Dennis Alexander, a well-known soap opera actress, has died at the age of 85.
She passed away on March 5th, with news confirming her death reported on Friday.
Alexander gained fame for her portrayal of Leslie Weber on General Hospital, and also played Susan Hunter Martin in Days of Our Lives.
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital, expressed his sadness about Alexander’s passing on social media, noting her groundbreaking role. He remarked, “I’m deeply saddened to hear that Dennis Alexander has passed away. She broke barriers on screen and portrayed Dr. Leslie Weber, one of the first female doctors on daytime television for nearly 50 years.”
Valentini added, “It was an honor to work with her and reprise her role in recent years. On behalf of the entire family at General Hospital, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and long-time fans. May she rest in peace.”
Ginny Francis, who played Alexander’s daughter on General Hospital, also shared a tribute online, thanking her TV mother for her impact on and off-screen.
Actress Susan Seaforth Hayes characterized Alexander as a friend and a treasured actress, sharing fond memories of their time together on Days of Our Lives.
Alexander was born in New York City in 1939. Her father, Alec Alexander, was a talent agent who worked with notable names in the industry.
The actress made her television debut back in 1949 with Ford Theater Hour and appeared in her first feature film, Crime in the Streets, in 1956.
In 1966, she joined the cast of Days of Our Lives, where her character faced significant challenges. After leaving the show in 1973, she became part of General Hospital, where she had a nearly 50-year tenure.
Her character, Leslie Weber, was killed off in 1984 but was brought back in 1996. Alexander last appeared in the soap in 2021.
Reflecting on her time on the show, she once said, “When I left the show, I was sad. I missed the character.”
Alexander is survived by her stepdaughter, Elizabeth Kora, from her marriage to director and producer Richard A. Kora, who passed away in 2010.
