In a heart-wrenching loss for the world of daytime television, General Hospital legend Leslie Charleson, best known for her nearly five-decade portrayal of Monica Quartermaine, has passed away at the age of 79. The veteran actress, a staple of the iconic ABC soap opera since 1977, died peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, following a prolonged illness.
A Life on Screen: Leslie Charleson’s Rise to Daytime Fame
Leslie Charleson’s career in television began in the 1960s with early roles on ABC’s A Flame in the Wind and CBS’s As the World Turns. Her breakout came with Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, where she held a prominent role from 1967 to 1970.
But it was in 1977 that Charleson stepped into the role that would define her career—and touch the lives of millions. As Dr. Monica Bard, who became Monica Quartermaine, Charleson embodied ambition, compassion, and strength. For 48 years, Monica became the emotional anchor of General Hospital’s powerful Quartermaine dynasty.
She played wife to Alan Quartermaine, mother to AJ, and matriarch to an ever-expanding family that included Jason Morgan, Drew Cain, and Emily Quartermaine. Through love affairs, betrayals, crises, and even impossible resurrections, Monica endured as a figure of unwavering empathy and resilience.
Monica Quartermaine: The Heart of Port Charles
For countless fans, Monica was more than a character—she was family. Her relationship with Dr. Alan Quartermaine (Stuart Damon) was one of the show’s most passionate and tumultuous love stories. Their son, AJ Quartermaine, faced tragedy, while Alan’s illegitimate son Jason Morgan became one of Monica’s greatest emotional arcs. Later, Monica’s devotion extended to Drew Cain and Emily Quartermaine, whom she raised as her own.
Health Struggles and Final Days
Charleson herself battled breast cancer in a powerful storyline that earned her multiple Daytime Emmy nominations (1980, 1982, 1983, 1995). Despite the acclaim, she never needed a trophy to prove her iconic status.
Her final appearance on General Hospital was in December 2023, during Dr. Hamilton Finn’s malpractice hearing. Fans noticed her frailty, often filmed seated or in a wheelchair. Off-screen, her health declined following repeated falls (2018, 2022). In October 2024, she was spotted in Los Angeles with a caregiver and walker. Despite physical challenges, those close to her say she remained upbeat and socially active.
In early January 2025, another fall led to hospitalization, and shortly after, she passed away peacefully.
Love Beyond the Set: A Real-Life Romance
While Charleson never had children, she did find love off-screen. In 1988, she reunited with high school friend William Dems at a class reunion. They quickly rekindled a romance, marrying on April Fool’s Day in 1989. Though their marriage ended after a few years, Leslie would later call Bill her best friend.
The Showrunner’s Tribute
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed her passing, writing:
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague Leslie Charleson. Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone. Just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaine family, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew. I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit, and her incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”
What’s Next for Monica Quartermaine?
Charleson’s death raises the question: What will become of Monica Quartermaine?
At the time of her last appearance, Monica had been written off-screen as attending medical conferences. Sources close to the show suggest there will be no recast of the role, respecting both Monica’s legacy and Charleson’s immense contributions.
Historically, General Hospital takes time to honor its legends. When Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie Spencer) passed in May 2023, the character’s farewell aired seven months later. Fans expect a similar timeline for Monica’s tribute, with an official episode likely planned but not yet announced.
Farewell to a Legend
For nearly five decades, Leslie Charleson stood as a pillar of General Hospital. Her Monica Quartermaine embodied strength, sorrow, forgiveness, and love—guiding audiences through some of daytime’s most powerful storylines.
Whether battling cancer on-screen or keeping the Quartermaine family together, Charleson’s Monica was both fierce and empathetic, a beating heart of Port Charles.
Though she may be gone, her spirit and her character will forever remain a part of General Hospital’s history.
