General Hospital’s Leslie Charleson ‘Doing Her Best to Recover’ After Health Issues, ‘Unlikely’ to Return

Ailing General Hospital actress Leslie Charleson hasn’t been seen on the daytime soap opera since December, and sources don’t expect her back anytime soon as she deals with her own medical issues. But at least Leslie is getting out and about. The beloved star, 79, who’s played cardiologist Monica Quartermaine on the long-running show since 1977, was seen having lunch and a glass of wine in L.A. Leslie seemed to need a little help stepping off the curb and into the awaiting car, but the soap opera alum looked to be in good spirits.

“She’s doing OK under the circumstances and in no rush to push herself,” an insider exclusively tells Closer. “She’s suffered several falls in recent years, and she’s doing her best to recover. That said, it’s harder for her to get around at her age.”

Leslie was using a walker and had a caregiver to assist her during her recent outing. “She’s seeing friends and staying social,” continues our source. “Although she’d be welcome back to the show with open arms, it’s unlikely she’ll ever return.”