She was a trailblazer both on and off screen, best known for her iconic role as Dr. Lesley Webber — one of the first female doctors on daytime television.
Now, soap opera legend Denise Alexander, beloved star of General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, has passed away.
Soap opera legend Denise Alexander, best known for playing Laura’s mother Lesley on General Hospital, has died at 85, according to Soap Opera Digest.
Alexander’s rise to fame began in 1966 when she joined NBC’s Days of…
Alexander passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 85, though the news wasn’t made public until two months later, on May 9. The announcement came from General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
”I am so very sorry to hear of Denise Alexander’s passing,” Valentini wrote. ”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 honoured 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 long time fans. May she rest in peace.”
His message was shared alongside a carousel of photos celebrating Alexander’s life and career, showing her both on set and behind the scenes.
A tough time for the whole cast
Fans quickly expressed their condolences following the news of Denise Alexander’s passing.
”She was truly such an integral part of the wonder years of GH!,” one fan shared.
”I feel terrible for the entire cast of General Hospital. It’s been a very rough 2 years for them, losing so many beloved actors & actresses. Whatever their age group, this must be very difficult to deal with. Jaclyn Zeman, Leslie Charleson & now Denise Alexander, these extraordinary 3 actresses spent so many years entertaining us in the afternoon. I thank the 3 of them for their dedication to their craft & to the loyal fans. They are & will be forever er missed,” another fan said.
Days of Our Lives star Susan Seaforth Hayes also took to social media to honor her dear friend.
”Denise Alexander was a friend to treasure and an actress to applaud. She was well established on Days when I joined the cast as Julie #4 (a replacement for four previous actresses). She watched Billy and I fall madly in love and, being a romantic lady herself, cheered us on,” she wrote, sharing a photo with herself, her husband Billy Hayes, and Alexander.
”Such happy memories of her years in Salem and her great success on General Hospital. We both began as child actors, both had strong mothers, and both were raised as Christian Scientists in our early years. I was grateful for her wisdom, taste, humour, and goodness every time I saw her. It was never enough. And my love for her will never be over.”
With nearly five decades in the industry, Denise Alexander touched the lives of countless viewers and made an indelible mark on daytime television.
Her work, both on-screen and off, was defined by talent, grace, and a commitment to her craft. As her family, friends, and fans mourn her loss, her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who admired her as a ground breaking actress and a beloved figure in the soap opera world. Rest in peace!
