Charlene Robinson

Charlene Robinson
Kylie Minogue as Charlene Robinson
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Kylie Minogue
Duration	1986–1988
First appearance	17 April 1986
Last appearance	26 July 1988
Introduced by	Reg Watson
Classification	Former; regular
Profile
Occupation	Student (until 1986) Mechanic (1987–)
Home	Brisbane
Family Ramsay Father Fred Mitchell Mother Madge Mitchell Stepfather Harold Bishop Brothers Henry Ramsay Half-brothers Sam Cole Husband Scott Robinson (1987–) Sons Daniel Robinson Daughters Madison Robinson Grandfathers Dan Ramsay Grandmothers Edna Ramsay Uncles Max Ramsay Tom Ramsay First cousins Shane Ramsay Danny Ramsay

Charlene Edna "Lenny" Robinson (also Mitchell) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours played by Kylie Minogue. Charlene was introduced to the show along with several new characters, as part of a revamp by Network Ten to increase ratings. Minogue auditioned for the role in 1985, shortly after finishing her high school exams. She attended the audition dressed as the character and casting director Jan Russ cast her in the role. Minogue was initially contracted for a week, but this was later extended through to mid-1988. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 April 1986.

Charlene was portrayed as a feisty, quick tempered and outspoken tomboy. She had a difficult relationship with her mother and did not like being patronised. Minogue thought viewers liked the character as she was an average Australian teenager. Reinforcing her tomboyish image, Charlene trained as a mechanic and she often wore khaki overalls and baggy sweatshirts. Her relationship with Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan) was central to many of her storylines. They became a popular couple with viewers and the relationship helped boost ratings for Neighbours. Despite breaking up several times during their first 12 months together, the couple stayed together and their relationship eventually culminated in a wedding during "Episode 523", which was first broadcast on 1 July 1987.

During her time as Charlene, Minogue also started singing and released two successful pop singles during 1987 followed by her debut album the following year. In mid-1988, Minogue decided to leave Neighbours to concentrate on her music career. She filmed her final scenes in June 1988 and Charlene made her final screen appearance on 26 July. Minogue won four Logie Awards for her portrayal of Charlene, including the Gold Logie, becoming the youngest person to do so. Critical reaction to the character has been positive. Soap Opera author Dorothy Hobson said Charlene broke stereotypes when it came to careers for women in the 1980s.