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

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.

Leslie Charleson, who played Dr. Monica Bard Webber Quartermaine on General Hospital for over 45 years, has died at the age of 79. The fan favorite played out many memorable storylines over the years — here’s a look back at some of the ABC soap’s best Monica Quartermaine moments.