Jacklyn Zeman, best known for playing Bobbie Spencer on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital for 45 years, died on May 9, 2023, at age 70, after a short battle with cancer. Her family confirmed the news to ABC News, who reported that the actress passed away at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, California
Contents
A Beloved Member of the General Hospital Family
Zeman first appeared on General Hospital in 1977 and went on to star in over 800 episodes until this year. She received three Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and one nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role
She also received another Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her regular role as Sofia Madison in the streaming series The Bay in 2021 Zeman was a beloved member of the General Hospital and ABC family, who praised her for her kind heart and radiant spirit. General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini announced the news of her passing on Twitter, writing, “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 continued, “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.”
The ABC daytime soap opera also released a statement following the news of her death, stating, “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.”
A Talented and Versatile Actress
Outside soap operas, Zeman appeared in the 1982 comedy film National Lampoon’s Class Reunion and had a cameo in the spoof comedy film Young Doctors in Love. She starred in the made-for-television movies Jury Duty: The Comedy (1990) opposite Heather Locklear and Montana Crossroads (1993) opposite Kellie Martin. She performed in off-Broadway and other productions including Come Blow Your Horn, Barefoot in the Park, and The Boy Friend
Zeman also had several small parts before landing a regular role in the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live playing Lana McClain from 1976 to 1977. Later that year, she was cast as Bobbie Spencer on the sister-soap General Hospital, a role that made her a household name
A Loving Mother and Friend
Zeman was married three times and had two daughters, Cassidy and Lacey, from third husband Glenn Gorden. Her first husband was Murray Kaufman, known professionally as Murray the K, a DJ. Her second husband was Steve Gribbin
Zeman was a close friend of GH co-star Shell Kepler (nurse Amy Vining). Zeman delivered a eulogy at Kepler’s funeral. Zeman was also close to GH co-star Anna Lee (wealthy matriarch Lila Quartermaine), to whom Zeman paid tribute in 2004, prior to Lee’s death. She stated that Lee had been like a “surrogate grandmother” to her, both on and off the camera: “I have great respect and admiration for Anna Lee personally and professionally. She was always a pleasure to spend time with both on and off the set. I still think of her often and I feel blessed to have experienced her friendship and her amazing sense of humor. I miss her beautiful smiling face.”
Zeman’s daughters, Cassidy and Lacey, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking fans for their support and love. They wrote, “We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and condolences from all of you. Our mom was an incredible woman who touched so many lives with her talent, generosity, and kindness. She loved her fans and her co-stars as much as they loved her. She was our hero, our inspiration, and our best friend. We will miss her every day, but we know she is in a better place, watching over us and smiling. We love you, mom. Rest in peace.”
A Legacy That Will Live On
Zeman’s death has left a void in the hearts of many who admired her work and personality. She was a pioneer in the soap opera genre, who brought realism, humor, and emotion to her characters. She was also a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a generous human being, who made a positive impact on the world. Her legacy will live on through her family, her fans, and her colleagues, who will always remember her as a shining star.
