Introduction to Denise Alexander
Denise Alexander, a veteran of the soap opera, is best known for her roles as Lesley Webber on "General Hospital" and Susan Hunter Martin. Unfortunately, her death was recently announced, and the news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
A Career Spanning Decades
Alexander’s acting career dates back to the early 1950s, when she made her Broadway debut in "The Children’s Hour." She also guest-starred in classic TV shows such as "Father Knows Best," "The Twilight Zone," and "The Danny Kaye Show." Her career trajectory changed in 1960 when she joined the cast of "The Clear Horizon."
Breaking into Soap Operas
In 1966, Alexander landed a role on "Days of our Lives" as Susan Martin, where she spent the next seven years. When she left the show in 1973, fans were not happy. She then joined the cast of "General Hospital" as Lesley Webber, a character that would become a cornerstone of the show.
Lesley Webber: A Legendary Character
Lesley Webber was part of one of the hottest love triangles in daytime TV, alongside Rick Webber (played by Chris Robinson) and Monica Bard (played by the late Leslie Charleson). Her character was also embroiled in a murder mystery, accused of killing David Hamilton, a crime that her daughter Laura (Genie Francis) would later be suspected of committing. Alexander’s performance earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
A Soap Opera Legacy
When Lesley was supposedly killed in a car accident, fans were outraged. However, in true soap fashion, she was revealed to be alive 12 years later in 1996. Alexander also appeared in NBC’s "Another World" between her stints on "General Hospital" and worked alongside her former "GH" co-star Chris Robinson. Her last appearance on "General Hospital" was in 2021.
Tributes and Memories
The news of Alexander’s passing has been met with sadness from the entertainment industry. Frank Valentini, executive producer of "General Hospital," paid tribute to her, saying, "I am very sorry to hear of Denise Alexander’s passing. She broke barriers on screen and from the day she started on television, it meant so much to have her reprise her role in recent years, and it was an honor for me to have had the opportunity to work with her." Valentini extended his sympathies to Alexander’s family, friends, and long-time fans, saying, "May she rest in peace."
