General Hospital star Leslie Charleson's death rocked the soap world on the evening of January 12. The actress was a GH mainstay since 1977 and had been beloved by co-stars and fans alike.

Colleagues are remembering the soap opera star for her "quick wit" and presence on set. She died after a long illness.

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.

Soap opera veteran Leslie Charleson, who played Monica Quartermaine on "General Hospital," has died at the age of 79.

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

Leslie Charleson, who played Dr. Monica Quartermaine on “General Hospital” for nearly 50 years, has passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of enduring love and respect

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 joined "General Hospital" as Monica Quartermaine and made her last appearance just over a year ago, has died, the ABC show announced Sunday on Instagram.

Leslie Charleson, whose Dr. Monica Quartermaine was the longest-tenured character on “General Hospital,” has died. She was 79. Charleson died of complications from a long illness, said ABC News, which broadcasts the long-running soap opera.

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,

Leslie Charleson, who had played Dr. Monica Quartermaine since 1977, has died at the age of 79. GH executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed the news of Charleson’s passing on Instagram Sunday night.