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.

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