Beloved 'General Hospital' and 'Days of Our Lives' Star Denise Alexander Dead at 85

Published: Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 3:30 pm

Beloved Soap Opera Icon Denise Alexander Passes Away at 85

The world of daytime television mourns the loss of Denise Alexander, the beloved actress best known for her iconic role as Lesley Webber on *General Hospital*. Alexander passed away on Wednesday, March 5th, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances and a lasting impact on the soap opera genre.

Alexander's career spanned decades, beginning at the young age of six on the radio. She quickly transitioned to television, amassing an impressive portfolio of appearances. Her early career included roles in radio soaps and her film debut in 1956's *Crime in the Streets*. She also appeared in *The Clear Horizon* in 1960.

In 1966, Alexander joined the cast of *Days of Our Lives*, a role she initially declined before ultimately embracing. However, it was her portrayal of Lesley Webber on *General Hospital*, starting in 1969, that cemented her status as a daytime television legend. Her character, one of the first female doctors on daytime television, was involved in a captivating love triangle that captivated audiences and earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976.

Alexander's tenure on *General Hospital* continued until 1984, when contract disputes led to her controversial departure, sparking fan outrage. Showrunner Frank Valentini of *General Hospital* shared his condolences, highlighting her barrier-breaking role and the honor of working with her in recent years. Beyond acting, Alexander was also a talented photographer. She was married to director Richard A. Colla until his passing in 2021. Her passing is a significant loss for the entertainment industry and her many fans.

Keywords: Denise Alexander, Lesley Webber, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, soap opera, actress, death, obituary, Daytime Emmy, Frank Valentini, television, radio, Crime in the Streets, The Clear Horizon, Richard A. Colla, passing, iconic role, entertainment industry

Full Story