SAD NEWS! Denise Alexander ‘General Hospital’ Icon, Dead at 85 — Cause of Death and Final Words Revealed

Denise Alexander, General Hospital Icon, Dead at 85: Cause of Death and Final Words Revealed

May 13, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA

The world of daytime television has lost one of its brightest stars. Denise Alexander, the beloved actress best known for her portrayal of Dr. Leslie Webber on General Hospital, passed away on May 13, 2025, at the age of 85. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news, citing complications from congestive heart failure as the cause of death.

In a touching statement, her family shared her final words: “Tell them I’ll always be watching… with love.” With that, Alexander gave one last message to the millions who grew up with her, loved her, and found comfort in her strength and warmth.

Her death marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in television history—one defined by boundary-breaking performances, emotional depth, and a grace that left an indelible mark on generations of fans and colleagues alike.

A 70-Year Legacy: From Child Prodigy to Soap Legend

Born November 11, 1939, in New York City, Denise Alexander seemed destined for the spotlight. Raised in a creatively vibrant household—her father was a television and radio producer—she took to performing early. By age six, she was voicing characters on radio. By ten, she was already appearing on television, making her debut on The Ford Theater Hour in 1949.

Throughout the 1950s and 60s, she became a familiar face on some of TV’s most iconic shows, including The Twilight Zone, The Rifleman, My Three Sons, and Father Knows Best. Her innate versatility allowed her to embody a range of characters, from innocent daughters to complex young women grappling with real-world problems.

But it was in the world of daytime television where Alexander would cement her legacy.

Breaking Ground on Daytime Television

In 1966, Alexander landed her first major soap role as Susan Hunter Martin on Days of Our Lives, a part she played until 1973. That same year, she transitioned to General Hospital, taking on the now-iconic role of Dr. Leslie Webber—a character that would change the landscape of daytime TV.

At a time when women in medical roles were a rarity on television, Alexander’s portrayal of Leslie was revolutionary. Compassionate, intelligent, and fiercely dedicated, Dr. Webber became a role model not just for viewers, but for how female characters could be written with depth and power. Her performances were charged with authenticity—whether navigating personal betrayal, heartbreaking loss, or professional triumph.

Her work earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1976 and solidified her position as one of the most influential women in soap opera history.

Even when her character was presumed dead in the mid-1980s, overwhelming fan support led to her return in 1996. She continued to appear periodically until 2023, always serving as an emotional anchor amid the show’s more turbulent story arcs.

Behind the Scenes: A Quiet Creative Force

Alexander wasn’t just a powerhouse in front of the camera. Behind the scenes, she had a profound interest in the creative process. She often worked with her late husband, television director Richard A. Kala, on independent projects and artistic collaborations, including photography exhibits.

In interviews, she emphasized the importance of actors—especially women—understanding the full scope of production. She believed knowledge was power, and she embodied that philosophy by mentoring young performers long after her own star had risen.

“She always made time for you,” one young actress recalled. “She never made you feel small. She was always lifting you up.”

A Private Battle with Grace

Despite her decades-long presence in the public eye, Denise Alexander maintained a fiercely private personal life. Her family revealed that she had been managing symptoms of congestive heart failure for over a year but chose to keep her condition quiet.

“She didn’t want anyone to worry,” said her stepdaughter Elizabeth Kala. “She faced it all with the same grace and dignity that defined her life.”

She passed peacefully in her sleep at her Los Angeles home, surrounded by close family and a few lifelong friends. Her last words, “Tell them I’ll always be watching… with love,” captured the same warmth and connection that characterized her life and career.

An Industry in Mourning

News of Alexander’s death sparked an immediate outpouring of grief and celebration across social media. From co-stars to fans, tributes poured in praising her talent, generosity, and groundbreaking contributions to television.

“Denise was a trailblazer and a dear friend,” said General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini. “Her portrayal of Dr. Leslie Webber was fearless, passionate, and deeply human. We will never forget her.”

Jeannie Francis, who played Laura Spencer—Leslie’s on-screen daughter—shared a particularly moving tribute: “She was like a second mother to me. She taught me how to be strong, how to be gentle, and how to be real on camera. My heart is broken.”

Other General Hospital legends including Kin Shriner and Maurice Benard posted photos and personal stories, calling her a mentor and an emotional rock both on and off set.

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Alexander’s influence extended far beyond the fictional halls of General Hospital. Her portrayal of Leslie inspired countless women to pursue careers in medicine and to challenge societal expectations. In a genre often dominated by melodrama, Alexander brought a grounded emotional realism that elevated every storyline she touched.

Off-screen, she was an active philanthropist. She supported causes ranging from cancer research to women’s health and arts education. She often visited hospitals in character to uplift patients and participated in women’s empowerment seminars, sharing stories from her own life and encouraging others to find their voices.

“She believed in the strength of ordinary women,” her family shared. “She always said those were the women who deserved to have their stories told.”

In recent years, Alexander focused on reflection and family. She spent much of her time with her stepdaughter and grandchildren, traveling, photographing landscapes, and writing quietly in her journals.

Honoring Her Memory

Per her wishes, there will be no public funeral. Instead, her family will host a private celebration of life later this month. In lieu of flowers, fans are encouraged to make donations to women’s health and education charities—causes close to her heart.

General Hospital is planning a special tribute episode to air later this year. The episode will feature never-before-seen footage, behind-the-scenes memories, and interviews with cast members past and present, celebrating Alexander’s monumental contribution to the show’s legacy.

“Denise wasn’t just part of General Hospital,” said one longtime writer. “She helped build it.”

A Final Farewell

Denise Alexander’s life was a beautiful blend of talent, compassion, and resilience. From child star to soap icon, from industry mentor to family matriarch, her presence transcended the screen. She touched lives with every word she spoke and every character she inhabited.

Her final words, “Tell them I’ll always be watching… with love,” are less a goodbye and more a quiet promise. For the millions who welcomed her into their homes for decades, she will remain a comforting, eternal presence—a guiding light in the world she helped shape with so much heart.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.