Introduction:
Denise Alexander, the beloved soap opera actress best known for her iconic roles as Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital and Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 85. Her death on March 5, 2025, was met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and fans who admired her work and admired her contribution to daytime television.
A Trailblazing Career:
Denise Alexander made her acting debut in the 1950s, landing a role in Broadway’s The Children’s Hour. She went on to build a successful career with several guest-starring roles, with her breakthrough coming in 1964 when she was cast as Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives. However, it was her role as Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital, which she joined in 1973, that made her a household name. Alexander was one of the first female doctors to be portrayed on daytime television, breaking barriers and becoming a fan favorite for nearly five decades.
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Her portrayal of Dr. Webber earned her the affection of viewers, and she remained an integral part of the General Hospital family for many years, even returning to reprise her role in recent years. Executive Producer Frank Valentini paid tribute to her, saying, “She broke barriers on-screen and off… It meant so much to have her reprise her role in recent years. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with her.”
Legacy of Friendship and Admiration:
The news of Alexander’s passing sparked an outpouring of tributes from her fellow colleagues. Genie Francis, who played Alexander’s TV daughter on General Hospital, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, posting a photo of the two together with the message, “Thank you mama, for so much more than u know. #GH.”
Susan Seaforth Hayes, who worked with Alexander on Days of Our Lives, praised her as “a friend to treasure and an actress to applaud,” reminiscing about their shared history. “Such happy memories of her years in Salem and her great success on General Hospital,” Hayes wrote. “I was grateful for her wisdom, taste, humor, and goodness every time I saw her.”
General Hospital cast/ ABC
Personal Life and Final Years:
Denise Alexander was born in New York City in 1939. She was married to director and producer Richard A. Colla, and she is survived by her stepdaughter, Elizabeth Colla. Her legacy extends beyond her acting career, as she was known for her warmth, kindness, and deep professionalism.
Conclusion:
Denise Alexander’s impact on the world of daytime television is immeasurable. As one of the first female doctors on TV, she paved the way for many others in the industry. Her portrayal of Lesley Webber on General Hospital and her time on Days of Our Lives left a lasting impression on generations of viewers. She will be remembered not only for her talent but also for her character and the love she shared with her colleagues and fans.
Denise Alexander, Susan Seaforth Hayes in “Days of Our Lives” in 1971/ NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
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