Soap Opera icon, Leslie Charleson, known as Monica Quartermaine on “General Hospital,” died Sunday morning after a long illness. She was 79. "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague,

Leslie Charleson, best known for her long-time role on General Hospital, has died. She was 79. The actress's death was announced via a post on the official General Hospital Instagram, which featured a smiling picture of Charleson accompanied by words from executive producer Frank Valenti.

General Hospital’s Leslie Charleson, who was with the series for almost five decades, has died, executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed.

The fictional character Monica Quartermaine was introduced in 1976 and quickly became one of the show’s most iconic and enduring figures.

A soap opera star who appeared on more than 2,000 episodes of “General Hospital” is dead at age 79. Variety reports Leslie Charleson, the actress best known for playing Dr. Monica Quartermaine on “GH,