**”General Hospital” Mourns the Departure of Leslie Charleson’s Character**
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In an emotional turn of events, the beloved soap opera “General Hospital” bid farewell to the iconic character of Monica Quartermaine, portrayed by the late Leslie Charleson. The episode that aired on Thursday, September 25 marked the beginning of a two-part tribute to Monica, following the announcement of her character’s peaceful passing in her sleep the week before.
The executive producer of the show, Frank Valentini, took to the official Instagram page of “General Hospital” on Sunday, January 12 to share the sad news of Leslie Charleson’s death. It was revealed that the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner attributed Charleson’s passing to “sequelae of blunt head trauma,” a condition stemming from a prior head injury.
During the heartfelt episode, characters including Jason, Ned, and Drew reminisced about their shared history with Monica, as reported by TVLine. The service also saw the presence of Elizabeth, Laura, Olivia, Lucy Coe, and Michael, who all paid tribute to the departed character through poignant speeches. Tracy, Monica’s sister-in-law, was visibly overwhelmed with emotion and found herself unable to speak at the memorial.
Leslie Charleson had embodied the role of Monica Quartermaine since 1977, making her the longest-standing cast member on the show. She was a four-time Daytime Emmy nominee and left an indelible mark on the world of soap operas. In a 2019 interview, Charleson reflected on her unexpected journey on “General Hospital,” highlighting the scarcity of substantial female roles at the time of her casting.
Frank Valentini, the executive producer, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of Leslie Charleson, acknowledging her enduring impact on the show and its entire cast and crew. He reminisced about her quick wit, daily chats, and remarkable presence on set, emphasizing the significant void her absence has left behind.
As the two-part tribute unfolds on “General Hospital,” fans are invited to join in commemorating the legacy of Leslie Charleson as Monica Quartermaine. The outpouring of love and respect for the late actress is a testament to the profound influence she had on the show and its viewers over the span of nearly five decades.
The memory of Leslie Charleson and her unforgettable portrayal of Monica Quartermaine will forever remain etched in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike. The legacy she leaves behind serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of a talented performer on the world of daytime television.