Denise Alexander, beloved for her longtime role as Lesley Webber on General Hospital, has died at the age of 85. Alexander, who portrayed the mother of Genie Francis’ character Laura, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, according to Variety and Soap Opera Digest.
The Executive Producer, Frank Valentini, announced Alexander’s death on X.
“I am so very sorry to hear of Denise Alexander’s passing. 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 am honored to have had the opportunity to work with her. On behalf of the entire General Hospital family, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends, and longtime fans. May she rest in peace.”
Born on November 11, 1939 in New York City and raised on Long Island, Alexander began her entertainment career at the age of six, performing in radio dramas. By her teenage years, she had appeared in over 2,500 radio shows and 500 television segments. Her film debut came at age 14 in Crime in the Streets (1956), starring John Cassavetes
Alexander’s first significant television role was as Lois Adams on The Clear Horizon in 1960. She gained prominence as Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives from 1966 to 1973. In 1973, she joined General Hospital as Dr. Lesley Webber, a role that became central to the show’s success. Her character was involved in a notable love triangle with Rick Webber and Monica Quartermaine, contributing to the show’s rise in ratings. Alexander received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976 for her performance.
After leaving General Hospital in 1984 due to contract disputes, Alexander appeared on Another World as Mary McKinnon from 1986 to 1989. She returned to General Hospital in 1996, continuing in a recurring capacity until 2009, with guest appearances in 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2021.
Beyond acting, Alexander was an accomplished photographer and producer, collaborating with her late husband, director Richard A. Colla.
