Denise Alexander, the beloved soap opera actress who portrayed Dr. Lesley Webber on “General Hospital” for nearly five decades, died at the age of 85 on March 5, according to an announcement from the show’s executive producer. Her death, from natural causes, was only revealed recently.
Frank Valentini confirmed the news on Saturday through a heartfelt Instagram post honoring Alexander’s groundbreaking career and lasting legacy in daytime television.
Alexander began her acting career in the early 1950s, making her Broadway debut in “The Children’s Hour” and appearing as a guest star on classic television shows like “Father Knows Best,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “The Danny Kaye Show.” Her career took a pivotal turn in 1960 when she joined the cast of the CBS soap opera “The Clear Horizon”.
Alexander’s career in soap operas began well before her iconic “General Hospital” role. She first gained recognition playing Susan Hunter Martin on “Days of Our Lives” from 1966 to 1973, where she established herself as a formidable talent in the daytime drama world.
Her most enduring role came when she joined the cast of “General Hospital,” where she portrayed Dr. Lesley Williams (later Webber), a character who helped reshape how women in medicine were portrayed on television. Her final appearance on the long-running ABC soap opera aired in 2021, marking the end of a remarkable television journey that spanned parts of six decades.
Fellow soap opera veteran Susan Seaforth Hayes, known for her role as Julie Williams on “Days of Our Lives,” shared a touching tribute to her longtime friend on social media.
“Denise Alexander was a friend to treasure and an actress to applaud,” Hayes wrote alongside a photo of herself, her husband Billy Hayes, and Alexander. “She was well established on Days when I joined the cast as Julie #4 (a replacement for 4 previous actresses). She watched Billy and I fall madly in love and, being a romantic lady herself, cheered us on.”
Hayes reflected on the fond memories of her time in Salem and her remarkable success on “General Hospital,” noting the similarities in their journeys. She mentioned that they both started as child actors, were guided by strong mothers, and were raised as Christian Scientists during their early years. Hayes expressed deep gratitude for her friend’s wisdom, taste, humor, and kindness, saying that every moment they shared together was precious but never enough. She concluded by affirming that her love for her will endure forever.
The impact of Alexander’s passing was immediately felt throughout the soap opera community, with fans flooding social media with memories and condolences. Many noted how her character provided a strong female presence during eras when women professionals were still fighting for recognition in both television and real-world medicine.
Alexander’s character on “General Hospital” experienced numerous dramatic storylines over the decades, including the famous Laura and Luke storyline, where she played Laura’s mother. The character of Dr. Lesley Webber became a staple on the show, with Alexander bringing depth and authenticity to a role that evolved significantly over time.
Born in New York City, Alexander began her acting career as a child performer before transitioning to adult roles in television. Though soap operas became her professional home, she also made appearances in primetime television throughout her career.
The longevity of Alexander’s career speaks to both her talent and the deep connection she formed with audiences. In an industry known for rapid turnover, she maintained a presence that spanned generations of viewers, with some fans noting they grew up watching her character evolve from a young doctor to a respected medical veteran.
