Veteran ‘General Hospital’ Star Was 85

It is with great sadness that we share the news of soap opera veteran Denise Alexander’s passing on March 5. Best known for her iconic roles as Lesley Webber on “General Hospital” and Susan Hunter Martin on “Days of Our Lives,” Alexander’s death has only recently been revealed.

Executive producer Frank Valentini expressed his condolences, stating, “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.”

Alexander’s acting career began in the early 1950s with appearances on Broadway and various television shows. In 1960, she joined the cast of the CBS soap opera “The Clear Horizon,” paving the way for her future in daytime television.

Transitioning to ABC, Alexander landed a role on the soap pilot “Emergency Hospital,” which later evolved into “General Hospital.” However, it was her portrayal of Susan Martin on “Days of Our Lives” that solidified her status as a soap opera star for seven years.

Joining the cast of “General Hospital” in the 1970s, Alexander’s character, Lesley Webber, became embroiled in dramatic storylines, including a love triangle and a murder confession. Her exceptional performance earned her an Emmy nomination for outstanding actress in a Daytime drama series.

Despite Lesley’s supposed death in a car accident, Alexander’s character was later revealed to be alive, much to the delight of fans. Over the years, Alexander made appearances on various soap operas, including a return to “General Hospital” in 2021.