Beloved soap opera veteran Denise Alexander, best known for her unforgettable roles on General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, passed away on March 5th, 2025. She was 85 years old.
Daytime Icon Denise Alexander Passes Away at 85
Born on November 13, 1939, in New York City and raised on Long Island, Alexander’s acting career began at a young age. She appeared as Perry Como’s daughter in Perry Como’s Chesterfield Supper Club in 1949 and went on to feature in a range of prime-time series throughout the 1950s and ’60s. Her television credits included Father Knows Best, The Danny Thomas Show, and the iconic The Twilight Zone. She also shared the screen with John Cassavetes in her film debut, Crime in the Streets.
In 1960, while attending UCLA, Alexander stepped into the world of daytime drama, originating the role of Dr. Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives. Her talent quickly gained recognition, and she became a fan favorite in Salem.
In 1973, amid contract negotiations with Days, ABC made a compelling offer that led Alexander to take on what would become the most defining role of her career—Dr. Lesley Williams on General Hospital. Though she cherished her time on Days, the move to Port Charles proved to be pivotal. Her work as Lesley earned her a Daytime Emmy Award in 1975, and she became one of the show’s central figures during a golden era for the soap.
After a contract dispute in 1984, Alexander exited GH, and her character was presumed dead. But in true soap fashion, Lesley Williams was resurrected in 1996, marking a triumphant return for Alexander that thrilled longtime fans. She remained on a recurring basis until 2009, later returning for GH's 50th anniversary in 2013, and made additional appearances in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
Denise Alexander’s legacy is woven into the fabric of daytime television. She was a gifted actress whose performances spanned generations, touching the hearts of fans with her warmth, strength, and emotional depth.
As the soap world mourns her loss, we also celebrate her extraordinary life and career—a true pioneer of the genre.
Rest in peace, Denise Alexander. Your legacy lives on in Port Charles, Salem, and the hearts of viewers everywhere.
