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

General Hospital ’s longest recurring actor and portrayer of matriarch Monica Quartermaine, Leslie Charleson, has died at 79. Since the show’s executive producer Frank Valentini shared the news on Sunday, fans and fellow cast members have shared their reactions to the significant loss.

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

Soap opera icon Leslie Charleson, best known as Monica Quartermaine on "General Hospital," died Sunday morning after a long illness. She was 79.

Television lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Leslie Charleson at 79. Her portrayal of Monica Quartermaine on "General Hospital"

Leslie Charleson, who played cardiologist Monica Quartermaine on "General Hospital" for five decades, has died, according to the soap opera's producer. She was 79.

Leslie Charleson, perhaps best known for playing Dr. Monica Quartermaine on TV’s “General Hospital” for five decades, has passed away. She was 79. News of Charleson’s death was announced Sunday by Frank Valentini,

Leslie Charleson, who played popular character Dr. Monica Quartermaine for almost 50 years on “General Hospital,” has died. She was 79.

Wally Kurth joined General Hospital in 1991 as Ned Ashton, a member of the Quartermaine family — so Ned enjoyed a close relationship with his aunt, Monica Quartermaine, played by Leslie Charleson, who passed away on January 12,

General Hospital’s Jason recently sided with Tracy and the Quartermaines over Sonny. Will his loyalty wind up netting him a big surprise gift?

General Hospital's Jason has been slowly returning to the Quartermaine family fold and the man he once was before the 1995 accident that left him brain-damaged and turned him into Jason Morgan.