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Port Charles Prepares to Mourn Monica Quartermaine, Welcomes New Face
General Hospital fans, the moment you’ve been both anticipating and dreading is here. The show is preparing to address the passing of beloved matriarch Monica Quartermaine, following the real-life death of actress Leslie Charleson earlier this year.
Co-headwriters Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten recently revealed to TV Insider that Monica’s death will be a central storyline this fall, impacting the Quartermaine family in profound ways. Her son, Jason Morgan, and sister-in-law (and longtime rival) Tracy Quartermaine are expected to be particularly affected.
The writers hinted that the entire town of Port Charles will mourn the iconic doctor, who has been a community cornerstone for nearly 50 years. But amid the grief, a new chapter will begin.
Adding intrigue to the storyline is the arrival of a mysterious new character, played by award-winning actress Erika Slezak. While details remain scarce, the writers teased “surprising connections” to the Quartermaines and other Port Charles residents.
Speculation is rampant online, with many fans hoping Slezak will portray Monica’s sister. While some viewers expressed initial reservations about another crossover character, the prospect of seeing Slezak share scenes with GH veteran Jane Elliot (Tracy Quartermaine) has generated considerable excitement.
For those unfamiliar with the character, Monica Quartermaine was played by Leslie Charleson from 1977 until the actress’s death in 2025, with her final appearance airing in December 2023. (The role was originated by Patsy Rahn in 1976.) Monica’s complicated relationship with her husband, Alan (Stuart Damon), and her children, A.J., Jason, and Emily, provided decades of compelling drama.
The tribute to Monica is set to begin later this year. General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams weeknights on Hulu.