Denise Alexander, 'General Hospital' Star, Dies at 85
The soap world is mourning the loss of a true icon. Denise Alexander, beloved for her decades-long role as Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 85.
Fans across every generation are reflecting on her extraordinary career, warm spirit, and undeniable impact on daytime television. This Denise Alexander obituary looks back on a life and legacy that helped shape the very soul of soap operas.
Denise Alexander, ‘General Hospital’ & ‘Days of Our Lives’ Actress, Dies at 85
When you think of General Hospital, it’s impossible not to picture Denise Alexander as Lesley Webber – a role she first took on in the early 1970s. As one of the first female doctors on daytime TV, Lesley wasn’t just a fan favorite; she broke ground for how women were portrayed on screen.
For nearly 50 years, Alexander gave life to the caring, fiercely intelligent, and often dramatic Dr. Webber. She brought authenticity and emotional depth to every scene, creating a character fans rooted for year after year. Even in more recent times, her return appearances reminded viewers why Lesley Webber held such a special place in GH history.
Executive Producer Frank Valentini shared his heartfelt thoughts after her passing, saying, “She broke barriers on-screen and off,” and expressed how honored he felt to have worked with her in her later years. His message was joined by an outpouring of love from fans who remembered her as “an integral part of the wonder years of GH.”
Before Port Charles: Days of Our Lives as Susan Martin
While Denise Alexander’s name is forever linked to General Hospital, she was already making waves before arriving in Port Charles. From 1966 to 1973, she played Susan Martin on Days of Our Lives. Her portrayal of Susan, a complex and compelling character, added fire to the show's early years and helped put Days on the map.
Denise wasn’t just acting; she was defining what made daytime drama so addictively watchable. Fellow Days star Susan Seaforth Hayes paid tribute to Alexander with a touching social media post, remembering her as “a friend to treasure and an actress to applaud.”
Hayes reflected on their shared history, both beginning as child actors and being raised by strong mothers. “It was never enough. And my love for her will never be over,” she wrote, summing up what so many in the soap community felt: Denise Alexander’s presence was rare and cherished.
A Career Spanning Generations
From her early years in Hollywood to her final GH appearance in 2021, Denise Alexander’s 2025 death marks the close of a remarkable six-decade-long career. She wasn’t just a cast member. She was a constant, a familiar face that audiences grew up with, grew old with, and welcomed back whenever she graced the screen.
Alexander wasn’t afraid to step away when the time felt right, and she never turned her back on the characters or fans who loved her. Her returns always felt like coming home – not just for her, but for viewers, too.
A Soap Opera Star's Death That Hits Home
There’s something uniquely personal about a soap opera star's death. These are actors we see almost daily, woven into our routines and memories for years. Denise Alexander wasn’t just acting – she was part of people’s personal lives.
Her talent, grace, and grounded presence made her stand out in a world of over-the-top twists and dramatic monologues. She gave every line sincerity, every storyline weight, and every fan a reason to keep watching.
Denise Alexander Obituary: A Final Farewell
As we say goodbye, this Denise Alexander obituary serves as a reminder of the impact one performer can have – not just in entertainment, but in the lives of millions. From Susan Martin on Days of Our Lives to the indelible Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital, she brought honesty, elegance, and heart to everything she did.
Her death at 85 isn’t just a loss to those whose ears perk up at the sight of a headline that reads ‘General Hospital actress dies’. It’s a loss to television history.
Still, her legacy lives on in every dramatic scene, every emotional arc, and every fan who still remembers their favorite moment with Dr. Lesley Webber. Rest in peace, Denise Alexander. Your stories may have ended, but your influence lives on.