Denise Alexander, a beloved actress best known for her long-running role on the daytime soap General Hospital, has died at the age of 85. She passed away peacefully at her home in Burbank, California, on March 5, though news of her death was only made public in May.
Alexander was best known for playing Dr. Lesley Webber on ABC’s General Hospital. She first appeared in the role in 1973 and played the part until 1984. Over the years, she made several returns to the show, with her most recent appearance in 2021. Her portrayal of Dr. Webber became one of the most memorable in soap opera history, helping the show gain massive popularity during its golden years.
Her passing was confirmed by General Hospital’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, who paid tribute to her legacy. He shared that Alexander left a lasting impact on daytime television and described her as a trailblazer both on-screen and behind the scenes. He also expressed deep condolences to her family, friends, and fans.
Born in 1939, Denise Alexander began her performing career as a child on radio programs. After moving with her family to Los Angeles, she continued acting in both radio and early television. Her transition to TV led to a notable role on Days of Our Lives in the 1960s, where she played Susan Hunter Martin. Interestingly, she initially declined the role to focus on her studies but later accepted it and stayed until 1973.
After a dispute over her contract with NBC, Alexander left Days of Our Lives and was soon cast in General Hospital by ABC. Her role as Dr. Lesley Webber became a central figure in the series. The character was part of a key storyline that significantly boosted the show’s ratings. For her work, Alexander earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976.
She left General Hospital in 1984 after another contract issue, and her character was written off the show—sparking outrage from fans, some of whom protested the decision. Over a decade later, the show brought her character back from the dead in a dramatic twist, and Alexander returned to General Hospital several times after that.
In addition to acting, Denise Alexander was also passionate about photography and pursued it alongside her entertainment career.
Her husband, Richard A. Colla, a film and television director, passed away in 2021. The couple had been married for many years.
Frank Valentini summed up her impact by stating, “She broke barriers on-screen and off, portraying one of the first female doctors on daytime TV for nearly five decades.” Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her colleagues and fans, and her contributions to television history remain unforgettable.
