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
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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