General Hospital
REPORT: Leslie Charleson ‘Unlikely’ to Return to General Hospital as Monica Quartermaine Saddens Soap Fans
While the writing has been on the wall for the last few years, it now seems inevitable that General Hospital fans will no longer see Leslie Charleson on-screen and in Port Charles in her signature soap role as Monica Quartermaine.
This week, in a story in Closer, a source told the outlet about the status of Leslie’s health and why she would be unable to return to taping episodes, at this point in her career and life.
The source indicated that due to falls she has suffered in a recent years it has made difficult for her to walk. However, the report shared that Leslie is “doing OK under the circumstances and in no rush to push herself.” They noted that while she hasn’t appeared on General Hospital in several months, she was spotted out to lunch in Los Angeles this month and she was using a walker and had a caregiver assisting her. However, they also were quick to point out that Leslie is indeed socializing and seeing her friends.
Photo: JPI
Charleson joined GH back in 1977 replacing Patsy Rahn in the role of Monica Quartermaine. She told Soap Opera Digest about her rocky start at Monica sharing, “It was a pretty miserable beginning for me as Monica. Nobody really liked me because I guess they had let Patsy Rahn go rather unceremoniously.”Eventually, things turned around big time, and along the way Charleson has earned four Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1980, 1982, 1983 and 1995.
As GH fans know back in 2018, Charleson suffered a fall and was temporarily recast with Patty McCormck. Later, Holly Kaplan subbed Kaplan for Leslie for one day as Monica in 2022.
Photo: JPI
Over the last few years, whether it be via a phone call, or referring to Monica’s absence in scenes for various reasons, the show has kept the character of Monica alive, and from reports, they are keeping the role open for Charleson should she feel up to returning at any point in the future. Closer reported that, “Although she’d (Charleson) be welcome back to the show with open arms, it’s unlikely she’ll ever return.”
So, are you sad to hear that we may never see Leslie Charleson back on-screen as Monica, but glad to hear that GH will hold the role open for her should she decide to return? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
I think Monica and Audrey are hanging out and enjoying life.
Playing cards and still bickering with Lesley Webber.
Monica was my Eddie’s favorite character when he was alive. I would very much like to see her return to the show in any capacity but totally understand if she isn’t able to. Her health has to come first.
It’s understandable that she wouldn’t want to work the crazy daytime schedule given her age and physical condition. I would hope she might put in one more appearance over the Hellidays. She could always do her scenes sitting down. Like Lila did for years. Or Doug & Victor on Days, for that matter.
Just seems wrong that there hasn’t been any Jason & Monica scenes since his last return from the “not actually dead”.
Anna Lee grew old gracefully and thrived on performing until the very end. Her son noted she was devastated when Phelps cancelled her contract as she was still a working actress.
Leslie has always been a private person compared to other daytime stars. She might not have the passion to act anymore. Could be vanity, but regardless, she’s earned the right to go out on her own terms after dedicating 45 years to the show & ABC.
This news make me very, very sad. I have followed Leslie Charleson’s career for decades and always loved her work. I very vaguely remember “A Time for Us” and probably saw here there. My first clear memory of her work was as Iris on “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.” She was great. You loved to hate her. Then I remember in some episodic TV before she came to GH. I was thrilled when she took over the role of Monica. She has made Monica so unforgettable.
Leslie, like all of us, is getting on in years. (I used a walker for several months after a major illness last year. I’m back on my cane now.) I’m glad to know she has a caregiver to assist her and that she is getting out and seeing friends.
Please be very good to yourself Leslie and know that your millions and millions of fans are sending positive energy and tons of love your way.
I’m sad that she will not be returning. She is iconic and loved. (FYI Lesley joined GH in 1977, not 1997)
Leslie joined the cast in 1977 — not 1997. Monica was one of several recasts during that time — Diana Taylor, Rick Webber, Heather Grant, Gina Dante, etc.
So sad to hear, I was hoping that would have a scene with Leslie and Steve Burton one more time. Steve always speak so fondly of her on his podcasts. Maybe GH can think of a way for Leslie to tape a scene from her house where she is comfortable like they did for John Aniston during COViD on Days. Just one scene, I think that would be comforting to fans. Just a suggestions, Higher Ups at GH, AKA Frank Valenti 🙂
Some of my earliest GH memories are from when Leslie took over the role of (then) Monica Webber.
She was loyal to the show even when it wasn’t to her (Jill Phelps years). Nice to see they’re loyal to her at this challenging time.
Monica, or course, has the show’s most memorable line (which became a running gag) in “it’s my house, Alan gave it to me!” Wonder if the show has a running count of how many times she (or another character) has uttered that phrase.
Making an educated guess that “the source” was Kin Shriner.
This makes me really sad. I started watching General Hospital, and kept watching, solely due to Leslie Charleson’s portrayal as Monica Quartermaine. She has been missed, and the last several years I rarely tune into the show.
I am so sorry to hear that Leslie will not be returning as Monica. She has been one of the highlights of many of the cast of General Hospital.
I love her too and also watched her on love Is A Many Splended Thing.
Sad news. Ms. Charleson is a GH iicon.the Alan, Monica, Rick, Lesley quadrangle in the late 1970s was classic soap. I miss those days. Few of those folks remain.
As Lanview717 said, We are all getting on in age! As I was watching Tristan Rogers, AKA Robert Scorpio having flashbacks last week I snapped pictures of my tv screen of the young him and the now old him. I text them to my daughter and told here, ” here is the then and now pictures of the guy I named you after.” My daughters name is Trista. She will be 48 years old in December.. I told her I was a 22 year old married, pregnant, baby watching GH and crushing on Tristan Rogers and here I am 48 years later, a widow, 70 years old, still watching GH and still crushing on Tristan Rogers!! Leslie is my second all time favorite!!! I have missed her very much. It is sad to hear she will not be back. As others have said, it would be great to see a scene with her and Steve.
I’m not saying this with any source or confirmation; just my opinion. But Tristan Rogers went from “looking great for his age” to very thin looking, fragile, and weak, very suddenly. I don’t think it’s that he’s aged. I think there’s something going on health-wise. Again I’m not saying that’s a fact, just an opinion.
I think something health wise is going on also. It was all of a sudden my mom and I were just talking about that the other day
If Tristan wanted to share any health news, he would as he is somewhat active on social media. Unless he does that it is unacceptable for fans to speculate online about his (or any other living person’s health). Yes, you can say they’re looking older or frail – but no need to dive in further.
Since the article mentioned Leslie and her conditions – it’s expected to generate comments.
Let’s just be thankful for any screen time these vets are able to share with us.
I love this story! I’m sure your daughter does too. Very sweet. Thanks for sharing it.
I think whatever Leslie’s reasons are for saying she won’t return are not right as she sounds to be at least able to get around a little n Leslie should really consider her fans n Steve burtons request for her to come back for 1 final scene w Jason n should honor the classic of her house n give it to Jason n a retirement party n a send off to be proper for us n Steve not no one else please Leslie bring Monica back one more time we love you
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Josslyn Gets a Visitor in Obrecht, Chase Makes A High-Profile Arrest … But Who is it?
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, after Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) chloroformed Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati), she winds up thrown into the secret room at Wydemere with Josslyn Jacks. Now, both Obrecht and Joss are under the thumb of Cullum and Sidwell (Carlo Rota) for different reasons.
However, what will Cassius (Ryan Paevey) think of the news that his mother is being forced to finish Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) work on Faison’s final project? Cassius gets very alarmed when Sidwell informs him in the Monday, June 8 “Next on General Hospital” video teaser, that, “Locating Britt is no longer a priority.”
Meanwhile, Portia’s (Brook Kerr) baby shower is here, which could wind up in an all out war between Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson) and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner). While Curtis is lawyering up with someone, Portia wants Isaiah to “just hold off for now.” Is she referring to him suing Curtis for destroying his ability to operate after injury his hand, or to stay away from the baby shower?
Courtesy/ABC
KRISTINA’S PLANS
Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi) pays a visit to Lucas Jones (Van Hansis). It appears she drops the news of her decision to leave Port Charles to attend medical school at UCLA, which paves the way for Kate Mansi’s upcoming exit. When talking with Lucas she says, “A lot of people are going to be surprised by this.“ Is it that she wants to become a doctor, or is something else also going on?
By week’s end Chase (Josh Swickard) is going to make a major arrest! Who gets hand-cuffed and taken to the PCPD? Is it Sidwell, who Lucas was trying to set-up or someone else? Stay tuned.
Now below, check out the official GH spoilers for the week of June 8-12.
MONDAY, JUNE 8
Laura relishes her victory. Jossyn’s days may be numbered. Kristina issues a request. Curtis seeks Alexis’ help. Kai worries about Trina.
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
“Nathan” makes a major confession. Portia’s baby shower is a tense affair. Sidwell is on the warpath. Willow is blindsided. Brook Lynn issues an apology.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Carly takes action. Trina makes a bold decision. Dante gets bad news. Willow receives a tempting offer. Curtis and Portia clash.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
Valentin cautions Carly. Ava has a guilty conscience. Sonny is taken by surprise. Nina checks in on “Nathan.” Cody scores points with Molly. Danny and Charlotte make a plan.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
Ethan weighs his options. Tracy has harsh words for Willow. Brook Lynn seeks Sonny’s aid. Chase makes a high-profile arrest. Alexis is persuasive.
You can check out the General Hospital preview video for the Monday, June 8 episode below.
Now weigh-in: Will Josslyn and Obrecht work together to escape Wyndemere? Who is Chase going to arrest? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Cullum Kidnaps Obrecht as Britt’s Replacement to Finish Faison’s Final Project
WSB director Ross Cullum is truly as despicable villain as they come, and played with steely intensity by Andrew Hawkes. For the double agents latest crime, you need to look no further than the Friday, June 5 cliffhanger of General Hospital, where in the episode’s final moments he sneaks up on an unassuming Dr. Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) after hiding in the back seat of her car.
Next, he chloroforms her with his intent clear. He plans on forcing her to finish the last leg of Faison’s final project at Wyndemere, since her daughter Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) left town with Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) in tow to get away from Cullum!
In what led to the kidnapping, Cullum had a terse conversation with his business associate and co-conspirator on the project, Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota). It is Sidwell who is preoccupied with wanting to bring Marco’s killer to justice (not knowing it’s the man right in front of him!). Sidwell told Cullum if bringing Marco’s killer to justice wasn’t a priority for the WSB director, then why should protecting Cullum be a priority for him?
SIDWELL VS. CULLUM
The two finally put aside their differences as they have to complete Faison’s final project for it will be highly lucrative for them, useful for their mutual gains, and groundbreaking. In order to do that they need a great mind with a scientific background to finish it up and get them to the finish line since Britt as disappeared.
Later, outside of “General Hospital,” Obrecht is headed back to her car after searching Britt’s office for any clues as to the whereabouts of her daughter. But when she got in the car to drive away, that’s when the aforementioned Cullum strikes!
Courtesy/ABC
BROOK LYNN GETS ADVICE FROM A FORMER ADULTERESS
In other key developments, after Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) keeps inserting herself into Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) life, all with the seeming pretense to pay back Chase for helping her clear her name at the trial, and standing by her, she brings good news in person about baby Phoebe’s adoption to Alexis’ (Nancy Lee Grahn) law office to Chase. Once Brook Lynn heard Chase was on her away over with paperwork, she decided to hightail it out of there for an “emergency” appointment for Deception.
As we come to find out, Brook Lynn meets up with Lucy (Lynn Herring) at the Metro Court pool, She then proceeds to inform Lucy about Willow sniffing around he husband. Lucy says she knows a thing or two about being an adulteress. Brook Lynn wants Lucy to help her send a clear message to Willow to stay away from her husband, or else!
Now below, check out the scenes before Obrecht was kidnapped where she visited Willow, Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) and suspects Willow is up to no good.
Then let us know, with Lucy taking Brook Lynn under her wing, what plot do you think the two will come up with against Willow? What do you think will happen to Obrecht? With Lucas also at Wyndemere trying to bait Sidwell into an attempted murder charge, will he winds up thrown in the secret room with Josslyn? Share your thoughts and theories on the latest GH via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
The Set Decorators Society of America has revealed its nominations for 2025-26 SDSA Awards for Television, which recognizes the work of the set decoration and production designers in primetime, streaming and daytime series.
This year, all five soap operas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless all received nominations in the Best Achievement in Decor/Design of a Daytime Series category.
In its official SDSA rule book, to qualify for the category of a Daytime Series, which includes daytime dramas, daytime talk shows, daytime game shows, and daytime children’s programming, all episodes must air before 6:00pm and must have a credited Set Decorator. For daytime dramas, the content must contain multiple plotlines that are carried over from episode to episode.
Photo: JPI
WHICH EPISODES CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPETITION?
The eligibility year for episodes runs June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Founded in 1993, the SDSA is an international nonprofit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence and preserving the legacy of the art of set decoration in motion pictures and television.
Several popular primetime and streaming titles that have wrapped their final seasons also received nods including Euphoria, Stranger Things, Hacks, Outlander, and The Boys. Popular titles such as Bridgerton.
Take a look below at the nominated scenic design teams from your favorite soaps:
Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Daytime Series
Beyond The Gates: Set Decoration by Cynthia Slagter with Production Design by Bruton Jones
The Bold and the Beautiful: Set Decoration by Prim Rosales, Beth Wooke, Prerna Chawla, Charlotte Garnell, Chelsea Mondelli, Michelle Hall, & Linda Louise Sheets with Production Design by Lou A. Trabbie III
Days of Our Lives: Set Decoration by Adele Caine & Sarah Holmes with Production Design by Tom Early & Dan Olexiewicz
General Hospital: Set Decoration by Jennifer Elliot with Production Design by Andrew Evashchen
The Young and the Restless: Set Decoration by Jennifer Haybach, Justine Mercado, Maria Dirolf, & Monica Lowe with Production Design by David Hoffmann
So, which soap opera from the calendar year of basically June of 2025 to a week ago in 2026, do you think has had the best looking sets? Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, or The Young and the Restless? Make you pick and drop it in the comment section below.
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Victor Newman Touches Down in Fairmont Crest and Martin’s Fundraiser Turns Into Its Own ‘Disaster’ Movie
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Josslyn Gets a Visitor in Obrecht, Chase Makes A High-Profile Arrest … But Who is it?
‘The Young and the Restless’ and ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Attending Monte-Carlo TV Festival 2026 Revealed
Peter Bergman and Daphnée Duplaix Preview ‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Crossover and What Befalls Jack and Nicole Amidst a Tornado (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Cullum Kidnaps Obrecht as Britt’s Replacement to Finish Faison’s Final Project
‘General Hospital’ Casts Dean Geyer in the Role of ‘Tristan Roberts’
‘General Hospital’ Alum William Lipton Featured in ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4,’ the Next Installment from Video Game Franchise
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
Marc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’
‘General Hospital’ SORAS’s Scout Cain and Casts Kayden Brenna Tokarski in the Role of Drew and Sam’s Daughter
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Victor Newman Touches Down in Fairmont Crest and Martin’s Fundraiser Turns Into Its Own ‘Disaster’ Movie
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Josslyn Gets a Visitor in Obrecht, Chase Makes A High-Profile Arrest … But Who is it?
‘The Young and the Restless’ and ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Attending Monte-Carlo TV Festival 2026 Revealed
Peter Bergman and Daphnée Duplaix Preview ‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Crossover and What Befalls Jack and Nicole Amidst a Tornado (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Cullum Kidnaps Obrecht as Britt’s Replacement to Finish Faison’s Final Project
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