The vibrant and talented Jacklyn Zeman, known to soap opera fans as Bobbie Spencer on “General Hospital,” has sadly passed away at the age of 70.
According to reports, Zeman fought a brief battle with cancer, leaving her family and fans in shock and sorrow. The executive producer of “General Hospital,” Frank Valentini, took to Twitter to share his condolences, describing Zeman as a true professional and a bright light on set. He mentioned how her character, the iconic Bobbie Spencer, mirrored her in many ways, both bringing positive energy to their work. The cast and crew of the show will forever cherish her uplifting spirit and remember her fondly.
Zeman’s contribution to the world of soap operas is immeasurable. With more than 800 episodes of “General Hospital” under her belt, she captured the hearts of viewers with her portrayal of Nurse Spencer. Her remarkable performance even earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.” Zeman’s dedication to her craft and her ability to bring Bobbie Spencer to life made her an integral part of the show’s legacy.
Born in New Jersey, Zeman’s passion for acting began in high school and continued to flourish during her time at New York University, where she studied dance. Before her breakthrough on television, she worked as a Playboy Bunny, adding an interesting twist to her journey. Her first major role came on “One Life to Live” as Lana McClain, paving the way for her iconic portrayal of Bobbie Spencer on “General Hospital.”
As the news of Zeman’s passing spread, fellow cast members expressed their grief and shared heartfelt tributes. Kathleen Gati, who stars as Dr. Liesl Obrecht on “General Hospital,” described Zeman as one of the kindest people she had ever met. Parry Shen, known for his role as Brad Cooper, called her an absolute legend and cherished the stories she shared about the show’s early days. It’s evident that Zeman’s warmth, kindness, and down-to-earth nature touched the lives of those who worked alongside her.
Jacklyn Zeman leaves behind a lasting legacy, not only as an accomplished actress but also as a kind-hearted individual. She will forever be remembered for her radiant spirit and her transformation of Bobbie Spencer from a bad girl to a beloved heroine. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her daughters, Cassidy and Lacey, as well as her family, friends, and legions of fans who have adored Bobbie Spencer for decades.
