Photo: Bob D'Amico/ABC
(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — ABC Soaps in Depth is reporting that actress Leslie Charleson, 65, who portrays the role of Monica Quartermaine on ABC's "General Hospital," has been taken off contract and has been placed on recurring status, but I'm more surprised to hear that she was even on contract to begin with considering fans haven't seen Monica on an even semi-regular basis, based on what a contract guarantees an actor. Of course, "GH" did provide the actress with a new contract in 2009, which just came up for renewal and as we can see, the show opted not to do so.
Charleson joined the cast of"GH" in 1977 replacing actress Patsy Rahn, who originated the role. She has been nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards and four Soap Opera Digest Awards, but has never won. She has appeared in such primetime shows as "Dharma & Greg" and "Diagnosis Murder." She also brought her character, Monica Quartermaine, over to "GH" spin-off's "Port Charles" and "General Hospital: Night Shift" for multiple appearances.
A typical soap contract guarantees a star financial payment of three episodes or days per week irregardless of whether the show fulfills said guarantee. In Charleson's case, the show was paying her, but refused to use her.
"General Hospital" airs Weekdays on ABC. Anytime on ABC.com.
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