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: Ric’s History of Jealousy Where Elizabeth is Concerned Has Come Back Around

On General Hospital, Ric Lansing (Rick Heart) is about to fall back into dangerous old patterns by the foreshadowing during the Wednesday, August 19 episode. After first coming to see his brother, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and telling him of his plan to propose to Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) his longtime love tonight, Sonny has concerned.
Next, Sonny reminds his brother of what has happened in the past, when things have gone south with Elizabeth and wonders if it’s too soon for him to propose to her. What Ric did not tell Sonny is that he has seen the developing closeness between Sonny’s son, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Elizabeth, which is propelling his urgent need to propose.
Meanwhile, Dante ran into Elizabeth at the park during a break from their mutual team softball games. She needs help with a bookcase after the game at her house. Dante wants to put it together for her. Later, Dante arrived at Elizabeth’s house, limping after injuring his knee during the game. Head nurse Liz wanted to check out the injury as much as Dante protested, which required him to take off his pants.

Courtesy/ABC
RIC BEGINS TO UNRAVEL
Outside Elizabeth’s widow, Ric arrives with a bouquet of roses and the engagement ring. When he leers through the widow he is shocked to see Elizabeth rubbing Dante’s leg while Dante is in his boxer/shorts. He storm troops into the house, demanding to know what is going on here? Both Elizabeth and Dante look surprised by his reaction. In the pick-up of today’s Thursday, August 20 episode (see GH video teaser below), viewers will learn the upshot for all three characters.
A VENGEFUL PAST
As longtime GH fans know, Ric has done some horrible, vengeful things in regards to Elizabeth starting back in 2003 after she lost her baby after Ric’s ex, Faith Rosco pushed her down a flight of stairs. Ric accused Sonny for the accident and to get revenge, Ric kidnapped Carly (who was married to Sonny at the time), and stashed her in a panic room below the house where he was living with Liz.
On top of that, Ric fed his wife Elizabeth birth control pills to keep her from getting pregnant so that they could raise Carly’s baby together after it was born. Eventually, Elizabeth found Carly in the panic room but ended up having a pulmonary embolism. When she woke up in the hospital, Elizabeth was all confused by what happened, and Ric convinced her that her vision of Carly was just a bad dream. Eventually, Elizabeth learned the horrifying truth and divorced Ric.
Years later, Ric noticed the connection between Elizabeth and “Jake Doe” who eventually turned out to be Drew (Billy Miller) A jealous Ric hired Hayden Barnes to show up and claim to be “Jake’s” wife. Elizabeth stepped aside, and when Ric planned to propose to Elizabeth at the 2015 Nurses Ball, Carly exposed his manipulations, and Elizabeth dumped him yet again. And those are just two examples of the lengths Ric will go to for Elizabeth!
So, we ask you, given the history of Elizabeth and Ric, how do you see this playing out with Dante in the picture? How will Ric derail their growing bond? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jonathan Jackson Shares Emotional Tribute to His ‘Nashville’ Leading Lady Hayden Panettiere

The entertainment world has been mourning the loss of Hayden Panettiere, who died on Sunday at the age of 36. Panettiere, who was so familiar to daytime drama fans in the roles of a very young Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live and Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light, also starred as an adult in the primetime music city soap opera, Nashville as country and western singer, Juliette Barnes.
Panettiere’s leading man in the series, was none other than six-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer, General Hospital) who played musician Avery Barkley.
The actress’ death is still under investigation in Greenville, South Carolina, now calling in the DEA after the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said there was “no signs of trauma that were discovered that would have contributed to the death.” Hayden’s body was released to her family on Tuesday, August. 18. It is believed Panettiere died of an “overdose.”

Photo: ABC
WE GREW UP IN THE INDUSTRY
Jonathan Jackson took to his Instagram on Wednesday night, August 19 to share poignant words in remembrance of his Nashville co-star. “I have no words to express the loss of our beloved Hayden,” began Jackson. “She had such a bright light within her. She was a sensitive soul. Incredibly funny and witty. Amazingly gifted, with a great sense of empathy and compassion. We both grew up in the industry, although she started even younger than me, but we shared that. A silent knowing of how intense the struggles can be.”
Panetierre started in show business in 1990 at only 11-months-old, while Jackson was cast on General Hospital in 1993 as Luke (Anthony Geary) and Lauras’s (Genie Francis) son, Lucky when he was 11-years-old. Jonathan drew on the parallels in their lives for his remembrance to his late former co-star.
“She was an absolute joy to work with. Focused, spontaneous and brilliant,” continued Jackson. “The most important thing between friends and coworkers is trust, and we had this. Elisa (formerly, Lisa Vultaggio) and I both love and cherish her deeply, like our own sister. She holds that place in our hearts. My prayer for her every day we worked together was that she would know how loved she is, and that she would find the peace that she was looking for.”
WE LOVE YOU, HAYDEN
Sadly, Jonathan concluded with, “It’s not possible to express the shock and grief that so many of us feel right now. Our humble prayers are with her family. May God’s angels carry you to your place of rest and true peace. We love you Hayden. You will always be in our hearts. Always.”
Nashville ran for four seasons from 2012-2016 on ABC, and then moved to CMT for its final two seasons from 2016-2018. The actors on the show could also sing and like Jackson, Hayden had a powerful singing voice that was showcased in the series as well as her undeniable acting chops.
Michael Fairman TV previously shared more of Panettiere’s Guiding Light and Nashville co-star tributes here.
So, what did you think of Jonathan Jackson’s very touching tribute to Hayden Panettiere? Did you love them as Juliette and Avery on Nashville? What have you thought about the ongoing investigation into Hayden’s death? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Bryan Craig Cast in ‘The Weapon’

Bryan Craig, the two-time Daytime Award-winning actor, best known to soap fans as Morgan Corinthos on General Hospital has landed another feature film role. According to i68 Studios, Craig has been cast in the upcoming proof-of-concept to motion picture, The Weapon.
Production begins on August 27th in Texas, and Craig will play the role of Miller, the youngest member of Isaiah Fury’s original team. Miller is said to be, “A brilliant recon and tech specialist, Miller is quick-witted and uses humor to keep fear at bay. But when everything goes wrong, his loyalty wins out over fear, and he follows his brothers into the fight.”
The Weapon loglines share that the film is about brotherhood, sacrifice and what a man is willing to endure for the people he loves. Set against the backdrop of covert operations and a terrifying experiment that changes Isaiah Fury forever, this story asks what remains of a man when everything he thought made him human is stripped away. The film’s producers share on why they chose Craig for the role, “Bryan brings an incredible combination of intensity, charisma and vulnerability.”

Photo: JPI
BRYAN CRAIG’S MEMORABLE RUN AS MORGAN CORINTHOS
Since leaving General Hospital, Craig’s other roles have included: ABC’s Grand Hotel and Freeform’s Good Trouble, along with appearances in Valor, Walker and American Fighter to name but a few.
Bryan appeared on General Hospital for his initial run as Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly’s (Laura Wright) son from 2013-2016. His journey ended when Morgan was presumed dead after a car bomb killed him that was meant for Sonny. Craig later returned for appearances as Morgan in different iterations in 2018 and 2024. Craig won back-to-back Daytime Emmy Awards in the former Outstanding Younger Actor category in 2016 and 2017.
It was back in 2016, that Craig told Soap Opera Digest on his decision to exit General Hospital: “It’s been an amazing journey, but I feel like the time is right for me to say goodbye to General Hospital and Morgan Corinthos. This was not an easy decision and I am extremely grateful to ABC, Frank Valentini, and the entire GH cast and crew for the opportunity and their unyielding support. To the wonderful fans who have embraced and loved Morgan as one of their own, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
So, glad to hear of Bryan’s casting in The Weapon? Are you still holding onto hope that GH will bring back a very much alive Morgan Corinthos that could shake-up the canvas? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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