Actress Jacklyn Zeman, best known for playing nurse Bobbie Spencer on ABC’s long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” has died. She was 70.
Her Long Career
Zeman had several small parts in her early 20’s before landing a series regular role in the ABC daytime soap opera, “One Life to Live.” She played Lana McClain from 1976 to 1977.
In 1977, she was cast as Barbara “Bobbie” Spencer on another ABC soap opera, “General Hospital,” a role she played on regular basis until 2010. Since 2013, Zeman has continued to appear on “General Hospital” in a recurring basis. Throughout her time on the show, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, she appeared in over 800 episodes.
Zeman also received three Daytime Emmy Awards nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and one Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress nomination in a Drama Series for her role.
Zeman received another Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her role as Sofia Madison in the streaming series, “The Bay,” in 2021.
Besides soap operas, the actress appeared in episodes of “Chicago Hope,” “Mike Hammer,” “Love American Style,” and “Sledge Hammer, as well as starring in several feature films, including Gary Marshall’s “Young Doctors in Love” and John Hughes’ “National Lampoon’s Class Reunion.”
Her Passing
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed Zeman’s death on social media on Wednesday evening (May 10):
“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.”
“Jackie will 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. #GH”
According to ABC News, the actress died after a short battle with cancer.
Zeman is survived by her two daughters, Cassidy and Lacey, who left a touching message and photos for fans on their mom’s Twitter page today:
Remembrances
You don’t play a role for 46 years without making a lot of friends, and many of her past and present co-stars have been remembering Jackie today:
If you were a fan, what was your favorite memory of her? Let us know in the comments!