A Farewell to a Soap Legend: Leslie Charleson's Enduring Legacy

Leslie Charleson, who played Monica Quartermaine on the beloved soap opera "General Hospital, " passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday morning. Her longtime friend and show executive producer, Frank Valentini, shared the news. "It's a heavy blow, " he said. "Leslie was like a beloved matriarch to all of us. She brought laughter and grace to the set every day. " Leslie's health had been a concern for some time, leading to limited appearances on the show since December 2023. Leslie began her TV career in 1964 on ABC's short-lived soap "A Flame in the Wind. " She later starred in "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" and even had a role in the '73 film "The Day of the Dolphin" alongside Shelley Winters. However, she is best known for her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine, a role she took on in 1977. Playing Monica for over four decades saw Leslie through many ups and downs on the soap. Monica survived drama, comedy, and even real-life falls that affected Leslie's ability to film. Despite these hurdles, her spirit remained unbroken. Leslie's impact on the world of daytime television is immense. She was part of one of soap's most popular love triangles and survived on-screen breast cancer and the loss of children. She was even nominated for four Daytime Emmys. Though Leslie's contract was changed in 2010, the character of Monica continues to be mentioned in "General Hospital. " Her absence has left a significant void, but her legacy lives on.