Jacklyn Zeman Of 'General Hospital' Fame Passes Away At 70

May 11, 2023

Jacklyn Zeman, famous for the hit daytime soap opera "General Hospital," has passed away at the age of 70. The tragic news was announced on May 10, 2023, by the show's executive producer, Frank Valentini, on Twitter. In his tribute, he wrote: 

"On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman. Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work."

He added Zeman would be "greatly missed, but her positive spirit will always live on with our cast and crew. We send our heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones, friends, and family, especially her daughters Cassidy and Lacey."

In the world of daytime television, there are a few actors who have become synonymous with their roles, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of viewers. Zeman was one such individual. Renowned for her portrayal of the spirited and compassionate character Bobbie Spencer on the long-running soap opera "General Hospital," Zeman captivated audiences with her talent, dedication and enduring presence on the show. 

Zeman was born on Mar. 6, 1953, in Englewood, New Jersey, and discovered her love for performing at a young age. Zeman's dedication to the arts led her to nab a scholarship to pursue dance at New York University.

Zeman's breakthrough came when she was cast in the soap opera "General Hospital" in 1977. Initially, her character was introduced as the sister of Luke Spencer, played by Anthony Geary, one of the show's most iconic characters. Zeman's portrayal of Spencer, a feisty and resilient character, resonated with viewers, and she soon became a fan favorite. Her undeniable chemistry with co-stars, particularly Kin Shriner, who played Scott Baldwin, further endeared her to audiences.

One of the defining characteristics of Zeman's career has been her unwavering dedication to "General Hospital." Over the years, she has demonstrated remarkable loyalty, with her tenure on the show spanning several decades. Despite the ever-changing landscape of daytime television, Zeman's commitment to her character and the storylines has been unwavering, making her an integral part of the show's success.

While "General Hospital" had been the centerpiece of Zeman's acting career, she also made notable appearances outside of the soap opera industry. She also appeared in films such as "National Lampoon's Class Reunion" and "Young Doctors In Love." In 2021, she was recognized with a Daytime Emmy nomination for her role in the streaming series "The Bay" as Sofia Madison. Zeman's versatility as an actress has allowed her to explore different roles and showcase her talent beyond the realm of soap operas. She was also a stage actress and appeared in various off-Broadway shows.

Throughout her illustrious career, Zeman has received recognition for her contributions to the entertainment industry. She has been nominated for several Soap Opera Digest Awards and Daytime Emmy Awards for her exceptional work on "General Hospital." While she may not have won these accolades, her enduring popularity and the adoration of her fans speak volumes about her impact and success.

Zeman's contributions to the soap opera world extend beyond her on-screen performances. Her portrayal of Spencer touched the lives of millions of viewers, and her character tackled important social issues, including alcoholism and HIV/AIDS. Zeman's dedication to these storylines, coupled with her ability to deliver powerful performances, helped raise awareness and bring important discussions into the homes of viewers around the world.

Zeman's work on "General Hospital" not only left an indelible mark on the soap opera landscape but on her colleagues and the people she shared her life with. Her passing prompted tributes from many of them, including singer Rick Springfield, who appeared on "General Hospital" in the '80s.

"Incredibly stunned and broken-hearted to hear of Jackie's passing. Such a truly kind soul with no touch of the diva and only sweet things to say about everyone. She was the one (along with Gloria Monty) who helped launch my 80s career when after the screen test along with several other hopeful young men Gloria asked Jackie who she thought would make a good Noah Drake and God bless her if Jackie didn't say me. Love to your spirit as it ascends sweet girl," Springfield told ET Online.

Fans were also moved by the sad news. "Jackie is as much of an institution as 'General Hospital' itself. Her talent, her joy, her very presence and essence will be missed," one fan commented, while another said, "This is devastating. Her portrayal of Bobbie Spencer and the rivalry with Laura over Scotty was what drew me into GH. My sincerest condolences to everyone who loved her."

In one of her last social media posts prior to her passing, Zeman had shared a throwback portrait of herself from 1979. Fans praised the star and shared how much of an impact she had on them.

"Thanks for sharing! This is about when I first began watching…I was 8! 😳 Always loved Bobbie with her red hair!" one user said. Another wrote, "Beautiful then and more beautiful now, watched you from day 1. ❤️"

Zeman was married three times and left behind two daughters she shared with her third husband, Glenn Gorden.

Were you an avid fan of "General Hospital" and of Jacklyn Zeman's character Bobbie Spencer? Let us know and pass this on to other fans of her and the show you know.