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
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.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Seeks Answers For Sonny, Drew Gloats, and Chase is in for a Battle

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, getting to the bottom of truth is paramount for several characters, but who will continue to lie and who might break?
In the latest video spoilers for the week of October 19-23, Sonny (Maurice Benard) needs to prove that he is innocent in orchestrating the prison beatdown of Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner). His girlfriend, ADA Justine Turner (Nazneen Contractor), wants to seemingly turn him to as she is seen saying, “I won’t give up until Sonny is behind bars,” to none other than Drew (Cameron Mathison)!
Meanwhile, it looks like Sonny has pulled Jason back in to to help him clear his name telling him to, “Find out whatever you can.” Later, we see Jason (Steve Burton) posing the question to someone, “Did you frame Sonny for it?” Did he go to Pentonville to confront Sully?

Photo: ABC
Elsewhere, Chase (Josh Swickard) and Monet (Blythe Howard) get set to dissolve Chase’s marriage to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) who now has lawyered up with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). Monet tells Chase, “We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” Chase fires back ,“I don’t want a battle!” Is the battle over baby Phoebe, or a down and dirty fight just to get a divorce?
Then, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) is reeling with happiness in the best possible way, after apparently sharing four kisses with mysterious stranger Jude (Wil Traval) at the Brown Dog Bar. Britt tells Lucas (Van Hansis) all about her evening. But, who is Jude and did he target Britt, or is he truly enamored with her? Stay tuned.
SPOILERS
Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 19-23.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Britt makes an intriguing deal. Trina is unsettled. Anna checks in on Sonny. Carly gets the third degree from Lucas. Jason calls out Serena.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Carly puts her heart on the line. Alexis delivers shocking news to Valentin. Sonny has a warning for Jason. Justine makes Drew an offer. Portia is wary of Monet.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Anna seeks out Valentin. Britt’s attitude raises eyebrows. Molly seeks Alexis’s advice. Jason makes an offer to Lucy. Tracy and Cody catch up.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Britt has juicy gossip for Lucas. Chase is thrown for a loop. Emma puts on her detective hat. Michael and Jordan await medical news. Ava is put on the spot.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Ava pitches a dangerous plan to Drew. Jason calls out Josslyn. Ric and Monet go toe to toe. Lulu is discouraged. Sonny dangles a tantalizing deal.
Take a look at the latest GH promo, “Worst Case Scenario” below.
Now weigh-in: Will Jason figure out that Drew and Ava were behind framing Sonny? Do you want Chase to get parental rights to baby Phoebe? Do you like the attraction between Britt and Jude, or is something more nefarious going on with the guy? Let us know in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Talks On Where Joe Fitzpatrick is Headed and Soap Opera Shirtless Scenes

It had become abundantly clear that roomies Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) and PCPD detective Joe Fitzpatrick (Jonathan Bennett) seem destined towards a romance on General Hospital.
In fact, to get Lucas all hot and bothered (although he does fully let on), during the Friday, October 16 episode, the good doctor helps Joe pick out something less stuffy to wear to a bar to meet people.
However, the moment is met with Joe taking off his shirt in front of Lucas and doing a quick change from sport coat and button down shirt to a more relaxed casual button down shirt. In fact, the ABC soap opera even called out the moment as their clip of the day (see below).

Courtesy/ABC
MAJOR STORY TEASE FOR JOE
Bennett spoke with OUT in a new feature about what may be on the horizon for the by-the-book Joe and the moral Lucas, and how he learned that once the producers and writers on a soap script in a shirtless scene, if it goes over well, said actor, can expect many more in the months to come!
“I’m so excited for the audience to see where my character goes on General Hospital. It’s going to be monumental and I think people are going to love it,” teased Bennett. “I was shirtless in an episode and so petrified to shoot it,” he added. “I wanted to look my best and feel good. I really worked hard to get my body to a good place and I did it.”
STAYING CAMERA READY
However as Jonathan points out, now he is finding himself half-naked in upcoming scenes as officer Joe! “I think I shot myself in the foot! Now that I did it once and it turned out well, every few weeks I read a script and I’m coming out of the shower, changing my shirt, or in the bathtub,” revealed Jonathan.
So, how does he keep camera ready? “I’m in the gym more, I have a better diet,” pointed out Bennett. “You have to stay healthy if you’re going to be shirtless every few weeks! I’m gay, an only child, and an actor. Of course I love the attention!”
While Bennett’s Port Charles story is going to reveal itself in the coming months, you can also see Jonathan back as the host of The Food Network’s Halloween Wars 16th season which concludes on Sunday, October 25.
Now below. check out the scene in question from Friday’s GH entitled, “Lose the Shirt.”
Weigh-in: What do you think will be “monumental” that Jonathan has teased that viewers will find out about Joe in the coming weeks? Are you feeling the on-screen chemistry between Joe and Lucas? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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