Renowned actress Leslie Charleson, celebrated for her iconic role as Monica Quartermaine on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, passed away at the age of 79. Her death marks the end of an era for daytime television.
Career Highlights: From Soap Operas to TV Dramas
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1945, Charleson began acting as a child and later studied theater at Bennett College in New York. She entered the world of soap operas in 1964 with A Flame in the Wind and followed up with roles in As the World Turns and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.
Her move to General Hospital in 1977 proved pivotal. Charleson joined the cast during a period of declining ratings, replacing Patsy Rahn as Monica Bard Webber (later Monica Quartermaine). Her portrayal of Monica—a complex, passionate doctor—revitalized the show and endeared her to fans for decades.
Outside soap operas, Charleson made guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Marcus Welby, M.D., Happy Days, The Streets of San Francisco, The Rockford Files, and Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law. She also starred in the 1971 horror film Revenge!
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, @lesliecharleson. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/p7mhN9ccO5
— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) January 12, 2025
A Legacy on General Hospital
Charleson’s role as Monica Quartermaine spanned nearly 50 years, making her the longest-tenured cast member on General Hospital. Reflecting on her character, she once said, “When Monica loves, it’s passionately. She puts her all into it, sometimes at the expense of others.”
Her debut on the show coincided with a personal milestone: her first day on set was the same day Elvis Presley passed away. Despite a challenging start, including tensions caused by replacing the previous Monica, Charleson’s performance quickly won over viewers and colleagues.
Who Was Leslie Charleson’s Husband?
In 1988, Charleson married businessman G. William Demms in a ceremony held in Rowayton, Connecticut. Demms, a graduate of the University of Connecticut and president of the gift company Basketfulls and More, co-organized the event with his sister, a preacher. The couple eventually divorced, though details of their separation remain private.
Health issues led Charleson to step away from acting, marking the end of her illustrious career. Despite her retirement, her contributions to daytime television remain invaluable, solidifying her place as one of the genre’s most beloved stars.
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini expressed his sorrow over her passing, stating, “Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years… Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew.” Valentini extended his condolences to her loved ones and praised her impact on the show.
Charleson leaves behind a legacy of dedication, talent, and passion, forever remembered as an icon of daytime television.
