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
‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ Actress Bree Williamson Mourns the Loss of Husband Michael John Roberts
In heartbreaking news, Bree Williamson (ex-Jessica Buchanan, One Life to Live, ex- Claudette Beaulieu, General Hospital) is mourning the loss of her husband Michael John Roberts who passed away after his battle with glioblastoma om Wednesday, November 11 and at just 48-years-old.
The Hollywood Reporter initially reported Roberts death sharing he died after a brief battle and was surrounded by loved ones and died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles.
Michael was a well-known animator and director behind Comedy Central’s Trip Tank and Netflix’s BoJack Horseman among others.. He also created the YouTube Red series Dallas & Robo, starring John Cena and Kat Dennings.
Taking to her Instagram following the news of Michael’s passing, Bree Williamson expressed, “Thank you to everyone that has reached out. We are heartbroken and taking some time.” Bree and Michael share a son McGreggor, who is 16-years-old.
Photo: JPI
OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FROM ONE LIFE TO LIVE CO-STARS
Williamson received an outpouring of love and support from many of her One Life to Live co-stars below:
Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers): “Michael Roberts. Words are clumsy. I watched the ways he was kind, and I admired him. I love him and his family, individually and collectively. He was so many things. He did so much. There would have been more.”
Michael Easton (ex-John McBain): “Michael was a beautiful spirit and he lives on in our hearts. Our thoughts are with you and Mac and your family.”
Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr Manning): “Beyond tragic, He was so kind, I only remember him with that exact smile every time I saw him. I remember when we met him & just knew you found the best partner. So deeply sorry Bree. We love you so much.”
Eddie Alderson (ex-Matthew Buchanan), “Sending you infinite amounts of love. He was so fantastic. He’ll be very missed by all who knew him.”
Others who sent messages included: Laura Wright (Carly, GH) and Finola Hughes (Anna, GH) and Martha Madison (Belle, DAYS).
MICHAEL JOHN ROBERTS INCREDIBLE TALENT REMEMBERED
The family shared a statement via an obituary that read, in part, on the gifted artist that Michael was and his remarkable gifts:
“Michael saw the world a little differently. A gifted artist with an extraordinary talent, he could find something worth exploring in what others might overlook. His creativity was not limited to what he put on paper; it shaped the way he thought, questioned, and understood the world around him.”
FAMILY STATEMENT ON THE LOVE MICHAEL HAD FOR BREE AND MCGREGGOR
The obituary also spoke on Michael’s family, love of Bree and their son McGreggor:
“Above all, Michael cherished the family he had built. His wife, Bree (Williamson), was his beloved partner, and the person he was so proud to have beside him. He treasured their shared journey, their everyday moments, and the simple privilege of walking through the world together. His son, McGreggor, was a source of immense pride. Michael wanted nothing but the best for him, and saw in the young man he was becoming, possibilities greater than he could ever have imagined for himself. He was already deeply proud of the life his son was building, and eager for all that lay ahead of him.”
It concluded with, “Although his illness came suddenly and the time that followed was heartbreakingly short, it cannot define the man he was. His life is better remembered through what he created, the conversations he inspired, the friendships he nurtured, and the love he gave so freely to those closest to him.”
Michael is survived by Bree, their teenage son, McGreggor; sister, Jane; niece, Gwen and nephew, Vaughan. He was also close with his cousin Hrothgar, whom he saw as a brother, and his wife, Emily, and their children, Evie and Lili.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bree Williamson and McGreggor at this time on such a devastating loss of such an exceptionally talented man and beloved husband and father. Share your thoughts for Bree on the loss of Michael John Roberts in the comment section below.
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Tamara Tunie On Bittersweet Emmy Win Without Scott Bryce: ‘I Only Wish He Had Been Here a Little Longer to Share This With Me’
‘The Bachelor’ Names NFL Quarterback Sam Hartman as Lead for Season 30
‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ Actress Bree Williamson Mourns the Loss of Husband Michael John Roberts
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‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
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‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
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News4 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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