Jacklyn Zeman, the actress best known for her decades-long tenure playing Bobbie Spencer on the venerable ABC soap “General Hospital,” died Wednesday of undisclosed causes. She was 70.
“General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini made the news public Wednesday night.
“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,” Valentini wrote.
“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,’ he continued.
Zemen, a 5-time Daytime Emmy nominee, first joined “General Hospital” in 1977, just before the show’s most iconic period kicked off. She stayed with the show until 2010, but returned in 2013 and continued with it until her death.
ABC and “General Hospital” said in a joint 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.”
“Incredibly stunned and broken hearted 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,” Zemen’s former “General Hospital” co-star, Rick Springfield, said in a statement provided to TheWrap.
“Love to your spirit as it ascends sweet girl. You left your mark on many of us and you will not be forgotten.”
Her other roles include appearances in “National Lampoon’s Class Reunion,” “Young Doctors in Love,” “Mike Hammer,” and other shows and films.
Born in Englewood, New Jersey in 1953, she attended New York University and worked as a Playboy Bunny in the early 1970s. She was married three times, and is survived by her 2 children.