Leslie Charleson, better known as Monica Quartermaine on “General Hospital,” has died.

She was 79.

Diversity reported that Charleson died after a “long illness.”

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague Leslie Charleson,” said Frank Valentini, executive producer of “General Hospital.” “Her enduring legacy on General Hospital alone spans nearly 50 years, 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 conversations, her quick wit and her incredible presence on set. On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my deepest condolences go out to their loved ones during this difficult time.”

Variety reported that Charleson began working on the show in 1977 but has been off the air since December 2023. Variety reported that she has since struggled with “health ups and downs,” including “several falls that prevented her from getting around.”

The website said she was hospitalized last week after one such fall.

Charleson was from Kansas City, Missouri.

She began her acting career in 1964 on another daytime series, A Flame in the Wind. She was part of the cast of “As the World Turns” in 1966 and appeared in “The Wild Wild West” in 1968.

She had a long list of accomplishments, but was best known for her nearly 50-year stint on General Hospital.