true soap Icon. Monica was no joke back in the day. She made GH must watch TV.
For some reason I knew there’d be some news about GH today. How sad that it was the news of Ms. Charleson’s death. I longed to see her again in “the house that Alan gave her”. Just very sad and my heart goes out to her family and friends and fellow collaborators at GH. She will be missed even more than she already has been.
Monica, like Bobbie should get a decent send off. It will shake up Jason, for sure. I’m sure the hospital will honor her with maybe a park or wing named after her. Great TV family!
Today’s episode was quite pertinent with Tracy and Stella in the Quartermine kitchen over tea and smoothies, chatting about Monica. Knowing that Leslie has passed is beyond sad, though I am glad that she is no longer suffering. I didn’t watch GH in the glory days, for I was a devout ATWT and GL gal, but once they ended, and many of my favorite actors headed over to Port Charles, I followed. Leslie/Monica had a beautiful smile that lit up any room that she was in. RIP
We, as fans, were blessed to have enjoyed Ms. Charleson’s work for up to decades! And I also fondly remember Charleson’s “Pearl Drops” toothpaste commercial!
I was one of those GH fans who found the turmoil of 1977 quite unsettling and upsetting. The show recast the roles of Rick Weber (I loved original Michael Gregory in the role), Diana Taylor (I loved the original Valerie Starrett), and Monica Weber (I loved the original Patsy Rahn). I have never gotten over the firing of Starrett. I always preferred Gregory to Chris Robinson. And as much as I enjoyed Rahn, Leslie Charleson won me over! And her tenure outlasted all the others. She was a joy to watch — always! — whether it was tearjerking storylines, such as breast cancer, or the comedic camaraderie in her love/hate relationship with Alan, and through the affairs with, for example, Rick, Ned, and Damian, the character of Monica was mesmerizing. And the character remained part of the actual “hospital,” which has, from time to time, taken a backseat to other nonsense. The presence of Monica has been missed. As will be Leslie Charleson herself.
A heartfelt “thank you” and “rest in peace” to Leslie Charleson. May her memory be a blessing…
Beautiful lady and wonderful actress. So sad today, kept hoping to see you again on my TV screen. I hope you were not aware of what’s happened to GH, between the crazy writers and PTB letting it all happen. You were one of the best parts of GH and I remember you from Love is A Many Splendored Thing. RIP , you will always be missed.
I HAVE WATCHE GENERAL HOSPITAL FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS I LOVE MONICA QUARTERMAINE SHE WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH REST IN PEACE MONICA FLY WITH THE ANGELS NOW I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH !!!!!
I found it interesting that the episode that aired on Monday had some discussion between Tracy and Stella about Monica’s declining health and how Monica holds the Q clan together. Weird that it was the day after she passed. I really hope that GH/Frank V. do her justice and have an episode in her honor.
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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