Soap Opera Star Denise Alexander Dies at 85: Remembering the Iconic Actress of ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Days of Our Lives’

In a heartfelt farewell to a television legend, Denise Alexander, the cherished actress best known for her trailblazing roles in General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 85. Her passing marks the end of an era for millions of soap opera fans who grew up watching her powerful performances on daytime television. Denise Alexander wasn’t just a character on the screen, she was a cornerstone of American TV drama, paving the way for women in the entertainment industry.

Denise Alexander was born on November 11, 1939, in New York City. She entered the entertainment world at the tender age of six, starting with radio dramas before transitioning to television and film. Her early start in the industry gave her a unique edge, by the time she made her big-screen debut in Crime in the Streets (1956), she already had a decade of experience.

While many young stars fade with time, Alexander’s passion and talent propelled her forward. In the 1960s, she began gaining traction in television, eventually landing one of the most pivotal roles of her career on Days of Our Lives.

In 1966, Denise Alexander joined NBC’s Days of Our Lives as Susan Hunter Martin. Her nuanced portrayal of a complex woman navigating love, loss, and family drama won her widespread acclaim. For seven years, she became a daily fixture in households across America, helping solidify the show's place in daytime television history.

Alexander’s most iconic role came in 1973 when she began portraying Dr. Lesley Webber on ABC’s General Hospital. As one of the first female doctors on daytime TV, Dr. Webber was a groundbreaking character. Alexander brought depth and humanity to the role, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

She remained with General Hospital off and on for over four decades, with appearances as recent as 2021. Her dedication to the character and show earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976 and the eternal admiration of fans.

News of Denise Alexander’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and co-stars. Genie Francis, who played her daughter Laura Spencer (Luke & Laura) on General Hospital, told TV Insider, “I loved her. She loved me. I stole her good stuff. When I look at myself sometimes on television, which I don’t do often because I don’t really like to watch myself, but I have seen myself do stuff and been kind of taken aback because I realized I just did Denise.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones. 

Have a favorite Denise Alexander moment or memory? Share your thoughts and tributes in the comments below.