There are many actors who have entertained us, some for years, and when they pass away, it has an impact on those who knew and loved their work. That is how many are feeling now after the passing of a beloved soap opera actress.
Actress Leslie Charleston, who was known for her role as Monica Quartermaine on the ABC daytime series, ‘General Hospital’ has passed away. She was 79 years old at the time of her death and had been dealing with an extended illness before dying.
A tribute was posted to the official Instagram account of General Hospital by executive producer Frank Valentini. In the post, he described her as being the ‘beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew’. He went on to mention that her part in the show had lasted more than 50 years.
He wrote: “I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”
Nathan Varni is a television executive who was familiar with her personally. He also posted a message on social media, highlighting her talent and personality. In his post, he mentioned how she would greet everyone with a smile and open arms and concluded: “The world will miss you, Leslie.”
Sad news, #GeneralHospital legend, @lesliecharleson has passed away. Brilliant actress but more importantly, one of the nicest in the business who always greeted anyone in her orbit with a big smile and open arms. The world will miss you, Leslie. RIP. đź’” https://t.co/bKXfVN0zsB pic.twitter.com/d7kTiV9iVk
— Nathan Varni (@nathanvarni) January 12, 2025
The actress was born on February 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was well known for her acting abilities and primarily, for her role on General Hospital. She joined that show in 1977 and was also part of some of the spinoffs, including General Hospital: Night Shift and Port Charles.
Leslie Charleson, Longest-Tenured 'General Hospital' Cast Member, Dead at 79 https://t.co/SQ8lxrYfxe
— People (@people) January 12, 2025
She spoke about how long she was in the industry in 2019. She said: “Interest in the material is what keeps you around and relationships. I am the only actor on the show that doesn’t have another soap opera to talk about since I have never done another soap opera, while almost everybody else has.”
Aside from her role in the soap operas, she also appeared in other television series, including Friends, Kung Fu, Diagnosis Murder, Happy Days, and Dharma and Greg.
May she rest in peace.
