Steve Burton Reveals General Hospital’s Heartbreaking Plan to Say Goodbye to Monica
With Port Charles reeling after Jason found Monica unresponsive, General Hospital is preparing a heartfelt farewell—and Steve Burton reveals how the show will honor the late Leslie Charleson, 79, whose death was ruled complications from blunt head trauma.
General Hospital is about to say goodbye to Monica Quartermaine, and yes, it is going to hit longtime fans right in the gut. The show has set a formal tribute for the character as the cast and crew process losing the woman who played her, Leslie Charleson.
When the tribute airs
ABC will air Monica Quartermaine's tribute on September 25, 2025.
How the show handled Monica's exit
On a recent episode, Jason found Monica unresponsive. He later had to share the news that she had died, setting up this week’s farewell. It is the kind of storyline that feels simple on paper but lands heavy because of the real-life loss behind it.
Steve Burton on filming those scenes
Jason's portrayer, Steve Burton, talked about it on his Stone Cold and the Jackal show, and you can hear the weight in his voice. He said going back into funeral-mode months after attending Charleson's actual celebration of life was rough — reopening that door after everyone had started to process it. He made it clear the team put real care into getting this right for the audience and the people who worked with her.
"They’re giving her the proper tribute. What we want, what the fans want and what she deserves."
Burton also looked back on the memorial service held in February, saying he was grateful for their time together and struck by just how many people showed up to share how Charleson affected their lives. In his words, it was a huge testament to who she was, and he called it a blessing to play her son on the show.
Remembering Leslie Charleson
Charleson died earlier this year at age 79. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed the cause as sequelae of blunt head trauma. It is a stark detail and a sad end for an actor who left a mark far beyond daytime TV.
What to know
- Monica Quartermaine's tribute episode airs September 25, 2025.
- Jason recently found Monica unresponsive on-screen and later announced her death, leading into the farewell.
- Leslie Charleson passed away earlier this year at 79; the LA County Medical Examiner cited sequelae of blunt head trauma.
- Steve Burton discussed the emotionally tough shoot on Stone Cold and the Jackal and said the show is honoring her the way fans would hope.
- Burton described Charleson's February celebration of life as packed with people sharing how she changed their lives.
If you grew up with Monica running the Quartermaine house (and the hospital) with that perfect mix of warmth and steel, this one is going to feel big. It should.