General Hospital star Denise Alexander dead at 85

Denise Alexander, a pioneering figure both in front of and behind the camera, was renowned for her memorable portrayal of Dr. Lesley Webber, one of the earliest female physicians depicted on daytime television.

Recently, the soap opera community mourned the loss of Denise Alexander, cherished for her roles in General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, who passed away at the age of 85, as reported by Soap Opera Digest. Alexander’s journey to stardom commenced in 1966 when she joined NBC’s Days of Our Lives as Susan Martin.

This period also marked the beginning of a significant personal relationship, as she married her co-star Richard Colla, with whom she shared her life until his death in 2021.

In 1973, she made a significant career move by departing from Days to join ABC’s General Hospital, where she would become one of the series’ most cherished characters.

Denise Alexander was familiar with the limelight from an early age; born in New York City on November 11, 1939, and raised on Long Island, she later relocated to Los Angeles when her father, Alec Alexander, a talent agent known for representing stars such as Frank Gorshin and Sal Mineo, moved the family to the West Coast.

During her early career as an actress in New York, Denise Alexander accumulated over 5,000 radio appearances and 500 television credits. By the time she entered her junior year at UCLA, she had already established a remarkable résumé in both fields.

Her soap opera career commenced in 1960 with the character Lois Adams on The Clear Horizon, but it was her role as Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives from 1966 to 1973 that truly defined her success in daytime television.

In 1973, as negotiations for her contract reached an impasse, Days of Our Lives temporarily removed Susan from the narrative.

Capitalizing on this situation, ABC Daytime presented a pioneering offer — an extraordinary salary and benefits package — to entice Denise Alexander to join General Hospital.

She emerged as one of the leading stars of the show, maintaining her status as a fan favorite for eleven years until her departure in 1984 due to a contractual dispute. Her character, Lesley, was eliminated from the storyline in a dramatic car accident.

Subsequently, Alexander transitioned to a role in the NBC soap opera Another World. In an unexpected turn of events, she returned to General Hospital in 1996, with Lesley astonishingly resurrected.

Alexander continued to be a recurring figure on the show until 2009 and made special guest appearances in subsequent years, with her last appearance occurring in 2021.

Denise Alexander passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 85, but the announcement was not made public until May 9, two months later. Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital, conveyed the news through a touching tribute on Instagram.

Valentini expressed his sorrow, stating, ‘I am deeply saddened to learn of Denise Alexander’s passing. She was a trailblazer both on-screen and off, having portrayed Dr. Lesley Webber, one of the first female doctors in Daytime Television, for nearly fifty years.

It was a privilege to have her return to her role in recent years, and I am grateful for the chance to collaborate with her. On behalf of the entire General Hospital family, I offer my sincere condolences to her family, friends, and devoted fans. May she rest in peace.’

His tribute was accompanied by a series of photographs that celebrated Alexander’s remarkable life and career, showcasing her both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

I cherish the joyful memories of her time in Salem and her remarkable achievements on General Hospital. We both started our careers as child actors, were supported by strong mothers, and were raised as Christian Scientists during our formative years. Each encounter with her filled me with gratitude for her wisdom, taste, humor, and kindness. It was never sufficient. My affection for her will endure indefinitely.

With almost fifty years of experience in the industry, Denise Alexander influenced the lives of numerous viewers and left a lasting impact on daytime television.

Her contributions, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, were characterized by exceptional talent, elegance, and a dedication to her profession. While her family, friends, and admirers grieve her passing, her legacy will endure in the memories of those who respected her as an innovative actress and a cherished personality in the realm of soap operas. May she rest in peace!