Soap Icon Denise Alexander, Known for ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Days of Our Lives,’ Dies at 85

Denise Alexander, the beloved actress best known for her trailblazing role as Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 85. Her death, which occurred on March 5, 2025, was confirmed two months later on May 9 by General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini.

A pioneer on and off screen, Alexander was among the first actresses to portray a female doctor on daytime television, and her role as Lesley made her a household name for generations of soap fans.

A Career That Shaped Daytime Television

Alexander’s soap opera journey began in 1966 when she joined NBC’s Days of Our Lives as Susan Martin. Her time on the show also sparked a real-life romance with co-star Richard Colla, who became her husband until his passing in 2021.

In 1973, she made a bold move by leaving Days and joining ABC’s General Hospital, where she would cement her place as one of the most iconic stars in daytime history.

Born in New York City on November 11, 1939, and raised on Long Island, Alexander moved to Los Angeles when her father—well-known talent agent Alec Alexander—relocated the family west. By her junior year at UCLA, she had already logged more than 5,000 radio appearances and 500 TV credits, thanks to a prolific start in her youth.

Her official soap debut came in 1960 with The Clear Horizon, but it was Days of Our Lives that launched her into stardom. When contract negotiations fell through in 1973, ABC swooped in with an unprecedented salary offer to bring her to General Hospital.

A Beloved Role with Unforgettable Returns

As Dr. Lesley Webber, Alexander became a fixture on General Hospital from 1973 until 1984, when her character was dramatically written off in a car crash due to a contract dispute. She later joined Another World but returned to GH in 1996 in a fan-favorite twist — Lesley wasn’t dead after all.

She continued to appear on the show in a recurring capacity until 2009 and made special guest appearances through 2021, marking nearly 50 years associated with the series.

Tributes Pour In

The news of Alexander’s passing was shared by Frank Valentini on Instagram, accompanied by a touching tribute and a carousel of behind-the-scenes photos.

“She broke barriers on-screen and off, portraying Dr. Lesley Webber – one of the first female doctors on Daytime Television – for nearly five decades,” he wrote. “It meant so much to have her reprise her role in recent years. I am honored to have worked 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.”

Fans and fellow actors quickly shared their condolences and memories. “She was such an integral part of the wonder years of GH,” one fan wrote. Another reflected on how difficult the past few years have been for the General Hospital family, following the losses of Jacqueline Zeman and Leslie Charleson.

Remembered by Friends and Co-Stars

Days of Our Lives star Susan Seaforth Hayes paid tribute to her long-time friend with a heartfelt message and a cherished photo.

“Denise Alexander was a friend to treasure and an actress to applaud,” Hayes wrote. “She watched Billy [Hayes] and me fall in love and cheered us on. 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.”

A Lasting Legacy

Throughout her nearly five-decade career, Denise Alexander left a lasting impression on the world of daytime television. Her talent, professionalism, and trailblazing presence opened doors for women in the industry and touched the lives of millions of fans.

She will be remembered not only as a gifted actress but as a warm, gracious presence who helped shape the golden age of soap operas. Her legacy continues in the hearts of those who watched, worked with, and loved her.

Rest in peace, Denise Alexander. Your light will never fade.