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
Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.
In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.
She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’”
Photo: ABC
THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH
Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’
The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.”
The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.
As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”
So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Favorite Amanda Setton Talks Brook Lynn and Chase’s Divorce, Jude Jacks, Baby Phoebe, and What’s Next (Exclusive)
On General Hospital, Brook Lynn Quartermaine’s (Amanda Setton) life as she knows it has turned upside down. First, she and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed divorce papers while in the Dominican Republic. As much as they loved each other, they just couldn’t get past all the trust issues between them.
Then, right after that, Jude Jax (Wil Traval) shows up at the Q mansion and demands to see his daughter, baby Phoebe! Brook Lynn is thrown for a complete loop. Is this guy claiming to be the biological father of Delilah Wilson’s daughter, which had been adopted by Brook Lynn and Chase, telling the truth? Brook Lynn is on her way to getting to the bottom of his claims.
Meanwhile, Brook Lynn’s portrayer, Amanda Setton just celebrated her first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination, and in the very competitive Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category. While Amanda ultimately did not take home the gold statuette, that honor went to The Young and the Restless’ longtime veteran, Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott), she was in great spirits when Michael Fairman TV caught up with her on the red carpet.
Photo: ABC
THE END OF THE LINE FOR BROOK LYNN AND CHASE
When asked how she felt about Brook Lynn being the first (between her and Chase) to put pen to paper on their divorce papers, Settton recalled, “She did. But I’m like, ‘Did she or did he kind of?’ They did it (both of them).”
Getting a new co-star and cast member can go one of two ways, great or not so great, but Amanda had nothing but high praise for Wil Traval’s entrance and performance as Jude Jacks!
THE ARRIVAL OF JUDE JAX
“Wil Traval is fabulous to work with. His debut was so amazing the other day, wasn’t it? He was just such a force and everybody’s faces and reactions when he says that he’s, ‘Jude Jacks, Jerry’s son.’ It was so good and well-played! Wil’s awesome. I’m excited for what’s to come. We’re going to have a lot of stuff together.”
Photo: ABC
According to Amanda, Brook Lynn will have her hands full in the months to come: “There’s a lot of stuff coming down the pike with Baby Phoebe. Will Chase and Brooklyn work together? Will they not? Is it really Jude’s daughter? Lots of questions!”
GRATITUDE TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY HER PEERS
For Setton, being an Emmy nominee meant the world to her, and to finally be acknowledged by her peers in a television career that spanned daytime and primetime including her performances as Kimberly Andrews on One Life to Live. But most importantly for her work in 2025 in the emotional rollercoaster of a story where Brook Lynn learns Gio (Giovanni Mazza) is her biological son.
“It means so much to me,” expressed Amanda. “It really does. I keep using this line, but I really mean it. It feels like a big hug. You know, not everybody who votes for these categories works with you. It’s really a very humbling feeling to know that your work actually touched someone and moved someone enough for them to vote for you. And getting to play the storyline that I got to play was such a privilege. It really was, with the actors I got to play it with. To be a little rewarded for it feels so nice.”
You can check out our chat with Amanda Setton on the red carpet at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards below. Then make sure to check out all the Michael Fairman Channel red carpet interviews from daytime’s biggest night here.
So, do you think Brook Lynn and Chase will unite to keep baby Phoebe away from Jude Jacks? What do you think of Wil Traval’s performances thus far as Jude? How do you see this story for the custody of baby Phoebe playing out? Were you rooting for Amanda to take home the Supporting Actress gold? Let us know via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Heather Webber Has Everyone on Edge, Walls Close in on Ava and Drew, Sonny Has a Problem Named ‘Josslyn’
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, Heather Webber (Alley Mills) infiltrates herself back into Port Charles upsetting many a citizen, while Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is making it be known she will not rest till she takes Sonny (Maurice Benard) down, and Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) are now in the hot seat for the murder of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).
In the just released, ABC video spoilers for the action November 9-13, first we see a stare down between Heather and Ava when they finally come to face-to-face.
Next, Felicia (Kristina Wagner) warns Emma (Braedyn Bruner), “You cannot allow Heather Webber to see herself as a victim!” This is juxtaposed with Heather walking into the PCPD interrogation room. Is she going to incriminate Ava and Drew further on the murder of Jack Brennan … or is she there for something else?
Courtesy/ABC
Then, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) tells Joe (Jonathan Bennett), ADA Turner (Nazneen Contractor) and Molly (Kristen Vaganos) that the PCPD has to switch their investigation and put the focus on Ava and Drew.
In the video teaser’s final moments, Josslyn (Eden McCoy) shows up at Sonny’s front door, shouting, “You just keep getting away with everything.” That leads to Sonny to tell Carly (Laura Wright) to get her daughter to back of off him.
Check out the official General Hospital spoilers the week below.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER, 9
Carly makes her loyalty to Valentin clear. Tristan makes a shocking revelation. Chase comes face to face with Jude. Jason and Alexis strategize. Josslyn flies off the handle.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Jason and Brook Lynn compare notes. Emma confronts Heather. Gio and Trina get a new opportunity. Joe and Molly hit pay dirt. Ava meets Serena.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Sonny issues a warning to Carly. Josslyn opens up to Hudson. Jude stands his ground. Drew tries to reassure Ava. Molly confides in Alexis.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Carly fears Sonny’s wrath. Sonny and Ric form a plan. Alexis makes a bold move. Drew gets a reality check. Lucas reassures Josslyn.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Drew pitches a drastic plan. Liz bends the rules for Dante. Josslyn confronts Jude. Brook Lynn opens up to Gio. Britt issues an invitation.
Now below, check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Getting Away with Everything.”
Then let us know, what do you think Heather Webber is up to? Will Ava and Drew actually take the fall for the death of Jack Brennan? Will Sonny stop Josslyn from taking him down at all costs? Share your thoughts and theories in the comment section.
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