Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 11, 1939, in New York City, Denise Alexander was immersed in the entertainment world from a young age. Her father, Alec Alexander, was a talent agent representing notable figures like Frank Gorshin and Sal Mineo. After moving to Los Angeles, Denise began her career in radio and television, amassing over 5,000 radio appearances and 500 television credits by her junior year at UCLA.
Rise to Fame in Soap Operas
In 1966, Alexander joined NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” as Susan Martin, a role that brought her significant recognition. Her on-screen chemistry with co-star Richard Colla blossomed into a real-life romance, leading to their marriage. In 1973, she made a bold move to ABC’s “General Hospital,” portraying Dr. Lesley Webber, one of daytime television’s first female doctors. Her performance earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976.
Legacy and Final Years
Alexander’s portrayal of Dr. Lesley Webber spanned nearly five decades, with intermittent appearances on “General Hospital” until 2021. Her character’s storylines, including a dramatic car crash and miraculous return, captivated audiences. Beyond acting, she was also a photographer and producer, collaborating with her husband until his passing in 2021.
Passing and Tributes
Denise Alexander passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 85. The news was made public two months later, on May 9. “General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini paid tribute, stating, “She broke barriers on-screen and off, portraying Dr. Lesley Webber – one of the first female doctors on Daytime Television – for nearly five decades.”
Fans and colleagues expressed their condolences, remembering her as an integral part of the show’s history. Actress Susan Seaforth Hayes shared, “Denise Alexander was a friend to treasure and an actress to applaud.”
