title: List of General Hospital cast members
context: General Hospital is an American television soap opera, airing on ABC. Created by Frank and Doris Hursley, the serial premiered on April 1, 1963. The longest-running cast member is Leslie Charleson, who has portrayed Dr. Monica Quartermaine since August 17, 1977, also making her one of the longest-tenured actors in American soap operas.[1][2] Former cast member Rachel Ames was previously the series' longest-running cast member, portraying Audrey Hardy from 1964 to 2007, and making guest appearances in 2009 and 2013, the latter for the series' fiftieth anniversary.[3] Ames made a special appearance on October 30, 2015.[4][5] Actors Genie Francis and Kin Shriner, who portray Laura Spencer and Scott Baldwin, are the second and third longest-running cast members, having joined General Hospital in February and August 1977, respectively.[6][7] Actress Jacklyn Zeman — who portrays Bobbie Spencer — is the fourth longest-running cast member, joining the serial in December 1977.[8] Actress Jane Elliot, who joined the serial in June 1978 as Tracy Quartermaine, is the fifth longest-running cast member, joining General Hospital in June 1978 until her departure in May 2017.[9][10][11][12] Former cast member Anthony Geary, who portrayed Luke Spencer, was the sixth longest-running cast member, having joined General Hospital in November 1978.[13] The following list is of cast members who are currently on the show: the main and recurring cast members, or those who are debuting, departing or returning to the series.
question: Which character has been on General Hospital for the longest time?
answers: Leslie Charleson