A soap opera star who appeared on more than 2,000 episodes of “General Hospital” is dead at age 79.

BELOVED General Hospital star Leslie Charleson has died aged 79. Leslie was best known for her role in the hit US soap opera where she played Monica Quartermaine for nearly 50 years, starring in

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

Leslie Charleson, who starred as Dr. Monica Quartermaine on the soap opera “General Hospital” for nearly 50 years, has died at the age of 79. Frank Valentini, who is an executive producer for “General Hospital,” announced Charleson’s death in a post on social media. According to USA Today, Charleson died of complications from a long illness.

Leslie Charleson, the soap-opera legend who played Monica Quartermaine on 'General Hospital' starting in the 1970s, died Sunday. She was 79.

Beloved soap opera star Leslie Charleson died on the morning of Jan. 12 at the age of 79 after battling a long illness. The long-time “General Hospital” star played the role of Monica Quartermaine on the show.

Longtime General Hospital star Leslie Charleson died at the age of 79, the show's executive producer announced on Sunday2. "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague,

Leslie Charleson became the latest in a string of deaths that have plagued the show. She was the longest-running cast member on the ABC soap, having taken over the role of Monica Quartermaine in 1977.