Kate Charleson, the sister of Leslie Charleson and an actress famous for her roles in Terms of Endearment, sadly died by suicide on October 12, 1996, at the age of 43.
She was an American actress best known for her iconic role as Monica Quartermaine on the ABC daytime soap opera “General Hospital.”
Highlights
- Charleson was an American actress who is well-known for her roles in soap Opera “General Hospital.”
- Her sister, Kate Charleson was also an actress who had appeared in Terms of Endearment” in 1983, “Dreamscape” in 1984.
- Charleson revealed that her sister took her own life and was struggling with bipolar disorder.
Charleson’s career began in 1964 with the brief ABC daytime soap “A Flame in the Wind.” In 1966, she began a stint on “As the World Turns” before moving on to star in “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing.”
Throughout the 1970s, she guest starred in a wide array of series, including “Adam-12”, “Emergency!,” and “Cannon.”
Charleson received four Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1980, 19882, 1983, and 1995 for her work at General Hospital.
Leslie Charleson and her sister, Kate Charleson were renowned actresses
Leslie Charleson and her sister, Kate Charleson, were American actresses who contributed worthily to the entertainment world.
Her sister, born on January 7, 1953, is best known for her roles in Terms of Endearment (1983), Dreamscape (1984), and Riptide (1984).
New State of Mind today! Maurice talks with the legendary Leslie Charleson. They talk about Leslie’s sister who had bipolar, her love of horses, GH, and so much more. https://t.co/12KNLeeH6M
— Valentina Ragone (@acharliefan) February 13, 2022
Moreover, both sisters were involved in the entertainment world, and her acting credits include a few notable films and television shows that might have left a mark on those who watched her work.
Sadly, Kate passed away at the age of 43 on October 12, 1996, after taking her own life, a tragic event that shocked both her family and her fans.
Furthermore, Kate married William C. Zmachinsky on November 1, 1979.
Nevertheless, the couple later decided to divorce, and there is no record of her having had any children since her marriage.
In the wake of her too-short life, Kate’s contributions to the acting world will be remembered, and her legacy will live on through the roles she played on screen.
Leslie Charleson Opened Up About the Heartbreaking Loss of her sister, kate to bipolar disorder
Beloved General Hospital actress, Leslie Charleson opened up about one of the most emotional parts of her life, her sister, Kate, who struggled with bipolar disorder.
Speaking to fellow actor Maurice Benard, she said that back in the 1990s, conditions such as bipolar disorder were not as understood as they are today.
Before the Super Bowl today on @mbstateofmind I’m joined by Leslie Charleson.
Leslie and I have a beautiful conversation about her sister who was bipolar, her love of @ElvisPresley, horses, @GeneralHospital + working with Stuart Damon and more.
Watch: https://t.co/jPvMJq5Z7T pic.twitter.com/F2wHiYuXcV
— Maurice Benard (@MauriceBenard) February 13, 2022
Moreover, the star remembered how, upon her sister’s diagnosis, people would be skeptical about it.
Charleson revealed,
My sister was bipolar and she committed su*cide in ’96. I’ve thought about it knowing that we were going to talk, and I haven’t talked about it much.
She went on to describe how her sister’s manic episodes would involve constant phone calls, followed by long periods of silence.
She would call all the time and just keep calling. That was the highs. And then I wouldn’t see her for a long time.
However, one voicemail from her sister completely halted the TV actress in her tracks.
There was something in her tone. She just said she was so tired. And to take care of her cats. And it wasn’t my fault.
The conversation only became more heartbreaking when she discussed finding out that Kate d*ed.
Additional Information
- Leslie Charleson’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2025.
- She was married to Bill Demms from 1988 until 1991 and the reason for their split remains unclear.
- Charleson passed away at 79 and was hospitalized due to her long battle with an illness.
