Soap Hub Performer of the Week for General Hospital: Denise Alexander

On General Hospital, Cyrus found out that he can’t push his half-sister Laura around — certainly not while Lesley, Laura’s mom, is in the picture! In Friday’s episode, Denise Alexander reprised her role as Dr. Lesley Webber just in time to witness Cyrus and Laura in a heated discussion.

Performer Of The Week: Denise Alexander

Alexander’s performance as Lesley, going into full “mama bear” protective mode, have earned the fan-favorite actress Soap Hub’s Performer of the Week honors for General Hospital.

“Get your hands off of her!” commanded Lesley as Cyrus (Jeff Kober) grabbed Laura (Genie Francis) by the arm at General Hospital. Initially, Cyrus didn’t know who Laura’s protector was. Then, official introductions were made. Lesley informed GH’s new Chairman of the Board that she’d be seeing him a lot as she was an emeritus of General Hospital. Cyrus said he was intrigued to meet the “tramp” who’d slept with his married father. Lesley was stunned. (Had this man mistook her for Monica?)

However, Lesley decided to play along, lying that there’d been many men over the years. When Cyrus informed Les that his late dad was none other than Gordon Gray, Lesley had no choice but to drop her charade as, in this case, Cyrus spoke the truth. “Oh. That married father,” Lesley softly said, showing genuine regret.

However, Lesley took offense at Cyrus’ assertation that she had seduced his dad. “I have no idea what lies Gordon may have fed you over the years, but I never seduced anyone…He was my professor,” Lesley said. “He should have been more conscious about the emotional difference in our relationship!”

Except for lying that she had committed a murder (David Hamilton) to protect Laura, Lesley’s a very honest person. She conceded to Cyrus that yes, she played a role in Gordon leaving town, taking his family with him.

Once Laura and Lesley were in private, Alexander was able to showcase more of her talent as Lesley broke down in tears. (She has always been one of daytime’s best criers!) Lesley said that there was one thing that she couldn’t shake — the recklessness from her past has led her and Laura and their family down the path they’re all on now.

Soaps are famous for inviting veterans back for cameos and party guests, often leaving viewers to ask why weren’t they given more to do and say. Not so with GH and Alexander. The show wisely brought the actress back to play some meaty material as Lesley examined her past and stood by her daughter in the present. Here’s hoping we see more of this fan favorite in the future. General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. Check local listings for airtimes.