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 matriarchal figure Monica Quartermaine for over 50 years.
Leslie Charleson has passed away at the age of 79[/caption]
Leslie played Monica Quartermaine (second right) in General Hospital[/caption]
Leslie died over the weekend, according to a heartfelt post on the official General Hospital Instagram account.
General Hospital Executive Producer Frank Valentini said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson.
“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.”
Leslie started her acting career in the 1960s and gained early recognition for her role as Alice Whipple on the soap opera As the World Turns.
She joined the cast of General Hospital in 1977 where she became one of the show’s most beloved and longstanding characters.
