She was a trailblazer both on and off screen, best known for her iconic role as Dr. Lesley Webber — one of the first female doctors on daytime television.
Now, soap opera legend Denise Alexander, beloved star of General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, has passed away.
Soap opera legend Denise Alexander, best known for playing Laura’s mother Lesley on General Hospital, has died at 85, according to Soap Opera Digest.
Alexander’s rise to fame began in 1966 when she joined NBC’s Days of Our Lives as Susan Martin. Her time on the show also led to a lasting romance — she married her co-star Richard Colla, and the two remained together until his passing in 2021.
In 1973, she made headlines in the soap world by leaving Days and making a bold move to ABC’s General Hospital, where she would go on to become one of the show’s most beloved stars.
Denise Alexander was no stranger to the spotlight from a young age. Born in New York City on November 11, 1939, and raised on Long Island, she eventually moved to Los Angeles when her father, Alec Alexander — a talent agent representing stars like Frank Gorshin and Sal Mineo — relocated the family to the West Coast.
Unprecedented salary
As a young actress in New York, Denise Alexander amassed over 5,000 radio appearances and 500 television credits. So the time she reached her junior year at UCLA, she had already built an impressive résumé in both mediums.
She made her soap opera debut in 1960 with the role of Lois Adams on The Clear Horizon, but it was her portrayal of Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives from 1966 to 1973 that marked her true breakthrough in daytime television.
In 1973, as contract talks stalled, Days of Our Lives temporarily wrote Susan out of the storyline. Seizing the opportunity, ABC Daytime stepped in with a groundbreaking offer — an unprecedented salary and perks package — to bring Denise Alexander to General Hospital.
She became one of the show’s top stars, remaining a fan favorite for eleven years before departing in 1984 due to a contract disagreement. Her character, Lesley, was written off in a dramatic car crash.
Alexander then to move on to a role in the NBC soap Another World. However, in a surprising twist, she made a comeback to GH in 1996, with Lesley miraculously returning from the dead. Alexander remained a recurring presence on the show until 2009, and continued to make special guest appearances in the years that followed. Her final appearance on the show came in 2021.
Died two months ago
Alexander passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 85, though the news wasn’t made public until two months later, on May 9. The announcement came from General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
”I am so very sorry to hear of Denise Alexander’s passing,” Valentini wrote. ”She broke barriers on-screen and off, portraying Dr. Lesley Webber – one of the first female doctors on Daytime Television – for nearly five decades. It meant so much to have her reprise her role in recent years and I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with her.
On behalf of the entire General Hospital family, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends, and longtime fans. May she rest in peace.”
His message was shared alongside a carousel of photos celebrating Alexander’s life and career, showing her both on set and behind the scenes.
A tough time for the whole cast
Fans quickly expressed their condolences following the news of Denise Alexander’s passing.
”She was truly such an integral part of the wonder years of GH!,” one fan shared.
”I feel terrible for the entire cast of General Hospital. It’s been a very rough 2 years for them, losing so many beloved actors & actresses. Whatever their age group, this must be very difficult to deal with. Jaclyn Zeman, Leslie Charleson & now Denise Alexander, these extraordinary 3 actresses spent so many years entertaining us in the afternoon. I thank the 3 of them for their dedication to their craft & to the loyal fans. They are & will be forever er missed,” another fan said.
Days of Our Lives star Susan Seaforth Hayes also took to social media to honor her dear friend.
”Denise Alexander was a friend to treasure and an actress to applaud. She was well established on Days when I joined the cast as Julie #4 (a replacement for four previous actresses). She watched Billy and I fall madly in love and, being a romantic lady herself, cheered us on,” she wrote, sharing a photo with herself, her husband Billy Hayes, and Alexander.
”Such happy memories of her years in Salem and her great success on General Hospital. We both began as child actors, both had strong mothers, and both were raised as Christian Scientists in our early years. I was grateful for her wisdom, taste, humor, and goodness every time I saw her. It was never enough. And my love for her will never be over.”
With nearly five decades in the industry, Denise Alexander touched the lives of countless viewers and made an indelible mark on daytime television.
Her work, both on-screen and off, was defined by talent, grace, and a commitment to her craft. As her family, friends, and fans mourn her loss, her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who admired her as a groundbreaking actress and a beloved figure in the soap opera world. Rest in peace!
