Leslie Charleson dead: Star of beloved soap opera General Hospital dies aged 79 after 50 year legacy as show ‘matriarch’

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 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."