GH's Steve Burton reflects on the bittersweet process of honoring Leslie Charleson

On General Hospital, an undeniable void has been created in Port Charles with the passing of Monica Quartermaine, and her portrayer, Leslie Charleson. As the matriarch of the Quartermaine family, her death affects nearly everyone, but it’s especially devastating for Jason (Steve Burton) and Tracy (Jane Elliot), whose relationships with her were complex. Off-screen, Burton recently opened up about how General Hospital is honoring both Monica and her portrayer, the late Leslie Charleson, and why it was such an emotional process to film.

Working with Jane Elliot and the tribute ahead

General Hospital star Steve Burton revealed on his podcast That’s Awesome! with Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), that the show has been carefully planning how to handle Monica’s exit. He explained that the choice to have Jason and Tracy take on much of the emotional weight felt fitting. As he put it, Jane Elliot is “a master…a beast,” adding that their dynamic gives those scenes the depth Monica deserves.

“What they’re doing for Leslie is amazing,” Burton shared. “They’re giving her a proper tribute, which takes some time. But we want that, the fans want that, she deserves it, of course.” He continued that when the scenes air, they will progress in episodes “every other day for a stretch.” He acknowledged that while the tribute will unfold gradually, the thought behind it is intentional—giving longtime viewers space to process the loss while celebrating Charleson’s legacy.

The Emotional Toll of Saying Goodbye

For General Hospital’s Burton, the work was deeply personal. Having attended Charleson’s real-life celebration of life, stepping back into scenes where Monica’s death had to be played out was gut-wrenching. “It wasn’t easy, obviously. It wasn’t easy for anybody,” he admitted. “The psychological part of already going to Leslie’s celebration of life and then kind of moving past that and then reopening the whole thing again was super painful,” he stated, adding, “I’m grateful for the time that we had together.”

Burton recalled just how far-reaching the impact of General Hospital's Charleson was. “She touched so many people,” he stated, and later explained, “I certainly didn’t know the extent of it and just how many people she touched.” With the number of people who claimed that Charleson had affected them positively, Burton marveled, “It’s a huge testament to the character of that woman.”

He described the experience as bittersweet—painful but also filled with gratitude. “It was such a blessing to play her son,” Burton said, emphasizing how proud he is of the tribute General Hospital has crafted.

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“The work was incredible,” the General Hospital star concluded. “I’m looking forward for the fans to see it. Obviously, it’s going to be an emotional time. I’m just happy they’re doing it…I applaud them for doing this tribute the right way for Leslie Charleson.” (Find out how the show’s stars pait tribute to Charleson.)

General Hospital can be seen weekdays on ABC and Hulu.

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