Denise Alexander, Beloved Star of General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, Dies at 85

Fans of classic daytime TV are mourning the loss of Denise Alexander, one of the most beloved soap opera actresses of her time. Best known for her unforgettable roles as Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives and Lesley Webber on General Hospital, Alexander passed away at the age of 85. Her graceful presence, emotional range, and dedication to storytelling left a permanent mark on daytime television.

Who Was Denise Alexander?

Born in New York City, Denise Alexander began her journey into acting as a child. She lent her voice to early radio programs like I Remember Mama and Perry Mason. Her career quickly blossomed, and by 14, she was already acting alongside stars like Sal Mineo in the film Crime in the Streets.

Her Broadway debut came in 1952 with The Children’s Hour, and by the mid-1960s, she had become a familiar face in primetime television, making guest appearances on shows like Father Knows Best, The Twilight Zone, and The Danny Kaye Show.

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How Did She Rise to Fame on Days of Our Lives?

Alexander’s soap opera breakthrough happened in 1966 when she joined Days of Our Lives as Susan Martin. What was originally supposed to be a short summer role turned into a seven-and-a-half-year run, filled with dramatic highs and unforgettable storylines. Rape, murder, loss, love, and mental health — Susan’s journey gave Alexander a platform to explore emotionally complex material, and she embraced it fully.

She worked under the pen of legendary head writer Bill Bell and became close with her castmates. During her time on DAYS, she also met her future husband, Richard Colla, who was cast as Tony Merritt. They would go on to share a 40-year marriage before his passing in 2021.

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What Made Her Role on General Hospital So Iconic?

In 1973, Denise made a shocking leap to General Hospital, leaving DAYS for the opportunity to portray Dr. Lesley Webber. Her decision was headline news, but it turned out to be a defining moment in her career. Lesley’s dramatic love triangle with Rick and Monica, and the deeply emotional trial involving her daughter Laura, helped catapult GH to the top of the ratings.

Soap historian Christopher Schemering once wrote that her storylines were just as important as the Luke and Laura romance in making General Hospital a cultural phenomenon. And fans agreed. When Lesley was written off in 1984, it caused such a backlash that her departure was even covered by The New York Times.

Why Did She Leave GH — and What Brought Her Back?

After decades of working nonstop, Alexander made the personal choice to step away from the industry in the mid-1980s to focus on life outside of television. She told Soap Opera Digest that she had spent so long being Lesley that she forgot who she was without the role. She wanted to build a home and spend time with her husband.

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Still, her connection to the character never faded. In 1996, she made a dramatic return to GH when it was revealed that Lesley was, in fact, alive. Fans were overjoyed, and Alexander would go on to appear on the show through 2009 and then again in 2013 for GH’s 50th anniversary.

Her final appearances came in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Speaking about her returns, Alexander said, “It feels like home. I was a very happy camper.”

How Will Fans Remember Denise Alexander?

Denise Alexander wasn’t just a soap star — she was part of the family for millions of fans who grew up watching her portray strong, sensitive, and intelligent women. Her performances brought people to tears, gave them hope, and made them believe in the power of love and redemption.

She created characters that felt real and grounded, even in the over-the-top world of daytime drama. She was passionate about her work, respected by her peers, and adored by fans who never forgot her impact.

In her own words, spoken during her return to GH:
“These are people I love, work I love doing, a setting that I know with every centimeter of my body. I am comfortable and happy and rejoicing in the midst of all of that.”