Denise Alexander’s passing in March 2025 marked the end of an era for General Hospital, but for many fans, the way the show has responded feels incomplete. The actress, known for her defining role as Dr. Lesley Webber, one of daytime television’s earliest, most beloved female physicians, died March 5, 2025, at age 85.

Though the news was made public later, and GH executive producer Frank Valentini issued a heartfelt statement recognizing her contributions, many viewers believe the show has failed to properly integrate her passing into its televised world.

Who Was Denise Alexander and Why Her Role Mattered

Denise Alexander first appeared as Dr. Lesley Webber in General Hospital in 1973. Over the years, her recurring role became a cornerstone of the show’s history. Lesley was more than just a character; she paved the way for portrayals of strong women in medicine, family drama, and complex dynamics in Port Charles. Her returns to the canvas—after being written off, declared dead, then resurrected—became memorable moments.

Alexander’s career spanned decades, and her impact reached beyond GH. Her portrayal of Lesley Webber, a woman with faults, love affairs, moral complexity, and empathy, broke barriers on screen. She was among the first female doctors in daytime TV, and her presence shaped countless storylines and lives of other characters, including her daughter Laura and long-time rivalries with Monica Quartermaine.

The Problem: A Tribute Unseen On-Screen

When an actor of such stature passes away, fans expect more than tributes via press statements. They hope their character will be acknowledged within the story—whether through dialogue, memorials, flashbacks, or other meaningful moments in the show itself. That’s how a fictional world honors its real-life pillars.

Yet, while Frank Valentini, the GH production, and the wider soap-opera community have issued public condolences and written tributes, Lesley Webber remains unmentioned in the current storylines. There has been no on-screen memorial, no reference that she is gone, and no indication the show’s narrative has registered what has changed. Meanwhile, Monica, another character recently lost, has been acknowledged. The contrast has not gone unnoticed by fans.

This discrepancy has led to frustration, with viewers arguing it’s disrespectful both to the actress and to GH’s history. Some fans believe the writers are intentionally waiting for the right moment; others fear they may skip the tribute altogether. Either way, many agree Lesley’s passing deserves visible, emotional recognition.

Responses from Show Officials & Media

The death of Denise Alexander was confirmed and publicly acknowledged by General Hospital’s executive producer Frank Valentini, who commended her groundbreaking work and offered condolences to her family and fans.

Media outlets across the U.S. and internationally have also reported on her death, emphasized her legacy, and celebrated her many returns to the show over the years. Articles in Entertainment Weekly, People, Variety, and The Times of India outline her contributions, the significance of Lesley Webber, and her role in daytime television history.

Why Fans Feel It’s More Than Oversight

For many in the General Hospital fandom, Lesley Webber represents a piece of their lives—stories they grew up with, characters who were part of their memories. When an actor’s death is not reflected in the narrative, it can feel as if those memories are being sidelined or treated as less important.

Some key reasons why this matters so much:

Emotional closure: For fans, seeing a fictional character acknowledged helps with real grief over losing the actor who gave them so many moments.

Respect for legacy: When shows acknowledge the passing in the storyline, it’s an affirmation that the character mattered, that their contributions mattered.

Story continuity: Lesley was tied to many characters still active on the show—Laura, Monica (before her passing), others. Her absence should affect those relationships.

Consistency with past handling of losses: GH has done character send-offs before—Bobbie’s funeral, others. When an actor beloved by fans dies, the show has precedent for doing more than a statement.What Fans Are Requesting

Fans are asking for several things now:

On-screen acknowledgment of Lesley Webber’s death — a moment or storyline where other characters express loss, perhaps Laura or Rick’s memory.

Tribute episode or segment, possibly using past clips of Alexander’s appearances.

Dialogue that weaves Lesley’s memory into ongoing stories, so it feels organic—not suddenly inserted.

Proper recognition in the show’s official narrative, not just behind the scenes press statements.

Respectful handling without recasting (if possible), preserving what Lesley and Denise Alexander gave to GH. Some fans are opposed to recasting; others feel it’s not necessary if the character is retired with dignity.

Challenges and Possible Explanations

Why hasn’t General Hospital yet given Lesley Webber’s character the on-screen farewell many believe she deserves?

Story timing: Scripts are often written months ahead; integrating new storylines takes coordination, especially with multiple running plots.

Respect for the actress’s and family’s privacy: Sometimes producers wait for the family’s wishes to be understood and for an appropriate moment.

Emotional weight: Doing a tribute well requires planning—choosing scenes, gathering clip rights, arranging actor appearances.

Balancing ongoing story arcs: Writers may be cautious about disrupting current plots, especially with multiple characters dealing with their own crises.

Precedent and approach: GH has handled past deaths in diverse ways—some very public, some more subdued. Perhaps they are planning something significant but haven’t aired it yet.

Moving Forward: What Could Be Done

If GH wants to honor Denise Alexander properly, there are paths forward:

Writing a scene or episode where characters reminisce about Lesley—that could be at Laura’s home, at the Quartermaine mansion, or in the hospital where Lesley worked.

A short montage using iconic footage of Denise Alexander’s Lesley, with characters speaking about her influence. Perhaps a voice-over or flashback.

Bringing in Laura or other characters to mention how Lesley shaped their lives, the choices they made, and how they miss her.

A dedicated tribute—much like the show does for major cast passings—could air standalone, giving fans space to grieve and remember.

Conclusion

Denise Alexander’s death left a deep hole in the world of daytime television. She wasn’t just an actress she was a trailblazer, an icon, a bridge between soaps’ past and present. Though General Hospital and its producers issued public statements, the absence of an on-screen acknowledgment has caused fans pain.

There is still time for the show to correct this—to write Lesley Webber’s memory into Port Charles, to let characters mourn, to let fans grieve. Because Lesley deserves more than silence—and Denise Alexander deserves more than a press release.

As the calls grow louder, so does the responsibility: for GH to honor its history, to honor its people, and to let Lesley Webber rest in the way only stories can allow—by being remembered as she truly was.