General Hospital family Grieves Loss of Leslie Charleson‘s Monica Quartermaine
Los Angeles, CA – The world of daytime television is mourning the passing of Leslie Charleson, the actress who indelibly portrayed Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital for over 40 years. Charleson died September 27, 2023, at the age of 89, leaving a void in the hearts of co-stars and a devoted fanbase.
The loss is particularly acute for Jane Elliot, who plays Tracy Quartermaine, Monica’s longtime friend and confidante. Elliot described the profound impact of Charleson’s death, noting the dwindling circle of original cast members. “it’s a huge loss for her. All of her contemporaries are gone. Her mother, her father, her brother, Luke, Gregory,” Elliot shared. “I mean, Monica was it. They were the last two standing hand in hand, side by side.So losing her was like losing an arm.”
Charleson debuted as Monica Quartermaine in 1977, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the iconic soap opera. Her character navigated complex family dynamics, medical crises, and romantic entanglements, earning her a Daytime Emmy Award in 1979. The Quartermaine family, largely built around Monica, became central to General Hospital’s storylines, captivating audiences for generations.
As the General Hospital family prepares a memorial service for Monica, questions linger about whether Tracy Quartermaine will deliver a eulogy. Elliot revealed Tracy is hesitant, despite the strong desire of many who knew and loved Monica. ”She’s adamant she’s not going to do it, but there are a lot of people who really want her to do it,” Elliot said. “The question is, will someone get her to change her mind?”
A recent image from the memorial service shows Laura Collins (Genie Francis) sharing loving thoughts in remembrance of Monica Quartermaine. The service is expected to be a poignant tribute to Charleson’s legacy and the enduring impact of her character on the landscape of daytime television.
