Beloved soap opera actress Leslie Charleson, best known for her iconic role as Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 79. The news was announced by executive producer Frank Valentini on Sunday.
Charleson played the character since 1977 and became a staple on the show, earning four Daytime Emmy Award nominations throughout her nearly five-decade career. She held the record for being the longest-running cast member, appearing in over 50 years of episodes.
Born in Kansas City in 1945, Charleson began her acting career in the 1960s, with early roles on ABC’s daytime soap A Flame in the Wind and CBS’s Love Is a Many Splendored Thing. She went on to guest-star in numerous TV shows and films, including The Wild Wild West, Happy Days, and Dharma & Greg.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, but it is reported that Charleson had been battling an illness for some time. Valentini paid tribute to Charleson’s enduring legacy, stating, “Her legacy will be remembered by the entire cast and crew.” The soap opera community mourns the loss of this beloved actress who left a lasting impact on General Hospital and television history.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/leslie-charleson-dead-general-hospital-monica-quartermaine-1236107267