Leslie Charleson, ‘General Hospital’ star, dead at 79

Leslie Charleson, ‘General Hospital’ star, dead at 79

‘General Hospital’ star Leslie Charleson portrayed Monica Quartermaine for nearly 50 years

Leslie Charleson, known for her role on “General Hospital,” has died. She was 79.

The Daytime Emmy-nominated actress portrayed Monica Quartermaine on the soap opera for nearly 50 years.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson,” executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed on the show’s official Instagram account.

“Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone and, just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew. I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit and incredible presence on set. ”

“On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”

Charleson’s cause of death has not yet been determined.

She began working on the ABC drama in 1977 and appeared in more than 2,000 episodes and was the longest tenured cast member on the series, according to IMDb.

In addition to “General Hospital,” Charleson played Dr. Monica Quartermaine on “General Hospital: Night Shift” and “Port Charles.”

She began working in the industry in the ’60s with roles on “As the World Turns” and “A Flame in the Wind.” After appearing in more than 1,400 episodes of “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” she caught the eye of Ron Howard and starred as Mrs. Dorothy Kimber in an episode of “Happy Days.”

Aside from daytime television, her most recent television appearances included a stint as herself on “Friends,” and playing a waitress in “The Return of the Muskrats.”