Leslie Charleson is primarily known for her portrayal of Dr. Monica Quartermaine on the long-running ABC soap opera, "General Hospital." She debuted in the role in 1977 and quickly became a fan favorite, remaining with the show for over four decades. Her character, a strong and independent woman with a complex personal life, has been central to many of the show's major storylines. Charleson's performance has garnered her multiple award nominations and cemented her status as a daytime television icon. Before "General Hospital," she had roles in other soap operas like "Love of Life" and "As the World Turns." While "General Hospital" remains her most defining role, Charleson's career also includes appearances in primetime television and film.
Leslie Charleson was born in Kansas City, Missouri on February 22, 1945.
Leslie Charleson's acting career began in 1964 with a role on the short-lived ABC daytime soap opera "A Flame in the Wind".
In 1966, Leslie Charleson joined the cast of the soap opera "As the World Turns".
Leslie Charleson began starring in the CBS soap opera "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" in 1967, playing Iris Donnelly Garrison.
Leslie Charleson appeared in an episode of "The Wild Wild West" titled "The Night of Fire and Brimstone" in 1968, playing a doctor's daughter.
Between 1970 and 1977, Charleson had various guest-starring appearances on television series.
In 1970, Leslie Charleson's role on "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" ended.
In 1971, Leslie Charleson co-starred with Shelley Winters in the television thriller "Revenge!".
Leslie Charleson appeared in the science-fiction film "The Day of the Dolphin" in 1973.
Leslie Charleson had a leading role in the sitcom pilot "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" in 1975.
On August 16, 1977, Leslie Charleson joined the cast of "General Hospital" as Monica Quartermaine.
By 1977, Leslie Charleson concluded her string of guest appearances on different television series.
Leslie Charleson received her first Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1980.
Leslie Charleson received her second Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1982.
Leslie Charleson received her third Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 1983.
In 1993, Leslie Charleson starred in the made-for-television movie "Woman on the Ledge".
Leslie Charleson received her fourth Emmy nomination in 1995.
Leslie Charleson made a guest appearance on the sitcom "Dharma & Greg" in 2001.
Leslie Charleson guest-starred on the popular sitcom "Friends" in 2004.
On August 24, 2010, Leslie Charleson's status on "General Hospital" changed to recurring.
Leslie Charleson passed away on January 12, 2025.