General Hospital’s ‘matriarch’ Leslie Charleson dead at 79 marking end of an era for iconic series

Leslie Charleson, who has been starring as Monica Quartermaine’s “matriarch” on the television program, has passed away, and the General Hospital community is grieving. Executive Producer Frank Valentini expressed his sadness in a post published on the official General Hospital Instagram account, writing, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson.”

Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew, just like Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, and her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone.

Valentini’s tribute went on to say, “I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set. My sincere condolences to her loved ones at this difficult time extend to everyone at General Hospital.

He gave his own name as the message’s conclusion.

Fans also grieved over Cameron Mathison’s character’s troubles, noting he ‘ lost his house in real life, ‘ while actor Carlo Rota opened up about having a ‘ nervous breakdown ‘ before beginning his acting career, reports the Mirror US. Fans used prayer emojis and sad faces to express their grief on Sunday’s announcement on @generalhospitalabc just before 6: 30 pm. The outpouring of sadness was evident in the comments section.

One Instagram user reacted, “Oh gosh noooo”, while another conveyed their condolences: “My Sincere Condolences to everyone at GH. She left a remarkable body of work that was a household name.

As heartfelt tributes pour in for the late actress, fans are decrying the passing of a soap legend. One fan expressed their sorrow, commenting, “wow! So sad! May she rest in peace”.

Many messages were accompanied by emojis of teary faces and flowers, and some bid her adieu by saying, “Goodbye Monica,” or “Goodbye Monica.”

The announcement post quickly racked up over 10, 000 likes within just 30 minutes.

Charleson had recently experienced a number of health issues, despite the post’s failure to disclose the cause of his death.

Charleson made her final appearance on the television program in the role of Monica in December 2023. In 2010, she made a recurring role, which caused angry viewers to protest.

Her leg broke in a fall in 2017, which reportedly led to her two-month absence and the appointment of Patty McCormack as her temporary replacement. She had to be replaced in one more fall episode with another episode.

Amidst ongoing health struggles, it was revealed last October that she likely wouldn’t return to the series. Despite not being seen on-screen, her character remained a topic of conversation, often said to be ‘ upstairs ‘ in the Quartermaine mansion by other characters.

Charleson’s injuries led to her using a walker, but her indomitable spirit remained unbroken. Following a recent fall, she was admitted to the hospital, where she sadly passed away.

Charleson, who was well-known on General Hospital, made her ABC soap opera debut in 1977. The soap star, who was born in Kansas City, began her daytime television career in 1964 by playing the role in the ABC soap opera Flame in the Wind.

She later appeared on CBS’s Love Is a Many Splendored Thing. Charleson also had roles on The Rockford Files, The Wild West, The Streets of San Francisco, Marcus Welby, M. D., Mannix, Ironside and Happy Days.

She featured in the film The Day of the Dolphin in 1973, and made guest appearances years later on Dharma and Greg, Diagnosis: Murder, Friends, before starring in another film, Woman on the Ledge, in 1993.

Monica was embroiled in one of daytime television’s most famous love triangles, involving her character and Rick and Alan, other characters on the popular soap opera.

After losing three of her children and being shot numerous times, Charleson was praised for adding drama and humor to her character. She was frequently seen slapping people. She also battled breast cancer.

She remained on the soap for more than 30 years and received four Daytime Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actress over the years. Charleson’s fans are already feeling her absence.

Source: Mirror