Soap Opera Legend Denise Alexander Dies at 85: A Heartfelt Farewell to the Trailblazing Star of General Hospital
The world of daytime television is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished icons. Denise Alexander, best known for her portrayal of Dr. Leslie Webber on General Hospital, passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 85. Her death has left a profound emotional and professional void in the soap opera community, as fans and co-stars alike reflect on the legacy of a woman who helped shape the face of daytime drama for nearly five decades.
A Pioneer in Daytime Television
Denise Alexander joined General Hospital in 1973, taking on the groundbreaking role of Dr. Leslie Webber — one of the first female doctors in daytime TV history. At a time when most women on soap operas were portrayed as love interests or supporting characters, Alexander’s Dr. Webber was a bold, compassionate, and fiercely independent professional. Her nuanced performance earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976 and helped redefine the role of women in daytime storytelling.
Throughout her time on the show, Dr. Webber’s journey was one of resilience, emotional depth, and strength. She became a role model to countless viewers, juggling medical crises, personal heartbreaks, and moral dilemmas with intelligence and grace.
Beyond Port Charles: A Versatile Star
While General Hospital was her home, Alexander’s career extended across the soap opera landscape. She also captivated audiences as Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most versatile and beloved actresses in the genre. Her talent and professionalism earned her admiration across generations of actors and fans.
A Final Farewell Filled with Love and Remembrance
Denise’s funeral, held in early March 2025, brought together the extended General Hospital family, fellow actors from Days of Our Lives, and legions of devoted fans. The service, held at a local church in Port Charles — the show’s fictional setting — was both symbolic and emotional, honoring a character and an actress who had become inseparable in the minds of viewers.
Friends and colleagues shared stories of Denise’s warmth, wit, and humility. Despite her extraordinary career, she remained approachable and kind, often mentoring younger cast members and inspiring them through her unwavering dedication to the craft.
Heartfelt Tributes from Co-stars
The funeral was marked by moving tributes. Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) described Denise as a “beacon of grace and strength.” Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) praised her as a “pillar of professionalism” who set a lasting example for the entire cast. Several actors from Days of Our Lives also spoke, testifying to her impact across multiple shows and networks.
A Legacy That Transcends Generations
Denise Alexander’s contribution to television goes far beyond her screen time. She helped carve out space for strong, intelligent, and complex female characters in a medium that had long relegated women to the sidelines. Her portrayal of Dr. Webber wasn’t just compelling — it was transformative.
Today, her influence lives on in the characters she inspired, the stories she helped tell, and the hearts she touched. As General Hospital fans continue to mourn her passing, they also celebrate the incredible journey of a woman who changed the game for women in soap operas.
Denise Alexander’s legacy will endure — not only in reruns and retrospectives but in the very DNA of modern daytime drama. She was a trailblazer, a role model, and a beloved figure whose contributions will echo through the halls of General Hospital and the annals of television history forever.
