Breaking News
Denise Alexander, ‘General Hospital’s’ Lesley Webber and ‘Days of our Lives’ Susan Martin, Dead at 85
Denise Alexander, one of the most beloved actresses to ever appear in the daytime soap opera genre, has passed away back at the age of 85. General Hospital fans know her best for her role as Dr. Lesley Webber, and Days of our Lives fans know her from her role as Susan Hunter Martin. While no cause of death has been given at this time, it should be noted that the Alexander passed away back on March 5th.
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital took to X on Friday and expressed: “I am so very sorry to hear of Denise Alexander’s passing. She broke barriers on-screen and off, portraying Dr. Lesley Webber – one of the first female doctors on Daytime Television – for nearly five decades. It meant so much to have her reprise her role in recent years and I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with her. On behalf of the entire General Hospital family, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends, and longtime fans. May she rest in peace.”
Before General Hospital, Denise got her acting start in numerous primetime series including, Father Knows Best, The Danny Thomas Show and The Twilight Zone. However, soaps were going to come calling in a big way after her first stint in 1960 on The Clear Horizon as Lois Adams.

Photo: NBC
Next, Denise was cast as Susan Martin on NBC’s Days of our Lives back in 1966 who would be the nemesis of Julie Olson played by Susan Seaforth Hayes. It was the character of Susan Martin who brought the character of Doug Williams (AKA Brent Douglass to Salem) played by the late Bill Hayes, to Salem and paid him to have an affair with Julie. In real life, Denise, Susan and Bill were very close.
Eventually, in a shocking move, Denise’s contract negotiations with DAYS stalled in 1973 and she left the show and went on to join the cast of General Hospital. When Alexander came to GH, it was a fledgling soap opera. Denise was tapped to be become part of daytime’s hottest triangle with Rick Webber (first played by Michael Gregory, then Chris Robinson), and Monica Bard (Patsy Rahn, followed by the late Leslie Charleson). In addition, in story, Lesley confessed to the murder of David Hamilton, a crime her daughter Laura (Genie Francis) had committed in an effort to save her from jail time.

Photo: JPI
In a 2020 interview with Soap Opera Digest, Alexander reminded viewers, “I always say this, and I hope Leslie Charleson does, too: The first time that General Hospital ever went to number one in our era, it was on the Lesley/Rick/Monica storyline. It wasn’t Luke (Anthony Geary( and Laura. They went farther than anyone dreamed possible, of course, but that was a big triangle back then.”
Alexander’s initial contract on GH from 1973 to 1984, when Lesley was killed off in a car accident that sent outrage reverberating through GH fans. It would take 12 years for GH to right the wrong, and in true soap fashion, Lesley actually survived the crash and returned in 1996. From then until 2009, Alexander appeared on the ABC soap. She later made several guest appearances in in 2013, 2017, 2019, and her final appearance in 2021. Throughout her time on GH, she earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Lead Actress in 1976.

Photo: ABC
During the 12-year hiatus from GH, Denise was cast on Another World in the role of Mary McKinnon, and would reunite with Chris Robinson who played Jason Frame. In one of her more recent projects, Alexander appeared in the 10-episode digital comedy, Pretty the Series.
Genie Francis, Alexander’s longtime on-screen daughter, told TV Insider on working with Denise, “I loved her. She loved me. I stole her good stuff. When I look at myself sometimes on television… I have been kind of taken aback because I realized I just did Denise… I was so young, she imprinted on me. And some of my style of acting was directly imprinted on me by Denise Alexander. And she was very, very good to me as I was growing up.”
Kin Shriner (Scott, GH), who in his early years was paired with Genie Francis as Scotty and Laura, took to X upon the news of Alexander’s passing and expressed, “I always walked on egg shells but Denise was a true pro , we had fun, RIP to Denise Alexander, what a time we had !!!!”
Denise is survived by her stepdaughter, Elizabeth Colla, from her marriage to Richard A. Colla, who passed on December 24, 2021, also at age of 85.
Now below, check out the video clips featuring the late Denise Alexander and Leslie Charleson from General Hospital’s 56th anniversary special in 2019. Followed by the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award tribute to Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes where Denise shares her memories of working with the iconic duo and more, which was produced by Michael Fairman.
Share your remembrances and condolences on the death of one of daytime’s all-stars, Denise Alexander via the comment section.
❤️ RIP Denise Alexander.
One of the greatest daytime characters. Her scenes with Monica were my favorite. #GH #GeneralHospital pic.twitter.com/37PF30KjKm https://t.co/7FJBfMPsWe
— (@IsntDaveOne) May 9, 2025
“I am so very sorry to hear of Denise Alexander’s passing. She broke barriers on-screen and off, portraying Dr. Lesley Webber – one of the first female doctors on Daytime Television – for nearly five decades. It meant so much to have her reprise her role in recent years and I am… pic.twitter.com/AqbOX9afiE
— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) May 10, 2025
Omgosh I loved her so much she was wonderful on every show she did she was just so beautiful and talented. Very sad news.
Sorry to hear of Denise’s passing. With all of Laura’s mentions of her mother the last few weeks, I thought we might be seeing Leslie show up in Port Charles soon, most likely for Monica’s funeral, whenever they get around to putting that on screen.
Now instead, it looks like we get another funeral, which they will no doubt have, now that Laura actually has 2 of her 3 chidren in town, along with the grandkids (and Nikolas could be one casting decision away from making it 3 for 3)
I doubt we’ll get a full funeral for Lesley as (sadly) there aren’t many of the vets around who interacted with her. However, Lesley’s health could be the explanation for Genie’s annual summer hiatus.
Regardless, RIP to a Daytime Dynamo and GH legend.
The set designers need to significantly revamp the Hospital Memorial section with two major additions and little space in the current format.
Thank you, Michael. I appreciate your having confirmed information on her passing before posting. Leslie was a talented actress, and she has been missed.
She was such a lovely lady and I really liked the character of Lesley. I loved her dynamic with Laura. I also loved her dynamic with the hospital staff. She was such a sweet character. May she rest in peace.
Sad news. I knew Denise was in poor health when she didn’t return as Susan on #Days for Doug’s funeral. May she rest in peace.
I am so profoundly sorry to get this news. Denise Alexander was an absolute treasure. I remember her noticing her during her career in episodic television. I vaguely remember her in the old Danny Thomas show. My clearest early really memory is her in the Twilight Zone episode, “Third from the Sun.” I was thrilled when she joined GH. I loved the Lesley/Rick/Monica/Alan stories. And I loved the Lesley and Laura relationship too. Thank you for the photo of Rick and Lesley, Aunt Ruby, Bobby, Luke, and Laura. That brings back so many memories. Denise was always so authentic in her performances. I loved her so much. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Thank you Ms. Alexander for sharing your tremendous talent with us. May you rest in peace.
This is such sad news… Denise Alexander was such a joy to watch. I do remember when she started at GH after having acted on DOOL, and it was huge news, even in the days when the main media format for soaps was print magazines.
During her entire daytime run, Alexander was mesmerizing, and I believe it was her witty personality that prompted the GH writers to give Lesley some humor, even amid all the dramatic storylines and compelling love stories. Her work with everyone (especially Genie Francis, Leslie Charleson, Michael Gregory, Chris Robinson, and Don Matheson) was compelling and enjoyable. She will be missed. May her memory be a blessing.
Denise and Genie had the best mother/daughter relationship in the history of soaps. And they were both the best criers! May she rest in peace.
Sorry to read this. She was great on GH back in the day of the Lesley/Rick/Monica triangle. Fortunately, many great clips are still available on youtube to re-watch those moments. Rest in Peace.
Watching Denise as Susan Martin shoot and kill her husband David after blaming him for their son’s death was absolutely riveting storytelling and acting and made me a life long soap fan. I followed her to GH (while maintaining my loyalty to Days) and I’ve been watching both ever since. Lesley, Rick & Laura were a wonderful family and the Luke & Laura storyline (1979-1982) was my all time favorite soap story and couple. RIP dear Ms Alexander.
Breaking News
‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.
Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.
While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100, A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman
HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM
Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.
There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC
A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN
In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”
Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”
So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.
Breaking News
‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.
The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.
On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI
THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.
Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.
The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.
As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.
Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.
So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Breaking News
ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.
The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.
The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC
In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”
A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS
The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.
Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear. The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.
It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.
So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.
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