Leslie Charleson, longtime star of 'General Hospital,' dies at 79

Leslie Charleson, who played Dr. Monica Quartermaine on “General Hospital” for nearly half a century, has died, according to the show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini.

Leslie Charleson, who played Dr. Monica Quartermaine on “General Hospital” for nearly half a century, has died, according to the show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini. She was 79.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, @lesliecharleson,” he wrote in a thread on X on Jan. 12.

“Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on @GeneralHospital alone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaine family, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew,” he continued. “I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set.

“On behalf of everyone at #GeneralHospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time,” he concluded.

“General Hospital” shared Valentini’s words on its Instagram page as well.