After the passing of Leslie Charleson (Monica), many of her General Hospital family shared heartfelt memories and tributes on social media.
However, some needed a little more time to put their thoughts together, like longtime co-star Wally Kurth, who worked with her since he took over the role of Ned Ashton back in 1991.
“Oh Lord… this is a tough one,” Kurth wrote on Instagram. “Leslie Charleson was my castmate for 34 years. Leslie… was just cool.
Never let anything bother her on the set… no drama. I don’t think I ever heard her raise her voice. But she was no pushover, either. Acting is a blood sport… but not for Leslie.
“Lester, as I sometimes called her,” he continued, “was a dear, sweet soul who for the last few years, experienced physical challenges that would have made any person sour.
But I never heard her complain. She was tough but vulnerable. A beautiful soul.
I loved hearing Leslie laugh. She had a hearty laugh. Stuart [Damon, Alan] knew exactly what to say to get her going…”
Charleson stepped into the role of Dr. Monica Quartermaine in 1977, and when her character had a brief affair with Ned in 1988, it was Kurt McKinney playing him. (He had no idea at the time that she was his aunt by marriage!) After McKinney left GH in 1991, the role was recast with Kurth, who took over in September 1991.
Despite taking some time off here and there and also playing Justin on Days of Our Lives, Kurth has been a constant presence in the Quartermaine mansion.
“Thank you, Leslie,” Kurth concluded, “for your friendship… your talent… and for sharing your soul with me and all your fans.”
