‘General Hospital’ star Cassandra James reflects on Leslie Charleson’s death and cast shakeups: We’re ‘one big family’
“General Hospital” star Cassandra James addressed the recent changes in Port Charles.
The Post caught up with the actress, Dr. Terry Randolph on the ABC soap opera, at the opening of Tarantino | Pulp Rock at Hollywood Park last week, who shared some heartfelt memories about her late co-star Leslie Charleson following her sudden death in January. James also touched on the cast shakeups that saw beloved stars like Chad Duell, Kelly Monaco and Brooklyn Rae Silzer depart “General Hospital” after over a decade on the series.
Charleson portrayed Dr. Monica Quartermaine on the hit series for almost 50 years. The Emmy-nominated star died of blunt head trauma on Jan. 12 at age 79.
“We’re all really saddened by the loss. And, to be honest, my favorite thing about Leslie is she had a really wonderful sense of humor,” James exclusively told The Post.
Sharing memories of Charleson on set, the actress continued, “I got to work with her when my character, Terry, fought for a promotion at General Hospital. And I remember, like, in between takes or when we got up to set, she had a very dry, funny sense of humor. She had me laughing on set. It was a great day.”
Regarding the cast restructuring that saw Duell, Monaco and Silzer’s characters leaving Port Charles, James shared that it might not be goodbye forever.
Monaco played Sam McCall?on “General Hospital” from 2003 to 2024. In August, the actress claimed she was “blindsided” by the network when she was told that her 21-year reign on the soap opera was coming to an end.
In November, Duell, whose character was Michael Corinthos, announced he was quitting “General Hospital” after 14 years on the show. He later revealed why he decided to leave the soap series, sharing he felt like he “stifled” himself in the role.
In December, Silzer broke her silence about getting replaced by Braedyn Bruner after portraying Emma Drake for 13 years.
“Well, here’s the thing about a legacy like ‘General Hospital,'” James explained to the Post. “Our anniversary is coming up this year. We’re turning 62 this year. So, while there are definitely legacy actors who have left the show for many, you know, any number of reasons, the world of Port Charles is so big, and there are so many amazing places that the production can take the story.
“So, I think the fans have nothing to worry about. There’s definitely, you know, there’s always someone coming back to town. There’s always legacy actors being shuffled around, coming back to the show. So, you’re never going to, you know, miss out on much,” she teased.
When asked if she keeps up with any of her departed “General Hospital” co-stars, James said, “I’ve got a very core group of people that I’m close to with there. Finola Hughes [Anna Devane] is a good friend of mine.”
James continued, “It’s a gigantic cast and an amazing world. And I’m just fortunate every day I get to go and be on set. And I think we’re all one big family.”
“General Hospital” airs Monday through Friday on ABC, with old episodes available to stream on Hulu.
