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: Drew and Willow Have Their Long-Awaited Showdown; Only She Gains the Upperhand and the End of Their Marriage

Finally, Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) can walk and talk and chew gum all at the same time as he shows up at the front door of his house, much to the dismay of his wife, Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen).
Drew just survived a murder attempt by Willow’s mother, Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), only an unknowing Gio (Giovanni Mazza) jumped into the lake to bring Drew to safety, after Nina tried to rid the world of him by pushing the former congressman in his wheelchair into the water to hopefully drown, but it all backfired.
Now at the Cain residence, Drew taunts Willow, that he could not wait to see his “loving wife!” Willow, who shot Drew and got off on an attempted murder charge, who then turned to a paralytic drug and Sidwell (Carlo Rota) to keep Drew out of her life, was quickly shushed when she started to explain herself while in fear for her own life.

Courtesy/ABC
AN ENRAGED DREW THREATENS WILLOW WITH INTENTIONS TO MAKE HER LIFE A LIVING HELL
Drew stated, “I have listened to you for so long, and all I could do was just sit there and blink like a desperate idiot. Now it’s my turn. Go ahead, blink all you want while you still can.” Next, Drew actually tells Willow he can almost understand her reasoning for shooting him after she snapped, but he helped the jury get her off of the charges and she still drugged him and kept him a “prisoner in his own body” for months.
However, Willow’s fears of being killed on the spot get a reprieve when an angered Drew tells her, ”I’m Not Going to Kill You, But You’re Going to Wish I Did.” With rage and a smug smile, Drew informs Willow that he will tell her kids, Wiley and Amelia, what a psychopath she truly is, and then flaunts how Michael (Rory Gibson) will get full custody of her their children because she will be serving a life prison sentence.
Suddenly, Nina and Jack (Chris McKenna) burst in the front door as Jack holds a gun on Drew. Nina wants Jack to shoot Drew. Jack then reveals he doesn’t have to because he has the evidence right in his pocket on how Drew misappropriated federal funds designated for the McConkey Esplanade to instead fund his congressional campaign.

Courtesy/ABC
SAVED BY THE EVIDENCE
Telling Drew the first deed is a federal crime, Jack had more goodies on Drew. He informs Drew that there is evidence that he blackmailed the receptionist at the burn clinic in Germany to prevent Willow from speaking with Michael about custody of their children. Jack also claimed to have evidence that Drew bribed Judge Heran, who eventually wound up dead in the pier.
An angered and enraged Drew threatened to bring all three of them down, but Jack reminded Drew that his crimes held a minimum sentence of 20 years each.
Willow then played her own game with Drew warning if he went to prison for decades, he would lose his daughter Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) forever who will then be raised with Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), and Nina sniped that Tracy (Jane Elliot) and Michael would have a field day over Drew being locked up for most of his life.
FREEDOM
Next, Willow tells Drew nothing needs to change, and all he needs to do is agree to a divorce. Nina piled on that he cannot run for congress again or take back Willow’s seat, while Jack toyed with him that he could release the evidence that he has against him at any point in time.
Willow follows Jack and Nina out the front door, but before she exits removes her wedding rings and drops them on the floor, saying “freedom.” However, now alone in his house, Drew snipes, “Enjoy it while it lasts, you treacherous bitch!” We fade to black.
So, what did you think of the upshot of the highly-anticipated scenes where Drew and Willow would have it out? Were you pissed off that Drew didn’t try to murder Willow, or do something to her and Nina for what they did to him?
Glad that Willow and Drew ended their marriage and it seems like everyone is going to keep silent about everything? Does that feel like payback? Or, will Drew as he threatened, plan something heinous to pay back Willow, Nina and Jack? Share your thoughts via the comment section, but first take another look at some of the confrontation scenes from today’s GH below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s Kayden Brenna Tokarski Featured in Cast of Biopic ‘Bruton’

Kayden Brenna Tokarski, who thus far has been impressive as the aged-up Scout Cain on General Hospital, has also been busy over the last few year working in Indie films and more.
Now comes word that Kayden is part of the ensemble cast of the new biopic Bruton based on the life of Bryan Bruton, who was sentenced to a decade in a Florida prison for an unintended crime and briefly escaped. The film is set to bow in August at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.
According to the loglines per Deadline, Bruton follows a “charismatic hustler whose life is upended after one devastating mistake lands him in a Florida prison. Behind bars, he transforms incarceration into an economy all its own, building businesses, navigating impossible circumstances, and discovering the cost of a life spent chasing the next score. Blending humor, heart, and high-stakes drama, the film offers a fresh take on one of America’s most unforgiving systems.”
WHO IS IN THE CAST OF ‘BRUTON’ ALONGSIDE KAYDEN BRENNA TOKARSKI?
Tokarski is part of the cast which also features: Theo Rossi in the lead role plus Aya Cash, Tammy Blanchard (ex-Guiding Light), Tony Hale, Ronnie Gene Blevins, and Aaron Quick Nelson.
Taking to X when seeing the news on her upcoming film performance made public, Kayden expressed, “Couldn’t be more grateful to be part of this movie and for the world to see it!”
Bruton is produced by Demetrius Stear of A Mind’s Eye and Ryan J Francis of EverBright Pictures, with Colin Bates, Kris Dorrance, Vincent Grashaw, and Nicholas Carmona rounding out the production team.
Tokarski made her GH debut just over a week ago on the July 20th episode as the daughter of Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco).
So, intrigued to see more of Kayden’s work in different roles too, now that you have seen her for a bit as General Hospital’s Scout Cain? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Drew Emerges from Nina’s Murder Attempt Ready to Confront Willow

At the conclusion of the Monday, July 27 episode of General Hospital, Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) showed up at the front door of his house much to the shock and dismay of his wife, Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen).
The major turn of events, where for the first time in months, Drew is no longer in a locked-in state thanks to the paralytic drug that Willow and her mother Nina (Cynthia Watros) have been serving him, could mean the end for Willow, but will it?
Viewers learned that as Nina was in freak-mode with Jack (Chris McKenna) after pushing Drew in his wheelchair into the lake surrounding the Quartermaine boathouse, that Gio (Giovanni Mazza) found him in the water and saved him. Nina is mortified.

Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, Willow has just returned from the PCPD where she was brought in for questioning by Chase (Josh Swickard), about her dealings with Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota), just as she was trying to sneak out of town with Amelia and Wiley in tow.
As Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Molly (Kristen Vaganos) question Willow on her involvement with Sidwell, Willow gets mighty defensive and offended, while putting on her game face. After she walks out on the interrogation, she heads back to her home, so she can gather her belongings and flee the country.
Little does Willow know, Jack made a deal with Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), and recovered the missing black box which contains the dossier on Drew so he, Nina and Willow, all have leverage to hold over Drew.

Photo: ABC
Back at the Cain residence, Willow is gathering things off the living room floor when she sees muddy footprints. Suddenly, the front door opens and shuts. Willow turns around and see a soaking wet Drew with rage all over his face! We fade to black.
Today in the official GH preview of the Tuesday, July 28 episode (see below), Drew says to Willow, “I am so excited about what comes next.” Plus, look for Jason (Steve Burton) and Carly (Laura Wright) to finally see each other after Jason’s captivity by the WSB for months.
So, what else will Drew say to Willow? Do you think he has been affected by the long term use of the paralytic drug? Does he have amnesia? Does he know full-well everything Willow and Nina did to him, and will tell Willow how he is going to destroy her life? What do you hope goes down? Let us know you thoughts via the comment section below.
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