JPI/CRAIG SJODIN/ABC/JPI
In Tribute: Leslie Charleson with (from l.) GH co-stars Natalia Livingston (ex-Emily), Sean Kanan (ex-AJ, l.) and John J. York (Mac).
Leslie Charleson, who passed away at the age of 79, landed her first soap role in 1964, over 60 years ago, and in 1976, she joined the cast of General Hospital as Monica Bard Quartermaine, making her final appearance in December 2023. In the wake of the sad news of her death, her former colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to Charleson.
Finola Hughes (Anna): “Dear Leslie 💕 I’m going to need a minute and I’ll write something about this lovely, funny, clever woman. But right now, dear Leslie rip we love you 💕 🕊️”
John J. York (Mac): “Leslie Charleson and Stuart Damon ‘Alan and Monica’…the reason I fell in love with GH when I was in college, thank you for talent, your humor, your friendship! Love you both very much♥️”
Kristina Wagner (Felicia): “We lost our radiant “Ultrabrite girl” yesterday. Leslie, I hope there are some amazing horse trails where you are. You will always be with us in spirit. ❤️”
Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis): “My friend and castmate, Leslie Charleson took flight today. She battled and survived a multitude of health challenges in the last couple of years like a goddamned warrior. This badass was a General Hospital icon, whipper snapper, savvy, talented, gorgeous, grounded, horse whispering, world class woman. It was an honor to know her and love her. #Gh”
Rena Sofer (Lois): I am so fortunate that I had one more scene with Leslie when I came back to @generalhospital My memories of GH have her fingerprints all over me. I loved her. She will be so greatly missed.”
Sarah Joy Brown (ex-Carly, ex-Claudia): “Rest in peace Leslie Charleson 🥲 grateful to have had the opportunity to learn so much from her while I was starting my run on General Hospital. Watching her work with Stuart Damon, a.k.a. Alan Quartermaine, and John Ingle [ex-Edward] was a joy for me, especially when I was included in the scenes, but even when I wasn’t. The Q’s always made me laugh. Her timing was legendary. Sending my condolences to her friends, family, fans, and all of her co-workers 🕊️ #lesliecharleson”
Kathleen Gati (Liesl): “One of the kindest and sweetest colleagues I’ve had the honor to work with. May @lesliecharleson rest in peace and know how deeply she was loved and appreciated by all. Deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and fans. #lesliecharleson 💔”
Sean Kanan (ex-AJ; Deacon, Bold and Beautiful): “I just learned that Leslie Charleson has passed. We played mother and son off and on for years. My deepest condolences to her family. May you rest in peace, Lester. #GeneralHospital #GH #LeslieCharleson #MonicaQuartermaine”
Natalia Livingston (ex-Emily/Rebecca): “I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of Leslie Charleson. Leslie was the most wonderful TV mom I could have ever had. I admired and enjoyed her humor, wit, and warmth. Thank you for always making me feel so welcomed into our tv family. I’ll never forget you. May you rest in peace, dear Leslie. I love you.”
Marc Anthony Samuel (Felix, commenting on Hughes’s post): “Oh no! She was such a sweet lady. I’m glad I got a chance to work with her.”
Hudson West (Jake, commenting on Hughes’s post): “🙏💔🙏💔”
Bonnie Burroughs (ex-Gladys, commenting on Hughes’s post): “She was so kind to me the few times I met her. What a beautiful soul 🥺”
Anthony Montgomery (ex-Andre, commenting on Hughes’s post): “🙏🏾🕊️”
Jen Lilley (ex-Maxie; ex-Theresa, Days of our Lives, commenting on Hughes’s post): “Oh no. What a gem.”
Briana Lane (ex-Brook Lynn, commenting on Hughes’s post): “💔❤️✨”
Executive Director, Current Programming for ABC Television Nathan Varni: “Sad news, #GeneralHospital legend, @lesliecharleson has passed away. Brilliant actress but more importantly, one of the nicest in the business who always greeted anyone in her orbit with a big smile and open arms. The world will miss you, Leslie. RIP. 💔”
Former Co-Head Writer Michele Val Jean (now creator/head writer/executive producer of Beyond The Gates): “And to cap this horrific week… RIP, Leslie 💔”
Thoughts also came in from the other soaps. Here are their tributes.
Young and Restless Official Account: “Our condolences to the @GeneralHospital family on the passing of Leslie Charleson.
Kate Linder (Esther, Young and Restless): “My heart goes out to the family, friends , and coworkers of @lesliecharleson_official #ithasbeenanhonor #tohaveknownher #sotalented❤️ #sogiving #shewillbesorelymissed @generalhospitalabc @youngandrestlesscbs”
Crystal Chappell (ex-Carly, DAYS; ex-Maggie, One Life to Live; ex-Olivia, Guiding Light): “Sending my heartfelt condolences to the General Hospital family and the family of Leslie Charleson ! I was such a huge fan and will hold them in my prayers. 🙏❤️”
Tracey E. Bregman (Lauren, Y&R, commenting on Hughes’s post): “Oh I’m so so sorry honey. Much love to you, the GH family and Leslie’s family and friends ❤️❤️”
