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 Offer
As a young actress in New York, Denise Alexander racked up over 5,000 radio appearances and 500 television credits. By the time she was a junior at UCLA, her résumé in both mediums was already remarkably extensive.
She made her soap opera debut in 1960 as Lois Adams on The Clear Horizon, but her breakout role came in 1966 when she was cast as Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives, a role she played until 1973.
That year, as contract negotiations hit a standstill, Days of Our Lives temporarily wrote her character out of the show. ABC Daytime saw an opening and made a bold move. They extended a groundbreaking offer to Alexander, featuring an unprecedented salary and perks package, to join the cast of 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.
Passed Away Two Months Ago
Denise Alexander passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 85. However, the news of her death was not made public until May 9, when General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini 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’m honored to have had the chance to work with her.
On behalf of the entire General Hospital family, I extend my deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loyal fans. May she rest in peace.”
Valentini’s tribute was accompanied by a touching carousel of photos highlighting Alexander’s life and legacy — from memorable on-set moments to candid behind-the-scenes shots.
A Difficult Loss for the Cast and Fans
Fans were quick to respond with an outpouring of love and sorrow following the news of Alexander’s passing.
“She was truly such an integral part of the wonder years of GH,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “I feel terrible for the entire cast of General Hospital. It’s been a very rough two years, losing so many beloved actors and actresses. No matter their age, these losses are tough. Jaclyn Zeman, Leslie Charleson, and now Denise Alexander — three extraordinary women who gave decades to entertaining us each afternoon. I thank them for their dedication and love for the fans. They will always be remembered and deeply missed.”
Days of Our Lives star Susan Seaforth Hayes also paid tribute to her longtime friend, sharing her own message of remembrance on social media.
A Heartfelt Tribute from a Dear Friend
“Denise Alexander was a friend to treasure and an actress to applaud,” wrote Days of Our Lives star Susan Seaforth Hayes, honoring her late friend in a touching tribute. “She was already well established on Days when I joined the cast as Julie #4 — a replacement for four previous actresses. She watched Billy and me fall madly in love, and being the romantic soul she was, she cheered us on every step of the way.”
Hayes shared a photo of herself, her husband Billy Hayes, and Denise Alexander, capturing a moment from their many years of friendship.
“Such happy memories of her time in Salem and her incredible success on General Hospital. We both started as child actors, had strong mothers, and were raised as Christian Scientists in our early years. I was always grateful for her wisdom, grace, wit, and kind spirit every time we crossed paths. It was never enough time. And my love for her will never end.”
With nearly five decades in the industry, Denise Alexander not only left an unforgettable legacy in daytime television but also touched the hearts of countless colleagues and fans alike.
