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Leslie Charlesonâs Journey as Monica: A Tribute to a Soap Legend
In the world of daytime television, few characters are as iconic and beloved as Dr. Monica Quartermaine from General Hospital. Played by the immensely talented Leslie Charleson, Monica has been at the center of some of the soap operaâs most compelling storylines for decades. But Charlesonâs journey to becoming the longest-serving actor on General Hospital was anything but smooth. As fans celebrate the anniversary of her debut, itâs worth revisiting the incredible hurdles she faced on her first day and how she managed to turn a difficult start into one of the most enduring careers in soap opera history.
A Challenging First Day: August 16, 1977
Leslie Charlesonâs first day on General Hospital couldnât have been more challenging. It was August 16, 1977 â a date seared in the minds of many, as it was the day Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, passed away. Charleson, a self-proclaimed huge fan of Presley, was devastated by the news. Yet, this personal tragedy was just one part of what made her first day so difficult.
To add to the pressure, the makeup and wardrobe departments at General Hospital were on strike, which made an already stressful day even more chaotic. Charleson was stepping into the shoes of Dr. Monica Webber, a role previously played by Patty Ron, who had been abruptly and controversially fired. This meant that Charleson entered the show in an environment that was anything but welcoming.
During a 2022 episode of State of Mind, Charleson reflected on those early days, recalling how ânobody liked meâ when she first arrived on set. She described the atmosphere as hostile, with the cast giving her a cold reception. But despite the icy atmosphere, Charleson was ready to rise to the challenge. She had been a veteran of other soap operas, including As the World Turns and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, and was no stranger to the pressures of daytime television. However, the deck seemed stacked against her from the very beginning.
A Tumultuous Start with Major Stakes
As if the personal and professional challenges werenât enough, Charleson was also caught in the middle of a high-stakes situation behind the scenes. The producer who had hired her was abruptly fired and replaced by the legendary Gloria Monty, known for her bold, sweeping changes. Monty inherited a show on the brink of cancellation, with ABC giving her just three weeks to turn the ratings around or face the axe.