Monica Quartermaine has been a pivotal character on General Hospital for nearly 50 years. The character debuted in 1976 with actress Patsy Rahn originating the role.
In 1977, General Hospital icon Leslie Charleson took over as Monica, turning her into a beloved character. Monica became a force to be reckoned with, and she’s missed on the show.
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Here’s Why Monica Has Been Missing on General Hospital
For the past couple of years, Monica has been mentioned but not seen. There’s a good, but very sad, reason why Monica disappeared from the show.
As Parade reported, Charleson died in January 2025. However, prior to that, she endured health issues that prevented her from appearing on General Hospital before her death.
The last time Monica and Charleson were on-screen was Christmas 2023. Since then, Monica has either been at a medical conference or has had health problems to explain her absence.
Tracy (Jane Elliot) has alluded to Monica’s ailing health more than once recently, since Drew (Cameron Mathison) was shot. First, when she was talking to Anna (Finola Hughes) after finding a shot Drew in his house.
Next, when Tracy spoke to Michael (Rory Gibson) and Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) about finding Drew shot. Tracy revealed she helped Drew because, in Monica’s frail condition, letting him die would have made Monica worse.
The show is setting the stage for Monica’s death and to honor Charleson.
When will General Hospital Pay Tribute To Leslie Charleson and Monica?
Fans have been wondering for months when Charleson would get her tribute episode. It’s not uncommon for a soap to take a long time before a character dies on-screen after a beloved star passes away in real life.
The writers need time to craft a proper goodbye. Impatient fans will have to wait a little while longer before the tribute episodes and Monica’s death play out.
The way #GH waits so long to memorialize the characters left behind by actors who pass is ridiculous. Leslie Charleson passed in January and the Q’s are still talking about Monica being upstairs in bed in August. Who knows how long it’ll be until we get to Leslie and Robert.
— Daniel – PCPD’s Finest (@DanteIsAVibe) August 17, 2025
One Life to Live alum Erika Slezak makes her General Hospital debut this fall. The rumor mill is buzzing that she is being brought in to play Monica’s long-lost sister and will play into Monica’s death.
November sweeps are only two months away, and Monica’s funeral would be a great ratings booster for sweeps month. Aside from that, General Hospital just launched the Who Shot Drew storyline, which will be at the forefront for the next few weeks.
The ABC soap has not revealed any details about Charleson’s tribute episode or how Monica will die.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC.
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