Leslie Charleson, the beloved actress known for her iconic role as Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, died on Sunday, January 12, after a long illness. She was 79.
The show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, confirmed the soap opera icon’s passing in an announcement on General Hospital’s official Instagram account.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” it read. “Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone, and just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew.”
The iconic star, who joined General Hospital in 1977, faced several health challenges in recent years that limited her appearances on the ABC series, culminating in her final performance in December 2023.
Over this period, she suffered multiple falls that impeded her mobility, necessitating the use of a walker. Tragically, Charleson was hospitalized last week following another fall, which ultimately led to her passing.
As an accomplished actress, Charleson enjoyed a diverse television career that spanned several decades. While her portrayal of Monica remains unforgettable, she also made significant appearances in various other TV shows.
Join us in celebrating the life of the remarkable Charleson as we explore her ten most memorable television appearances.
10. Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
From 1967 to 1970, Leslie Charleson was a prominent cast member of the CBS soap opera Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, where she portrayed the loving Iris Donnelly Garrison.
The series delved into complex romantic relationships, and Charleson's character was central to a highly popular love triangle involving David Birney and Donna Mills.
This role helped establish Charleson as a talented actress in daytime television, paving the way for her later fame on General Hospital.
9. The Wild Wild West
In 1968, Charleson appeared in an episode of The Wild Wild West titled “The Night of Fire and Brimstone.”
Set against the series’ signature blend of Western adventure and espionage, she guest-starred as Dooley Sloan, the daughter of the town doctor.
Her character becomes involved with agents James West (Robert Conrad) and Artemus Gordon (Ross Martin) after they visit the local doctor, Emmett Sloan (Bill Quinn), following their arrival in Brimstone.
In this role, Charleson showcased her versatile acting talent by stepping into a unique genre, far different from her usual work in soap operas.
8. Emergency!
In the medical drama Emergency!, Charleston played Christy Todd, a feminist journalist who was assigned to cover Squad 51’s rescues and took an immediate dislike to the chauvinistic demeanor toward her in the 1972 episode, “Women.”
Focusing on paramedics and emergency room personnel, the show was groundbreaking for its realistic depiction of emergency medical services, with Charleston’s role contributing to the show’s exploration of social issues within its narratives.
7. The Streets of San Francisco
Charleston also played two different roles, Joanna Randolph Reed and Donna Sinclair, across various episodes of the police procedural drama The Streets of San Francisco from 1974 to 1976.
Well-regarded for its realistic portrayal of crime and law enforcement in San Francisco, she made a significant contribution to the series, adding to its credibility and appeal.
6. Kung Fu
In 1975, Charleson appeared as Amy Starbuck in the Kung Fu episode “One Step to Darkness.”
In this episode, Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine) enters the spirit world to exorcise a demon and save Amy from the grip of drug addiction. Charleson delivered a standout performance, bringing a unique depth to the role.
Her interactions with Caine added emotional complexity to the narrative, making the episode truly unforgettable.
5. McMillan & Wife
The soap opera legend also joined the cast of the mystery series McMillan & Wife. In the 1975 episode "Coffee, Tea, or Cyanide?", she played Ginny Lindauer, a put-upon stewardess.
Partnering with Rock Hudson and Susan Saint James, Charleson's character helps Stewart McMillan (Hudson) and a flight crew uncover the identity of a killer, who may also be a member of the crew.
Charleson’s performance highlighted her talent for balancing suspenseful storytelling with the light-hearted tone that the series was known for.
4. The Rockford Files
In 1977, Charleson showcased her versatility as an actress with her role as Patsy Fossler in two episodes of the classic detective series The Rockford Files—"To Protect and Serve," Parts 1 and 2.
In the story, Jim Rockford (James Garner) is hired to find the missing Patsy, only to discover that a New York crime family is also searching for her.
Known for its exceptional writing and character development, the show made Charleson’s guest appearance a standout moment in its history.
3. Diagnosis: Murder
Charleson guest-starred as a new doctor in the episode “Physician, Murder Thyself” in the medical mystery series Diagnosis: Murder.
Airing in 1997, this episode was about the death of a surgeon while operating on another doctor.
Her character's involvement in solving a murder case showcased her great talent as an actress capable of handling both dramatic and light-hearted moments.
The series was known for blending crime-solving with humor, and Charleson's performance fit seamlessly into this format.
2. Dharma & Greg
In 2001, Leslie Charleson played Katherine, the mother of Dharma (Jenna Elfman), in the Dharma & Greg episode "Dharma Does Dallas."
In this episode, Dharma gets a glimpse into her husband Greg's (Thomas Gibson) dysfunctional family just as her father-in-law, Edward (Mitchell Ryan), is searching for a successor during his birthday party.
Charleson’s appearance added a touch of sophistication and humor to the show, skillfully navigating the quirky dynamics between the famous television couple.
The episode expertly blended family interactions with comedic flair, highlighting Charleson’s ability to balance both drama and comedy.
1. Friends
Charleson was one of the notable guest stars who appeared in the beloved sitcom Friends in 2004.
In the episode “The One Where the Stripper Cries,” she played the role of herself as she competed against Joey (Matt LeBlanc) on a game show, Pyramid.
This episode is memorable for its humorous take on competition and celebrity culture. Charleson added charm to the show’s ensemble cast and legacy.
This list just showed Charleson’s adaptability and talent across various genres, from comedy to drama. With an extensive television career, each of her appearances didn’t only highlight her acting prowess but also her contributions to the rich tapestry of television history.