Denise Alexander died earlier this year, and it serves as another blow to the General Hospital family.
She played Lesley Webber on the hit ABC soap opera on and off for 50 years.
Her initial run on the show began in 1973 and ended in 1984 when the writers had her die off-screen in a car accident.
Lesley returned to Port Charles in 1996 and stayed through 2009. She returned for a few one-off appearances, the last being in 2021.
She was a massive part of the show as Laura’s (Genie Francis) mother. Laura named her daughter Lesley Lu (Lulu) after her.
The loss of Denise has been felt throughout the daytime world.
Denise Alexander dead at 85
Despite Denise Alexander dying on March 5, the news of her passing was only recently made public.
The actress passed away in Colorado at the home of her nephew. Her husband passed years prior, and she never welcomed children. Denise was stepmother to her husband, Richard A. Colla’s children.
Her tenure on General Hospital has viewers remembering her fondly. Ironically, she got her start in daytime on Days of our Lives, and the ABC soap swept in and scooped her up when her contract with the NBC expired.
Kin Shriner (Scott) remembered his costars on X and shared a lovely photo of the two.
General Hospital continues to deal with actor deaths
In what’s been a seemingly devastating circle of death after death, Denise Alexander adds to the list of General Hospital actors who have passed away in a few short years.
Sonya Eddy (Ephiphany), Billy Miller (Drew), Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie), and Leslie Charleson (Monica Quatermaine) are some of the recent deaths.
The cast of General Hospital has spoken out about the losses, and the show paid tribute to Epiphany and Bobbie already. There is something in the works for Monica, though an actual date has yet to be confirmed.
There will likely be something for Lesley, too. It’s a shame Denise didn’t return to see Lulu (Alexa Havins) wake up and return to her life after four years in a coma. Lesley and Laura have both experienced similar storylines, though they were catatonic.
Denise will be missed and remembered for her fabulous on-screen presence, especially as Laura’s mother. The bond between the two women was unique and was visible to viewers.
We hope she has reunited with Leslie Charleson and that the two are chatting about the current storylines and the absurdity of some of them.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC.
