General Hospital Actress Denise Alexander Dies Age 85

Denise Alexander, renowned for her role as Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital, passed away at age 85. Born in New York City in 1939, Alexander began acting as a child and built a prolific career in television, including early roles on shows like The Twilight Zone and Father Knows Best. She gained prominence as Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives starting in 1966, where her character evolved from a rebellious youth to a central figure, before moving to General Hospital in 1973 when the show created the role of Lesley Webber for her. Alexander earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976 and was credited with helping to save General Hospital during a critical period, with her character becoming integral to many key storylines alongside her TV daughter, Laura Webber. Though Lesley was killed off in 1984, the character was resurrected in 1996, and Alexander continued to appear on the show intermittently until 2021. Colleagues, including Genie Francis who played Laura, praised Alexander's mentorship and lasting influence on their acting careers.