Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here.
Leslie Charleson, 'General Hospital' star, dead at 79
by Tracy Wright · Fox NewsLeslie Charleson, known for her role on "General Hospital," has died. She was 79.
The Daytime Emmy-nominated actress portrayed Monica Quartermaine on the soap opera for nearly 50 years.
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson," executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed on the show's official Instagram account.
‘GENERAL HOSPITAL’ STAR QUITS DAYTIME TV SHOW AFTER 14 YEARS
"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."
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
"On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to her loved ones during this difficult time."
Charleson's cause of death has not yet been determined.
She began working on the ABC drama in 1977 and appeared in more than 2,000 episodes, and she was the longest-tenured cast member on the series, according to IMDb.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
In addition to "General Hospital," Charleson played Dr. Monica Quartermaine on "General Hospital: Night Shift" and "Port Charles."
She began working in the industry in the '60s with roles in "As the World Turns" and "A Flame in the Wind." After appearing in more than 1,400 episodes of "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing," she caught the eye of Ron Howard and starred as Mrs. Dorothy Kimber in an episode of "Happy Days."
Aside from daytime television, her most recent television appearances included a stint as herself on "Friends," and she played a waitress in "The Return of the Muskrats."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Tracy Wright is an entertainment reporter for Fox News Digital. Send story tips to Tracy.Wright@fox.com.