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.
Wally Kurth (Ned): “Oh Lord… this is a tough one. Leslie Charleson was my castmate for 34 years. Leslie… was just cool. Never let anything bother her on the set… no drama. I don’t think I ever heard her raise her voice. But she was no push over her either. Acting is a blood sport.. but not for Leslie. Lester, as I sometimes called her, was a dear, sweet soul who for the last few years experienced physical challenges that would have made any person sour. But I never heard her complain. She was tough but vulnerable. A beautiful soul. I loved hearing Leslie laugh. She had a hearty laugh. Stuart knew exactly what to say to get her going…. Thank you Leslie for your friendship… your talent…and for sharing your soul with me and all your fans. #riplesliecharleson #lesliecharleson #bekind #bekindtoyourself #choosejoy @generalhospitalabc”
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”
Jon Lindstrom (Kevin): “This lady so deserves to be remembered. #LeslieCharleson was one of the funniest, most talented, and smartest people I ever had the good fortune to know. And I even got to work with her. She could be rude and crude but always with a sense of humor. Everyone loved being around her, even when she’d deliberately roll over your foot with her wheelchair. Yes, she did that to me & I loved her for it. She also had a resume to respect & envy, from #GH to those Pearl Drops commercials to The Day of the Dolphin w/ Mike Nichols & George C. Scott. R.I.P. #FlightOfAngels #MonicaQuartermaine @GeneralHospital”
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”
Kin Shriner (Scott): “We were all so close for so long but Leslie really made us all laugh always, I miss them all daily.”
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.”
Tamara Braun (ex-Carly/Kim; Ava, Days of our Lives): “Lester, Lefty, Bionic woman…I was thinking of you strongly yesterday. I almost sent a text because I know how you have been through many fires here in LA and we’re ALWAYS taking care of the animals during them. Always making sure they were safe. You LOVED animals, you loved an adventure, you loved life. Your quick wit and sense of humor always had me laughing loudly or biting my lip to stop. When we worked together you would have me laughing in between takes and crying during them. It was always a privilege to get to share the screen with you. You hated being up last one day and first the next. “I got the fuzzy end of the stick” you’d say. You were a strong woman with a beautiful heart. A couple of months ago I sent you a photo of a beautiful hibiscus flower that made me think of you. It reminded me of a lovely day we had at your house when we fed your sweet 
them. We talked about getting together when you were feeling better. Oh how I wish that day had come. Hopefully now you ARE feeling better and are so strong and able that you are joyously riding horses and surrounded by all the wonderful animals in the spirit world. Oh Lester…Lefty… you are already so missed. Give Jackie and Stewy a hug from me and have them give you one back from me too. 
#RIP #love #gonetoosoon #LeslieCharleson”
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, commenting on Hughes’s post): “Oh no. What a gem.”
Briana Lane (ex-Brook Lynn, commenting on Hughes’s post): “
”
Ted King (ex-Luis/Lorenzo; Jack, Bold and Beautiful): “Uh, such a kind and generous person. She will be dearly missed!”
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 ”
