Just two weeks into a new year and the daytime community is already mourning a huge loss: Soap legend Leslie Charleson (Monica, General Hospital) passed away on Jan. 12 at the age of 79 after a lengthy illness.

Not only was the actress the beloved matriarch of the GH family, but also the soap’s longest-running cast member, having played Dr. Monica Quartermaine since 1977. Charleson’s Port Charles co-stars and colleagues from the greater soap community shared their condolences and memories of the late star on social media.

Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis)

My friend and castmate, Leslie Charleson, took flight today. She battled and survived a multitude of health challenges in the last couple of years like a goddamned warrior. This badass was a GH whipper snapper, savvy, talented, gorgeous, grounded, and a horse-whispering, world-class woman. It was an honor to know her and love her.”

Jon Lindstrom (Kevin, GH)

“This lady so deserves to be remembered. Leslie Charleson was one of the funniest, most talented, and smartest people I ever had the good fortune to know. And I even got to work with her. She could be rude and crude but always with a sense of humor. Everyone loved being around her, even when she’d deliberately roll over your foot with her wheelchair. Yes, she did that to me & I loved her for it. She also had a resume to respect & envy, from GH to those Pearl Drops commercials to The Day of the Dolphin with Mike Nichols & George C. Scott. R.I.P.”

Rena Sofer (Lois, GH)

“I am so fortunate that I had one more scene with Leslie when I came back to GH. My memories of GH have her fingerprints all over me. I loved her. She will be so greatly missed.”

Finola Hughes (Anna, GH)

“Dear Leslie… I’m going to need a minute, and I’ll write something about this lovely, funny, clever woman. But right now, dear Leslie, RIP. We love you.”

Sean Kanan (ex-AJ, GH; now Deacon, Bold & Beautiful)

“I just learned that Leslie Charleson has passed. We played mother and son off and on for years. My deepest condolences to her family. May you rest in peace, Lester.”

Kristina Wagner (Felicia, GH)

“We lost our radiant ‘Ultrabrite girl’ yesterday. Leslie, I hope there are some amazing horse trails where you are. You will always be with us in spirit.”

William deVry (ex-Julian, GH)

“Very, very sad about Leslie’s passing. We’ve kept in touch over the years, and she was always so happy to hear from me. Such a lovely woman. I’ve been wanting to text her over the last few days as Los Angeles is a stressful place to be over the last week. Unfortunately, the second day of the fires my phone crashed, and I lost my contacts so I couldn’t text her. Finally retrieved her number today only to find out she passed away last night…So, so very sorry for all the fans of GH and for the crew who really loved her. She was very grateful to Frank Valentini for keeping her busy over the years. A real loss.”

John J. York (Mac, GH)

“Leslie Charleson and Stuart Damon [as] Alan and Monica [were] the reason I fell in love with GH when I was in college. Thank you for [your] talent, your humor, your friendship! Love you both very much.”

Sarah Joy Brown (ex-Carly/Claudia, GH)

“Rest in peace, Leslie Charleson. Grateful to have had the opportunity to learn so much from her while I was starting my run on General Hospital. Watching her work with Stuart Damon, a.k.a. Alan Quartermaine, and John Ingle was a joy for me, especially when I was included in the scenes, but even when I wasn’t. The Qs always made me laugh. Her timing was legendary. Sending my condolences to her friends, family, fans, and all of her co-workers.”

Risa Dorken (Amy, GH)

“So very sorry to hear. Leslie was elegant, funny, kind… she will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Sending love.”

Kathleen Gati (Obrecht, GH)

“One of the kindest and sweetest colleagues I’ve had the honor to work with. May Leslie rest in peace and know how deeply she was loved and appreciated by all. Deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and fans.”

Cassandra James (Terry, GH)

“My heart is breaking! So sad.”

Jen Lilley (ex-Maxie, GH)

“Oh no. What a gem.”

Theo & Erik Olson (ex-Wiley, GH)

“Sending our GH family all the love in the world! She was a beautiful light.”

Natalia Livingston (ex-Emily, GH)

“I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of Leslie Charleson. Leslie was the most wonderful TV mom I could have ever had. I admired and enjoyed her humor, wit, and warmth. Thank you for always making me feel so welcomed into our TV family. I’ll never forget you. May you rest in peace, dear Leslie. I love you.”

Colleen Zenk (Jordan, Young & Restless)

“In 1992 on location in Vancouver, I had the pleasure of working with the incredible Leslie Charleson and Deidre Hall on the NBC-TV movie Woman on the Ledge. I was a longtime fan of Leslie’s, rather starstruck, and she welcomed me with open arms. We had a wonderful time together while I heard of her Connecticut years and her horses. We never worked together again, but I would see her at the Emmys, and it was always a wonderful reunion. So, sleep now beauty… you brought so much joy to millions of fans for so many decades… It was a joy to know you.”

Bonnie Burroughs (ex-Gladys, GH)

“She was so kind to me the few times I met her. What a beautiful soul.”

Marc Anthony Samuel (ex-Felix, GH)

“Oh no! She was such a sweet lady. I’m glad I got a chance to work with her.”