Jacklyn Zeman, the actress best known for playing nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital, has died. She was 70.
Zeman’s passing was announced on Twitter by Frank Valentini, the daytime drama’s executive producer. She first joined the ABC sudser in 1977 and appeared in more than 800 episodes. She was a five-time Daytime Emmy nominee — four for GH and one for starring in The Bay as Sofia Madison.
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“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,” Valentini wrote.
ABC Entertainment and GH also released this statement: “Jacklyn Zeman has been a beloved member of the General Hospital and ABC family since she originated the iconic role of Bobbie Spencer over 45 years ago. She leaves behind a lasting legacy for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of the bad girl turned heroine and will always be remembered for her kind heart and radiant spirit. We are devastated by the news of her passing, and send our deepest condolences to Jackie’s family, friends and loved ones.”
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Born in New Jersey, Zeman studied ballet in her childhood — she accepted a scholarship to study dance at New York University at the age of 15 — but ultimately made the decision to act instead. Her first soap gig was on The Edge of Night before she moved to One Life to Live to play Lana McLain.
Even though she joined GH in 1977, Zeman made several other TV appearances on shows like The New Mike Hammer, Sledge Hammer! and Chicago Hope.
She is survived by her two daughters.
“Incredibly stunned and broken hearted to hear of Jackie’s passing,” said former GH star Rick Springfield (Dr. Noah Drake) in a statement given to Deadline. “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. You left your mark on many of us and you will not be forgotten. XO.”
I loved Jackie, she sure knew what she was doing, she will be missed by many. R.I.P. Beautiful Jackie. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Shame on GH for one little comment in the middle of an episode. After 45 years, she deserved better.
I have watched GH seems like forever back when Luke started and of course Jackie played his sister. I enjoyed her acting, her style and her genuine darkness she portrayed in all her scenes..GH hasn’t really been the same since she left.. Your smile lit up the screen
May God continue to bless you..You are in GREAT hands.
Such sad news. I have watched GH since the 70’s,and always enjoyed the lively spirit of Jackie’s character.
May she rest in the love and light of our Heavenly Father until we all meet again…..
I watched soap operas when I was in my teens and early 20’s; I’m 56 now,so it’s been a while. When I saw her name in my Google list, I knew exactly who she was and memories of the show came flooding back. Nurse Bobbie had a troubled past but true to soap opera storylines, she turned a 180 and was there with sage advice for everyone. Ms. Zeman seemed to be as beautiful on the inside in real life as she portrayed on the show; so beautiful and bubbly on the outside as well. I’m so happy that she had a very good life and those that were close to her and her ardent fans will miss her dearly.