Charleson’s role as Monica Quartermaine spanned nearly 50 years, making her the longest-tenured General Hospital cast member.

Acclaimed actress Leslie Charleson, celebrated for her iconic role as Monica Quartermaine on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died aged 79. Her death marks the end of an era for daytime television.

Career Highlights: From soap operas to television dramas

Charleson was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1945. He began acting as a child and later studied theater at Bennett College in New York. In 1964, she entered the world of soap operas with “A Flame in the Wind” and followed with roles in “As the World Turns” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.”

Her move to General Hospital in 1977 proved pivotal. Charleson joined the cast at a time of declining ratings, replacing Patsy Rahn as Monica Bard Webber (later Monica Quartermaine). Her portrayal of Monica – a complex, passionate doctor – reinvigorated the series and endeared it to fans for decades.

Outside of soap operas, Charleson has made guest appearances on popular television shows such as Marcus Welby, MD, Happy Days, The Streets of San Francisco, The Rockford Files and Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law. She also starred in the horror film Revenge! from 1971 with.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of my dear friend and colleague, @lesliecharleson. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/p7mhN9ccO5

— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) January 12, 2025

A legacy at General Hospital

Charleson’s role as Monica Quartermaine spanned nearly 50 years, making her the longest-tenured General Hospital cast member. Reflecting on her character, she once said: “When Monica loves, she loves passionately. She does her best, sometimes at the expense of others.”

Her debut on the show coincided with a personal milestone: her first day on set was the day Elvis Presley died. Despite a challenging start and the tensions created by replacing the previous Monica, Charleson’s performance quickly won over viewers and colleagues.

Who was Leslie Charleson’s husband?

In 1988, Charleson married businessman G. William Demms in a ceremony in Rowayton, Connecticut. Demms, a University of Connecticut graduate and president of the gift company Basketfulls and More, organized the event with his sister, a preacher. The couple eventually divorced, but details of their separation remain confidential.

Health problems led Charleson to retire from acting, which marked the end of her illustrious career. Despite her retirement, her contributions to daytime television remain invaluable, cementing her place as one of the genre’s most popular stars.

General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini expressed his sadness over her death, stating, “Her lasting legacy spanned nearly 50 years…Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew.” Valentini expressed his condolences to her loved ones and praised her influence on the show.

Charleson leaves behind a legacy of dedication, talent and passion that will forever be remembered as an icon of daytime television.

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