Who is Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital? Playing Role for 46 Years in Soap Opera
by Aishwarya R
Updated Dec 16, 2023
General Hospital
General Hospital, often abbreviated as GH, is an enduring American daytime television soap opera with a rich history. It holds a significant place in television history, being recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running American soap opera in production.
Second only to Guiding Light in American history, it is also the world's third longest-running scripted drama series still in production, following British serials The Archers and Coronation Street. General Hospital first graced the screens on April 1, 1963, on the ABC network, marking its place as the longest-running serial produced in Hollywood and the longest-running entertainment program in ABC television history. The show has been awarded the most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series, boasting an impressive 14 wins.
Created by husband-and-wife soap writers Frank and Doris Hursley, General Hospital initially unfolded within an unnamed fictional city set in a hospital. However, in the 1970s, the city was officially named Port Charles, New York. The show's original cast included John Beradino and Emily McLaughlin, who remained with the series until their respective passings in 1996 and 1991. Notably, Rachel Ames joined the cast in 1964 and held the record as the longest-serving actress on an ABC soap opera, appearing continuously from 1964 to 2007.
On September 17, 2010, General Hospital became the oldest American soap opera following the conclusion of CBS's As the World Turns. It weathered network changes, with ABC's cancellation of All My Children and One Life to Live, ultimately making General Hospital the last remaining soap opera on the network after January 13, 2012. The show celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2013, and achieved the remarkable milestone of airing its 15,000th episode on June 22, 2022, solidifying its legacy in the realm of daytime television.
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Who is Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital?
Monica Quartermaine is a central character on the long-running American soap opera "General Hospital." Joining the series in 1977, Charleson's portrayal of Monica has made her one of the most enduring figures in American soap opera history. As a cardiologist at General Hospital, Monica takes on the role of Chief of Staff after the death of her husband, Dr. Alan Quartermaine, played by Stuart Damon. Her medical expertise and tumultuous personal life, marked by affairs and family conflicts, have been major storylines throughout the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Monica's character undergoes significant challenges, including battling breast cancer and the heartbreaking experience of outliving four of her children. Her relationships, particularly with her first husband, Jeff Webber, and his older brother, Rick Webber, contribute to the intricate and dramatic narrative of the show. Monica's ownership of the Quartermaine mansion adds an additional layer to her character, as she often uses it as a tool to assert authority and control over her dysfunctional family.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Monica Quartermaine remains a resilient and integral part of "General Hospital." Leslie Charleson's remarkable tenure with the show solidifies her as one of the longest-serving performers in the soap opera genre. Despite occasional changes in her status on the show, such as being demoted to recurring status in 2010, Monica's character continues to evolve, with renewed storylines and appearances in later years, demonstrating the enduring legacy of this iconic soap opera character.
Who Plays Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital?
Leslie Charleson, born on February 22, 1945, is an accomplished American actress best recognized for her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine in the ABC daytime soap opera, General Hospital. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Charleson commenced her acting career with a role in the short-lived ABC soap opera A Flame in the Wind in 1964, followed by a stint on As the World Turns in 1966. She further showcased her acting versatility with appearances in various TV series and films, such as The Wild Wild West and The Day of the Dolphin.
In a pivotal career move, Leslie Charleson returned to daytime television on August 16, 1977, taking on the role of Monica Quartermaine in General Hospital. At that time, the show was struggling in ratings and near cancellation. Despite the challenges, Charleson's portrayal of Monica became iconic, earning her four Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Her dedication to the role and the series solidified her status as the longest-serving cast member of General Hospital.
Beyond her soap opera success, Leslie Charleson has showcased her talent in various projects, including starring alongside Deidre Hall and Colleen Zenk in the 1993 made-for-television movie Woman on the Ledge. Despite a brief demotion to recurring status in 2010, Charleson's enduring contribution to General Hospital remains a testament to her skill and commitment as an actress in the world of daytime television.
General Hospital Spoilers 4 December 2023
On the episode of General Hospital airing on Monday, December 4, 2023, viewers can anticipate some intriguing developments in the lives of Port Charles residents. Firstly, Brook Lynn continues to showcase her skeptical nature as she finds herself immersed in a particular situation.
Her keen observation and discerning eyes might uncover aspects others might have overlooked, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing storyline. In another twist, Ned turns to Lois for support and confides in her, choosing her over Olivia. This decision may have implications for Ned's relationships and could lead to unforeseen consequences within the Quartermaine family dynamics.
Meanwhile, tensions rise as Carly and Joss discover Drew's plans. The nature of Drew's intentions remains a mystery, and the revelation is likely to evoke strong emotions from both Carly and Joss. How they navigate and respond to this newfound information will undoubtedly impact their relationships and the overall storyline.
In the midst of other conflicts, Sonny and Nina find themselves at odds, facing a disagreement that requires resolution. The power struggle between them adds an element of suspense as fans wait to see who will ultimately bend to the other's perspective.
Additionally, Molly is hopeful as she presents an idea to TJ, urging him to approach it with an open mind. The outcome of their conversation could shape the direction of their relationship and individual character arcs. As these storylines unfold on the episode airing on December 4, 2023, General Hospital fans can expect a mix of drama, tension, and emotional moments that will keep them eagerly anticipating what happens next in the lives of their favorite characters.
General Hospital Plot
The plotline of General Hospital unfolds within the fictional town of Port Charles, New York, a setting that has been a central backdrop since the series' inception in 1963. Port Charles exists in the same fictional universe as other soap opera settings like Llanview (One Life to Live), Pine Valley (All My Children), New York City (Ryan's Hope), and Corinth (Loving), creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
At the heart of Port Charles is General Hospital, a major medical facility founded by the esteemed Dr. Steve Hardy. It is one of the city's largest employers and boasts a prominent place on the East Coast's medical landscape. Over the years, the hospital has played a pivotal role in the lives of the show's characters, serving as the backdrop for numerous medical dramas, romances, and conflicts. Notable contributions to the hospital include wings dedicated to AIDS research, pediatric centers, and a fire that led to a reconstruction funded by the Quartermaine family.
The Metro Court, a prominent hotel in Port Charles, is another key location in the series. Initially built by Jasper Jacks, the hotel stands on the site of the Port Charles Hotel, which was destroyed in a fire in 2004. Carly Corinthos becomes a business partner with Jax, and later with Kate Howard, leading to the hotel's expansion and prominence in the city's social scene.
Kelly's Diner, founded by Joe "Paddy" Kelly, is a vintage restaurant situated in the heart of Port Charles. It is a cherished establishment known for its nostalgic charm and boarding rooms upstairs, which have housed various residents and guests over the years. The diner's ownership passes through several hands, with Bobbie Spencer and Luke Spencer eventually taking over its operation.
The Haunted Star, a yacht turned casino and nightclub, has been owned by several characters, including Luke Spencer and his daughter Lulu Spencer. The vessel has undergone various transformations throughout the series, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of Port Charles.
The Floating Rib, a bar located near General Hospital, has been a popular nightlife destination for Port Charles residents. It has changed ownership over the years, with characters like Coleman Ratcliffe and Mac Scorpio taking the helm. A tragic event in 2020 resulted in a bomb destroying the associated fine dining restaurant of the same name.
General Hospital weaves together the lives, relationships, and dramas of its diverse cast of characters against the backdrop of these iconic Port Charles locations. The show's enduring appeal lies in its ability to combine medical, romantic, and interpersonal storylines, creating a captivating narrative that has kept viewers engaged for decades.
Present Cast of General Hospital
Tabyana Ali
Trina Robinson
Tajh Bellow
TJ Ashford
Maurice Benard
Sonny Corinthos
Nicholas Chavez
Spencer Cassadine
Chad Duell
Michael Corinthos
Michael Easton
John McBain
Stephen Clay
Silas Clay
Hamilton Finn
Jane Elliot
Tracy Quartermaine
Genie Francis
Laura Collins
Robert Gossett
Marshall Ashford
Nancy Lee Grahn
Alexis Davis
Lexie
Tanisha Harper
Jordan Ashford
Gregory Harrison
Gregory Chase
Rebecca Herbst
Elizabeth Webber-Baldwin
Jessie Brewer
Evan Hofer
Dex Heller
Roger Howarth
Todd Manning
Franco Baldwin
Drew Cain
Finola Hughes
Anna Devane
Liesl Obrecht
Alex Marick
Alice
Holly Sutton
Felicia Scorpio
Josh Kelly
Cody Bell
Brook Kerr
Portia Robinson
Priscilla Johnson
Katelyn MacMullen
Willow Tait
Kate Mansi
Kristina Davis
Cameron Mathison
Drew Cain
Sofia Mattsson
Sasha Gilmore
Eden McCoy
Josslyn Jacks
Carly Corinthos
Kelly Monaco
Sam McCall
Alicia Montenegro
Avery Kristen Pohl
Esme Prince
Amanda Setton
Brook Lynn Quartermaine
Kirsten Storms
Maxie Jones
B.J. Jones
Josh Swickard
Harrison Chase
Donnell Turner
Curtis Ashford
Kristina Wagner
Felicia Jones
Cynthia Watros
Nina Reeves
Virginia Benson
Maura West
Ava Jerome
Ada Hooke
Laura Wright
Carly Spencer
Lena Spencer
Beatrice Eckert
Dominic Zamprogna
Dante Falconeri
Actor
Cast
Austin Gatlin-Holt
General Hospital Overview
Title
General Hospital
Genre
Soap Opera
Created by
Frank & Doris Hursley
Written by
Dan O'Connor, Chris Van Etten
Directed by
See below
Starring
Present cast, Past cast
Theme music composer
Jack Urbont, Paul Glass, Steve Hopkins
Country of origin
United States
Original language
English
No. of episodes
15,000
Executive producers
Frank Valentini (2012–present) and others
Production locations
The Prospect Studios, Los Angeles, California
Camera setup
Multi-camera
Running time
30 minutes (1963–1976), 45 minutes (1976–1978), 60 minutes (1978–present)
Production companies
Selmur Productions (1963–1968), ABC Signature (1985–present)
Network
ABC
Release
April 1, 1963 – present
Where to Watch General Hospital?
If you're eager to catch up on General Hospital or don't want to miss any new episodes, there are several convenient options available: ABC offers a free live-streaming spotlight service where you can watch General Hospital at all hours on their official website, abc.com. New episodes of the soap opera are typically available on Hulu after they air. This is a great option if you miss an episode during its broadcast.
You can find the entire series of General Hospital on Amazon Prime Video, allowing you to binge-watch past episodes at your convenience. General Hospital may also be available on other streaming platforms, so it's worth checking your preferred streaming service to see if it's offered.
For dedicated fans looking for a more traditional viewing experience, you can consider purchasing the standard box set DVDs of General Hospital, which provide a physical collection of episodes for your enjoyment. With these options, you can easily stay up-to-date with the drama and intrigue of Port Charles and enjoy General Hospital according to your schedule and preferences.
Who is Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital - FAQs
Monica Quartermaine is a fictional character on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital. She is portrayed by actress Leslie Charleson and has been a prominent figure on the show since August 16, 1977. Monica is a cardiologist and served as the Chief of Staff at General Hospital. She is best known for her complex relationships, including marriages to Jeff Webber and Alan Quartermaine.
Monica Quartermaine has been involved in numerous dramatic storylines throughout her tenure on General Hospital. Some notable plot points include her battles with breast cancer, coping with the deaths of four of her children, and engaging in turbulent relationships, particularly with Rick Webber. Monica's ownership of the Quartermaine mansion adds an additional layer of intrigue to her character, often serving as a backdrop for family conflicts.
Leslie Charleson has portrayed Monica Quartermaine since her debut on General Hospital on August 16, 1977. Her enduring presence on the show has made her the longest-serving cast member, showcasing her remarkable contribution to the soap opera genre.
Yes, Monica Quartermaine has confronted various challenges, both personal and medical. Her battle with breast cancer was a significant storyline that resonated with viewers. Additionally, Monica has endured the loss of several family members, contributing to the complexity of her character.
Yes, in April 2018, Leslie Charleson sustained an injury, leading to a temporary recasting of the role. Patty McCormack was announced as the temporary replacement for Charleson during her recovery. The show temporarily featured McCormack as Monica from May 7, 2018, until Charleson was able to return to the role.