Jackie Zeman, the actress best known for playing Bobbie Spencer on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died at the age of 70. Her family confirmed that she passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. The type of cancer that Zeman had was not disclosed by her family.
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A Beloved Member of the General Hospital Family
Zeman joined General Hospital in 1977 and played the role of Bobbie Spencer, a nurse and the sister of Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary). She was nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards for her performance and became one of the most popular and enduring characters on the show. She appeared in over 800 episodes until this year.
Zeman also had roles in other soap operas, such as One Life to Live, The Edge of Night, and The Bay. She also starred in several movies and TV shows, such as National Lampoon’s Class Reunion, Jury Duty: The Comedy, and The Nightmare Room.
Zeman’s death was announced by General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini, who tweeted, “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.”
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.”
Tributes Pour in from Friends and Colleagues
Many celebrities and colleagues paid tribute to Zeman following the news of her death, including John Stamos, who played Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital. He shared a touching tribute on Instagram alongside an old photo of the two. “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the talented and beloved actress, @jacklyn.zeman I recall the wonderful times we spent working together on General Hospital. Her warm personality and infectious energy always brightened my day. Jackie will forever hold a special place in my heart, and her memory will continue to inspire me. XO,” he wrote
Rick Springfield, another rock star who played Dr. Noah Drake on the soap, added this tribute to Deadline: “Incredibly stunned and brokenhearted 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. You left your mark on many of us and you will not be forgotten.”
Other stars who expressed their condolences included Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis), Finola Hughes (Anna Devane), Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos), Genie Francis (Laura Spencer), Steve Burton (Jason Morgan), Kelly Monaco (Sam McCall), Laura Wright (Carly Corinthos), Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones), Chad Duell (Michael Corinthos), Emme Rylan (Lulu Spencer), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber), Lisa LoCicero (Olivia Falconeri), Ingo Rademacher (Jasper Jacks), Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio), Kimberly McCullough (Robin Scorpio), Michael Easton (Hamilton Finn), James Patrick Stuart (Valentin Cassadine), Briana Nicole Henry (Jordan Ashford), Haley Pullos (Molly Lansing-Davis), Eden McCoy (Josslyn Jacks), Sofia Mattsson (Sasha Gilmore), Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait), Josh Swickard (Harrison Chase), Wes Ramsey (Peter August), Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), Roger Howarth (Austin Gatlin Holt), Kathleen Gati (Liesl Obrecht), Parry Shen (Brad Cooper), Risa Dorken (Amy Driscoll), Marc Anthony Samuel (Felix DuBois), Sonya Eddy (Epiphany Johnson), and Vernee Watson (Stella Henry).
Jackie Zeman Cause of Death: A Short Battle with Cancer
Zeman’s family did not reveal the type of cancer that she had, but they said that she died after a short battle with the disease. According to Parade, Zeman had been absent from General Hospital for a few months before her death, and some fans speculated that she might have been ill.
Cancer is a group of diseases that involve abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. There are more than 100 types of cancer, and each one has different causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. Some of the most common types of cancer are breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, and leukemia.
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. The most common causes of cancer death are cancers of lung (1.76 million deaths), colorectal (862 000 deaths), stomach (783 000 deaths), liver (782 000 deaths), and breast (627 000 deaths).
Cancer can be prevented by avoiding risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity, exposure to radiation, and infections. Early detection and treatment can also improve the chances of survival and reduce the suffering of cancer patients and their families.
Jackie Zeman: A Legacy of Love and Light
Jackie Zeman was a beloved actress who touched the hearts of millions of fans with her portrayal of Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital. She was also a loving mother, daughter, sister, friend, and colleague who brought joy and positivity to everyone around her. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, co-stars, and fans, but her legacy will live on through her work and her spirit.
