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Soap opera Icon Leslie Charleson, best known for her playing Monica Quartermaine to ‘General Hospital‘, passed away.

According to Variety, Leslie Charleson died Sunday morning after a long illness. She was 79.
Executive producer of “General Hospital.” Frank Valentini announced the news of Leslie’s death.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague Leslie Charleson. Her enduring legacy spans nearly 50 years on ‘General Hospital’ alone, and just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was.” I will miss our daily conversations, her quick wit and her incredible presence on set. “On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, “my deepest condolences go out to their loved ones during this difficult time,” said Frank.
The popular actress, who joined the soap in 1977, has had some health ups and downs in recent years, limiting her time on the ABC soap, which she has not appeared on since December 2023, according to Variety.
In recent years, Charleson suffered several falls that prevented her from getting around. Although it limited her mobility and resulted in her needing a walker, it never affected her mood. Charleson was hospitalized last week after one such fall.
Leslie’s other early appearances include guest roles on The Wild Wild West, Adam-12, Emergency!, Mannix, Ironside, Happy Days, Marcus Welby, MD and The Rockford Files “.
She was also featured in “Friends.”