Denise Alexander, General Hospital Star, Dies at 85
3 minute readPublished: Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 4:23 am
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General Hospital Star Denise Alexander Dies at 85: Remembering Lesley Webber
Beloved actress Denise Alexander, best known for her iconic role as Dr. Lesley Webber on the long-running soap opera *General Hospital*, has passed away at the age of 85. The news, confirmed by *Variety* and *Soap Opera Digest*, was announced by *General Hospital* showrunner Frank Valentini on May 9th via X. Alexander, who broke barriers as one of the first female doctors on daytime television, portrayed Lesley Webber for nearly five decades, becoming a cornerstone of the show's history.
Born in New York City in 1939, Alexander began her acting career at the age of six, appearing in radio, television, and theater. Her career spanned decades, including roles in *Days of Our Lives* and *Another World*. However, it was her portrayal of Lesley Webber on *General Hospital* that cemented her legacy. She joined the show in 1973, and her character quickly became a fan favorite, involved in memorable storylines, including a popular love triangle. Alexander's performance earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976.
Alexander's impact on *General Hospital* was undeniable. Her character's popularity helped propel the show to the top of the ratings. She returned to the show multiple times, including for its 50th and 59th anniversaries, and as recently as 2021, solidifying her enduring connection with the series and its devoted fanbase. Beyond acting, Alexander was also an accomplished photographer. She was married to director and producer Richard A. Colla, who died in 2021.
Her passing marks the end of an era for *General Hospital* fans, who will forever cherish her portrayal of the groundbreaking Dr. Lesley Webber.
Keywords: Denise Alexander, General Hospital, Lesley Webber, actress, soap opera, Days of Our Lives, Another World, Daytime Emmy, Genie Francis, Laura, Frank Valentini, obituary, death, passed away, ABC, television, entertainment, news