In a heartbreaking announcement that has sent ripples through the entertainment world and the

devoted fandom of ABC’s General Hospital, beloved actress Denise Alexander, best known for her

iconic portrayal of Dr. Lesley Webber, passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 85. Her passing marks not only the loss of an extraordinary talent but also the end of a pivotal era in soap opera history. More than just a character, Lesley Webber embodied compassion, maternal strength, and unwavering integrity — traits that Denise Alexander delivered with masterful nuance for decades.

Denise’s departure from this world came quietly, without fanfare — a stark contrast to the dramatic world of Port Charles that she helped shape. Yet, that quiet exit has made her absence all the more poignant. Her death is not just the conclusion of a remarkable life and career; it’s the closing of a chapter in a story that spanned generations. The halls of General Hospital feel quieter, the narratives more hollow, and the emotional tapestry of the show now bears a painful void where Lesley once stood.

From her first appearance on General Hospital in the 1970s, Denise Alexander’s Lesley Webber became the emotional anchor of the Spencer family — and, by extension, of the entire show. Her unwavering presence through tragedy, betrayal, healing, and reconciliation made her not only a central figure in Laura Spencer’s life but also a beacon of strength for countless fans. For decades, viewers watched her embody the essence of what it means to be a mother, not only in blood but in spirit, nurturing not just Laura, but the soul of the show itself.

In the wake of her passing, Genie Francis, who has played Laura Collins for over four decades, broke her silence with deep emotion. “Denise was not just a co-star,” she shared. “She was my guiding light.” Genie credits much of her own artistic growth to Denise’s quiet mentorship — from her timing and subtle gestures to the way she brought humanity to even the most intense scenes. “I didn’t imitate her,” Genie said. “But when I watch my work, I see pieces of her in me — in every pause, every sigh, every smile.”

In many ways, Denise Alexander was the soul of General Hospital. She portrayed a woman who experienced profound grief, moral dilemmas, and passionate joy with the kind of emotional truth rarely seen on daytime television. Her character’s presence was woven into the biggest arcs of Port Charles — from Laura’s tragic kidnapping to the tumultuous saga of the Spencer family. Through it all, Lesley remained steady, warm, and unflinchingly devoted to her family.

Her influence extended far beyond the confines of Port Charles. Denise began her career on radio at age six and continued to build a formidable résumé across stage, television, and film throughout the 1950s and ’60s. However, it was her role as Lesley Webber that immortalized her in television history. She didn’t need sensational storylines or attention-grabbing antics; her power lay in authenticity. She could turn a look into a revelation, a whispered line into a monologue of meaning. Her strength as a performer rested in the quiet dignity and realism she brought to her roles.

And now, that presence is gone. With every scene that once featured Lesley — every echo of her voice, every glance of maternal reassurance — fans are left to grapple with an irreplaceable loss. Her absence is not simply the exit of a cast member; it is the departure of the show’s emotional compass. The character of Lesley Webber was, and remains, a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and enduring love. As modern characters navigate the ever-evolving drama of General Hospital, they do so in the long shadow of a woman who helped define what the show could be.

In recognition of the depth of this loss, Genie Francis is planning a special memorial tribute to Denise Alexander, scheduled for June 2025, with the blessing of the show’s producers. This tribute will serve not just as a remembrance of a treasured colleague but as an emotional reckoning for fans and cast alike. “This is not just a goodbye,” Genie stated. “It’s a celebration of a life that made all of ours richer.”

The upcoming memorial will take place on set, with current and past cast members expected to appear in a heartfelt homage. The tribute episode will feature retrospective footage, shared memories, and a fictional storyline that mirrors the real-life sorrow felt by the community — both within and beyond the screen. Producers promise that it will be one of the most emotionally charged and beautiful episodes in General Hospital’s long and storied history.

What makes Denise Alexander’s legacy so potent is the fact that she was not only a great actress — she was also a pioneer in reshaping how television portrayed women. Her Lesley Webber was not flawless, not impervious, and not always right. But she was real. She was fierce in her love, willing to fight for what was right, and unafraid to admit when she was wrong. That kind of layered female character, especially in daytime TV’s earlier days, was rare. Denise didn’t follow trends; she set them, simply by being truthful in every performance.

To fans, Denise Alexander was more than an actress; she was part of their own story. She was the face they came home to, the comfort in the storm of their own lives, the moral voice that echoed in their living rooms. She became the maternal figure to millions, shaping how generations understood love, grief, forgiveness, and healing.

As the cast and crew of General Hospital prepare for this summer’s tribute, and as fans continue to pour out their grief and gratitude on social media, one thing remains undeniable: Denise Alexander may be gone, but Lesley Webber lives on — in the hearts of fans, in the soul of Port Charles, and in the DNA of a show that owes so much of its emotional weight to the steady, graceful, and profoundly human performance she gave.

In the end, Denise’s final gift to the world is not just the memory of her work, but the reminder that true greatness lies in touching hearts, in telling stories that transcend the screen, and in leaving behind a legacy not just of fame, but of feeling.

Rest in peace, Denise Alexander. The heartbeat of General Hospital will always carry your rhythm.