Actor Denise Alexander, prominent in the television series 'General Hospital', died at the age of 85
Denise Alexander, Soap Opera Legend, Dies at 85
General Hospital star Denise Alexander, best recognized for her role as Lesley Webber, has departed us at the age of 87.
The acclaimed actress, who shared the screen with Genie Francis as her on-screen daughter Laura, left us earlier this week.
Multiple media outlets, such as Soap Opera Digest and Variety, confirmed her passing on Wednesday, March 5.
In the digital realm, General Hospital showrunner Frank Valentini made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter).
"I'm devastated to learn about Denise Alexander's passing. She shattered barriers on-screen, playing groundbreaking characters like Dr. Lesley Webber – one of the first female doctors on Daytime Television – for almost five decades," he lamented.
Valentini reminisced in a second tweet, "Bringing her back to reprise her role in recent years was an honor. My thoughts and condolences go out to her family, friends, and fans."
"The entire General Hospital family extends our heartfelt sympathies," he concluded.
Alexander's performance as Lesley received considerable acclaim, earning her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976.
Noteworthy, despite a contract dispute, she stayed with the show until 1984. The series controversially murdered her character, sparking a demonstration by 75 fans at the studio, as reported by The New York Times.
Later, she reprised her role in 1996, after Lesley had been resurrected.
Beyond General Hospital, Alexander left an indelible mark on other soap operas like Days of Our Lives and Another World.
In Days of Our Lives, Alexander portrayed Susan Martin from 1966 to 1973. Her character faced significant plotlines, including the demise of her son and eventually murdering her spouse, David. After her departure in 1973, Bennye Gatteys took over the role[1][2].
Alexander also starred in The Clear Horizon (1960-1962), playing Lois Adams, a younger teenager who navigated life and relationships. This early soap opera unfortunately met its end in 1962[2].
In the mid-1990s, Alexander played a role in Sunset Beach, adding another notch to her impressive soap opera resume[2].
Apart from soap operas, Alexander delved into radio dramas, and film, working alongside John Cassavetes in Crime in the Streets (1956)[1][2]. Her talent spanned many genres and platforms, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
[1] Soap Central, Denise Alexander Biography[2] IMDb, Denise Alexander[Accessed on March 11, 2023]
- In the wake of Denise Alexander's passing, the world of entertainment, particularly the realm of soap operas and celebrities, mourns the loss of a trailblazer who shattered barriers and left an indelible mark.
- As we remember Denise Alexander, it's worth noting her significant contributions not only to General Hospital, but also to other soap operas like Days of Our Lives and Another World.
- Denise Alexander's career extended beyond the world of soap operas, reaching into radio dramas and film, where she worked with renowned figures like John Cassavetes in Crime in the Streets.
