GH Rick & Lesley ~12-01-83 to 12-02-83~ Laura Is Alive ~ Part 1

[@kellym3356]

Leslie (Denise Alexander ) was the best actress! One of my favorites!!!! She was gorgeous and witty and amazing! The plot where she and Gail were snowed in with Monica and Leslie delivered her baby - the Best acting !!!!!

[@codykimmel]

GH in the '80s was FIRE. Forty years later, I still remember every character's name and backstory.

[@Stefanie2530]

When Denise Alexander (well, Lesley) mouths the word 'Laura' as her eyes quickly fill with tears...my God, you almost forget she was acting! She NAILED it. Absolutely nailed that scene.

[@travisjames3517]

Screw Gloria Monty for being so mean to Denise Alexander. All she wanted was some time off here and there.

[@stephanieconsi4825]

Oh, absolutely. Imagine people don’t take soap actors seriously. They were all so fantastic with this storyline.

[@jasetraber]

Lesley was just FABULOUS while seeing Laura! Such great acting!

[@moondoggy02116]

Yeah, wow, she got to me. Boy, they thought she was dead then, and 40 years later she’s still alive.

[@janetjarvis1304]

Nobody did sheer, raw emotion on that show better than Denise Alexander.

[@alexandriamancheck3474]

One of the best storylines for Laura.

[@alexandriamancheck3474]

@@moondoggy02116 Rick snd Lesley thought Laura was dead for neatly two years.

[@alisonwinston2547]

She's annoying

[@spudtrooper72]

This is when soaps were good. I miss these story lines and the scenery. Thanks for posting!

[@CindyGwoman]

You almost forget how amazing some of the acting on this show was, Denise could teach a masterclass in soap acting with this scene.

[@lenny_walker4409]

I can't stop watching this. General Hospital was top notch this era

[@kathylanda681]

I can’t stop watching all of these wonderful loving memories of the best of GH . Those old but great days will always be the best part of mine. Like looking at old photos of good old friend. Who filled my TV joy everyday well on week days. I only wish that GH was on everyday of the week. Funny all our silly funny dreams where if everyone on GH were well and happy? GH gave me pause to watch and enjoy all of the great actors to show off there talent and there hard working craft to us and the rest of the many loving dedicated fans remember over 30 million who loved to watch and bring us back to a sweet very young wondering hearts. That we all once was. Thank you so much for all your hard work and great dedication and devotion who all who chose to watch the best of GH. Thank you again Susezq. Long may you give us your loving carding hard working self. Thank you love Rosie.

[@mjj1434]

@Kathy Landa - It might it’s that we remember storylines from this time . I used to watch around the time of Luke and Laura’s wedding . Also, so much has changed in the world now, so seems “simpler times”.

[@pam0626]

This is EXACTLY how any mother would react. Denise Alexander nailed this scene.

[@Momjeansandshame]

This brings me back to sitting with my mom on the couch, getting a sip or two of her Pepsi from the glass bottle, watching soaps. ❤

[@sophmv16]

These are the legends. I started watching GH just when laura left Scotty to go with Luke. I was so lucky to not have missed this Era. Me and my sisters used to rush from elementary school to watch it. I lived 3 blocks from school. Watching these scenes I'm crying my eyes out.

[@annrodriguez2891]

I am bawling...422am

[@tyrarenae3486]

Tiffany's scene was hilarious! She was just yappin away, until she noticed Laura! I always laugh when i watch it!

[@diannebdee]

Denise Alexander killed this scene. Her reaction was pure real. I can't imagine what the set was like that day. Thank you for posting.

[@marcusrodgers5105]

I remember this like it was yesterday I was in junior high rushing to get home to watch General Hospital, I still get emotinal when I watch these episodes!!! I love GH

[@robertosso5210]

i was a senior in high school i just walked in the door coming home from when when luke first saw laura and yelled out her name. my mother was crying her eyes out.

[@lukeloveslauraalways]

Genie Francis was so beautiful and I think she is 19 or 20 here. She is still a beautiful woman in her early 50's now. I miss the Luke and Laura I loved during this time. My Mom and I never missed an episode.

[@christineadams1284]

Genie was born in 62, this is late 83 which would make her 21.

[@LB-gz3ke]

Back from the dead has become so common on soaps now people barely react. This was awesome. Great acting.

[@beckyshell4649]

Three of the four characters here were once thought to be dead. Laura, Luke, and Leslie.

[@msarie0543]

Wow Denise! That was beautiful acting!

[@sandystudner9639]

The real GH!! Writers of 2024 take note!

[@yvonnecooper5004]

Thank you for that. It is so different now and not for the better. Too many characters now. Watching Lucky on current GH makes me miss Luke.

[@yvonnecooper5004]

Luke was so much kinder here.

[@romabriere]

agree 250%!! I often think of how much further DA could have taken her role as Lesley, had they worked with her to allow that to happen.. The audience was robbed, for sure!!!

[@gretchennelson7056]

I love how she silently mouths”Laura?” brilliant acting.

[@sheilagomez153]

Exactly

[@suzieqtruth6377]

The acting is really quite remarkable.

[@betsykeller9096]

It's like that moment in 2006, where Lesley says, "You're real" after walking in the door and dropping the groceries; after Laura woke up. Love those scenes with DA and GF.

[@michaelclyburn5858]

Denise Alexander--wow what excellent acting. Then again--everyone on the show back then was a powerful actor/actress. Anthony Geary being my favorite.

[@rosanncoleman1462]

Hi GH fans ..see I still say to this day Luke & his Laura still had it then.. They still have it now! Just that loving look. Just that sweet kiss that only Luke & his Laura do that kiss and eyes magic. That no one else ever had ..or ever could! JMVHO! PEACE & LOVE Rosie.

[@romabriere]

Totally agree! My absolute favorite DA & GF scene... Such powerful acting on both of their parts.. You could tell Denise's raw emotion in this scene ignigted Genie's... They fed off each other so well....

[@phantomangel21]

I remember this like it was yesterday. I cried with Lesley when she held Laura in her arms. And Robert looked completely stunned. Great memories

[@rozdocyoumentary7661]

Love this video. Never saw this the first time around. Love that it also includes Robert seeing Laura alive as well as her parents. Extremely nice sequence.

[@annedavis6090]

I just can't cope, without my soap.. remember the bumperstickers I❤GH

[@hunnibunni4181]

OMG! Lesley”s reaction was so powerful! now that is how you react when someone you love has come back from the dead! I am balling my eyes out so bad I can barely type. 😭 😭 😭

[@jamesjenner5424]

Wooo.impressive

[@cathyleland1501]

Luke cried when he first saw her too.

[@annrodriguez2891]

Saw this scene on TV and Denise absolutely killed it

[@catherinebyrd4103]

This was so beautiful ❤️ I was in my first year of college when Genie came back. This was when soaps had great stories. Gloria Monty was the best head of GH. I am so sick of the Sunny story that has been going on for over 20 years.

[@yocathyberger]

How beautiful to get to see this reunion purely through Rick and Lesley's eyes! Two FAVORITE scenes in one vid, too! When I first discovered old GH here on YT, I so much wanted to see the Les and Laura scene! I remember wayyyy back in 1981, eagerly anticipaing it while we waited and waited and waited while Laura hung out shrouded in secrecy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@debibee4507]

Acting has never been as real since❤💗

[@lasinkachapman2304]

After all these years, I still crying watching Leslie seeing her Laura come back! Amazing actress!❤❤❤

[@kimkrause8590]

Lesley was just FABULOUS while seeing Laura! Such great acting! I remember this like it was yesterday I watch GENERAL HOSPITAL EVERY DAY when I was young I still get emotional when I watch these episodes!!!! I love GH 💓

[@Liz-cmc313]

40 yrs, wow! As I watch it all comes back ❤

[@demelof1913]

That is actually how someone would react in real life.

[@pryorfaith]

This is how you react to an undead relative/friend.You would think Genie was truly Denise real life daughter.

[@pcook8333]

or

[@pcook8333]

neral

[@tammyramey]

Agree. She looked like she was literally going to faint. I was afraid for her, lol!

[@lenny_walker4409]

Denise's acting is off the hook! Wonder if she got an Emmy nomination for this episode

[@haileynewsome6646]

@@tammyramey she probably felt like she was going to faint lol

[@slicerfan9]

I agree, it was simply the best era of gh. I have been an avid watcher since I was 11, had to sneak to a friend's house to watch it! I will never give up on gh, hoping they wil repair the damage to the history of gh....

[@maryhlad5277]

Even Robert Scorpio was speechless when he saw Laura alive.

[@lindastulick9688]

Gosh they were so GREAT together. It should have never ended!!!

[@christinamaye3624]

Omg this is one of my favorite videos. I love it. Watched it like a dozen times already. :-)

[@Dgraham111]

Denise and Genie are so great in this scene. 😊

[@lilwinged5291]

I was trying to watch the new ones , they aren't horrible. When Laura returned in 2020 or 21. The love ,hugs and tears and Tracy loves Laura .. it was neat but still , I love this more .. How Luke ,Robert, Laura and Tiffany love eachother. That was how it was back in the day. I remember always being so affectionate with my friends,.. my lifelong bf and I kissed like sisters. Our Boyfriends hugged. Nobody was weird about it.

[@jodymann5993]

I really really miss watching this old shows a whole lot

[@petra840]

The mother was doing amazing acting….missing a lot nowadays…..super professional acting…..

[@mrs.mctavish8058]

How amazing is it that we can watch this!? This was the best!! I like so many here have core memories of this time!!

[@jasonlindsey9946]

Looking at this clip all these years later I see the reason why all of us young adult men had a gigantic crush on Genie. Absolute dream. The only other thing that is utterly amazing is that 40 years later most of those talented people are still with us. Thanks for the memories!

[@lianamonica]

This clip had me engaged, I could rewatch these all over again! Todays soaps are dreadfully boring imo!!

[@MissyP2871]

No matter how many times I’ve seen this I still cry

[@sheilagomez153]

I JUST LOVE THE LOOK ON RICKS FACE!😊

[@greenbrown7776]

Soaps had not overdone the back-from-the-dead thing so much yet. They can't even muster shock the way Denise Alexander did.

[@christineadams1284]

Part of the set of the Mayor's house is from "The Nanny", the front door, the stair case, the double doors into the living room. Different color carpet but it's the set.

[@mjj1434]

@Christine Adams - I am going to have to watch it again!!!

[@crunchstick1277]

Sweet memories...thank you!

[@awkwarddinosaur8952]

I never realized that Denise and Genie resemble each other so closely. Very believable as mother and daughter.

[@sandyjuntunen4088]

When Laura wore that black wig you could really see the resemblance.

[@fossefan]

Seriously, how did Denise *not* get the Emmy for this?

[@romabriere]

@yocathyberger - This was the time (for me) post surgery / gambling crisis - Where Les & Rick just clicked and became a true extension of one another. They both take off her coat while talking a mile a minute over one another but not missing a word said, Les smacks Rick on the back (love pat) to announce herself.. The victorious handshake when the arrive at the nurses station at the same time, Les clinging to Rick's arm for support and his patting her hand in reassurance. Aint love grand?? :)

[@betsykeller9096]

When Luke says, "Helena Cassadine", and the dramatic music plays, if Lesley had yelled, "THAT BITCH!!!" I would have been very satisfied. LOL! I just sit lwatching such great acting and being enamored at how real they make it all seem.

[@toodles3801]

Every time I watch these scenes, I'm just blown away by Ms. Alexander's skill and depth as an actress. I cannot believe TBTB were so stupid not to agree to whatever Ms Alexander wanted in her contract. They lost a magnificent actress.

[@joydunn2109]

What is the TBTB??

[@sandyjuntunen4088]

​@@joydunn2109the powers that be.😊

[@joydunn2109]

Thank You​@@sandyjuntunen4088

[@walde1968]

God, I had the BIGGEST crush on Rick back in the day!!

[@blancaarmayorgalvez591]

Me on Rick #1 Michael Gregory. He was so handsome. It took me some time to get you to Chris Robinson in the part.

[@tyrarenae3486]

I just love Ruby! She was the sweetest!!

[@MsCF98]

Thanks for posting this kind of interesting to watch considering how much has changed since then. Laura didn't tell them about Nikolas who was a retcon but it worked in a lot of ways.

[@nicolebelton1526]

Gh love Denise Alexander as Lesley and Laura Spencer genie Francis good story beautiful

[@creating1_c1999]

I do not know about you guys but the show surely did pack a lot of arcs in between the time Laura 'disappeared' and then 'reappeared'. For me, it felt like forever. I did not see very much of GH during some of these years, except for summer because I was in school. However the summer's alone brought those 'super stories'.

[@drieuxkoeppel4157]

40 years later… Laura COLLINS is now mayor; she’s a mother and a grandmother, and SHE was elected mayor! And she’s still being played by Mrs Jonathan Frakes, aka the one and only Genie Francis!

[@32anna2538]

Always love Sharon Wyatt as Tiffany. Said to see that she's no longer acting because of an adverse reaction to a drug she was taking. I miss you, Sharon.

[@angiechambless1092]

The legends in the 80's and 90's were the very best actors! The make up was so much better too!

[@jillcerchia]

They need to bring Lesley back on the show .. & Rick back from the dead & fix what they did to them

[@melanieshaw3210]

They still mention her every once in a great while, about being in Italy I think

[@jillcerchia]

@@melanieshaw3210 yes but …. I want her back on air. Lol

[@kellymcfalls1458]

@@jillcerchia She should be on the show now and be tested to be Lulus donor and her Uncle Martin and Cousin Valerie

[@jillcerchia]

@@kellymcfalls1458 absolutely!

[@WolfModig]

This is why GH was the most popular soap on the air.

[@rebeccaself7390]

I love watching this !

[@tanedasmith9370]

Omg I miss this show.. i started watching in jr high. ☺️☺️☺️I miss a lot from being in the Military in the 80s(work schedule) but believe me I picked it up and watched when I could. Lesley my fav! ☺️☺️☺️I didn’t know Luke was Mayor!🤪🤪gthoh😂😂😂😂😂

[@sheilamccullough2616]

In elementary for me

[@sallymiller1359]

that music, Helena Cassadine, unbelievable acting here

[@yocathyberger]

@romabriere You know the scene when Rick shows up to take Lesley out on their first real date? Alice interrupts them to talk about Susan's pregnancy. That scene. There is the awkwardness that comes from going out on a date and not having a defined relationship (my daughters call it DTR). But then the way Lesley and Rick fall into the pattern of "reading" each other and acting like a couple who has been together and can anticipate thoughts and actions -- I loved that about them.

[@sharitorrance5858]

I just loved Luke & Laura, Tiffany & Scorpio

[@yvonnecooper5004]

Me too.

[@marybeckett7201]

WHEN LAURA DISAPPEARED, AND LUKE THRU HER DRESS OVER BOARD, I HURT SO BAD I STOPPED WATCHING GH THAT DAY, AND NEVER KNEW SHE HAD RETURNED , OR ANYTHING ALSE ABOUT THE SHOW ,, UNTILL THIS FEB, 2016, WHEN I SAW THE LUKE AND LAURA UTUBE SERIES HERE ,, AND IT HURTS STILL , THAT THERE NOT TOGETHER, AND NOW LUKE IS GONE, FOREVER, THEY WERE SO GOOD TOGETHER, AND NOW I WONT WATCH IT AGAIN,,,,

[@savgal1211]

I only watched CBS....that network still has the longest running soaps and the most Awards honored for those shows!!! Back when I was young adult, all we had were Alphabet networks, so, working nights, Soaps were all we had too view....

[@savgal1211]

I read how this was a disgusting so called love story with Luke raping LHra, she was 19,he was 33. Then? The network tried to back pedal this trap into a seduction scene!!! Sickening!! Glad I had CBS

[@romabriere]

Les - "It was luck or else it's a day for miricles." - Little does she know........

[@ers-tj4to]

Why did the writers turn Rick into an evil monster? He was one of the show's staple characters in the early 80s.

[@romabriere]

LOL - this was actually two years after they remarried, but to answer your question.. NO, they didn't ever have the chance to just be "calm & happy." This is a soap opera, after all! :)

[@bobby70077]

I remember this, i was about 13!

[@rebeccaself7390]

I miss these days of gh

[@rvmt81]

This made me cry

[@kimselepack9505]

Oh jeezy peezy how I loved this episode

[@TownieGirl1974]

@slicerfan9 You know why you were crying again and again? Because this, this was when it all clicked-the writing was fantastic-the acting was tremendous-the characters were outstanding-like I said it all clicked............another reason why you are crying is because the GH of today is nothing like this..........at least not yet.....

[@tanedasmith9370]

Karen Catizone soooooo freakin true👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾☺️

[@nicolebelton1526]

On gh I miss the old nurse 1983 and Lesley w

[@LRB04]

I miss these GH days😔

[@dianahohimer1107]

This makes me cry every time

[@conniestancil2467]

WOWZA! That was something

[@LadyCeceElli]

The good ole days

[@conniemedlin]

What I don't understand is why Luke and Laura's marriage ended. It's Ludacris that after all the things that happened to them and half the world watched the wedding that they divorced.. That should never have happened.

[@slicerfan9]

You know I have this scene on my player and I have watched it soooooo many times, so why am I crying AGAIN????

[@kimberlyjeanne9456]

Those damn Cassadine’s!!

[@LanceAnderson77]

I think your dates are a little off regarding Genie Francis' return, specifically the length of time she was around before Luke saw her. It was more like 3 weeks as I recall.

[@romabriere]

Yes.. They divorced in June of 80, remarried shortly after L&L's wedding in 81 (12/23)..

[@laurietijerina3816]

Oh man, this isn't the actions of someone that would leave his love of his life for Tracy !

[@yvonnecooper5004]

Amen to that. Our Luke and Laura always and forever.

[@beyondthestacks]

What happened to this Luke? Everything went so skewed.

[@jackiefink5126]

General Hospital the series from 19 18197 Daisy Lane minutes

[@jackiefink5126]

General Hospital 2018 year

[@judithjerde1574]

TG got tired of so much love as L&L & from the fans who loved them. So sorry about that TG, u were robbed... No u were adored!

[@kathylanda681]

Luke unfortunately is in his very dark, cold and lonely place... Yet

[@kathylanda681]

As for for Luke he is in his dark,cold and alone place ...Yet alas he is not total alone he is with his boss the mouth that roared and never stops complaining. Who is as selfish as they come.Why in the hell did they do such a rotting thing to us? We who watch faithfully with hope in our hearts that things would work themselves out and happiness would reign again again once more. And all the stars would shine and all would be right with the world..even if were only on TV land. Thank you Rosie.... fin

[@tjames9698]

So….Laura is alive in December of 1983, but Lesley was “killed” in February of 1984? Bummer.

[@GHRickLesley]

Brian & Claudia. Brian was best friends with Scotty and Claudia was Laura's best friend at one time.

[@melmc9672]

Just how many little girls were named Tiffany abd Laura back in thisr days 😊

[@Myopiniononly_ijs]

Leslie was so beautiful Robert was my heartbeat Laura was at her best Why they villanized Rick is ridiculous

[@romabriere]

Laura started showing up again in November of 1983. She didn't reveal herself (to Luke) until 11/28/84, after he was sworn in as mayor of PC. GF agreed to come back to facilitate TG's planned exit from the show at the beginning of Jan 84. Lesley's last episode was 2/28/84. Her death was announced about a week later, Denise Alexander's exit was abrupt - after she and the PTB could not settle on her contract, so it took a little bit of time for them to write her death into the show.

[@JmBvhntnt28]

Laura started showing up in late 83 and after reuniting with Luke, they left town right? Then they came back again in late 1984 for the holidays (post Starvos and the C's) to reveal they were having Lucky. Is this accurate?

[@brianhenson8083]

No. Lucky came much later. In the 90s.

[@petradoots584]

Leslie quality amazing acting.....rare nowadays