When General Hospital’s Wally Kurth paid tribute to the late Leslie Charleson, his “castmate for 34 years,” he gave great insight into the legendary actress and his friend.
Ned and Monica
Kurth and Charleson’s characters share a surprising history. In 1988, while Ned worked at a spa Monica attended, the two had an affair. However, they had no idea that she was his aunt by marriage — she was married to Alan Quartermaine (the late Stuart Damon). Alan’s sister was Tracy (Jane Elliot), Ned’s mom.
While Kurt McKinney (Guiding Light) played Ned for the characters’ scandalous beginnings, Kurth took over the role of Ned in 1991. Ned and Monica were often the sane voices in a sea of over-the-top personalities that made up the Q family.
READ THIS: GH mourns the loss of the iconic actress Leslie Charleson.
Wally’s ‘Cool’ Friend Leslie
And now Kurth reflects on the legend, who passed away earlier this week. The singer/songwriter penned a beautiful tribute that he posted on his Instagram account. Accompanying his post were three photos of the pair. Kurth and Charleson were all smiles for the first photo. The second image shows the two sitting next to each other on a panel. And the third shows them in character on GH.
Kurth started his message in heartbreaking fashion, writing, “Oh Lord… this is a tough one.” Then, the actor painted a picture of the woman and costar he knew. “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 push over her either. Acting is a blood sport.. but not for Leslie.”
Kurth let the fans know his nickname for his friend. Sean Kanan (ex-AJ Quartermaine) called her the same nickname in his tribute to Charleson. “Lester, as I sometimes called her, 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.”
Finally, Kurth let the world know one of his favorite things about his former castmate. “I loved hearing Leslie laugh. She had a hearty laugh. Stuart (Damon) knew exactly what to say to get her going…. Thank you Leslie for your friendship… your talent…and for sharing your soul with me and all your fans. #riplesliecharleson #lesliecharleson #bekind #bekindtoyourself #choosejoy @generalhospitalabc“
Leslie Charleson died on Sunday, January 12, 2025. She was 79.
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