Home Entertainment General Hospital star Leslie Charleson dead at 79 after 50 years and 2,000 episodes on beloved soap opera

General Hospital star Leslie Charleson dead at 79 after 50 years and 2,000 episodes on beloved soap opera

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Leslie Charleson, known for her decades-long run on the beloved soap opera General Hospital, passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday, January 12; seen in 2019 in Los Angeles

Leslie Charleson, known for her decades-long run on the beloved soap opera General Hospital, passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday, January 12.

The actress has played the character Monica Quartermaine on the ABC series since she first took on the role in 1977.

A statement was uploaded to the show’s main Instagram account when executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed his death following a battle with a long illness, according to Variety.

“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson.”

He added that 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 to the entire cast and crew.”

Valentini continued excitedly: “I will miss our daily chats, his quick wit and his incredible presence on set.”

Leslie Charleson, known for her decades-long run on the beloved soap opera General Hospital, passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday, January 12; seen in 2019 in Los Angeles

In conclusion, Frank wrote: “On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my deepest condolences to your loved ones during this difficult time.”

Upon hearing the news of Charleson’s passing, social media users and fans took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts on the “heartbreaking” update.

One of them said: ‘Rest in peace! “Leslie Charleson will always be Monica Quartermaine,” while another shared: “Incredibly sad. A truly special character on the show. She was amazing.”

‘RIP she will be missed and ALWAYS Monica Quartermaine!!!’ one follower wrote, while one added: ‘RIP Leslie Charleson.’ How sad. I grew up watching her on GH since the 1970s.’

An Instagram user also expressed: ‘Oh this is heartbreaking news. I loved her and how she played Monica. I’m so sorry about this to GH.’

Another wrote: “We all love Monica.” Rest in peace. and may his memory be a blessing’, while one added: ‘Icon and legend! Rest in paradise!’

Leslie was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in February 1945, and her sister Kate Charleson is also an actress.

The late star began her successful career in the entertainment industry in the mid-1960s and made appearances in several projects such as A Flame In The Wild (1965).

A statement was uploaded to the show's main Instagram account when executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed his death following a battle with a long illness, according to Variety.

A statement was uploaded to the show’s main Instagram account when executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed his death following a battle with a long illness, according to Variety.

The actress has played the character of Monica Quartermaine on the ABC series since she first took on the role in 1977; seen above on General Hospital in 1993

The actress has played the character of Monica Quartermaine on the ABC series since she first took on the role in 1977; seen above on General Hospital in 1993

He also took on small roles in The Wild Wild West (1968), Adam-12 (1972), Happy Days (1975), and The Rockford Files (1977).

Leslie played the character Iris Donnelly on Love Is A Many Splendored Thing from 1967 to 1973. And in 2004, the actress played herself in an episode of Friends.

In 1977, Charleson was cast as Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital and starred in a total of 2,079 episodes of the hit soap opera.

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