READER PANEL

PROFILE

Leslie Charleson

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SOAP STAR STATS

Leslie Charleson (Monica, GH)

— ABC

Vital Statistics

Birthdate:: February 22
Years on Show:: 1977-present
Marital Status:: Divorced; married to Bill Demms from 1988-91
Children:: None

THE 411

Born in Kansas City, MO, Charleson knew at an early age that she wanted to act and made her way to New York City. There, she jumped into daytime and even garnered her first Emmy nomination. But it’s her classic commercial for Pearl Drops toothpaste that Charleson credits as her true entry into show business. Immediately after that gig, which she accepted without permission from her agent — Oscar-winning director Mike Nichols cast her in the movie The Day of the Dolphin. Once filming wrapped, the actress tried out Broadway in the play One Night Stand with Tony Curtis and William Devane. The show folded soon after, and Charleson headed for Hollywood. In Los Angeles, the actress guest-starred on more than 20 television series, but she eventually returned to her soap roots and took on the role of Monica Quartermaine, which she has played since 1977. When Charleson isn’t acting, she enjoys horseback-riding and exhibiting.

ET CETERA

—Charleson loaned her voice to the audio book Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews.
—She gave Ron Howard his first on-screen kiss when she guest-starred on HAPPY DAYS in 1975
—Is an active celebrity spokesperson for breast cancer, cystic fibrosis and AIDS-related charities.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Other Soap Roles
A FLAME IN THE WIND (Pam, 1965)
AS THE WORLD TURNS (Alice, 1966)
LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING (Iris, 1967-70)
PORT CHARLES (Monica, 1997-2003)
Film Roles
A Lovely Way To Die (Julie, 1968)
The Day of the Dolphin (Maryanne, 1973)
TV Roles
REVENGE (Nancy, 1971)
MOST WANTED (Lee, 1976)
WOMAN ON THE LEDGE (Rachel, 1993)