General Hospital Star Denise Alexander Dies at 85 💔

🌟 Remembering Denise Alexander

Denise Alexander, best known for her iconic role as Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital, died on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, as confirmed by Variety and Soap Opera Digest.

Her death was publicly announced by General Hospital showrunner Frank Valentini on May 9 through X (formerly Twitter), where he paid tribute:

“She broke barriers on-screen and off... portraying one of the first female doctors on daytime TV for nearly five decades. We send our heartfelt sympathies to her loved ones and fans. May she rest in peace.”

🛤️ A Journey That Began in Radio

• Born in New York City in 1939, Denise began acting at just six years old.

• She transitioned smoothly from radio to television and film, working consistently in the entertainment world.

• By 1968, she had completed over 5,000 radio and 500 television appearances.

🎬 Early TV & Film Career

• Film debut: Crime in the Streets (1956), alongside John Cassavetes.

• Early soap role: The Clear Horizon (1960), where she played a teenage girl navigating life and relationships.

• In 1966, she joined Days of Our Lives as Susan Hunter Martin – a role that cemented her place in soap history.

❤️ Rise to Fame on General Hospital

• Joined General Hospital in 1973 as Dr. Lesley Webber – later revealed to be the mother of Laura (Genie Francis).

• Her storylines included a love triangle with Rick Webber (Chris Robinson) and Monica Quartermaine (Leslie Charleson).

• Alexander was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 1976 for her performance.

• “Rick and Lesley were the Luke and Laura of their time,” she once said.

📺 Impact and Legacy

• Her character was killed off in 1984, sparking outrage and even protests by loyal fans.

• She joined Another World shortly after but returned to GH in 1996, reviving her beloved character.

• Made multiple returns to GH for major anniversaries, including the 50th (2013) and 59th (2019).

• Last appeared in early 2021.

📷 More Than an Actress

• Denise was also a talented photographer.

• In a 1978 interview, she spoke about how photography gave her a sense of purpose beyond acting.

• “It’s a grown-up thing. We all want to feel like we’re doing something real,” she shared.

🕊️ Personal Life & Final Years

• Married to director-producer Richard A. Colla, who passed away in 2021.

• Worked behind the scenes as a producer on many of his projects.

• Continued to inspire fans and colleagues alike with her grace, talent, and dedication.