Jacklyn Zeman Dies: ‘General Hospital’ Actress Who Played Bobbie Spencer Was 70

Martin Holmes May 11, 2023, 7:24 am

Jacklyn Zeman on 'General Hospital — Craig Sjodin / © ABC / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Jacklyn Zeman, best known for playing Bobbie Spencer on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died. She was 70.

General Hospital‘s executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed the passing on Twitter late Wednesday (May 10) night, writing, “On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman.”

He continued, “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.”

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

— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) May 11, 2023

Born on March 6, 1953, in Englewood, New Jersey, Zeman’s first big break in acting came in the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live, where she played Lana McClain from 1976 to 1977. Following that, she was cast as Barbara “Bobbie” Spencer on the sister-soap General Hospital, a role she played until 2010.

After a brief time away from the soap, Zeman returned to General Hospital in 2013 and has appeared on a recurring basis ever since. During her time on the show, she has received four Daytime Emmy nominations, including three for Outstanding Supporting Actress and one for Oustanding Lead Actress.

Outside of General Hospital, Zeman also starred in the crime drama The Bay, playing the role of Sofia Madison since 2010. Her performance in The Bay earned her another Oustanding Supporting Actress nomination at the 2021 Daytime Emmys.

ABC /Courtesy Everett Collection

“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,” the official General Hospital Twitter account posted.

“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.”

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… pic.twitter.com/iFQpoKb72b

— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) May 11, 2023

Check our more tributes below.

I am heartbroken to hear this news. One of the kindest people I have ever met. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and fans. ❤️ https://t.co/XDgouGewE8

— Kathleen Gati (@gatitweets) May 11, 2023

An absolute legend.
I loved hearing her stories
about the show in the 70s & 80s. Always so kind & down to earth.

You will be so missed, Jackie.
Condelences to her daughters, family & legions of fans who have loved Bobbie Spencer for decades. https://t.co/ju9ZW8P7QM

— Parry Shen (@parryshen) May 11, 2023

I just heard of Jackie Zeman‘s passing late tonight. This is going to take me a minute to process. I can’t believe such a life force as hers has left. Her family and close friends must be absolutely devastated. Please hold them in your hearts. @JackieZeman #RIP @GeneralHospital pic.twitter.com/wSsQ4fKdag

— Jon Lindstrom (@thejonlindstrom) May 11, 2023

We are saddened by the loss of daytime royalty, Jacklyn Zeman, who starred as @GeneralHospital‘s iconic and radiant Bobbie for over 45 years. Our condolences to her family, friends and GH colleagues. #sagaftramember since 1975. https://t.co/24NhiZXZeB

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 11, 2023

RIP to the legend Jackie Zeman. One of daytime tv icons. Bobbie Spencer was the fabric of #GeneralHospital and served as a source of inspiration to me as a writer.

This scene here is 1 of many scenes I keep in my pockets on days I need inspiration to finish a scene. #GH… https://t.co/or9oEQzfFa pic.twitter.com/y7zYK2IdVd

— Carlos (@carlosjharris) May 11, 2023

General Hospital, Weekdays, ABC