Denise Alexander: Remembering The Iconic Soap Legend Who Defined Port Charles And Salem

The world of daytime television is mourning the loss of a true icon. Beloved actress Denise Alexander, a veteran of the soap opera genre for over six decades, passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 85. Her death marks the end of an era for millions of fans who grew up watching her portray the strong, complex, and iconic characters of Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital and Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives. This article serves as a tribute to her remarkable life, career, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind in Port Charles and Salem.

The news, which sent shockwaves through the soap community in early 2025, solidified her place as one of the most important figures in the history of American daytime drama. Alexander’s ability to bring depth and gravitas to her roles made her a foundational pillar for two of television’s longest-running series, influencing storylines and co-stars for generations. Her final appearance on General Hospital was in 2021, cementing her presence on the show across seven different decades.

A Life in the Limelight: Denise Alexander's Complete Biography

Denise Alexander's career was a testament to longevity and versatility, beginning in the Golden Age of television and spanning well into the modern era. Her professional journey started young, quickly establishing her as a talent to watch.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: Denise Alexander
• Born: November 11, 1939
• Died: March 5, 2025
• Age at Death: 85
• Birthplace: New York City, New York
• Spouse: Richard A. Colla (Director/Producer, married 1973, died 2021)
• Child: Elizabeth Colla (Daughter)
• Notable Roles: Dr. Lesley Webber (General Hospital), Susan Hunter Martin (Days of Our Lives), Lois Adams (The Clear Horizon).
• Debut Role: Film role in Crime in the Streets (1956) at age 17.
• Career Span: 1950s–2020s.

Alexander was not only an actress but also a producer, often collaborating with her late husband, Richard A. Colla, on various projects. Her commitment to her craft and her consistent presence on screen made her a household name, particularly among fans of the soap opera genre.

The General Hospital Legacy: Dr. Lesley Webber’s Unforgettable Moments

While Alexander had a significant run on Days of Our Lives, her role as Dr. Lesley Webber on General Hospital is arguably her most iconic and enduring. She first took on the role in 1973, and Lesley quickly became a central figure in Port Charles, known for her medical prowess and dramatic personal life.

Lesley Webber was a character woven into the very fabric of General Hospital's history. Her storylines provided some of the show's most dramatic and groundbreaking moments, captivating audiences for decades. Her character was the mother of the legendary Laura Spencer, tying her directly to the famous supercouple Luke and Laura.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The David Hamilton Murder and Resurrection

One of the most famous storylines involving Lesley Webber centered on the murder of her husband, David Hamilton. In a shocking twist, Lesley confessed to the murder, leading to a dramatic trial and imprisonment. The storyline was a major event in the soap world. Even more dramatic was the later revelation that David Hamilton was not actually dead, a classic soap opera twist that allowed the character to return and Lesley to be exonerated. This storyline is frequently cited as one of Alexander’s best performances.

The Webber Family Dynasty

Lesley's relationship with Dr. Rick Webber was another cornerstone of the show. Their love story, filled with trials and tribulations, established the Webber family as one of the core dynasties of Port Charles. Through her character, Alexander anchored major narratives involving her daughter, Laura Spencer, and her relationship with her other daughter, Lulu Spencer, ensuring her character remained relevant even during recurring appearances in the 2010s and 2020s. Her presence was crucial for providing historical context and emotional weight for newer generations of characters.

Before Port Charles: Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives

Before becoming the celebrated Dr. Webber, Denise Alexander was a major star on NBC's Days of Our Lives. From 1966 to 1973, she portrayed Susan Hunter Martin, a character who was one of the show's early breakout stars.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Susan Hunter was introduced as a friend of Julie Olson, and her own dramatic life quickly took center stage. Key storylines for Susan included her marriage to David Martin, the death of her son, Dickie Martin, and a dramatic plot where she murdered her husband, David, before leaving Salem. This pivotal role demonstrated Alexander's talent for high drama and set the stage for her move to General Hospital, where she would spend the rest of her career. Her seven-year run on Days of Our Lives established her as a major force in the daytime genre, a foundation that is often overlooked in light of her later, longer role.

The transition from Susan Martin to Dr. Lesley Webber showed Alexander's range, moving from a character embroiled in a murder plot to a respected, though equally dramatic, medical professional. This dual success solidified her status as a daytime television legend, with a career touching multiple iconic characters and co-stars, including Bill Hayes and Anthony Geary.

An Enduring Impact on Daytime Television

Denise Alexander’s passing in 2025 is a moment for fans to reflect on the immense contribution she made to the world of soap operas. Her characters were often the emotional core of their respective shows, tackling complex social issues and high-stakes drama with equal conviction. She was a master of the dramatic close-up, conveying decades of history and emotion with a single look.

Her work provided a blueprint for future generations of soap opera actresses, demonstrating how to maintain a character's integrity through decades of outrageous plot twists. The outpouring of tributes from former co-stars and the production teams of General Hospital and Days of Our Lives highlight the respect and love she earned throughout her long and illustrious career. Her legacy as Dr. Lesley Webber—the doctor, the mother, the survivor—will continue to influence the show and its fans for years to come.